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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.
Bill Summary
Sen.
Mary Jo White comments on House Bill 2, the Growing Greener legislation, which
the Senate passed today.
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