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For Immediate Release
April 12, 2005
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Senate Approves
$625 Million "Growing Greener" Bond Question;
Rejects Governor's Call For $150 Million in New
Taxes
Harrisburg -- The state Senate today approved
legislation to ask voters whether they want to
approve borrowing $625 million to increase
government spending on environmental initiatives,
according to Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), who chairs
the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee.
In passing House Bill 2 as amended by the
committee, the Senate rejected Gov. Ed Rendell's
calls for more than $150 million in increased taxes
on homeowners and businesses across the state, said
White. The bill's language explicitly states that
the measure does not authorize "the imposition of
any new tax or fee" or "the increase of any existing
tax or fee" to repay the borrowing.
The governor had sought to borrow $800 million
and pay it off through increased taxes, said White.
"This measure is the result of negotiation and
compromise, and ensures that the question will be
put to voters in time for the May 17 municipal
primary election," said White. "We stood up to the
governor's attempt to increase taxes while
continuing to fund Growing Greener environmental
initiatives launched by Republicans in 1999."
The legislation waives certain election
requirements so that counties can get the question
on the ballot by the May 17 primary election, and
extends collection of absent military and overseas
votes until May 31, said White.
If voters approve the bond question, legislators
and the governor will work out the limit on how much
the Commonwealth can borrow each year. Such
implementing legislation will also determine the
county/local share of funds, said White.
"Senate Republicans remain committed that a
significant portion of any increased spending
authorized by voters must be allocated among
counties to reflect county-established priorities.
We believe those closest to the problems are best
able to categorize their needs, and should be able
to choose from a menu of permissible uses as
outlined by law," said White.
Growing Greener is 13-year, $1.24 billion
initiative to protect, restore and preserve
Pennsylvania's natural resources through watershed
restoration and protection, state park and forest
infrastructure improvements, open space conservation
and more.
"I was proud to sponsor the legislation creating
the Growing Greener environmental initiative in
1999. I believe it is important to protect the
environment, and just as important to do so in a
fiscally responsible manner."
After amending House Bill 2, the Senate returned
the bill to the House of Representatives for
consideration.
CONTACT: Patrick Henderson (717) 787-9684
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