HARRISBURG – Senator Judy Ward (R-30) issued the following statement today in response to Governor Wolf’s 2021-22 budget address:
“What I really wanted to hear today was a plan to create a responsible budget and extend a lifeline to small businesses that were devastated by Governor Wolf’s COVID-19 restrictions and shutdowns. Instead, we heard a plan that would put the final nail in the coffin for thousands of small employers. In every economic downturn, Pennsylvania’s small businesses have driven the recovery. We cannot approve a plan that would ask these employers to pay more now after the governor’s restrictions have already driven them into the ground.
“I am also deeply concerned about the idea of taking more money out of the paychecks of taxpayers at a time when many families are facing deep financial uncertainty. Many local families are struggling just to pay bills and keep food on the table. The last thing they need right now is a smaller paycheck. Instead of taking $3 billion out of the pockets of taxpayers to fund more state government spending, we should let them keep that money and look for ways to make state government more efficient.
“The governor’s proposal to legalize recreational marijuana is also troubling. States who have legalized this drug have struggled with issues related to public health, intoxicated drivers and missed revenue projections. This would be a dangerous idea even if we weren’t in the middle of a pandemic, but it is an even worse idea now. We cannot pretend that we will see all the benefits the governor is promising without suffering the consequences that others states have seen from legalization.”
CONTACT: Cheryl Schriner (717) 787-5490