Tax and Spending Reform 

Taxpayer Protection Act

A cornerstone of Senator Folmer’s Promise to Pennsylvania, the Taxpayer Protection Act, Senate Bill 7, (formerly Senate Bill 707), would tighten the reins on state spending so taxation can be brought under control: 

• Limit future tax increases to the combination of inflation plus the percentage change in population growth
• Return 75 percent of all state surpluses directly to the taxpayers through an offsetting reduction in the Personal Income Tax
• Require 25 percent of surpluses to be deposited in the state's Rainy Day Fund

A companion bill to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to make the taxpayer protection permanent was also introduced last Session (formerly Senate Bill 7).  

Bill History: Senate Bill 707 and Senate Bill 7 were reported from the Senate Finance Committee, but not acted on by the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

Taxpayer Funded Advertising Act

It is estimated that each year, state government entities, such as the Department of Health, Lottery and Department of Community and Economic Development, spends tens of millions of taxpayer dollars on advertising. To ensure these tax dollars are spent wisely, Senator Folmer’s Taxpayer Funded Advertising Act, Senate Bill 109, would require all advertising by state government to include the statement "Paid for with Pennsylvania Taxpayer dollars." 

This Act would make taxpayers more aware of how their tax dollars are being spent. The bill would effect advertising by the Executive, Judicial and Legislative Branches; Attorney General; Auditor General; Lieutenant Governor; and Treasury.  

Bill History: As Senate Bill 1015, the bill unanimously passed the full Senate, and was subsequently reported from the House State Government Committee. The bill died awaiting action by the House Appropriations Committee. 

Tax Me More Fund

The "Tax Me More Fund," Senate Bill 394, was introduced in response to those citizens who believe they aren’t being taxed enough or believe the state does not spend enough (consistent with the Taxpayer Protection Act). 

The Tax Me More Fund would allow citizens to make voluntary financial contributions to the State Treasury.  As a result, this fund would give those who support increased state spending the opportunity to donate money towards their favorite programs and projects. 

Bill History: The bill (formerly Senate Bill 1292) was not acted on by the Senate Finance Committee