Op-Ed Column
Pennsylvania Doesn't Need More Taxes

Fee-fi-fo-fum, when will the PA budget actually be done? I'm writing this on Monday, June 28th, and as I write there's a good chance that we'll have a budget to vote on in the next two days. If so, it will mean the Democrats, the Republicans and the Governor have worked together to get us to this point.

On the other hand, if you're reading this on July 1st and we don't have a budget, well then it's the same old, same old—an untimely budget for the 8th consecutive year. I really hope and pray while you read this, the headlines across the state are proclaiming a timely budget.

As you are well aware, each of the previous seven years the Administration has relied on creating public pressure to urge legislators to pass a budget -- regardless of the spending or the corresponding tax implications. But as we all saw last year, the Legislature, Democrats and Republicans alike, dug in its heels and said enough is enough!

This year, realistically, we have revenues of less than $27.8 billion -- our spend number cannot be greater. Some say tax additional items, but I strongly oppose the idea of increased taxes when the state government cannot control its appetite for continued increased spending. Continually seeking new things to tax is symptomatic of an administration that cannot stop spending. Do you think they're listening to you?

Right now, one in five Pennsylvanians is either unemployed or underemployed -- one in five! Economic pain and hardship are everywhere and so the state must also share the responsibility to lessen the burden on our residents.

Over the past seven years Pennsylvania's budget has grown by $12 billion and yet I constantly hear from service groups and organizations that receive state funding, that their funding has routinely been reduced. If that's the case, then where is all that increased spending going? Certainly some groups must be doing something with more—not everyone is suffering with less from the state coffers.

Included in this year's budget from our administration is $1.4 billion of federal stimulus funds, which, by virtue of their one-time nature, will make next year's budget out of balance by $1.4 billion the moment this budget is passed. We'll start the next budget year $1.4 billion or more in the hole—imagine. And within the framework of our current discussions there is still the question on whether the $800 Million of Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funds from the Feds will ever materialize. Any change with this funding will create another problem for this year's budget.

Pennsylvania doesn't need more taxes, or any more budget dilemmas. We do need more, good paying jobs. Look at the statistics—one out of five of our neighbors need better employment. This year alone I've introduced five bills to promote jobs creation in the private sector and I've introduced a personal income tax reduction bill as well. We need to put more money back into the hands of our workers and our taxpayers, so we can grow the economy and become strong again.

Public sector jobs, as essential as many of them are, can only be provided by each of us digging into our wallets to pay for them. Now is the time for us to reverse the trend of public sector (government) growth, and begin to stimulate our private sector so everyone who wants, can again afford a home, a car and quality education for their children.

Pennsylvania deserves a strong economy again, not more taxes and further increased government spending.

I welcome any comments regarding these thoughts. Call me at 215.529.1215; or write me at bmensch@pasen.gov.

Sincerely,

Bob Mensch
State Senator, 24th District

Op-Ed Column Pennsylvania Doesn't Need More Taxes

Op-Ed Column
Pennsylvania Doesn't Need More Taxes