HARRISBURG – Stressing the importance of responsible management of taxpayer dollars, State Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) has stood with fellow legislators in supporting House Bill 472 and Senate Bill 70, both known as the Taxpayer Protection Act.
“Asking state government to practice the same fiscal responsibility as our constituents should not be a difficult task to accomplish,” Gabler said. “This is common-sense legislation that deserves support from all members of the General Assembly because it is what state government should naturally do in being accountable to the taxpayer.”
House Bill 472 would amend Article VIII, Section 18 of the Pennsylvania Constitution to establish parameters the Commonwealth must abide by every fiscal year in limiting increases in the total rate of spending. The rate will be determined by combining growth in inflation with increases in state population.
“Passage of this legislation limits the growth of government. It would enable support for essential services in future years without placing unnecessary burdens on our citizens,” added Gabler.
Gabler authored Act 77 of 2013, which reduced Pennsylvania’s debt and called for more efficient and transparent use of taxpayer dollars. He sees this as an important next step in the movement toward better stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
“The governor’s budget address is just a few days away (Tuesday, March 3). Now is the time to highlight the importance of respecting the taxpayers’ hard-earned money,” Gabler commented.
“House Bill 472 outlines a responsible set of standards that should guide our state budget process every year. This proposal would put in place restrictions to curb out-of-control spending while enabling elected officials to set responsible priorities in governing with the limited resources available on behalf of the taxpayers they serve.”
Questions about this or any legislation should be directed to Gabler’s Clearfield office at 814-765-0593, his DuBois office at 814-375-4688 or his St. Marys office at 814-781-6301.