House Budget Lives within Taxpayers’ Means

$30.3 Billion Plan Avoids Overspending & Excessive Taxation

December 8, 2015, HARRISBURG, Pa.—Yesterday, the Senate rushed through a $30.8 billion budget that requires $1.2 billion in broad-based tax hikes and adds $85 million in WAMs. In response, the House, today, passed a competing $30.3 billion plan that’s far more taxpayer-friendly.

“The House budget stands firmly against harmful, broad-based tax increases while spending within taxpayers’ means,” said Matthew Brouillette, president and CEO of the Commonwealth Foundation. “Pennsylvanians already face a state and local tax burden of more than $17,000 per family of four. The House budget offers taxpayers greater protection by meeting spending priorities without drastically raising this burden.” 

Pennsylvania’s state and local tax burden is already the 10th-highest in the nation, according to the latest numbers available from the Tax Foundation.

“Four major tax hike plans have been defeated during the budget impasse,” Brouillette continued. “Clearly, taxpayers want responsible spending and reasonable taxation, not more of Gov. Wolf’s reckless tax-and-spend agenda. We encourage lawmakers to continue to demand a budget that lives within our means and avoids additional broad-based taxes on working families.”

Comparing Budget Impacts

Matthew Brouillette and other Commonwealth Foundation experts are available for comment. Please contact Gina Diorio at 862-703-6670 or [email protected] to schedule an interview.

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The Commonwealth Foundation transforms free-market ideas into public policies so all Pennsylvanians can flourish.