As a Centre County resident, I applaud Sen. Jake Corman and Rep. Kerry Benninghoff for fighting for a stronger, brighter future for our community. They recognize that Pennsylvanians already pay their fair share of taxes as do the many natural gas companies that have given so much back to our community.
Speaking of those companies, for Centre County — over the last three years in impact taxes, revenues have boosted our local government budgets and funded important projects that will enhance our community for generations to come.
Also, shale development has generated more than $2.3 billion in various state and local taxes. So why would Gov. Tom Wolf want to handcuff our ability to grow by increasing energy taxes even more and passing a fiscally irresponsible budget?
Simple economics would tell us that even higher taxes will cost our region jobs, hurt local small businesses and sting consumers. Wolf and others in Harrisburg should follow the lead of Corman and Benninghoff and focus on a fiscally responsible budget aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania by growing jobs and investments when we need them the most.
Steve Greer
Centre Hall
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