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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2007
CONTACT:
Carol Maravic
717-787-6725
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Senator Orie Votes for State Budget with No New Taxes

Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) said today's Senate passage of a state budget that includes no new taxes and restrains spending growth is "a victory for hard-working Pennsylvanians who are demanding fiscal restraint. "We have put the Governor's insatiable appetite to tax and spend on a strict fiscal diet."

Orie said the budget spares Pennsylvania taxpayers $2.5 billion in tax increases sought aggressively by the Rendell Administration – tax hikes that would have cost a family of four more than $800 annually.

"Gov. Rendell demanded seven tax increases on everything from a sales tax hike, to energy use, employer health insurance and trash collection, and we rejected every one of them," Orie said. "In addition, Republicans held core spending growth to 3.2 percent, which is much lower than in past years.  We made it clear to the governor that his excessive spending and desire for new taxes to pay for programs were not going to happen."

While the administration sought to link passage of the budget to the approval of Gov. Rendell's energy legislative package, Orie said Senate Republicans insisted that the issues be considered separately.

"We did so because we do not want to pass costly state programs that could involve more borrowing and taxes without considering them very carefully and thoughtfully," she added.

She added that the budget does fund important core programs, including education, health care and public safety.

Orie also noted that Senate passage of legislation that will provide $7.5 million per year for 30 years for construction of the Pittsburgh Penguins arena.  The total state commitment for the new arena is $225 million.

"This is a huge investment in this region which will help our economy and the future of Pittsburgh," Orie said.

As a new member of Senate leadership, Orie said she is pleased that Senate Republicans held firm to their core values of no new taxes and fiscal constraint.

"Too often, the budget process has involved stretching revenue as far as possible to squeeze in as much spending as possible, and imposing new taxes to balance the books," Orie said.  "The budget we passed is responsible, prudent and will not increase the tax burden on Pennsylvania families."