FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04/12/2005
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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. John Pippy (R-37), a member of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. 

Gov. Ed Rendell had sought to borrow $800 million and pay it off through more than $150 million in increased taxes on homeowners and businesses across the state, said Pippy. In passing House Bill 2 as amended by the committee, the Senate rejected the governor's calls for increased taxes. 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. 

"Passage of this measure means the question can be put before voters in the May 17 primary election," said Pippy.  "This bill is the result of negotiation and compromise. While environmental protection is very important, so is taxpayer protection. And this strikes a healthy balance." 

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 Pippy.  

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 Pippy. Senate Republicans will work to ensure that a significant portion of any increased spending authorized by voters be allocated among counties to reflect county-established priorities, he said.  

Growing Greener is an initiative launched in 1999 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. 

After amending House Bill 2, the Senate returned the bill to the House of Representatives for consideration.  

"This issue has been debated for quite some time. It's time for the voters to weigh in," said Pippy.   

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Contact: Matt Campion         412-262-2260

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