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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) Governor delivers budget proposal Earlier this month, Governor Rendell addressed the state House and Senate and shared his proposal for a $27.2 billion budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. In addition to the $1 billion in new spending the Governor's budget contains, which represents a 3.6 percent increase over the state general fund budget for 2006-2007, the proposal contains tax increases totaling more than $2.5 billion annually. Some of that spending is designated for projects such as funding for roads, bridges and mass transit, providing more affordable health care coverage for uninsured adults, and promoting the use of renewable fuels. However, some of these same projects include new or higher taxes on things like oil profits and consumer energy usage. Also, the Governor has proposed to increase the state sales tax from six percent to seven percent statewide. My colleagues and I intend to review this proposal very carefully, both for the new spending and new tax initiatives it contains. I firmly believe we must be prudent with taxpayer dollars to ensure that we are not overburdening our families and businesses, while at the same investing in programs that provide clear benefits to our Commonwealth. 2007-2008 budget process begins Now that the Governor has presented his proposal, the process of putting together the 2007-2008 budget begins in earnest. The Appropriations Committees of both the state House of Representatives and the state Senate will now hold several weeks of budget hearings through late February and early March. During this time, each state department will be questioned by the Committee about its suggested budget and its priorities. While I am not a member of this Committee, as Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chairman, I will have the opportunity to participate in the hearing with Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. In addition, I plan to review the testimony of all hearings to get a better overall picture of Pennsylvania's needs. Following the budget hearings, my colleagues and I will continue discussions among ourselves and with the Governor's offices through the spring and early summer. The constitutional deadline to finalize a budget for the fiscal year that begins on July 1 is June 30. Agriculture proposal raises concerns Agriculture funding is very important to the 36th District, and is also vital to the success of our Commonwealth's number one industry. However, the Governor has drastically reduced funding in the areas of crop insurance, the Future Farmers of America program, and agricultural research, development and promotion. While I understand that we are in a difficult budget cycle and that agriculture will tighten its belt like all sectors will, there must be a balancing act to work out a spending plan that is prudent without being detrimental to the well being of Pennsylvania. Let me know what you think There will be many challenges in the upcoming months as we work through this budget process and the myriad ideas and proposals before us. As we move forward, I want to hear from you so I can better understand how the various elements impact my district, and I encourage you to contact me at my district office at 1248 W. Main Street, Ephrata, 738-1600; my Harrisburg office at 787-4420; via my toll-free number at 1-866-738-1601; or via email at mbrubaker@pasen.gov. Also be sure to check my web site, www.senatorbrubaker.com, for updates and pertinent information.
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