House-approved State Budget Spends Too Much, Smucker Says

The partially-funded and out-of-balance state budget approved by the House of Representatives is a set-up for a big state tax increase and is therefore thoroughly unacceptable, according to state Senator Lloyd Smucker.

"What the House did is driven by the spending interests. They heard the clamor of the groups who want more money and expanded state programs, but they seemed to ignore the difficulties faced by the many families hard hit by this recession. Their budget does next to nothing to reflect the concerns expressed by taxpayers in our area and other parts of the state, who overwhelmingly support cutting costs, eliminating less-than-necessary programs, and holding the line on state taxes," Smucker said.

"To spend as much money as the House wants to spend, and to increase taxes to the extent needed to support their plan, would jam the brakes on economic recovery before it even gets underway," he pointed out.

"The budget debate is well into overtime. You would think at this late date they would produce something more complete, more realistic, and more in line with taxpayer interests," Smucker stated.

Smucker reaffirmed his no tax increase position, and his commitment to cutting state spending as the most responsible way of dealing with a record budget deficit during a severe recession.

Contact:

David Atkinson (717) 787-6535