Good Programs Must Be Affordable

WARREN – On Monday, State Senator Joe Scarnati of the 25th District sent a clear message to the taxpayers of the Commonwealth...we must be vigilant when examining programs that sound good on the surface but ultimately hamper economic growth and prosperity in the long run.

Scarnati was referring to the Growing Greener II initiative, as proposed by Governor Rendell that would be financed through an $800 million bond. Though certainly not opposed to land and water conservation, greenways and trails, park and forest improvements, as well as community recreation, affordability is the key.

"Now is not the time to burden taxpayers, working families and businesses with large fees such as residual waste fees, municipal waste fees, and fees on toxic emissions." Scarnati continued, "It is my opinion that the fees/taxes in this Growing Greener II plan today are wrong for Pennsylvania, wrong for its taxpayers, and wrong for jobs."

According to Scarnati, under this proposal, fees at landfills would rise by $5 a ton, business fees for residual waste would increase by $4 per ton and a new emissions fee of fifteen cents per pound would be placed on industrial release of chemicals. Clearly, this "tax increase" will hinder on-going economic development initiatives in the Commonwealth; consequently hurting consumers and businesses alike.

"I support programs that improve our environment. However, they must not be done by breaking the backs of taxpayers by increasing electric bills, garbage bills, and in general, the cost of doing business in Pennsylvania. We cannot continue to be irresponsible to our taxpayers and our businesses" stated Scarnati.

He concluded by saying "Although I believe there may be good intentions surrounding the Governor's new initiative, the costs to taxpayers and industry is just too prohibitive."