Feb. 09, 2016
Representatives challenge governor to come up with new plan that includes property tax relief
HARRISBURG – York County’s House Republican delegation today questioned Gov. Tom Wolf’s decision to continue pursuit of broad-based tax increases as part of his 2016-17 budget agenda. While avoiding details up front in his budget address, the governor behind the scenes laid out a desire to raise the Personal Income Tax from 3.07 percent to 3.4 percent for 2016-17, and make it retroactive to Jan. 1 of this year. He also wants to add sales tax to basic cable television bills, movie theater ticket purchases and digital downloads, as well as increase the cigarette tax by $1 per pack.
State Reps. Seth Grove (R-Dover), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township), Mike Regan (R-Dillsburg) and Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion) issued the following statement after listening to the address:
“Gov. Wolf’s budget address was short in duration and short on information. It was more of a lecture and divisive campaign speech than a vision for moving forward and getting things accomplished. He scolded the General Assembly for not passing a budget…..after his budget cuts and line-item vetoes left us in the position we are in. The governor’s pursuit of fiscal responsibility should be applauded, but we wonder how raising taxes the same amount you want to increase spending equates to being fiscally responsible.
“Our governor, a York County native, lost his York County audience when he abandoned property tax relief, which wasn’t even mentioned during the address or as part of the more detailed explanation to members of the General Assembly from his administration. He’ll lose even more taxpayers when they find out he not only wants to raise their Personal Income Tax going forward, but hopes to make it retroactive to Jan. 1 and chase down what you’ve already taken home in your paycheck.
“Efforts to raise the Personal Income Tax and expand the sales tax have failed overwhelmingly in the past, with both sides of the aisle casting negative votes. The only difference this time is his wish to reach back to Jan. 1 of this year and further tax wages already earned and already taxed.
“To base a future budget proposal on a past spending plan that remains in limbo due to his veto pen is irresponsible fiscal practice that no good businessman would ever attempt. We urge the governor to join us in delivering a real, honest and workable budget for the Commonwealth by recognizing the reality that what he wants to do isn’t achievable and urge him to propose something that has the votes to pass both chambers of the General Assembly.”
Representative Kristin Phillips-Hill
93rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com
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