tax and spend culture

By Stephen P. "Steve" Fuhs

Career politicisns in Harrisburg have created a culture of tax and spend. One which has has negatively affected the quality of life in the Commonwealth.Important indicators of fiscal health reveal the severity of Pennsylvania's overspending problem. Between 1970 and 2007--when state spending increased a whopping 168% in inflation-adjusted dollars--our commonwealth ranked:

• 49th in job growth,
• 45th in personal income growth, and
• 48th in population growth among the 50 states. Unfortunately, this long-term problem has not been remedied in recent years. During Governor Ed Rendell's first term in office (2003-07), state spending increased by 28%, yet Pennsylvania still ranked an unhealthy:
• 38th in job growth,
• 40th in personal income growth, and
• 42nd in population growth among the 50 states. Clearly, state government's insatiable appetite to tax, borrow, and spend has failed to make Pennsylvania more economically healthy. There are steps that will address the out of control spending and will return Pennsylvania to fiscal health. 1, Limit the Annual Growth in State Government Spending
  
  2. Empower Voters with the Right to Accept or Reject ANY and ALL Tax Increases
  
  3. Reduce Pennsylvania's Tax Burden on Job Creators & Families