The Savings Plan
Harrisburg spends too much of our money, taxes us too much, and punishes the things we need—things that could make us wealthier—because politicians listen to special interests and ignore common sense and the lessons of states that are growing.
Here are a few examples of wasteful spending, out-of-control taxes, and energy opportunities that could help us all save money—and keep it in our pockets.
These are averages. You might save more or less depending on your family’s income and spending. And you may have your own ideas on how to reduce spending, cut taxes, and save time lost to unnecessary paperwork, bureaucracy, or regulations. Let me know!
STEP 1
Hold Spending Growth to Inflation
Harrisburg must reduce spending. Just since Governor Shapiro took office, our state budget has grown at 2½ times the rate of inflation—almost $2 billion more spending than if it had simply kept up with inflation.
Budget growth should not exceed inflation. Doing that alone will keep taxes lower and money in our pockets. Fourteen states cut their income taxes over the last two years. If we cut our income tax by even just 10%, the average family would save about $180 a year.
Potential family savings: About $180/year
STEP 2
Cut the Gas Tax
Pennsylvania has the third highest gasoline tax in the nation: 59 cents per gallon!
If we reduced that to the national average (33 cents), the average family would save almost $200 a year.
Potential family savings: Almost $200/year
STEP 3
Unleash Pennsylvania Natural Gas
Pennsylvania has more natural gas under our feet than any state except Texas—more energy under our feet than Saudi Arabia. Yet we pay more for natural gas than about a dozen other states, because of taxes and regulations.
If we unleashed more of the gas under our feet and had commonsense regulations and taxes, households using natural gas or propane could save up to $250–$300 a year.
Potential family savings: Up to $250–$300/year
STEP 4
Enact Commonsense Legal Reform
Our legal system allows abusive trial lawyers to file reckless lawsuits without penalty—and to file many of them in Philadelphia, with its “jackpot juries.”
If we enacted commonsense legal reforms like some neighboring states, we could save money on our medical costs and on everything we buy that’s made in Pennsylvania. More of our doctors would stay here or delay retiring, and businesses could pay better wages or hire more employees.
Potential family savings: Hundreds of dollars or more
Savings That Add Up Everywhere
Reducing the cost of gasoline, natural gas, and propane will also make Pennsylvania products cheaper to make and transport—and save money on the things we buy in stores or online, since all of them have to be transported to our homes and stores. The extra savings on the products we buy could be a hundred dollars or more each year.