December 17, 2015

Dear Republican House Colleague:

The purpose of my letter is to express my concern over the pressure being put on you by the
Governors office to vote for a tax increase that would affect every Pennsylvanian.
The last six months have been stressful for everyone putting an end to the budget standoff
should not be because of political pressure by the Governor and his staff.
I continue to oppose any tax increases because Governor Wolf has not come forward with a single
cost savings initiative instead it is the same status quo action of Lets raise taxes.
As a private sector business owner for over thirty five years who has survived five recessions over
my business career, I find it unconscionable that the Governor is insistent on raising taxes and not
putting Pennsylvania on a major diet.
This past Monday, December 15th, The Morning Call reported: Mack Trucks cutting 400 jobs from
Lehigh Valley Plant.
The layoffs of the Mack Truck workers are a rippling effect of the slumping energy industry.
In addition to the Mack Truck layoffs I am aware of thousands of oil, gas, and coal workers who
have been laid off this year due to the energy slump and the EPAs mission to shut down the coal
industry.
Yesterday the Federal Reserve announced an interest rate hike to every person with debt in
America.
In addition, the single largest issue in Pennsylvania has not been solved - reduction or elimination
of school taxes on real estate Pennsylvanians are mad at every House and Senate member
because their school taxes continue to go up, not down.
My point is simply this now is not the time to raise taxes on Pennsylvanians it is time to
downsize Harrisburg and make it more efficient.
(contd)

House Republicans
December 17, 2015
Page 2

I am asking that you stand tall with me and not be pressured by Governor Wolf and his threats to
vote for tax increases I have voted NO on the budget and tax increases, and I will continue to
vote NO.
All House members are up for reelection the status quo in Harrisburg, layoffs in the energy
sector, school taxes I can assure you that raising taxes is a politically risky maneuver at best.
Your constituents want you to stand tall against Governor Wolf and his liberal friends and vote
NO for tax increases.
Governor Wolfs tax and spend budget is very much like going through a supermarket and filling
up the cart with $80 worth of groceries and snacks and going to the check-out line with only $50
in our pocket - $30 worth of snacks need to be put back on the shelf because we dont have $80 to
spend.
The way to end the budget standoff is to push your leadership to introduce an emergency funding
package.
On a closing note while Governor Wolf believes that his election gives him a green light to raise
taxes Governor Wolf should be reminded that the House and Senate voted in record Republican
majorities at the same time.
Your constituents are watching you they want you to vote NO.
Stand tall and have courage.
Sincerely,

Scott R. Wagner
Senator, 28th District, York County