Senator Lloyd Smucker

Anti-Tax Rally

Those who are fond of ever-rising state spending are having trouble understanding our firm stand against state tax hikes. So we have to constantly and loudly remind Governor Rendell and his allies that, when the subject is higher taxes – NO means NO. Big taxes, little taxes, old taxes, new taxes, broad taxes, targeted taxes, sin taxes, severance taxes, taxes disguised as fees, it does not make any difference. NO means NO.

The more the economy slides, the more jobs that are lost, the worse the state revenue picture gets, the more important it becomes that we stop state tax hikes, of every kind and every size.

The reason is clear. We have met the enemy, and it is excessive state spending. Spending drives up taxes, pure and simple. High taxes drive away jobs and opportunities, pure and simple. Fewer jobs equal more families hurting financially, pure and simple.

The tax that inspired this rally shows what is wrong with the pursuit of more and higher taxes. It makes no sense to have to set up a collection apparatus, hurt a Pennsylvania industry in the ag arena, and pick up just a tiny bit of revenue for all that trouble. The tax advocates’ leading argument – everyone else does it – deserves an award for being one of the worst justifications ever.

This tax does not solve a problem, does not boost the economy, does not make a dent in the massive revenue shortfall. So we say NO, and mean it.

On this tax, and the array of taxes Governor Rendell seeks, the answer is the same: NO means NO