State Representative Tim Krieger (R-Delmont) issued the following statement today in response to the governor’s annual budget address:

“The reality is that Pennsylvania’s fiscal situation is grim.  Rather than responsibly facing these challenges and living within our means, the governor has instead opted to increase spending by another $1.2 billion.  As much as the governor wishes or pretends, Pennsylvania’s unsustainable fiscal status quo cannot continue forever.

“As I predicted when this year’s budget passed, Pennsylvania faces a significant deficit, already $375 million through the first seven months of this year and rising.  The Rainy Day Fund, MCare Fund, HCPRA fund and other one-time sources of revenue were fully depleted to fill last year’s budget hole.  As a result, Pennsylvania has no reserves left to fund this year’s deficit. 

“Raising taxes on our people, through an increased sales tax or otherwise, is simply not an option.  Pennsylvania taxpayers simply cannot afford to foot the bill for yet another year of out-of-control state spending.  Add to this the looming statewide pension funding crisis, and we have all the makings for a major fiscal catastrophe.

“Simply put, Pennsylvania cannot tax, spend or borrow its way out of the ever-expanding pension crisis or back to prosperity.  In order to stop the cruel mortgaging of our children’s and grandchildren’s economic future, the number one priority for the 2010-11 state budget must be to bring a long overdue end to multi-billion dollar deficit spending.  There are no other fiscally responsible options.”

Rep. Tim Krieger
57th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

(724) 834-6400

RepKrieger.com

Contact:  Ty McCauslin

(717) 772-9979