Inside Harrisburg

by state Rep. Dan Frankel

Pa. budget passed on time; Frankel explains reluctant 'yes' vote

I would like to thank the many residents of the 23rd Legislative District who called, sent letters or e-mailed me about the impact of the state budget on social services and community assets. In the end I voted for this budget – reluctantly -- because those nonprofits and agencies serving the public emphasized that above all else, they needed to receive an on-time budget this year. Ultimately, the importance of providing a stable basis for these organizations and the people they serve required prompt action.

Like many of you, I'm disappointed by the tough decisions we had to make in order to reach a compromise with the Republican-majority Senate. The good news of an on-time budget is tempered with frustration from the fact that we were forced to cut social services deeply in response to Republican demands for a no-tax increase budget. I have long advocated, and will continue to vote for, closing loopholes that exempt major industries from taxation in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is nearly alone in exempting smokeless tobacco and cigars from taxes. A commonsense tax on these tobacco products could potentially raise $70 million annually – revenue that might help avert cuts in areas such as libraries, breast and cervical cancer screening, the arts, state parks and environmental protection. Similarly, the simple step of preventing companies from evading Pennsylvania taxes by incorporating in Delaware could reasonably garner as much as $750 million over two years.

Due to the depth of the nationwide recession that began in 2007, the fiscal situation facing the Commonwealth is unlikely to improve in the immediate future. We can and must continue to advocate for fiscal restraint and a reasonable approach to finding additional revenue to help ease the budget crisis and prevent more cuts to those areas that have been hardest hit in the past few years.

I am pleased that the budget package includes an agreement from all branches of government for increased regulation – and for the first time, taxation -- of natural gas drilling. All of the 14 states that outproduce Pennsylvania in natural gas already have a drilling tax or conservation fee. As a citizen and a representative, I am concerned about the environmental implications of this new industry throughout the Commonwealth. I'm glad that the budget agreement recognizes that natural gas drillers must pay their fair share, and that we will take action to protect our land and water quality.  

Employers reminded CareerLink can help find available workers

State Labor and Industry Secretary Sandi Vito recently issued a helpful reminder for employers – and jobseekers – across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania CareerLink is well-known as a first stop for people seeking employment, but it can also be a resource for businesses that have job openings and want to connect with people looking for work. The local Pennsylvania CareerLink office, in downtown Pittsburgh, can be reached at 412-552-7100 or through the customer assistance number at 866-858-2753. Employers also can go to www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.

As always, please contact my office at 412-422-1774 or visit my website at www.pahouse.com/Frankel for assistance or information on these or any state-related matters.

# # #