Support for Wolf's budget

Friday, August 7, 2015

(Budget) Rep. Michael K. Hanna: Budget survey results show clear support for Wolf budget plan. Text of Aug. 7 press release. HARRISBURG, Aug. 7 – State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, today said his 2015 budget survey showed that residents of his district overwhelmingly support an agenda that reinvests in education through a shale tax, invests in the state's workforce and provides significant property tax relief. "Nearly one month ago, I mailed a budget survey to every household in the 76th Legislative District and also made the survey available to residents online," Hanna said. "I am extremely grateful for those who shared their opinions. The results further solidified the very ideas that I have been fighting for in Harrisburg." Hanna said more than 1,000 constituents have so far responded to his survey, which asked various state budget-related questions.  "My goal was to gain a better understanding of where Pennsylvanians fall on the top issues being discussed in Harrisburg and what the legislature needs to focus on in this budget debate," Hanna said. Of those who responded, 78 percent support a Marcellus Shale tax. In addition, 69 percent support restoring basic education cuts, 57 percent support restoring previous cuts made to state-system and state-related universities, 78 percent support Governor Wolf's property tax shift-relief proposal, 74 percent believe employers should offer workers a defined pension benefit, 68 percent support increasing Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $10.10 and 82 percent believe Pennsylvania should maintain the its liquor stores, but modernize them. Hanna said, "I believe these results validate everything I have fought for and will continue to fight for in Harrisburg. The GOP budget proposal did not address any of the issues that are important to Pennsylvanians, but I have faith that Governor Wolf will deliver on these top issues." -30-