Pennsylvanians are tired of the out of control spending in Harrisburg.  Accumulating deficits are a clear and present danger to our state. Our budget deficit is growing every year because of poor growth and higher government spending.  No one in Harrisburg is talking about what will truly bring fiscal solvency—growing the economy.  It is not realistic to consider attacking our structural deficits, that are forecast to exceed $2 billion annually, simply through tax increases or spending cuts alone.  

Paul, a fiscal conservative, believes in reducing the budget deficit by growing jobs and wages, and by encouraging business start-ups and investment.  Since his election, Governor Thomas “the Tax Engine” Wolf has discouraged growth and has favored tax increases instead to pay for out of control spending.  He has proposed more than $8 billion in tax increases, including the largest single tax increase in the history of the Commonwealth.  Because of poor leadership in Harrisburg and narrow political interests, the state pension system has become unsustainable.  The average Pennsylvania family of four owes almost $20,000 to pay off the debt of the state pension fund.  

Paul will support legislation that actually addresses this deficit and moves toward a 401K-style system for state employees and teachers. I will also support legislation to change the county municipal government code to allow counties and local governments to move to a defined contribution pensions system. A new pension plan would apply to all new hires and honor the commitment to all current state employees and teachers as well a local government employees

We invite you to learn more about our comprehensive plan to reform Harrisburg by downloading your copy of Paul’s Government Reform plan.