Tax group wants Pa. legislators to give surplus back to taxpayers

The National Taxpayers Union, which has more than 17,000 members in Pennsylvania, has sent a letter to all members of the Pennsylvania Legislature asking lawmakers to return the $240 million "surplus" to Keystone State taxpayers.

From the open letter:

For years, the Assembly has hoarded hard-earned taxpayer dollars and now there is a sizable surplus. The Legislative Audit Advisory Commission has recommended that the Assembly adopt standards for how to deal with this money. Rather than expanding government and increasing spending, the best course is to return those dollars to the folks who earned them in the first place.

At a time when our economy is slowing, Pennsylvania ought to be collecting only the revenues necessary for legitimate core functions. The operating fund from which the Assembly draws its salary and pays for other costs has taken an extra $241 million out of Pennsylvanians' pockets in recent years. That money would be better used to feed the families, fill the gas tanks, and expand the businesses upon which Pennsylvania relies so heavily.

Gov. Ed Rendell and the Democrats who control the House have given no indication they intend to do anything for Pennsylvania taxpayers. Democrats have blocked efforts by Republicans to cut the state income tax and/or eliminate property taxes. to All 203 members of the Pennsylvania House and 25 members of the Pennsylvania Senate face voters in 2008. It's time to send a strong message to Gov. Ed Rendell and the Political Class in Harrisburg that business as usual won't cut it anymore.