Scarnati: Seven Up...Seven Down

WARREN—According to Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), the budget process revealed what is right with government and, conversely, what is wrong.

"While I realize we were able to fend off seven new taxes in the Governor's original proposal, I was very disappointed that it came to the point of state workers being furloughed before reaching a budget agreement," Scarnati said. "At no time should a Governor lay off 25,000 workers in order to have his priorities met by the legislature."

Scarnati mentioned that there was little support for all of the Governor's new taxes and tremendous opposition to many of his priorities. Because of this the legislators put forth extreme effort to hold the line on increased spending and taxes.

"Legislative initiatives should rise and fall based on their merit. Holding a budget and thousands of workers hostage to leverage the passage of poor proposals is inappropriate," Scarnati added. "I am pleased that this legislature stood strong and defeated the Governor in his approach."

"I have said time and time again, no new taxes, no tax increases, and no excessive spending," Scarnati stated. "This message resonated with the taxpayers of Pennsylvania and it ultimately found success at the budget negotiating table. Too much money is being taken out of the pockets of hard working men and women, and Senate Republicans made a statement that it had to end."

"Our success is just the beginning of making Pennsylvania a better place for families to live, for workers to work, and for businesses to do business," Scarnati concluded. "We have created a new dynamic by putting the taxpayers at the negotiating table."