Robbins: Senate Approves State Spending Control Measure and Addresses ID Theft

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Senate this week passed several important pieces of legislation, including House Bill 2082, which would tie state spending increases to the rate of inflation, and Senate Bill 178, which would provide additional services to victims of Identity Theft.

House Bill 2082 -- approved with bipartisan support on a 31 to 18 vote -- is the House version of Senate Bill 4, the Taxpayer Fairness Act, which would tie state spending increases to the rate of inflation. In addition to restricting state spending growth, the legislation would set aside 35 percent of surplus revenues in the state's Rainy Day Fund for use in times of economic necessity, and 65 percent in a new Taxpayer Fairness Fund to reduce the state Personal Income Tax. Current law sets aside 25 percent of surplus revenues into the Rainy Day Fund.

"This legislation would impose strong -- but fair -- fiscal discipline on state government," said Robbins. "Ultimately, it is taxpayers that would benefit as taxes would be cut when surpluses exist."

The Taxpayer Fairness Act is part of the Republican Playbook for Progress, a positive agenda for Pennsylvania unveiled earlier this year by Senate and House GOP leaders. Thirty states have spending controls, revenue controls or both. Pennsylvania is in the minority of states which have no controls.

Meanwhile, the Senate also unanimously approved Senate Bill 178, which would amend the Crime Victims Act to require the Office of Victim's Services to cooperate with other Commonwealth and law enforcement agencies to ensure that victims of identity theft receive the appropriate information to assist them with the resolution of any financial issues arising from the commission of the crime. Additionally, the state Victim's Services Advisory Committee would be expanded to include the interests of identity theft.

"Reported cases of identity theft in Pennsylvania have increased from less than 5,100 in 2002 to more than 7,500 in 2004, making it one of the fastest-growing crimes in the state," Robbins said. "Victims of identity theft often must spend a great deal of time and money to repair the damage to their credit history and reputation. Senate Bill 178 is an additional tool for state government to help victims."

Senate Bill 178 is a part of a package of Senate bills addressing Privacy and Security issues.

CONTACT: Nate Silcox (717) 787-1322