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THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK!

I believe that as long as there is plenty, poverty is evil.~Robert F. Kennedy


*No tax increases on the middle-class and working poor
*Restore AdultBasic or a similar low cost program for those without health insurance
*Protect the environment
*Tax Marcellus Shale to help local communities with clean-up. Tax can also be used to fund infrastructure improvements, education, and other programs
*Reform the property assessment process
*Be a voice for the elderly, disabled and older workers seeking employment

I would like to serve the citizens of the 37th District, as well as those of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Given the current economic situation in the country, and locally; I believe that taxes should not be raise on the middle class and that the working poor should be given the opportunity join the ranks of the middle class.  The income gap is growing and the middle class is vanishing.  We need to attract jobs to the area that can provide a decent wage, health care and security.
 
 It is important that the AdultBasic, or a similar program, be funded to provide health insurance to those that work, but do not receive coverage from an employer or make too much money to be covered by other programs.  The cost of losing this program outweighs the savings that Gov. Corbett and the Republicans believe they have made.  If necessary the tax-exempt status of Highmark, UPMC and other such entities must be reconsidered and the taxes collected be dedicated to healthcare for those in need.
 
We need to protect the environment and make sure those that seek to profit on Marcellus Shale are held responsible for the clean-up and repair of local municipalities
infrastructure. I would favor a tax, as well as, an impact fee to guarantee that the Commonwealth can provide tax relief to its citizens, fund programs and protect the environment.
 
The property assessment process is flawed. I would favor eliminating the property tax on family homes and replacing it with a lowering of the sales tax, and placing it on more items.  The property tax is unfair to the elderly, who in most cases are on a fixed income, the working poor and middle class.  Basically you never own your own home, and once you’ve paid it off a great portion of one’s disposable income is put aside to pay local, county and school taxes.  This money could be could be saved, invested or spent to spur the economy. The bottom line is that the decision will be made by the home owner, who will actually own their home.

I would also like to be a voice for the those who seem to have no voice in Harrisburg: the elderly, the disabled, and older workers seeking employment. The cuts in the budget directly affect the elderly and disabled by cutting needed services.  We need to attract businesses that offer opportunities to older workers that are having difficulty re-entering the job market due to downsizing.




Let me know what you think. An open dialogue on the issues can only make us stronger. We also might learn something from, and about each other.
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