PROTECTING TAXPAYERS

"In 2011, the taxpayers of Pennsylvania faced a choice: rein in the out-of-control spending of the previous eight years or face massive tax increases. I heard your concerns while going door-to-door in 2010 and did as I promised – put taxpayers first."

-George Dunbar

Controlling Spending to Focus on Priorities and Protect Taxpayers

"I've worked across party lines so taxpayers can keep more of their hard earned money while focusing on our priorities
like education and job creation." - George Dunbar

As our State Representative, George Dunbar did what he promised he would by bringing fiscal discipline to
state government while dealing with the loss of billions of dollars in temporary federal stimulus funding. And
he did it while ensuring that the money spent by the state still provides help to those who need it most and
delivers essential services to Pennsylvanians.

Just as important, George focused state spending on the priorities we care about. In particular, when the
Governor proposed reductions in education funding that went beyond the amount of federal stimulus money
that had been used to temporarily inflate funding for schools, George said, “No.” He and others in the House
and Senate successfully fought to ensure that basic education remained a top priority. Today, the final budget
commits more state tax dollars to basic education than ever before.

Thanks to the work of George and the other legislators who worked to pass the FY2011-12 budget,
Pennsylvania again stands on a strong financial foundation and now spends less than it did the year before.

While important steps to instill fiscal discipline have been taken, George knows there is still more we can do
to address the things that drive up costs in state and local government. That is why he supports comprehensive
public pension reforms that protect the pensions of current employees while requiring all new hires to take
part in a defined contribution, 401k-type plan like those of workers in the private sector. He will also continue
pushing for unfunded mandate relief that will help reduce spending for local governments and school districts.