Jun. 28, 2016
Representative Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset/Bedford) voted today in an attempt to stop a $1.5 BILLION increase from last year’s budget. This increase is 4.8% more than last year's budget, far outpacing the rate of inflation. While Metzgar did not vote to increase taxes, Senate Bill 1073 passed the House and now goes back to the Senate for consideration.
“My constituents believe government is wasting most of the money it takes already, therefore, I cannot defend this additional spending with no accountability,” Metzgar said.
The increased spending is planned to come in part from a new tax on smokeless tobacco and cigarettes. The tax rate forecasted is a whopping 40% for smokeless tobacco and another $1.00 per pack on cigarettes.
Metzgar points out that these tax increases are targeted at rural areas and then those tax dollars are sent away to the urban centers. “You can't spend what you don't have and so I will continue to be an advocate for responsible spending and smaller government.”
Representative Carl Walker Metzgar
69th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Raymond Smith
717.705.1834
rsmith@pahousegop.com
RepMetzgar.com