It has been almost 10 months since Governor Wolf vetoed the General
Assembly’s proposed budget. Nearly 10 months without a budget, the longest in
Pennsylvania’s history, meaning that essential services have gone without
needed funding and are schools will possibly close soon as well. Governor Wolf
believes the only way out of our current budget deficit is more spending and
more taxes, but putting it politely the Governor is out of touch.
The Republican Majority Leaders in the legislature have worked to
create a balanced budget with fewer taxes so that essential services get the
funds they so desperately need, but we do not break the backs of hardworking
taxpayers. The Governor has asked the General Assembly to pass bills that
increase the state income tax, increase the state sales tax, and further expand
the sales tax to cover additional items and services.
Governor Wolf wants to raise the personal income tax from 3.07 percent
to 3.7 percent, burdening the middle class with a 16 percent tax increase. Rep.
Adolph (R-Delaware), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, summed up
the Governor’s budget proposal with a simple sentence. “Wow, an incredible
amount of taxes”. It is common sense that these broad based tax increases will
hurt Pennsylvanians and their businesses across the board.
Now Governor Wolf has proposed a new budget for the 16-17 fiscal years
while 15-16 budgets have not yet been completed. This new budget has the same
exact failings as the first, higher taxes and increased spending. If this path
continues Governor Wolf will not pass a budget until it meets his exact
criteria, which will place financial strain on Pennsylvanians. While this
battle continues in Harrisburg many on the sidelines are continually hurt because
of the lack of state services available.
About the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce:
Founded in 1887, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce represents businesses' interests and issues affecting the community. We help Chamber members succeed through proactive outreach and partnering with all levels of government and community organizations through education, networking and collaboration to achieve a healthy economy to drive business forward. For more information on membership and how you can get involved, visit www.delcochamber.org
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