Feb. 03, 2021
HARRISBURG – Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland) issued the below statement following Wednesday’s budget address:
“After hearing the governor’s videotaped budget proposal for the 2021-22 Legislative Session, I was disappointed in his $40.2 billion plan, which is a $2.76 billion increase from last fiscal year. We should prioritize resources by tightening the belt of government spending, encourage employment and improve our vaccine rollout.
“His proposal focuses on a massive 46% increase in PA’s Personal Income Tax on middle class families and small businesses. This ‘tax-and-give’ plan continues to hurt those most impacted by his massive shutdowns. History has proven that we cannot tax and spend our way into prosperity.
“On top of that, about 5 million Pennsylvanians were forced into unemployment compensation and were faced with a failed system that has not delivered timely payments for tens of thousands of hurting families. His proposal mentioned nothing on improving the unemployment system.
“His proposal also did not mention improvements on his vaccine rollout, which has been grossly mishandled so far. Getting Pennsylvanians vaccinated is the key to getting students back in the classroom and parents back on the job so we can begin the process of digging out of the deep economic hole. The plan should be designed to help our working families and seniors struggling the most.
“The administration’s No. 1 priority should be getting vaccines in arms so that we can return to normal. We are ranked 44th in the nation when it comes to vaccine rollout and that ranking is a direct reflection on the Wolf Administration’s decisions. New taxes are not the answer to economic recovery. Getting people back to work is.
“I am not in support of the governor’s budget proposal and will instead focus on supporting House Bill 326 that speeds up distribution of the vaccine and House Bill 385, which enables small businesses to be treated the same as corporations for paycheck protection program grant forgiveness programs.”
Representative Eric Nelson
57th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Michelle Swab
717.260.6325
mswab@pahousegop.com
RepNelson.com /
Facebook.com/RepNelson