The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which represents 15,000
small businesses in Pennsylvania, is disappointed that Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the
$30 billion state budget which passed the state Senate and House.
“The Governor failed to convince a majority of
Pennsylvania’s lawmakers why they needed to support the largest tax increase in
the nation – a whopping $4.7 billion,” said Kevin Shivers executive state director of NFIB/PA. “In fact,
the Wolf tax increase is larger than all other states combined.
“NFIB members and staff testified 10 times at various legislative
hearings across the state regarding the severe impact of the Governor’s
proposed tax increases on small business. Clearly lawmakers heard our testimony
and agreed that now is not the time for massive tax increases on job creators.”
The on-time budget passed by the General Assembly today makes a
sizeable increase in education funding and fully funds human services and
corrections. Lawmakers also passed historic legislation to privatize liquor,
bringing in needed revenue to balance the budget. Legislators also succeeded in getting the
votes to reform the state pension system, thereby reducing a growing debt that
threatens all taxpayers. Governor Wolf not only vetoed the budget, but also the liquor and pension reform bills.
“These were tough votes and we applaud the state Legislature for
its leadership. NFIB members are
frustrated and concerned by the Governor’s vetoes of all of these bills,” said
Shivers.
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