Senate committee advances state spending bill

The Senate Finance Committee recently advanced the Taxpayer Protection Act, a bill that would ensure the state budget aligns with the economy and limit state spending.

Senate Bill 286 would create a constitutional amendment that ties the growth of state spending to a combined inflation rate and population growth. Spending limits may be exceeded if there is an emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and if approved by a supermajority of the General Assembly.

The bill does not mandate cuts to state programs or services.

“When state government spends beyond its means, the taxpayers are stuck with the bill. We should not ask hardworking Pennsylvanians to send more of their money to Harrisburg to cover irresponsible levels of government spending,” state Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R- Beaver/Greene/Washington counties), who sponsored the bill, said. “The never-ending cycle of spending increases and tax hikes has to stop. This bill will reverse that trend and ensure the state budget is managed more responsibly.”

The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Because Senate Bill 286 is a proposed constitutional amendment, it must be approved by the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions before it becomes a ballot referendum. It will not require the governor’s signature.