Senate Approves $625 Million "Growing Greener" Bond Question; Rejects Governor's Call For $150 Million in New Taxes

Harrisburg -- The state Senate yesterday approved legislation to ask voters whether they want to approve borrowing $625 million to increase government spending on environmental initiatives, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50).

Robbins said that in passing House Bill 2, the Senate rejected Governor Ed Rendell's calls for more than $150 million in increased taxes on homeowners and businesses across the state. 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 Robbins.

"It is important that all spending be carried out in a fiscally responsible manner--environmental spending should not be an exception. That is the reason why Senate Republicans took great care in getting this right. With the enactment of House Bill 2, we can still get this question before the voters this spring," said Robbins.

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 Robbins.

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

Growing Greener is a 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.

The bill now awaits action by the Governor, who has endorsed the Senate version.

CONTACT: Mike Hengst (717) 787-1322