Grading Corbett's first year: A fiscally responsible governor
Pennsylvanians elected Gov. Corbett to make the tough, necessary decisions to get us out of the mess left behind by years of higher taxes, out-of-control spending, and fiscal disarray. As we enter into year two, it's clear that the governor has kept his promises in year one and has produced a series of big wins for Pennsylvania's working families and taxpayers.
By Rob Gleason
Pennsylvanians elected Gov. Corbett to make the tough, necessary decisions to get us out of the mess left behind by years of higher taxes, out-of-control spending, and fiscal disarray. As we enter into year two, it's clear that the governor has kept his promises in year one and has produced a series of big wins for Pennsylvania's working families and taxpayers.
In spite of the fact that the governor inherited a $4 billion budget gap, he passed a historic budget that didn't raise taxes by a single cent. While Democrats clamored for tax increases on Pennsylvania's working families to fund their addiction to spending, the governor chose to keep his word to the people of Pennsylvania and delivered a budget that eliminates waste and protects taxpayers, and for the first time in eight years he passed it on time.
Corbett continues to push job-friendly policies to help put Pennsylvanians back to work. While Democrats wanted to protect the special-interest groups that donate to their campaigns, Corbett took the necessary steps to make Pennsylvania more business- and jobs-friendly by signing legislation called the Fair Share Act, which will curb frivolous lawsuits that have hurt small businesses and job creators.
Rather than being satisfied with some students being trapped in failing schools, Corbett championed an innovative education reform package, allowing poor families to have a say in their children's educations. From day one, the governor has put Pennsylvania's children first and has reshaped the conversation on education reform.
He passed legislation that protected property owners from large tax increases while at the same time restoring state resources for education to 2009 levels - the highest ever. Most pundits won't tell you that the state portion of education funding under Corbett is higher than it was in Gov. Ed Rendell's last budget.
Finally, Corbett's leadership was certainly tested by crises in 2011. From hurricanes and floods to earthquakes, the governor demonstrated his ability to be in command during a crisis and show steady and strong leadership under pressure. Despite the toughest of times, Corbett has shown the courage and willingness to make the tough decisions to put Pennsylvania back on the track to prosperity.
After passing a balanced budget, implementing job-friendly policies, moving education reform forward, and keeping our citizens safe, it's clear that Corbett had an incredibly successful year. As we enter 2012, additional challenges will certainly lie ahead, but by building on their record of achievement, Corbett, Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, and our Republican legislature will be able to continue to advance an agenda that puts working Pennsylvanians first, and our commonwealth back on the right fiscal track.