HARRISBURG – Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) introduced legislation today that would ensure the state budget aligns with the economy and what taxpayers can afford.
Senate Bill 286, known as the Taxpayer Protection Act, is a constitutional amendment that ties the growth of state spending to a combined rate of inflation and population growth.
“For too long, Pennsylvanians have been forced to send their money to Harrisburg to cover irresponsible levels of government spending,” Bartolotta said. “State spending has more than tripled in the last 50 years, leaving economic and family income growth in the dust. The Taxpayer Protection Act would begin to reverse that trend and prevent future tax hikes.”
The Taxpayer Protection Act does not mandate cuts to government spending. Its spending limits may be exceeded in case of emergency, like COVID-19, if approved by a supermajority of the General Assembly.
The Taxpayer Protection Act is a proposed constitutional amendment. It must be passed in two consecutive legislative sessions and does not require the governor’s signature. Upon its second consecutive passage, the Taxpayer Protection Act will then be voted on by Pennsylvanians as a ballot referendum.
“Pennsylvania families are struggling to meet the financial hardship caused by Coronavirus and the lockdowns,” Bartolotta said. “This is about treating their wages with respect. It is time to institute common-sense guiderails around how their tax dollars are spent.”
CONTACT: Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463