CLEAR Coalition Joins State Legislators To Demand An Extraction Tax In FY 2017-18 Budget

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., May 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of the CLEAR Coalition will stand with state representatives to demand an extraction tax on natural gas as part of the 2017-18 state budget. For too long, the natural gas industry has gotten a sweetheart deal in Pennsylvania while they avoid paying their fair share.

Extremists who lead the PA House are seeking devastating cuts to critical public programs to balance the 2017 budget.  Meanwhile, the natural gas industry continues to have a free ride in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is the only gas producing state that does not impose an extraction tax on the natural gas industry.  Without imposing a shale tax, Pennsylvanians face the following:

• 5,600 new children would be prevented from attending Pre-K
• Millions of dollars would be cut long-term care programs that help older Pennsylvanians age with dignity
• Nearly $60 million would be cut from the Department of Community and Economic Development, including job training, business expansion and job creation programs
• A $2 million cut for programs that support Pennsylvania's heroic veterans

And that's just a small sample of what's to come.

There is another choice.  If we hold corporate interests accountable for paying their fair share, with the shale industry at the top of the list, we can maintain vital services to Pennsylvanians and set ourselves on a path to growth in the future.

It's time for Pennsylvania to enact a shale tax.

The CLEAR Coalition represents more than 1.1 million Pennsylvanians fighting for a state budget that funds essential public services, protects family-sustaining, middle class jobs, and ensures that we have a fair system of taxes in our Commonwealth.  

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SOURCE CLEAR Coalition