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For Immediate Release
July 20, 2009
 

Senator Lloyd Smucker

 Floor Remarks - No Tax Hike Budget 

Twenty days past the deadline, people expect us to be dealing with a serious, responsible, complete, and balanced budget that can end the impasse and serve Pennsylvania families.  Here we have such a budget.

The vast majority of Pennsylvanians are not going to judge a budget by the percentage change in a single line item, or the fate of an individual program.  Some may look for school money or services funding, but most will look at their own bottom line.  The first question is going to be: what does this mean to my taxes?  Any budget that increases taxes is going to be very poorly received in Lancaster and York Counties.

When people say they do not want to pay higher state taxes, they are also saying that they want us to rein in state spending.  That is not a new message.  I heard it everywhere I went last year as a candidate.  Most do not believe that existing money is all well spent, or that there is sufficient accountability, or that every state program is indispensable.  No, they are convinced that less money and fewer programs might actually bring a better result.  And that cutting back will certainly make our Commonwealth more competitive for jobs and opportunity.

People have figured out that if we fail to cut back on spending and eliminate less-than-necessary programs when faced with the worst deficit in state history, then it will never happen.  If fiscal restraint is not achieved, we will stay locked in mediocrity, not the worst of states, but far from the best.

Having seen Pennsylvania trail other states in terms of job creation and economic vitality for so long, they realize that we have to change the tax structure and pull back on constant spending increases that top the cost-of-living.

For those counting on more money for programs and services and institutions, this budget will be very disappointing. 

For those hoping that for once, in a difficult economy, we would avoid increasing spending and taxes, this budget will be encouraging.

As far as what people want from the final budget, they want one approved that has a fighting chance for bringing about economic recovery and revitalization, not one that merely rejuvenates the machinery of state government.