CF Launches “Yes, We Can!” and “We Agree!”

Harrisburg, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation today launched the “Yes, We Can!” and “We Agree!” education effort to inform citizens about where their state legislators stand in the current budget battle.

 Several legislators joined the Commonwealth Foundation in the Capitol Rotunda to affirm: 1) “Yes, We Can!” balance the budget, protect public safety and human services, and educate our children without raising taxes;  and 2) “We Agree!” with President Barack Obama’s statement, “In an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle class.”  

Through the remainder of the budget negotiations, the Commonwealth Foundation will be posting a daily updated checklist of lawmakers who’ve made the “Yes, We Can!” and “We Agree!” affirmations in the Capitol Rotunda as well as on the PleaseNoMoreTaxes.org website.

Speaking at the news conference, House Minority Leader Sam Smith said, “The amount of revenue we have will drive the budget, not a tax increase. Raising taxes during this recession and hitting hardworking Pennsylvanians struggling with everyday expenses is irresponsible.”

“Despite the Governor’s scare tactics and hyperbole, we can balance the state budget—not upon the backs of hardworking Pennsylvanians and job creators, but by government living within its means,” Commonwealth Foundation president Matt Brouillette said. “Yes, we can!”

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The Commonwealth Foundation (www.CommonwealthFoundation.org) is an independent, non-profit public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg, PA.