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Coalition Principles
It is the legal and moral duty of Pennsylvania government, state and
local, to efficiently deliver essential, quality services to
Pennsylvanians. All Pennsylvanians – children, families, business
owners, residential taxpayers, senior citizens, and others – benefit
from this necessary government infrastructure.Despite unprecedented economic and budget challenges, we have the
opportunity to build a better and more prosperous state. To do so
requires appropriate funding for education, health care and services to
vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and qualified individuals at the state and
local level to provide those services.
We now have the chance to take action that keeps Pennsylvania
looking forward, action that encourages and maintains the state’s
long-term fiscal well-being. By investing in our families, in our
resources, and in our existing assets, we will guide our state into
renewed prosperity.
Coalition members will work in support of the following:
- A balanced approach to the state budget shortfall. Long-term
revenue solutions must be considered instead of relying only on cuts to
services. A balanced approach will improve efficiency, promote
accountability, protect families and pave a faster and more sustainable
path to prosperity.
- A state budget that builds upon sound public investments. We must
maintain strategic public investments in education, health care,
transportation, natural resources and human services that make our
state a desirable place to live and create a healthy climate for
economic growth. The economic crisis should not cause Pennsylvania to
lose ground on our gains in education and the economy.
- A state budget that addresses the immediate crisis and prepares for
the future. Policymakers must lay the foundation for continued
prosperity by adopting long-term strategies and lasting solutions.
Responsible action today can avert future crises and provide stable
funding that grows in tandem with need.
- A state budget that includes productive, stable revenue that
reflect today’s economy. We must reform our outdated revenue system to
ensure Pennsylvania has the resources to meet current needs and to
invest in our future. A fair and stable taxation structure will ensure
all individuals and businesses pay their fair share and provide
sustainable, accountable revenue for critical government infrastructure
– in good times and in bad.