HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania's county commissioners are asking the General Assembly members to stick out their collective political necks and maintain the state's already underfunded commitment to county human service programs, even if it means raising taxes.

Tax increases might seem an anathema to lawmakers, particularly Republicans, during the country's financial crisis. But to the commissioners, who gathered in the state Capitol Monday for a press conference, their request is about making sure Harrisburg doesn't pass its responsibilities on to someone else.

"Passing increased human service costs on to the county taxpayers, who in many cases can least afford them, is not solving the problem, and it certainly is not saving costs," said Dave Coder, a Democratic Greene County commissioner and president of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.

"It merely shifts the responsibility for payment to the local level."

The genesis of their concern is the state's expected budget shortfall, which could easily top $1 billion, according to most lawmaker estimates. State spending cuts could mean a reduction in payments to counties, who would be forced to come up with the money on their own.

Counties can either reduce funding to programs already slashed to the bone, Coder said, or they can raise taxes. And the only tax counties can raise is the property tax, an undesirable option during the country's housing crisis, Coder said.

Although he cautioned he doesn't like any kind of tax increase, Coder suggested the state could increase its sales tax or a tax on oil or natural gas. At least with a sales tax, Coder said, people could change their habits to avoid paying extra.

"I'm in favor of doing something other than property taxes," he said.

The commissioners said they are tired of lawmakers who tout records that are free of tax increases while making decisions that forced counties and municipalities to do so.

Making cuts to the state budget that force increase in local governments budget isn't responsible, said Tom Ceraso, a Democratic commissioner from Westmoreland County.

"You're not really cutting," he said.

The political reality of their request looks bleak at this time. Gov. Ed Rendell has said he hopes tax increases aren't necessary. Senate President Pro Temp Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson County) has also said he doesn't think any tax increase should be necessary.

Asked if she thought the General Assembly would replay with the commissioners' request, Democratic Greene County Commissioner Pam Snyder responded flatly, "No."