Warner Reacts to Wolf Budget Proposal

February 3, 2021

HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal, which includes a 46% increase in the state income tax, a new severance tax on the Commonwealth’s energy industry and a $40.2 billion price tag.

“The governor launched his address today by painting a picture of a Pennsylvania where our families thrive, where barriers to affordable housing and education are removed, jobs are available and financial security can be achieved. I believe that’s the goal we all strive toward, but we disagree pretty significantly on how to get there.

“Thriving families, affordable housing, quality education, family-sustaining jobs and financial security are all the benefits of a healthy economy. We don’t get a healthy economy by requiring people to send more of their hard-earned money to Harrisburg. We don’t get a healthy economy by growing the size, scope and cost of government. We don’t get a healthy economy by shutting down the businesses that provide jobs to our citizens. And it’s worth noting many of those small businesses that have been harmed by the governor’s COVID-19 mitigation orders are the same businesses that pay the Personal Income Tax and will also be harmed by his tax hike.

“To help all Pennsylvanians, we should be focused on polices to support our businesses and their ability to expand, hire more people and pay family-sustaining wages. We should be focused on an educational system that prepares our students for personal and career success. And we should be focused on improving the state’s failing vaccine distribution efforts to protect public health and safety and get us another step closer to returning to normal life.”

Warner noted the presentation by the governor today is just the starting point of the state’s annual budget process. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Warner will participate in a series of budget hearings later this month where the committee will assess the needs of state agencies and work to identify potential cost savings.

More information about the budget and a schedule of upcoming hearings is available at PAHouseGOP.com.

Representative Ryan Warner
52nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
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