Krieger Proposes State Spending Cap

HARRISBURG –In anticipation of the governor’s annual budget
address, Rep. Tim Krieger (R-Delmont) announced the introduction of
legislation to constitutionally cap state government spending (House
Bill 116).

"For years now, state government has spent well beyond our means," said
Krieger. "Despite the public outcry, government continues to expand and
to consume an even greater portion of our limited resources. The only
way to stop the growth of government is to construct a constitutional
wall to hold back the continuing flood, by constitutionally limiting the
growth of spending."

Krieger’s legislation would amend the Article VIII, Section 18 of the
Pennsylvania Constitution to establish spending limits that the
Commonwealth must abide by each fiscal year. This proposed
constitutional amendment would limit the rate at which the
Commonwealth’s total spending could increase by applying the lowest
percentage of the following:

• The change in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban
Consumers during the
previous fiscal year; or

• The change in the rate of population growth during the
previous fiscal year.

"The purpose of this legislation should be clear; to stop the
ever-continuing growth of state government," said Krieger. "Pennsylvania
taxpayers can no longer afford for their government to spend without
restraint. It is time to stand up and say enough is enough. Enactment of
this legislation will be a big step in the right direction."