Finance-plank-CommonwealthFoundation

From the Commonwealth Foundation, 09.13.06
==Every Citizen Pays $8,690 Today for Pennsylvania Government==
===State and local government projected to cost family of four $41,453 by 2011===
HARRISBURG, PA - Today, the Commonwealth Foundation released The Total Cost of Pennsylvania Government: 2005-06 and Beyond, a report examining the rising costs of state and local government.
State and local government spending in Pennsylvania rose 98% (more than double the rate of inflation) since 1991-92, to an estimated $108.3 billion in 2005-06-representing $34,760 per family of four. Using the latest projections, this study further estimates that by 2011, that figure will jump to over $41,450 per family of four.
The report notes that had state and local government spending increases been limited to the previous year's combined rate of inflation and population growth from FY 1991-92 to FY 2005-06, the amount each Pennsylvanian pays for state and local government today would be $2,400 less ($6,290 for every man, woman and child rather than the actual government price tag of $8,690 per capita).
"Lawmakers in Harrisburg and at the local level have failed to curb out-of-control spending," said Nathan A. Benefield of the Commonwealth Foundation. "It is clear that we need to pass a state tax and expenditure limitation on the annual growth of government spending." Such a measure will control future spending increases by requiring voter approval of increases in state and local spending that exceeds the combined rates of inflation and population growth."
The Commonwealth Foundation is an independent, non-profit public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg, PA.
NOTE: The Policy Brief, Total Cost of Pennsylvania Government: 2005-06 and Beyond, is available on-line at http://www.CommonwealthFoundation.org or by calling 717.671.1901.
CONTACT: Matthew J. Brouillette at 717.671.1901, Commonwealth Foundation | 225 State Street, Ste. 302 | Harrisburg | PA | 17101
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