Below you will find my views and commitments on issues that matter in the 106th District and in the Commonwealth. In addition, what I will do to support my commitments.
Job Creation/Outsourcing
Work with the small business sector to create jobs and keep them in the district and the commonwealth. A lot of companies have been eliminating positions and sending jobs out of the country.. Job outsourcing not only impacts families and individuals but also rips the seams of the fabric of entire communities as they cope with the loss of employment and adjusting their lifestyle. A book review in the Washington Times points out, “despite the enormous stakes for all Americans, there is denial among policymakers and corporate champions about outsourcing’s adverse effects on the US and our local economy as well. I realize Globalization is necessary. However with the outsourcing of Hershey Corporations jobs the question is as Ron Hira, from the Rochester Institute of Technology says “not whether to outsource or move jobs, but how to create public policies that will maximize it benefits and deal with the impact on labor markets and the social fabric of affected communities.”
As State Representative I will
* Work for the creation of jobs rather than condone the outsourcing of jobs, not only in our community, but in all of Pennsylvania as well.
* I will review the implications for future employment prospects and what policies need to be enacted to minimize the job loss in our state.
* I will meet with employers that are looking to outsourcing Pennsylvania Jobs to try and prevent the drain on our economy.
* I will work for tax cuts for small businesses.
Government Reform
The government runs on our tax dollars and, therefore, a proper accounting of all spending should be available to the public. Our elected leaders should spend our money to safeguard the present and future health of the people and the Commonwealth. Our state representatives are sent to Harrisburg to work for us. Because of partisanship politics, the 2009 budget was not passed until January 2010 five months late. This is unacceptable and each legislator should be held responsible and his or her pay should be docked for every day the budget is not passed.
As State Representative, I will:
* Form an advisory committee of the civic leaders in the 106th District in order to discuss the impact of my agenda on those who are closest to the needs and to encourage civic groups to collaborate on initiatives while still meeting the requirements of their own unique and distinct constituents.
* Support the work of the Speaker’s Reform Commission such as changes adopted to promote legislative process openness and fairness, shift power and responsibility from a few members to all Representatives, and to encourage financial and process transparency.
* Move to advance many of the ideas that the Reform Commission was not able to pass yet such as term limits and campaign finance reform.
Health Coverage Reform
Our current health insurance system has resulted in high premiums; millions of uninsured, Well-meaning band-aids at the State and Federal levels subsidize the current system without solving the root causes. Assuring Pennsylvania’s Children’s health insurance program (CHIP) is in never in jeopardy of being unfunded. Having more than three decades of experience working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and the architecture of this program, I have a professional understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of our current system and the long lasting impact the lack of funding for this vital program could have on generations to come.
As State Representative, I will:
* Support affordable health care. A significant reason for the rise in health insurance premiums is that the insured are paying for those without insurance. Whether people are uninsured by choice or because they cannot afford it, some of the uninsured will need care. The cost of their care is factored into insured care, resulting in increased premiums. Increasing premiums result in more uninsured and continue the downward spiral.
Renewable Energy and Rate Caps
Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. In its various forms, it derives directly from the sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. Included in the definition is electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable resources. Each of these sources has unique characteristics which influence how and where they are used.
The deregulation of Pennsylvania’s electric rates as of January 2101 has caused concerned for the average user. As some experts predicted, deregulation can increase electricity rates up to 65%, in some areas. Rates are already astronomical in this area of the state. ." States that have previously deregulated their utility rates have seen significant increases of up to 75% in their utility bills. Pennsylvanians already have some of the highest electricity costs in the nation. Deregulation will be disastrous for working families.
As State Representative, I will:
* Form a bi-partisan committee of other legislators to work on putting rate caps back on utilities.
* Support renewable energy as an alternative to the high cost of electric.
Public Education
The root cause of much poverty, violence, and economic stagnation is poor public education. Public education that is relevant and engaging can create hope for a brighter future for all of us. We need to focus our resources on improving education – the tools, the techniques, the buildings, and the options.
As State Representative, I will:
* Support the effort of parents who work to ensure fiscal accountability in the district.
* Develop partnership opportunities between the schools and their neighbors in order to bring more role models and expertise into the schools.
* Promote the accomplishments of our public schools and look for opportunities to partner our schools with new initiatives in order to increase resources and raise awareness.
Public Safety
As a member of the community I am engaged in public safety through awareness and partnership and know that although most crime in the 106th District is not violent. Any crime, though, impacts your comfort and happiness and needs to be addressed. Violent crime permanently destroys families and communities.
As State Representative, I will:
* Stress to my peers and constituents that the only long-term solution to violence is inclusive, quality public education and work to adequately fund that ideal.
* Form a committee to evaluate and propose solutions to reduce recidivism including waiving certain hiring restrictions.
* Work with local police and public safety organizers including Town Watch leaders in the 106th District to find opportunities to encourage resident participation for a more aware and active community.
Transportation
As residents of the 106th District, we depend upon private transit transportation, but also to protect our environment and quality of life. An ineffective public transit system leads to more car traffic and a greater disruption to our neighborhoods, increased pollution, increased noise, and the general detriment of our way of life.
As State Representative, I will:
* Work to alleviate the traffic gridlock in Hershey
* Propose a feasibility study to review and recommend alternative transportation or increase public transit to the entire 106th district during core hours.
* Propose and support legislation to enable localities and municipalities to raise additional revenues, which would be dedicated to public transit funding.
* Support plans for a light rail system from Hershey to Baltimore and to Carlisle.
