March 18th, 2009

Yesterday, Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) and Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Allegheny)  introduced a way for the state to save $170 million from Gov. Rendell’s current  proposal by eliminating eight grant programs from the Dept of Community and Economic Development’s budget.   Included was their proposal to cut the state’s personal income tax from 3.07% to 2.99%.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports on Rendell’s response, and what Turzai fired back:

“It’s ludicrous,” said Rendell. He said it might mean a $20 tax break for most people.

With the state facing a $2.6 billion deficit and people losing jobs during the recession, the last thing Pennsylvania needs is Turzai’s plan, Rendell said. “It’s about creating more jobs and putting more money back into the economy,” he said.

Turzai, the minority whip, fired back: “I think the governor is nuts for having overspent the last six years. He increased spending by 40 percent while the inflation rate increased 20 percent. He’s absolutely nuts for mortgaging the future of our kids and grandchildren. He’s borrowed over $6 billion that we will pay back to the tune of $10 billion, all to satisfy his insatiable appetite (for spending).”

Turzai said he didn’t propose cutting job-creation programs.

Read more at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.