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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2010
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Orie Commends the Governor for Abandoning his Unrealistic Sales Tax Proposal

Orie Will Continue Fighting For a Budget that Lives within Our Means

Today, Governor Rendell backed off his massive half a billion dollar increase in the Sales Tax which would have included taxing 74 additional items and services such as: basic television, candy/gum, coal, firewood, flags, magazines, personal hygiene products, residential telephone service, and water and sewage services.

"As this is the Governor's 8th and last budget, I am happy that he is finally understanding that at a time when Pennsylvania businesses and working families are attempting to climb their way out of the worst recession since the Great Depression, that this is the wrong time to be increasing taxes." said Senator Orie.

Governor Rendell proposed a $29.03 billion Budget, an increase of 4.1 percent over the current fiscal year.  Since the introduction of the Governor's proposed 2010-11 Budget, the year-to-date revenue shortfall is now $1.3 billion.  "I hope the Governor continues joining with me in opposing additional taxes including a 5 percent Natural Gas Severance Tax on a new job creating industry, which has the potential of creating 88,000 new jobs this year, and placing a new 30 percent tax on cigars and smokeless tobacco." said Sen. Orie.

Orie continued, "My goals for the 2010-11 Budget are the same as last year hold the line on spending, live within our means, and no new taxes."

Contact:

Mark Rosenstein (717) 787-6538