Representative Michele Brooks says "It’s Not Too Late to Say NO to a Tax Hike"

Written by Roberta Biros with a LEGISLATOR
ANNOUNCEMENT from Representative Michele Brooks

As per a Legislator Announcement this afternoon, Representative Michele Brooks (R-17th, Mercer, Lawrence, and Crawford) reminds taxpayers that there is still time to let your voices be heard regarding the potential tax hike that is being batted around Harrisburg.

Our fiscal conservative legislators are doing everything that they can to protect our best interests in Harrisburg, but they need our help. It will only be through an OVERWHELMING public outcry that ALL of the legislators in Harrisburg will hear our message.

In her press release of this afternoon, Representative Brooks provides links to a website titled “StopPATaxHike.com“. The site provides an on-line petition to show your support for NO TAXES, and you are also provided a way to post a video or written comment. I posted my comments, and I suggest you all do the same. When posting comments you are provided the ability to leave your first name and your town . . . there are plenty of other folks from our area that have already submitted comments. Don’t be left out. It may be your last opportunity to let the lawmakers in Harrisburg know exactly what you are thinking.

As per Representative Brooks’ press release of today, Wednesday, June 24, 2009:

Can your family afford a state income tax increase right now?

Hard-working families all across Pennsylvania are struggling to make ends meet, and they cannot afford to lose additional money from their paychecks. Unfortunately, some in government think that they can overspend and then turn to the taxpayers to pay the bill. That’s not responsible government. We need to prioritize and control spending, and allow families to spend their money how they see fit.

You can register your opposition to a state income tax hike on our online petition. You can also leave a written comment or post your own video about how a 16.28 percent increase to your state income taxes would affect you and your family.

Here’s How You Can Help to Say “NO” to a State Income Tax Hike

1) Sign the petition to say “no” to a state income tax hike.

2) Send in a brief YouTube video explaining how your family will be affected by a tax hike.

3) Not able to make and send a video? Make your views known by sending in a written comment.

How much more will come out of your pocket if the income tax is raised?

Not everyone can take off work to come to Harrisburg to rally against a tax hike…so making your views known online is the next best option. For us to stop this action, we need a simple way to show that Pennsylvanians don’t want their state taxes to go up. I urge you to help us fight the proposed tax hike and make your views known at StopPATaxHike.com

Hard-working families are being hit in the wallet from all different directions, and state government should not be adding to that burden. To help reach a responsible budget, we’re asking that government tighten its belt during these difficult financial times, just like families in the 17th District have been doing. We cannot ask these families to shoulder a larger burden.

State Representative Michele Brooks Contact Information

RepMicheleBrooks.com

Greenville District Office:
3 Greenville Plaza West
Hadley Road
Greenville, PA 16125
Phone: (724) 588-8911

Meadville District Office:
16678 McMath Avenue
Meadville, PA 16335
Phone: (814) 337-8132

Sandy Lake Borough Building:
3271 South Main St.
Sandy Lake PA 16145
Phone: (724) 376-7465
Toll Free: (800) 457-2040

New Wilmington Borough Building:
134 High St.
New Wilmington, PA 16142
Phone: (800) 457-2040

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PA Taxpayer Protest: What Can We Do Next?

The following press release was distributed by the office of Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) today. Rep. Metcalfe was instrumental in the organization of the Taxpayer Protest that occurred on June 9 (read the full story HERE), and he now has suggestions about how we as taxpayers can follow-up with legislators during the final to the budget deadline. I especially like his “Post It Campaign”. Read on to learn more:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2009

Metcalfe, Lawmakers Initiate Pennsylvania State Capitol Taxpayers’ Protest Post-it Campaign

HARRISBURG—With approximately one week to go until the June 30 state budget deadline, State Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) and several House Republican lawmakers gathered together outside the Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor’s office to announce the next grassroots action step for the ongoing Pennsylvania State Capitol Taxpayers’ Protest (StateCapitolProtest.com).

“Although both the governor and House Democrat Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans have come to the ‘inescapable conclusion’ that a 16 percent, $1.5 billion personal income tax hike combined with several other tax increases is the ‘easiest’ and ‘least painful way’ to close the $3.2 billion Rendell budget deficit, there is no time like the present for Pennsylvania taxpayers to begin phoning, e-mailing, faxing or personally visiting the district offices of their respective state Representatives and Senators to ask them for a commitment to pass a fiscally responsible budget, with absolutely no tax or fee increases,” said Metcalfe. “Tell them that it is ‘We The People’ who should be driving every fiscal decision that comes out of Harrisburg, rather than the governor’s fuzzy math, non-existent spending cuts, arm-twisting promises for state grant money or out of touch, made for media pity parties.”

On June 9, 47 Republican state legislators joined Representative Metcalfe for the Pennsylvania State Capitol Taxpayers’ Protest to demonstrate their support for putting Taxpayers First during the 2009-10 state budget process. State taxpayers who want to know if their respective lawmaker(s) supports this effort please reference the frequently updated list at StateCapitolProtest.com.

Metcalfe especially encouraged any Pennsylvania taxpayer who is unable to contact their lawmakers during regular office hours to participate through the Post-it CAMPAIGN. Visit their office before or after work, on the weekends, whenever you have time and leave YOUR legislator a memorable, after-hours Post-it message stating precisely what you want, such as: “NO REPRESENTATION FOR INCREASED TAXATION.”

“Contrary to the annual smoke and mirrors facade put forth by the governor, Appropriations Chairman Evans and many other Harrisburg spend-a-holics, there is no shortage of options to deliver a balanced 2009-10 state budget that also does not involve any increased taxation whatsoever,” said Metcalfe. “Again, if you are among the scores of taxpaying Pennsylvanians who simply can no longer afford having any portion of your personal income redistributed to pay for someone else’s health care, bus fare or excessive public welfare, then I encourage you to keep logging on to StateCapitolProtest.com to learn more about what individual taxpayers can do to restore a state government of the people, by the people and for the people.”

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7th Annual Pioneer Frolic at Goddard State Park, June 27 & 28

Maurice K. Goddard State Park, Sandy Lake, Mercer County, will hold the Seventh Annual Pioneer Frolic from 10am to 5pm June 27th and 11am to 5pm on June 28th at Lake Wilhelm Marina of the park.

Blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, craft demonstrations, artists, horse and wagon rides and a living history presentation and Native American encampment will be included. Vendors will sell food and handmade products and there will be a book sale. Musical entertainment will include a community choir, County Mayo and the Keelings with a pioneer church service set for 11am June 28 followed by Hammet and Kovich, a ventriloquist act, and a group of cloggers. Admission and parking is free.

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