State Budget Recap Overview This week 7/9/07, the PA Governor Rendell and legislative leaders reached a compromise on the FY 2007-08 state budget. The framework for the compromise includes the following items: -$850 Million Electricity Tax: This issue was put off the table until September. The Governor pushed for this tax as part of the budget debate, but failed to secure support from the State Senate. We strongly opposed this proposal as it represents a sizable rate hike for business and residential customers in PA. -Tipping Fee Tax: Thanks to the leadership of Majority Leader Pileggi and Senator Ted Erickson, this new tax is off the table. Instead, funds from the state’s realty transfer tax will serve as the catalyst for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund. -The Governor’s costly healthcare payroll tax proposal was defeated. The mandated 3 percent payroll tax is off the table. In our view, Pennsylvania needs to take immediate and significant steps to improve its competitive business climate. We need to protect Pennsylvania’s present jobs base and create new jobs and job opportunities. Please sign this petition if you are against the Governor's Electricity Tax, Tipping Fee Tax and Healthcare payroll tax proposals and in favor of keeping taxes down to develop a competitive business enviornment in PA.