Corbett: Pa. tourism industry vital to state

EAST MARLBOROUGH — During a tour of Longwood Gardens on Wednesday afternoon, Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett said that tourism is a vital part of Pennsylvania's economy.

But in a press conference following the tour, Corbett said that given the state's ongoing budget problems, he is unsure whether funds to support tourism should be a budgetary priority.

"I believe a budget is made by what do we have to fund first, then what is left over, what is discretionary," said Corbett, the current Pennsylvania attorney general. "I'd put (tourism) right on the fence at this point."

He said that he has seen figures which suggest the tourism industry adds $28 billion a year to the state's economy. But, he said, the state should only allocate money toward tourism if there is proof that doing so brings sufficient growth to the tourism industry.

Following his tour, Corbett told a crowd of reporters and local Republican leaders that the weakened economy is one of the biggest challenges facing Pennsylvania's tourism industry.


He said lower taxes and decreased governmental regulation are the best ways to support growth across all of Pennsylvania's industries.

"Fiscal discipline and limited government will allow the free enterprise system to really grow here in Pennsylvania," Corbett said.

He reiterated his pledge to not raise taxes if elected governor. And he said he would support policies that increase the number of private sector jobs and lower the number of public sector jobs.

Corbett also highlighted his efforts as attorney general to prosecute those who use the Internet to prey on children.

Longwood Gardens Director Paul Redman led Corbett on a tour through several parts of the garden. Redman told Corbett that Longwood Gardens is a big driver of tourism in the area and has a $50 million annual operating budget, half of which goes toward payroll.

Redman also told Corbett about Longwood Gardens' initiative to build a 3-megawatt solar facility by 2018.

Redman said that Longwood Gardens received a $1.3 million federal stimulus grant for its alternative energy generation program. He added that Longwood Gardens eventually hopes to go "off the grid."

To contact staff writer Dan Kristie, send an e-mail to [email protected].