- News Conference

State Senator Lloyd Smucker Sticking To "No Tax Increase" Position

Statement About The State Budget As The Deadline Goes Unmet

Area residents who are calling and writing about the state budget are overwhelmingly urging us to stick to our principles and cut spending instead of increasing taxes. The public view is consistent with the commitment I made when seeking this office.

Governor Rendell came to Lancaster last week to push his approach of higher taxes and increased spending. There has not been much local support evident for his proposals, because most people realize that years of state overspending contributed to the record revenue deficit we must fix now.

Nearly two months ago, I voted to support a plan that balanced the budget without a tax increase. No comparable action has occurred. The House of Representatives has not passed the Senate-approved budget, Governor Rendell's recommended budget, or any budget plan of their own.

It is unfortunate that the budget deadline could not be met with a balanced, no-tax-increase budget. We will continue to work toward a responsible budget that does not put additional burdens on the families hard hit by the troubled economy.

Contact:

David Atkinson
(717) 787-6535