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For Immediate
Release
2/6/07
CONTACT:
PA
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Armstrong: Substantial Tax Hikes and
Spending Increases Are Wrong for Taxpayers and the
Economy
Governor Rendell's proposed state budget is the wrong
prescription for the Pennsylvania economy and runs
counter to public demands for fiscal restraint,
according to Senate Appropriations Chairman Gib
Armstrong.
"The Governor will be given the chance to explain his
plan and defend his priorities, but this looks to be a
controversial proposal and a tough sell," Armstrong
said.
"Most people believe that state spending is too high
already. From what we have been hearing, Pennsylvania
taxpayers were really hoping to see something
resembling a hold-the-line-on-spending budget coming
from the Governor. Given that economic growth is not
that strong, the Governor's budget costs too much and
tries to do too much. State officials should be
looking for ways to control spending, instead of
searching desperately for more money to pay for new
programs and increased spending," he pointed out.
"With public opinion strongly against tax hikes of any
kind for any reason, it is surprising to see a plan
offered that contains seven tax hikes, adding up to
$2.5 billion. It is difficult to see a lot of
legislative support for the extensive and expensive
tax hikes the Governor is proposing," Armstrong noted.
"There is a chart in my office that shows the word
'NO' in fifty different languages. We may have to use
every variation before this budget process is over,"
he pointed out.
Although the proposed state budget might look like
previous budgets, Armstrong indicated that he will
inject a new wrinkle into the budget process. "When
we hold the Senate Appropriations' hearings at the end
of the month, the questions asked of administration
officials are going to focus more on ways to save
money rather than on ways to spend money."
Contact: David Atkinson (717) 787-6535
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