CLEAR Coalition supports Governor Wolf's budget and urges end to political games - once and for all

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders of the Coalition for Labor Engagement and Accountable Revenues (CLEAR) are calling on Republican leaders to end the political games and focus on passing – once and for all – a budget that funds our public schools and ensures that – once and for all – corporations including the Marcellus shale drillers pay their fair share.

"Governor Wolf has introduced two state budgets that put Pennsylvanians first. He has introduced two budgets that would restore funding for public schools and human service programs. Both budgets would help fix the state's fiscal mess. It's time for the GOP leadership to get serious about reaching a compromise on both budgets," said David Fillman, Executive Director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 13 and Chair of the CLEAR Coalition.

Tom Herman, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 668 noted, "This responsible budget ends the "kicking the can down the road" attitude that our Republican controlled State Legislature had had for the past 5 years."

"We applaud Governor Wolf's focus on our children, seniors, veterans and Pennsylvanians that are truly suffering due to the Republican leader's insistence that no new revenues be generated," Herman continued.

"The CLEAR Coalition was formed to advocate for 'accountable revenues' to restore cuts to our students and most vulnerable citizens. We will continue to work with Governor Wolf and members of both political parties to pass a budget with sustainable revenues to fund our students and put our Commonwealth back on a solid fiscal ground," said Ted Kirsch, President of the American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania.

The CLEAR Coalition has recommended and supported common sense budget strategies such as ending corporate tax giveaways, modernizing the PLCB, and taxing smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes.  The coalition has identified more than $1 billion in savings, efficiencies and new sources of revenue to help close the state deficit and fund core programs and services.

SOURCE CLEAR Coalition

Related Links

http://www.clearforpa.org