Senate Panel holds Hearing on State Spending Limits
 

Today, the Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Senator Jake Corman (R-34) held a public hearing in Greensburg at Seton Hill University to discuss a Constitutional Amendment to limit the growth of state spending.  Senator Bob Regola (R-39), host of the hearing, is the prime sponsor of the Taxpayer Protection Act.

“The destructive trend of runaway government spending in Pennsylvania underscores the need to enact a Constitutional Amendment to control spending,” said Sen. Regola.  “Spending above and beyond the rate of inflation -- along with continued reliance on borrowing -- will leave our children and future generations with an ever-increasing tax and debt burden.”

“Today's hearing focused on how this important legislation will not only help employers and working families, but will serve to reinvigorate our economy,” said Regola.

David Taylor, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association, testified that Pennsylvania's spending policies have left the state behind the nation in terms of economic growth. 

John Andrews, former President of the Colorado Senate, spoke about his state’s experience with spending limits and how they helped Colorado's economy grow 20 percent faster than the national average in the decade after voters approved the legislation.

“There is evidence out there indicates that Pennsylvania's biggest export is our college educated children,” said LaVerne Sober, chairperson of the Westmoreland County Concerned Citizens.  “Controlling government spending is a good way to begin” reversing this trend. 

The Taxpayer Protection Act has been introduced as Senate Bill 7 (Constitutional Amendment) and Senate Bill 707 (free-standing statute).  The Senate Majority Policy Committee will hold another hearing on the legislation before they are considered by the Senate Finance Committee.

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 Nate Silcox (717) 787-6063