This morning at 10 a.m. a combination of Pennsylvania state representatives, state senators, political groups, and concerned citizens gathered in the Capital Rotunda to protest against the Governor’s proposed tax increase. State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe spoke at the beginning and introduced speakers such as R.J. Harris (WHP 580, State Rep. Sam Rohrer, Matt Brouillette (Commonwealth Foundation), and State Senator John Eichelberger. While each speaker touched on various issues with current and proposed PA tax policy, Colin Hanna (Let Freedom Ring) probably summed up the central theme best with the mantra “We Want Less”.
While the event was in progress, the Commonwealth Foundation passed out copies of their “Budget Facts 2009” publication (Warning: PDF) which highlighted a couple of the issues in the most recent budget draft. The people in attendence were constantly urged to get in touch with their state representatives and senators. They are in the midst of making decisions which will effect each person in the state. In a government by and of the people an awareness of governmental action is a core responsiblity of citizenship. In these troubled economic times, it is even more crucial to call on the government to limit its taxation and spending. As Representative Rohrer pointed out in his closing remarks; cut spending, because we can’t afford it; don’t borrow, our children can’t afford it; and plan for tomorrow.
Taxes are too high now, the government’s job is to spend less than they take in, not figure out how to tax us more! I’m against any new taxes and you can pass this on to Obama too!