Jun. 20, 2018
HARRISBURG – Since Gov. Tom Wolf took office in 2015, he has proposed new and increased taxes during each of his budget addresses. On Wednesday, House Republican again held the line on taxes when it passed a responsible budget that again does not increase taxes, Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Franklin/Fulton) said.
“By holding the line on taxes these past three years, we have saved each Pennsylvanian more than $600. For a family of four, that equals to more than $2,400, more than enough for a family vacation,” Topper said. “At the same time, Republicans have increased education funding to record levels, ensuring students of all walks of life have access to education opportunities.”
In fact, the $32.7 billion budget passed by the House today sets a new record high of $12.3 billion for PreK-12 education. Since House Republicans have been in the majority, state education spending for PreK-12 has increased by $3.4 billion, or 38 percent.
Staying true to protecting taxpayers, the budget increase of 1.7 percent is less than the rate of inflation. The national yearly change in the inflation rate is 2.13 percent.
“Despite Gov. Wolf’s claim that our state fiscal house would be in shambles if we didn’t raise taxes, we are actually able to set aside money this year for the state’s Rainy Day Fund for the first time in more than 10 years,” Topper said. “When we don’t raise taxes, not only do hard-working taxpayers win, but so do all Pennsylvanians who enjoy a thriving economy free from government intervention.”
Representative Jesse Topper
78th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
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