HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania state House voted down the Governor’s tax plan Wednesday. Republicans said the legislation would have increased personal income tax by 16 percent and added additional tax on natural gas production.
Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107th, Elysburg) says generating revenue is important to closing the budget deficit, but new taxes are not the answer, “I believe there are other sources of revenue out there and I’ve expressed that to the Governor’s office. It’s time we looked at other sources of revenue and not just tax the hard-working people of Pennsylvania.”
Governor Wolf says the vote Wednesday was “important” and that both Republicans and Democrats understand something needs to be done about the budget deficit and that the state needs a responsible budget.
He said, “Today is a very important step forward on the path to that responsible budget. Now it’s time for Republicans and Democrats to work together, work with me, to get the budget we deserve as quickly as possible.” The Governor removed additional sales taxes from his proposal, but it was still defeated 127-73. (Jennifer Wakeman)