State Rep. Mike Gerber Weighs in on Budget

When Governor Corbett signed off on the state’s $27.25 billion budget on July 1, Representatives from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia and Montgomery counties spoke on the impact of the state’s new budget.

Rep. Mike Gerber (D-148th/Montgomery) added his opinion on the state’s budget in a statement on Wednesday, June 6, explaining why he voted against it, saying that he felt the budget did not follow through on the idea of “shared sacrifice” promised by Gov. Corbett.

“Last week, I voted against the bills in the new state budget package,” he said a statement. “[Gov. Corbett] and Republican legislators consistently gave breaks to the wealthy and powerful on the backs of the poor and the middle class.”

Gerber also commented on the Marcellus Shale drilling industry and smokless tobacco.

“They wouldn't tax the booming Marcellus Shale drilling industry, as all other major natural-gas-producing states do, but they cut funding for K-12 and higher education by more than $1 billion,” he said. “They wouldn't tax smokeless tobacco – even though we're the only state that doesn't tax that either – but they slashed funds for women's health care programs.”

Gerber also accused the governor and Republican reps of “sitting on most of the $758 million in unexpected revenue the state received in the budget year that ended Thursday rather than lessen cuts, job losses local tax hikes and tuition hikes.”

Gerber's remarks echo those of other state Democrats who took issue with the budget.

"I am disturbed by the accounting maneuvers that ensure that the spend number would not exceed the governor's $27.3 billion limit," Rep. Pam DeLissio (D-194/Philadelphia and Montgomery) said. "The constituents of the 194th District know how to add, even though their kids may find it difficult to learn to add due to the education budget cuts."

Rep. Kate Harper (R-61/Montgomery) was in favor of the budget as passed.

"In very challenging economic times, we were able to pass a budget that will not further burden our citizens with new or increased taxes," she said. "And I am pleased to report that, for the first time in eight years, the budget is done on time.”

Gerber’s district includes Plymouth, Whitemarsh and Conshohocken, as well as Lower Merion, Upper Dublin, Whitpain and Narberth.

Click here to see what other county lawmakers had to say about the recently passed budget.