Pennsylvania Senate Republican Caucus

Senator Regola speaks at January 29th press conference

SB 7 (Constitutional Amendment Version)

SB 707 (Statute Version)

Senator Folmer speaks at January 29th press conference

February 5, 2007

Sen. John H. Eichelberger, Jr.: Senator Eichelberger reacts to Governor's budget address

Senator looking for more fiscal responsibility

Harrisburg, PA - Senator John H. Eichelberger, Jr., expressed disappointment with Governor Ed Rendell's budget address.

"Pennsylvania could once again become an economic leader and take advantage of our tremendous work force and natural resources. But our Governor has again set out to increase the tax burden on our citizens and the debt that their children and grandchildren will pay," John says.

The Governor's budget includes his usual cuts in budget lines that he knows will be restored by the legislature and does nothing to address wasteful spending, by identifying new alternatives to do the people's business. His touted 4.2 percent spending increase is actually much higher after restoring many lines that have been artificially cut.

"The Tax Payer Protection Act, if in place today, would allow a maximum spending increase of 3.29 percent. Our target should be zero spending growth with a fall back of 3.29 percent," John says.

Work will now begin in the legislature on the budget which constitutionally must be finished by June 30th but has been late each year since Ed Rendell took office.

Contact: Austin O'Neill, (717) 787-5490

April 26th hearing at Seton Hill University.

April 26th hearing at Seton Hill University.