Lancaster County House Republican Delegation Hears Its Own Initiatives in Budget Proposal
2/6/2018
HARRISBURG – Today, the Lancaster County House Republican Delegation was present for a joint session of the General Assembly as Gov. Tom Wolf delivered his budget address for 2018-19. The $33 billion spending plan is an increase of $1.2 billion over this year’s enacted budget.
The Lancaster County Republican Delegation – State Reps. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom), Mindy Fee (R-Manheim), Keith J. Greiner (R-Upper Leacock), Dave Hickernell (R-West Donegal), Brett Miller (R-East Hempfield), Steve Mentzer (R-Lititz) and Dave Zimmerman (R-East Earl) – issued the following statements on Wolf’s budget proposal:
“We are thankful that the governor is not requesting a Personal Income Tax increase or sales tax expansion as he has previously. We are encouraged that he has acknowledged our strong opposition to burdening taxpayers to fund additional spending.
“The governor has, evidently, been taking notes of Republican principles that we have long supported, including creating opportunities for all Pennsylvanians to achieve family-sustaining jobs. In his budget address, he noted the need to prepare students for competitive careers that have openings in the Commonwealth by investing in the trades. We appreciate his support for technical education, an initiative we have long promoted.
“Another focus of House Republicans was reflected in the budget address, which is the need to create a more effective government. An issue currently affecting Pennsylvania’s economy and job growth is the Department of Environmental Protection’s permitting process. The archaic process results in years passing before permits are approved, delaying new businesses and the jobs that come with them. Improvements could be made with online applications preventing incomplete submittals that both take staff time and further slow the process, sometimes even resulting in businesses leaving the Commonwealth for a more hospitable state – a perfect example of how streamlining government would have real effects on Pennsylvanians.
“Of course, the governor’s budget spends more than we are comfortable with, but the number he offered to begin negotiations is much more in line with what we expect to actually spend than it was the other three years that he’s been in office. We look forward to working with all parties to produce a final product that funds necessary programs while simultaneously respecting Pennsylvania’s taxpayers.”
Lancaster County House Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206