Scarnati: Tough Choices Ahead

While he is pleased that Governor Ed Rendell took his advice and did not include any large-scale tax increases on working families and job creators in his proposed state budget, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) said the legislature must look carefully at every area of spending and craft a fiscally responsible spending plan.

“We have to put the taxpayers first, particularly in these tough economic times when many families are having difficulties making ends meet,” Scarnati said. “This is the time to closely examine and limit our spending, not to increase taxes or create expensive new programs.”

Scarnati said Senate Republicans will carefully study the $28.9 billion general fund budget for Fiscal Year 2009-10 unveiled by Governor Rendell today.

Scarnati, who lead the fight against tax increases in previous budgets, said that he was disappointed to see that the Governor had proposed an increase in the cigarette tax as well as a new tax on smokeless tobacco and cigars. “I remain opposed to tax increases, such as these, which will have a negative effect on Pennsylvania businesses and cost the state jobs,” Scarnati stated.

He also raised concerns about the way the state will spend federal economic stimulus money, noting that “it’s not going to be around forever so we can’t become reliant on it,” Scarnati said.

Governor Rendell’s proposed budget represents a $1.26 billion increase in spending from last year’s budget. “This type of excessive government spending cannot continue,” Scarnati said. “Just like families and businesses, we must prioritize our spending and live within our means.”