Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer/Butler) said that Pennsylvania needs to follow the example set by other states across the country that are limiting spending in response to the ongoing economic downturn. Stevenson fought for state taxpayers today by voting against the governor’s 2010-11 state budget in House Bill 2279.  

“At a time when state revenues have not yet rebounded, Pennsylvania needs to look to other states and follow their lead to reduce spending, not increase the state budget by $1.2 billion or 4 percent,” said Stevenson, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Neighboring states like Maryland, New Jersey and New York have all taken steps to decrease expenses. They face the same financial obstacles we do, but they realize their taxpayers cannot afford a penny more in increased taxes and fees.” 

House Bill 2279, which reflects Gov. Ed Rendell’s budget proposal from early February, spends $29 billion and includes $850 million in yet-to-be-approved federal stimulus funding. Without federal approval, the state budget would be out of balance and violate the state constitution. In total, the budget includes major increases in welfare, corrections and debt service. 

“I believe that we should be preparing our Commonwealth for the future, and by relying on one-time funding sources as was done last year, this budget bill does not appropriately address our state’s long-term financial stability,” he said. “The current year budget uses all of our reserve accounts, which means there is nothing from which to draw for another rainy day. We should be basing a budget on actual revenues, making efficiencies to realize savings in state programs and tackling waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer resources. This budget does none of that.” 

Today’s consideration by the House is an initial step in the annual budget process to set the stage for formal negotiations. Last year, the budget bill did not reach this point until after the June 30 deadline. 

 “I am pleased the budget process is moving forward, but we are still a long way from a final document and passage by both chambers,” Stevenson added. “My colleagues and I, along with thousands of residents from Mercer and Butler counties, favor a more reasoned approach of reducing spending and living within our means. This budget proposal does not reflect the priorities or the desires of the people who ultimately pay the bill.” 

Rep. Dick Stevenson
8th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(724) 458-4911
(717) 783-6438
Contact: Jennifer Algoe Keaton
jkeaton@pahousegop.com
(717) 705-2094
Member site:  DickStevenson.com
Caucus site:  PAHouseGOP.com