|
 Adjust
Text Size
Legislative Roundup
Pocono Business Journal
The Pocono Business Journal asks monthly questions to
legislators to provide readers with more information on where elected officials
stand on the issues that are most important to our communities. These questions
and my answers are provided below. Please do not hesitate to contact me to voice
your opinions on these and other issues.
January 2010 Question:
Where do you believe PA’s economic recovery will first occur: renewed
interest in vacant commercial properties, funding for startups, hiring,
training, capital improvements, or other?
Answer:
As we begin a new year, it is
difficult not to reflect on the global economic slowdown and the terrible toll
it has taken on Pennsylvania’s state tax revenues - creating a $3.2 billion
deficit in last year’s state budget. However, I am optimistic that the overall
job market will begin seeing signs of improvement.
It is crucial that we continue
to work to create an atmosphere that encourages economic growth and real job
growth, thus improving the overall market.
One of my top priorities is
improving the state’s tax conditions to make Pennsylvania a more attractive
place for businesses looking to expand or relocate. With a statewide
unemployment rate of 8.8 percent, we need to create and retain jobs. With too
many local residents out of work or working part-time, people continue to
struggle. Recently, Senate Resolution 161, which I sponsored, passed the
Senate, 50-0. This legislation establishes a high-level bipartisan commission
to identify cost-saving measures in state government. With this terrible
recession placing greater strains than ever before on many of our family budgets
and employers alike, this private-public sector commission will help us identify
real savings that will be important to balance future state budgets and avoid
unnecessary tax increases, especially on our business community, which can aid
in improving the job climate.
December Question:
While we wait for companies to start hiring again, what areas should PA
concentrate on for workforce development?
Answer:
Pennsylvanians continue to weather tough economic conditions amidst this
terrible recession. During this time, the worst many of us have seen in our
lifetimes, we must work to assure that out-of-work Pennsylvanians receive the
necessary skills and job training in order qualify them for the broadest array
of potentially available positions. The key - improve education and increase
skill development to best match job opportunities with employee qualifications,
education, and skill levels.
One way of achieving this is to visit a local PA Careerlink or community
college nearest them. PA Careerlink offers help in finding employment,
retraining, education and improving job skills. Jobs seekers are encouraged to
visit
http://www.cwds.state.pa.us for more information about PA CareerLink,
available services and additional office locations. Additionally, many of
Pennsylvania's community colleges offer more than 100 degrees, certificates and
training with full, part-time or online courses available to meet any schedule.
November Question:
How will you work to help the small business owner in 2010?
Answer:
Small businesses are the heart and soul of our local economy. There is no
doubt that this is the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, and
while much of the focus has been on the larger corporations facing government
bailouts, it is the "small business" that is most affected. In 2010, the
General Assembly must control its spending and lower tax rates – which is the
fundamental issue why this latest budget impasse had dragged on for months past
the normal deadline. If we really want to help small businesses grow and
develop here in Pennsylvania, we need to continue to oppose proposed plans, like
those outlined by Governor Rendell, that would increase any personal income and
business taxes.
October Question:
Has the model for the successful American business changed in the
re-defined economy, and how can PA adapt to it?
Answer:
We no longer live in a world where goods and services stop at the town
border, state border, or even national border. Successful American businesses
must continue to adapt to our global economy. When businesses are successful
and jobs are created, people and communities prosper, leading to a better
quality of life for all of us.
In order to compete with other states and other nations, Pennsylvania must
control its spending and its tax rates—that is the fundamental issue which has
caused our budget debate to drag on for months beyond the normal deadline.
That is why so many of us, Republicans and Democrats and Independents, have
opposed the Governor's proposals to increase taxes. If we really want to
keep jobs and job creators here in Pennsylvania in the face of ever-increasing
global competition, the Governor's plan for increased personal income and
business taxes is not the answer.
September Question:
What sectors of the PA economy do you feel are in most need of recovery
funding?
Answer:
For anyone who travels I-80 and our other congested roadways in Monroe and
its adjacent counties, this is not a difficult question.
I believe Pennsylvania's aging highways and bridges should be placed at the
top of the list for any federal recovery funding. Every day, a new story is
written which essentially asks this question: Can you believe the federal
government is spending our tax dollars on XYZ? If the Congress had focused more
of its efforts on our existing road and bridge funding needs, rather than spend
billions and billions on a variety of controversial new spending proposals, I
believe that the "stimulus funding" would have received much more bipartisan
support.
Given the existing and immediate needs of Pennsylvania's transportation
infrastructure, I also believe money that is currently appropriated from the PA
Motor License Fund for the State Police should be dedicated to its intended
purpose, which is the maintenance and improvement of our roads and bridges. It
is my view that funding for the State Police should be appropriated entirely
from the General Fund. I have introduced legislation to do just that.
Ultimately, my legislation will fund an additional $500 million each year for
our local roads and bridges. Focusing additional state and federal recovery
funding on our transportation infrastructure will give our residents a safe and
reliable infrastructure system, while putting more Pennsylvanians to work at
decent wages. Why doesn't the Federal Government understand this simple
truth—it's really not that complicated!
| 