Scarnati Signs on to Stop Government's Lavish Spending

WARREN- State Senator Joe Scarnati of the 25th district is calling for the government's extreme spending lifestyle to be impeded immediately. Subsequent to Scarnati supporting this bill, it has now passed the Senate Appropriations Committee with a unanimous vote.

As Majority Deputy Whip, Scarnati has signed on to co-sponsor the Taxpayer Fairness Act, which forces the government to live financially within its means in any given fiscal year. Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Senator Chip Brightbill, if passed, would ensure that government would not increase spending over the rate of inflation plus the average percentage change in State population for the three preceding calendar years as reported by the annual Federal census estimates.

"In the wake of the rising gas prices, costs of home heating, and other economical hardships, this is no time for unnecessary expenditures," said Scarnati. "Citizens across the Commonwealth have asked us to put a halt on the government's budget and this resolution is specifically designed to meet their request."

Scarnati says for the typical family of four, the government has boosted costs by about $1,800 over the past two years. This means tacking an estimated $450 in fixed costs for every man, woman and child across the state.

This law, again, introduced as Senate Bill 4 will take the compiled surplus tax revenue and place it into the 'Rainy Day fund' to help counterbalance the need for higher taxes. Senate Bill 4 is a companion bill on which Senate Bill 884 was modeled. Senate Bill 884 is a joint resolution that amends the constitution to restrict growth in state spending and for the disposition of surplus funds. Scarnati is proud to co-sponsor both.

"I cannot stress this enough; by slowing down the government's compulsive spending, we are able to better limit all capital and give the extra money back to the working people," Scarnati stated. "College tuitions, medical needs and all other expenditures continue to amplify and we need to start acknowledging this and working towards providing relief. This is one step in the right direction."