SIGN ON LETTER AND PRESS CONFERENCE TO PREVENT NEW CUTS

September 15th, 2010

From:Sharon Ward [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 8:25 AM
Subject: Sign on letter-Action Needed to Prevent New Cuts

The House returned this week surprisingly determined to take up a few issues including the severance tax. A vote is expected next week but work needs to be done to ensure passage.

Senators are feeling pressure to take up the tax from local governments, environmentalists and human service advocates. They want something --House action on legislation to establish an Independent Fiscal Office. The severance tax is necessary to make up for the reduced FMAP allocation. Without it we can expect at least $70 million in additional cuts this year. It will also be a significant source of revenue in the future. If industry production estimates are accurate, the severance tax could be the 4^th largest state revenue source.

House members are debating the structure of the tax. It is important that education, health and human service groups weigh in to remind our representatives that kids, seniors and people with disabilities should not be forgotten in this debate.

We are asking you to support the following:

A strong severance tax that does not include unnecessary exemptions and loopholes
A fair allocation for critical public services supported through the General Fund
The $70 million promised by the Governor to avoid further cuts

We need you to step up activities in the next few weeks. There are a few ways you can get engaged:

Add your organizations name to the sign-on letter
Come to a press conference on Wednesday, September 22 at noon in the Capitol Rotunda to support the tax

Join us afterwards for lunch and presentation from national communications experts: Communicating About Public Services in a Challenging Environment, 1-3 pm at PSEA.
Respond to [email protected] or call 717-255-7156. For more information go to Better Choices for PA. For resources on the severance tax go to http://www.pennbpc.org/severance-tax

Thank you,
Sharon Ward
Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center
717-255-7156

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