Feb. 03, 2021
HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) says the governor’s latest tax-and-spend budget proposal unveiled at the state Capitol today is the worst possible response to the challenges facing the Commonwealth in the midst of a global pandemic.
Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2021-22 budget proposal seeks a 46% increase in Personal Income Taxes (PIT), a new tax on the energy industry and a 7.4% increase in spending over the current year’s budget.
“I’m not sure how anyone can look at the economic crisis we are facing in Pennsylvania and think more taxes is the answer to that crisis,” Causer said. “At a time when so many families are struggling to make ends meet, they cannot and should not have to send more of their money to Harrisburg. Many small businesses – businesses that have been devastated by the governor’s closure orders over the past year – also would be further harmed by a higher PIT.
“This is a non-starter for me, as is the proposal to assess a severance tax on natural gas drilling in the state. The industry pays plenty in business taxes and impact fees now, and any additional tax would harm the industry, the jobs it creates, and the millions of citizens who rely on natural gas to heat their homes.
“Ultimately, the governor’s proposal is about collecting more taxes from our citizens so he can redistribute it to his favored initiatives and grow people’s dependence on their government. This proposal is bad news and will not have my support.
“Let’s instead work to ensure the COVID-19 vaccine is readily available to all who want it and enact policies that will help not only reopen our economy safely but support its growth and the career opportunities it would bring.”
Representative Martin T. Causer
House Majority Policy Committee Chairman
67th District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia A. Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
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