Group’s cry: Balance Pa. budget, no tax hike

Luzerne County CAPTaxes is asking the public to contact their state legislators to urge them to balance the state budget.

Grace Griffin, president of the local group, said lawmakers should support the “Yes We Can” movement.

“It’s been just over a week since we first asked state lawmakers to balance the budget, protect public safety and human services, and educate our children without raising taxes,” Griffin said. “As of today, 11 senators and 73 representatives have made the affirmation. However, it takes 26 senators or 102 representatives to stop a tax increase. We must keep the pressure on.”

CAPTaxes urges people to check to see whether their state senator or state representative has made the “Yes, We Can” affirmation.

“If they have, call or e-mail them and thank them,” Griffin said. “If they have not, let them know you cannot afford higher taxes and urge them to make the affirmation.”

Dorothy Spencer, vice president of CAPTaxes, said the group’s primary goal is to eliminate property taxes. They are also involved with the county reassessment and the county Home Rule Study Commission.

Griffin said CAPTaxes has between 100 and 150 members from throughout Luzerne County. The organization meets every first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Courtdale Borough Building.

CAPTaxes claims spending during Gov. Ed Rendell’s tenure has increased by more than double the rate of inflation. The group says raising taxes in a recession is a proven job-killer. The organization says Pennsylvania has the 11th highest burden of state and local taxes in America. The group feels rather than raising taxes, wasteful spending should be eliminated.

CAPTaxes asks people to sign an electronic petition at www.pleasenomoretaxes.org/sign-the-petition. They encourage people to tell their friends, colleagues and family members to sign.

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County CAPTaxes group wants the public to put pressure on legislators not to raise taxes.

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