Legislature Must Address Inflation, Gas & Energy Costs: Sen. Candidate

HARRISBURG — A lawmaker from Montgomery County is calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to focus on fighting inflation, rising home energy costs and increased pricing at the gas pumps after recent news reports warned of a coming surge in utility costs.

State Rep. Tracy Pennycuick, a Republican representing the 147th House District in Montgomery County, released a statement this week calling on her colleagues to address these issues in light of the fact that individuals are still reeling from the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

"When families and small businesses are already struggling from historic inflation, high gasoline costs and expensive grocery bills, these increases will further strain their budgets," Pennycuick said in a statement. "While our area is somewhat fortunate to experience the lowest increase in energy costs, it is another reminder that legislators in Harrisburg should be working to reduce energy costs, not increase them."

Pennycuick, who is also the Republican candidate running for the 24th State Senate District seat soon to be vacant with the pending retirement of incumbent Sen. Bob Mensch, said she was spurred to release her statement after reading reports in news outlets, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, which mentioned the coming home energy cost increases and other matters including historic inflation.

Pennycuick said she had released another statement back in April regarding the efforts of 17 state senators who blocked an attempt to override Gov. Tom Wolf's efforts to implement the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

She said the Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office stated back in March that this tax would increase consumer electricity costs by $800 million, and that those costs, which could amount to nearly 30 percent higher energy costs, would be in addition to the increases being reported this month.

"Many families and seniors are already struggling to make ends meet and this regressive tax is the last thing consumers need," Pennycuick stated.

"All legislators must focus on fighting inflation, high gasoline and home energy costs," Pennycuick continued. "I think it is important to note that the override attempt in April was blocked by one vote. That's how important every State Senate race is in Pennsylvania this year. One vote can make a major difference."

A link to the Philadelphia Inquirer story that was referenced by Pennycuick can be found here.