09/19/2008
NFIB members joined with state lawmakers and business groups to call for immediate spending cuts in the current state budget and to urge the governor direct state bureaucrats to prepare zero-growth budgets for next year.
Only 10 weeks into the new fiscal year, state Rep. Sam Rohrer said tax revenues already are $200 million less that expected. He cautioned that without significant action now, state lawmakers would be forced to raise taxes to cover a likely $1 billion shortfall in June.
The declining state revenues already have forced Gov. Ed Rendell last week to freeze hiring for state government jobs, prohibit out-of-state travel by bureaucrats and reduce spending by $200 million.
NFIB State Director Kevin Shivers noted that higher taxes--on top of soaring fuel prices, skyrocketing healthcare premiums and a deepening credit crunch will make it virtually impossible for small business to survive much less create jobs.
Rep. Rohrer suggested lawmakers and the governor could start by cutting nearly $800 million in earmarks included in the state budget.
