In Memory of Adorable Deborah

Written by Roberta Biros

This time of year is very difficult for me. It marks the anniversary of a very sad time for my family. As a bit of therapy, I’d like to share my feelings with all of you . . . my loyal readers.

In September of 2003, my sister, Debbie, entered the hospital with severe complications from her 15-year struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was diagnosed with a fungus on her heart and began a difficult treatment of heavy antibiotics to fight the infection.

Despite the treatment efforts, my sister’s condition became much worse and she suffered a severe heart attack. Her chances of a successful recovery were lost and the prognosis was not good. My sister’s husband and our family held a hearing with hospital representatives to determine the fate of my sister. The discussions were difficult, but we all agreed to allow my sister to be taken off of life support and be taken home to pass away in hospice care. We determined that it was what she would have wanted. The hospital heard our plea and granted my sister the “right to die”. My sister was taken to her home by ambulance, and she was kept comfortable during her final days.

On October 22, 2003, at the age of 48, my sister passed away at home . . . privately . . . peacefully . . . with her husband at her side.

On that night, ‘an angel got her wings’.

In Loving Memory of Adorable Deborah
July 9, 1955 - October 22, 2003

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Every year I cannot help but to reflect back on the events of October 2003.

Just recently (in Mercer County Democrat Committee Chairman Robert Lark’s ‘Labor Day Message to the People of Mercer County’) I was reminded of the parallels between my family’s experiences and the highly politicized fight between the Schaivo’s and Schindlers regarding Terri Schaivo’s “right to die” (also in October of 2003).

Terri Schaivo’s husband, Michael, was involved in a well publicized legal battle with the Schindler’s, Terri Schaivo’s parents, regarding whether Terri should be removed from life support or not. In October of 2003, the Florida Legislature and Florida Governor Jeb Bush became personally involved in the case. They took the rights away from the husband and family and attempted to put the control of the situation into the hands of the government.

On October 15, 2003, Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was removed. Within a week, when the Schindlers' final appeal was exhausted, the Florida Legislature passed "Terri's Law," which gave Governor Bush the authority to intervene in the case. Bush immediately ordered the feeding tube reinserted against the wishes of Terri’s husband.

To this day my family is thankful that the government DID NOT take it upon themselves to step into our very private and very personal matter. We are thankful that we were not involved in an ugly legal and political battle like the Schiavos and Schindlers. Our decisions and experiences were difficult enough without the interference of politicians trying to make a name for themselves. There are some things that should never attempt to be “legislated”. There are circumstances and situations in life that need to remain private and personal, and government interference is simply wrong and should not be allowed or tolerated.

These are my personal thoughts and opinions, and they have remained (for the most part) private until today.

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Political Strategy: How They Plan To Take Me Down

Written by Roberta Biros

Politics and politicians are funny, but they are far more entertaining when you can watch from a distance. While my current campaign prevents me from ‘enjoying’ the fun, my seat in the front row lets me see every detail . . . “dirty blow by dirty blow”.

From the beginning, my campaign for the office of Mercer County Treasurer was intended to be a clean and civil debate putting the concepts of good, smart, and efficient government and public service up against the single-mindedness of career politicians. It is my desire to serve the people of Mercer County because I feel that I can bring cost-saving and intelligent ideas to an office that has remained unchanged and unchallenged for far too long. I’ve vowed to wear only ‘one hat’ . . . the hat of a public servant. I’ve promised that I would have only ‘one boss’ . . . the taxpayers of Mercer County. I’ve pledged to perform one very specific and much-needed task . . . update and upgrade the Treasurer’s Office to better serve the people of the county by cutting costs, and saving taxpayers’ time and money.

As a ‘non-politician’, I’ve been beaten and battered from the very start of my campaign. I’ve taken heat from both sides of the fence, and I’ve been publicly attacked (both verbally and in writing). I ceased campaign activities once because people ‘from my side’ attacked my opponent personally. I wouldn’t be part of it and I ceased campaign activities in an effort to stop the dirtiness. I got back into the race because concerned citizens wanted a choice . . . they wanted a fresh voice . . . they wanted ‘change that works’.

I got back into the race by jumping in with both feet in early June. I had a long conversation with the Chairman of the Democrat Committee, and I promised him my commitment to my campaign as well as the campaigns of all of Democrat candidates with which I am running. My husband and I have worked hundreds of hours in the Democrat booth at fairs and events across the county. We’ve promoted ourselves and the party at every turn. We have been energetic and friendly and we have done our best to be exemplary representatives of the Democrat Party.

After a very long summer, what is our reward? Are we embraced by the party and brought into the fold as cherished members of the team? Not exactly. While we’ve proven our honorable intentions to many, and we have earned the respect and friendship of hundreds, we still have issues with some folks within our own Party. A few of my fellow Democrats have even gone so far as to actively campaign against me. Unfortunately, they are so blatant and so bold in their actions that they actively bad mouth me to my very own friends. In doing so, they have been kind enough to reveal their exact plan for taking me down. Allow me to share the information with all of you so that we are all well aware of the scheme.

Democrat Strategy: Rumors

There are members of the Democrat Party that have begun their own plots against my candidacy. I’ve been observing them carefully, and I question their loyalties to the Party as I generally see them spending more time ‘under the Republican tent’ than with the Democrats, but I prefer to let actions speak for themselves. They have been working against me for months, but they, too, are becoming blatant and bold. The following statement was made to a loyal friend of mine on Saturday, September 12th. The statement was made by a Democrat from the Democrat Booth at the Jamestown Fair. While it is not a direct quote, it is an accurate summary of the statement that was made:

“There are 5,000 more Democrats in the county than Republicans. We need to suppress Democratic turnout so Mrs. Richardson can win. Republicans must get out the vote to keep Mrs. Richardson in office. We intend to spread a rumor that she [Roberta] will turn Republican once in office.”

Rumors . . . yes folks, they intend on taking me down by spreading ‘fabricated rumors’. I’d like to point out that normal people (like you and I) refer to that as ‘lies’, but I suppose I’m nitpicking.

Republican Strategy: Threats

The Republican Party has already begun their attacks on me, of course. They have confronted political friends (from both parties) who have had the nerve to be seen talking to me. They have pulled them aside and they have threatened that by associating with me they will be ruined politically.

Luckily, the folks who are my friends have told me about the threats. The folks who only appeared to be my friends have now distanced themselves from me personally, and that suits me just fine.

Additionally, members of the Republican Party are still referring back to newspaper reports from earlier this year when the Democrat Party Chairman attempted to extinguish me politically. They say things like “haven’t you read the stories about her”. They refuse to accept that much time has passed and many things have changed. Instead, they hope to push around the same dirt . . . over and over again.

These are all typical plays from the standard Republican Party Playbook. It is all an attempt to isolate me and my campaign, but I am not bothered by it. What do I intend to do about it? Nothing, as there is really nothing that I can do. I will simply continue to work hard and talk to voters (one person at time) in an effort to let people know that I am honest, transparent, and hardworking. I will leave it to people to make up their own minds.

What will I do to combat the ‘rumors’ and ‘threats’?

If I lose friends because they take heed to the ‘threats’ about being associated with me, then I haven’t lost ‘very good friends’. I figure that if ‘so called’ friends alienate me because of political threats, I was never really their friend anyway so it isn’t a loss. People that have really taken the time to get to know me wouldn’t be swayed by the political rants from either side. I will continue to let my actions speak for themselves.

As far as the ‘rumors’, all I can do is combat the rumors with the truth. By being transparent, I will give people the opportunity to see through the rumors to the actual facts (if they choose to do so).

Where does that leave me?

I am . . . and I will remain a Democrat . . . a fiscal conservative Democrat, but a Democrat none the less.

I am very comfortable with my political stand. I believe in fiscal responsibility and careful government spending, but I whole-heartedly support social and personal freedoms. I believe in smaller government and less government control, but I support government compassion for those that need help. My life experiences have made me who I am and have molded my personal and political beliefs. I will gladly discuss my stand with anyone that asks because I am transparent and truthful, and, most importantly, I am passionate about making a difference.

I am available for private questions anytime by email (Roberta.in.mercer@gmail.com) or by phone (724.475.3479). I welcome conversation from anyone that is willing to have a civil and constructive discussion. I will not, however, tolerate dirtiness, and I will not be part of an ugly argument . . . because that is just not who I am or what I am about.

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The Truth About Health Care "Guarantees"

Written by Roberta Biros

Every morning I get my dose of national news by scanning local and cable news programs. We flip between Youngstown news programming, CNN, and Fox News in order to see a full spectrum of news and opinion. I witnessed a commercial that aired on Fox News this morning, and I felt it deserved some special attention. You may view the entire commercial below:

[or CLICK HERE to go directly to YouTube to view the video]

I ask that you also carefully read the text of the commercial as it is transcribed below:

"Despite what the President or Congress say, their health care proposals do not guarantee that you can keep your own doctor.

They don’t guarantee that you won’t wait longer for care.

There is no guarantee against health care rationing, and no guarantee you won’t lose your current insurance.

That’s because the President’s public option plan could lead to GOVERNMENT run health care.

Don’t be fooled. Tell President Obama to drop his government run public option plan."

NO GUARANTEES? Oooooooooooooo . . . that is pretty scary stuff, right?

Hold on . . . not so fast!

I politely ask the people of CPRights.org (Conservatives for Patients Rights) who sponsored the commercial, “Where are our GUARANTEES now?”

As one of the MILLIONS of Americans that is currently uninsured, I have no guarantee that I will keep my current doctor. As a “cash only” patient, I have no guarantee that I won’t have to wait for health care if I need it. I’ll openly admit that I’m NOT afraid of losing my current insurance (as I don’t have any), but I AM afraid of losing my home should I be hit with a major medical catastrophe that requires an extended hospital stay or complicated or expensive medical treatments or procedures.

I have made it no secret that I am a fiscal conservative. I believe in careful and responsible spending in my home, in my business, and at all levels of government. As a fiscal conservative, I also support health care reform as it is the only responsible way to address one of the biggest socioeconomic issues of our time.

As a small business owner, I have been unable to afford the luxury of health care coverage for well over two years. Without an affordable option available, I’m left to pay my health care expenses out of my pocket as a “cash customer”. While it was a risky decision, I was left with no other choices as there are no ‘affordable’ options available for people with pre-existing conditions. The cost for simple “husband and wife” coverage (with only 80/20 coverage and a high deductible) had a price tag of nearly $1000 per month, which is not “affordable”. I provide these details because it is important for the naysayers to understand that this problem is far reaching and serious. These specifics explain my situation, but I am not alone in the problems and decisions that I face.

I agree that people should have continued access to ‘private health care insurance’ if they can get it and if they can afford it, but I also believe that health care reform without the inclusion of a ‘public option’ is useless. If people do not have health care coverage and are unable to purchase affordable insurance through a private plan, they should have the ability to purchase coverage through the government and the fee should be based on their income. People in very low income brackets would receive coverage for little or no cost, but small business owners could purchase coverage for fees as high as several hundred dollars a month per person (based on their ability to pay).

I’m not sure that the Conservatives for Patients Rights realize that the arguments used in the commercial above can be used to explain exactly why health care reform IS needed. The American people deserve a GUARANTEE . . . a guarantee that some form of affordable health care coverage is available if they need it or want it. We don’t have that guarantee now, and we will never have it without serious and responsible health care reform.

I don't claim to have the answers, but I do know that scare tactics (like the ones used in the commercial above) threaten to stifle the conversation and stop the possibility of reform.

As always, just my opinion.

Rep. Michele Brooks and Others Comment on Reports of Budget Compromise

LEGISLATOR ANNOUNCEMENT / RADIO FEED

The state budget compromise appears to be moving forward in Harrisburg, but not all legislators are on board with the direction the new spending plan is taking. Rep. Michele Brooks (R-Mercer & Crawford) said she is glad to see some progress on the budget by has concerns about how this proposal may affect Pennsylvania’s economy. Mike Davies Reports

CLICK HERE to download and hear the Audio Clip

CLICK HERE to view the Video Clip on YouTube

Click on the Video Clips below to hear what other conservative legislators have to say about the issue. There are statements posted by Representative Turzai, Representative Reichley, and Representative Rapp.

COMMENTS FROM REPRESENTATIVE TURZAI



[or CLICK HERE to view the video from Rep. Turzai]

COMMENTS FROM REPRESENTATIVE REICHLEY:



[or CLICK HERE to view the video from Rep. Reichley]

COMMENTS FROM REPRESENTATIVE RAPP:


[or CLICK HERE to view the video from Rep. Rapp]

How Smart is Your Right Foot?

This was too funny and I just had to share. I entertained myself for quite a while with it. Give it a try and see for yourself.

HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT?

1. While sitting at your in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your RIGHT HAND.

Your foot will change direction.

I told you so!!! And there's nothing you can do about it! You and I both know how foolish this seems, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so.
Send it to your friends to frustrate them, too; as I just did.

What a Week!

Written by Roberta Biros

You’ve all had a ‘bad day’, right? Have you ever had seven of them in a row? If you have, you have some understanding of the way that last week went for me.

We started the week by closing up our activities at the Stoneboro Fair on Labor Day (September 7th). I spent about seven hours at the Stoneboro Fair booth after a difficult political battle forced me out of the Buhl Day celebration in Hermitage. It all worked out, but it made for a long and stressful day. On Tuesday, September 8th, we did a quick turn around for the setup at the Jamestown Fair. Our reception at Jamestown was exactly what we had expected . . . friendly. It was a great experience (as always), but it was exhausting.

As the political season is moving on, we are finding more unexpected ‘battles’ and ‘dirtiness’ than I would like. I had hoped to push through to Election Day by maintaining a level civility with all sides, but ‘all sides’ don’t seem to agree. My week was spent putting out ‘little fires’, and it made a long week even longer.

Even with all of the ‘bad’, I still found it possible to focus on the ‘good’ . . . a much awaited visit with my Mom. While I talk with my Mom by phone several times each week, my hectic schedule has prevented me from visiting her in Murrysville. I haven’t seen her since mid-July, and I was anxious for her to come up to Mercer to visit us for the weekend. I went to Murrysville to pick her up on Friday morning, and we were happy to have her stay with us through Sunday afternoon. While she was here she was able to enjoy a brief tour of the Mercer County Courthouse, an evening at the Jamestown Fair, and she was able to be a part of the Jamestown Fair Parade on Saturday afternoon. I was, however, especially looking forward to Sunday.


After a long and difficult week, I was looking forward to the Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser that was to be held in Greenville on Sunday. It was intended to be a great day with folks from the community, and it was an opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause. I had booked the ‘young and talented’ Connor VanSickle to entertain the crowd during the event, and I couldn’t wait for my Mom to hear him perform. Connor is a 16-year old ‘man’ who is an incredible entertainer. He is well known for his Jerry Lee Lewis style 50’s rock and roll, but I appreciate his 50’s and 60’s style country music. I knew that my Mother would adore him (and I was not disappointed). By the second song of the show, Connor’s performance had my Mom in tears. She was stunned by his talent and brought to tears by the soulful way with which he performed some of her favorite songs. The experience managed to erase all of the problems of the week.


In closing I’d like to offer an analogy . . .

“Even a melted and messy ice cream sundae is delicious when it is topped with whipped cream and a cherry.”

Spending the weekend with my Mom, and seeing her so happy made even the worst week palatable. It was the whipped cream and cherry on my sundae (or should I say ‘Sunday’).

Representative Michele Brooks Supports Rarely Used Maneuver to End Budget Impasse

LEGISLATOR ANNOUNCEMENT

To help end the budget impasse, Rep. Michele Brooks (R-Crawford/Mercer/Lawrence) is joining with her colleagues in proposing a rarely used legislative procedure that would convene a special session of the House of Representatives that would meet every day until a budget is passed.

“Due to the inability of the joint House-Senate conference committee to reach a budget agreement, we need to look at all the options that exist in an effort to move a spending plan forward,” Brooks said. “I am disappointed that the budget impasse remains a deadlocked conversation over whether to limit government spending or raise taxes. I share the frustration faced by my constituents and Pennsylvania residents and understand that we need to reach a fiscally responsible budget.”

Brooks pointed out that the governor vetoed the funding, even though in some cases it matched the exact dollar amount he requested. In other cases, the line item may not have matched what he wanted but it would have provided temporary funding until a final budget would be negotiated and adopted.

The procedure unveiled Thursday, called the Committee of the Whole, allows members of the House to convene and openly discuss a particular topic in an effort to come to a compromise. In this case, members would debate a general appropriations act for 2009-10. If a majority of members agree to any particular proposal, it would then be recommended the House consider it in legislative session, where it could be voted.

“The Committee of the Whole approach is another way my colleagues and I are trying to break this impasse,” Brooks explained. “It is past time to put the great people of Pennsylvania before partisan politics. It is time to bring every budget proposal to the House floor for a vote and to give every member a voice in providing a balanced and fiscally responsible budget that reflects the challenging times we are in.”



CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

Brooks said the budget proposals she and her colleagues have put forth respond to all the people who have said for years that government needs to live within its means.

“We understand that the money in these budgets is your money, paid by the hard-working people of Pennsylvania. You demand that your government make the same difficult choices that your families have to make when there are shortfalls in your budgets,” she said. “Overwhelmingly, across this state, people have said they cannot afford to send more of their money to Harrisburg. It is with this in mind that we are working to strike a bipartisan and balanced approach to Pennsylvania’s budget. We have proposed funding core government services but curtailing state spending.

“It is unfortunate that those who seek to do business as usual and spend beyond their means are the very ones who have created this crisis for so many. They continue to believe the only way government can operate is to ask taxpayers for more of their hard-earned money instead of government tightening its belt, prioritizing spending, becoming more efficient and eliminating welfare fraud and abuse,” Brooks said.

She further explained that the people who cling to overspending and over borrowing continue to underestimate Pennsylvanians and fail to realize the devastating impact a type of tax increase would have on families, jobs and communities.

“Let us be clear. We do care about our children, and this is why we will not mortgage their future by placing more and more debt upon them,” she said. “I am hopeful this new approach will help show that the rank-and-file members are serious about getting a budget done.”

The procedure is being introduced in the House as a temporary rule by Rep. Craig Dally (R-Northampton) and was announced at a Capitol press conference in Harrisburg Thursday afternoon.

Rep. Michele Brooks

17th District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

(724) 588-8911
(800) 457-2040
(814) 337-8132

(717) 783-5008

Member Site: RepMicheleBrooks.com
Caucus Site: PAHouseGOP.com

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Buhl Day: Political Rules Provide Political Power to a Non-Political Group

Written by Roberta Biros

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, September 7th was Labor Day. In Hermitage, the day is referred to as “Buhl Day” (as the term “Labor Day” is too political). A community day with numerous activities was scheduled for Buhl Farm Park. The schedule included a 5K race, parade, car show, entertainment, and food . . . lots and lots of food.

Due to established rules of Buhl Farm Park (read HERE), activities on the grounds of Buhl Farm cannot be of a political or activist nature. The “rules” of the Buhl Day parade stated that the parade needed to remain “non-political”, and could, therefore, only include “elected officials”. Candidates for political races were not permitted to walk in the parade, but they were allowed to walk the parade route prior to the parade which began at 9:30am. As an additional limitation, there is no “politicking” permitting within Buhl Farm Park. Rule #30 of the General Rules and Regulations [read HERE] reads as follows:

“Meetings or speeches of any kind advocating or in opposition to religion, politics, labor, or other controversial subjects are not permitted. No handbills, signs, placards, pictures, pamphlets, periodicals, or other literature on such topics or other controversial subjects shall be distributed or posted on Buhl Farm property.”

Rules are rules . . . right? Well, let’s just see about that.

For those of you that are unfamiliar with Mercer County politics, I’d like to explain that there is only one (1) contested county-wide race in Mercer County this year, and that is the race for the office of Mercer County Treasurer (Biros vs. Steese-Richardson). Due to the “parade rules”, Biros (that’s me) was NOT permitted to take part in the parade because she is not an “elected official”. Her opponent, Steese-Richardson, was not only permitted to be in the parade, but she was permitted to “politick” in the parade with campaign signs and a campaign vehicle (with loudspeakers and music leading the way). I think that if there is to be no “politicking”, it should hold true for elected officials too, but that was simply not the case. By allowing an “incumbent candidate” to politick in the parade and prevent her opponent from politicking, Buhl Farm is in itself being “selectively political”.

More importantly, however, a candidate (not an elected official) for District Judge (Greenville, 3-3) WAS permitted to be in the parade with campaign vehicle and campaign attire . . . clearly breaking the established rules of the parade. By allowing a “candidate” to politick, Buhl Farm again is being “selectively political”.

While the rules seem unfair and unbalanced in general, the fact that the rules were clearly broken by allowing some “candidates” (incumbent or otherwise) to “politick” in the parade is dishonest. Where is the fairness? By only preventing ONE (1) candidate to be in the parade, Buhl Farm Park and the Buhl Day Committee were “being political”.

I was mad as a hornet about it, and I addressed a Buhl Farm Park employee about the issue at the end of the parade. Moments later, I was chased down by a Buhl Farm Committee member and told that I was “not allowed to be here” (at the Buhl Day festivities). My husband and I were told that by wearing shirts that said “Elect Biros County Treasurer” within the park, we were “politicking” and needed to leave the grounds. If we did not leave, we would be forcibly removed. I asked to make a formal complaint, and I was told that “the park and the courthouse are closed today . . . if you want to make a complaint you will need to do so tomorrow”. I asked if I would be arrested if I remained, I was told “yes”. I explained that I would prefer, therefore, to be arrested. I was told “you don’t want to do that”. It was then explained that if I wanted to stay on the grounds I would be required to remove my shirt.

EMBARASSING, UNFAIR, DISRESPECTFUL, AND (yes, I’m going to say it) SHAMEFUL.

Buhl Farm Park and the Buhl Day Committee want to give the community the impression that they are a fair and non-partisan organization, yet their actions clearly show otherwise. They have very specific political views and opinions, and they promote those opinions through the use of force and threats. Their actions (of being political) break their own rules. Buhl Farm Park is clearly “politicking” on Buhl Farm property.

Hmmmm.

I have names, titles, and contact information regarding the parties involved if anyone or any organization is interested.

SPECIAL NOTE:

I contacted the Buhl Farm Park office prior to publishing this post. I was told (in no uncertain terms) that I was treated unfairly and the episode was an error on the part of the Buhl Day Committee. I was told that it would be discussed and they would attempt to prevent it from happening in the future. When I asked for a formal, written, and public apology, my request was denied. I gave Buhl Farm Park the opportunity to rectify this matter on their own, but they refused. I, therefore, will leave the issue to the power of public opinion.

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SHOCKING NEWS: Recent Poll Shows That People Are “Mad As Hell” at the State Government

Written by Roberta Biros

My own experiences have shown that people are really ticked off at the Pennsylvania State Government right now. The lack of a “proper budget” is causing problems for individuals, families, and businesses and people are speaking up. While attending local fairs and during door-to-door visits, comments from Mercer County residents regarding our Governor and State Legislature have been less than flattering.

My experiences were backed up this week by the recent publication of results from a Franklin and Marshall College Poll which shows that public opinion for Pennsylvania State Government is at an all time low [read the full publication of the poll HERE].

According to the poll:

Currently only one in three (33%) state residents believes the state is headed in the right direction, and only a quarter (27%) of registered adults believes the quality of state government in Pennsylvania is excellent or good.

While the overall opinion of State Government is very poor, people are seemingly at a loss on who to blame. Again, according to poll results,

Governor Rendell’s favorability ratings are the lowest they have been since taking office in 2003, as are his job performance ratings. At this point, fewer than three in ten (29%) registered adults in the state say the governor is doing an excellent or good job. As poorly as the governor fares, ratings for the state legislature are even lower — not a single respondent rated the legislature’s performance as excellent. More than three in four (78%) registered adults believe the state legislature is doing a fair or poor job.

The results of the poll show the overall frustration of people throughout the state. They don’t really know (or care) about how we got here, they just want the problem fixed. I, on the other hand, have a very strong opinion about where to lay the blame, so I’d like to restate my opinion from last week [read the full story HERE] as follows:

I’ve been personally talking to many voters in Mercer County lately. Many have brought up their concerns regarding the budget. Many are also under the misunderstanding that our State Representatives are to be blamed for this mess. I’ve had folks specifically blaming State Representative Mark Longietti and State Representative Michele Brooks for the stalemate in Harrisburg, and specifically saying that neither one should receive support for re-election because of it. Now hold on just a minute----I’d like to point out that individual Representatives are not responsible for the problems that are occurring with the budget standstill at this point. Beginning in May, the budget was controlled by a handful of legislators in the Appropriations Committee. Most recently, the budget has been in the hands of the six legislative leaders that make up the conference committee. State Representatives are working independently to come up with ideas and possible solutions, but the responsibility sits firmly in the laps of the Appropriations Committee, the conference committee, and the Governor. State Reps like Mark Longietti and Michele Brooks haven’t even had an opportunity to vote on a final budget yet. They are simply hostages in these negotiations like the rest of us. Let’s wait until after the General Assembly has voted on a final budget before we start pointing fingers and blaming our legislators . . . that is if we EVER get the opportunity to see a "final budget".

In Closing . . .

I’ve had lots of people lately tell me that “The Governor is not to blame for this mess”. The comments generally come from fellow Democrats who feel that they need to defend the Governor and his actions. My response to these comments is always the same. I, personally, feel that the Governor is doing a horrible disservice to ALL elected officials right now. His lack of leadership on this matter is destroying Republicans AND Democrats alike. 2010 will be a big election year for our legislature. The longer the budget impasse drags on, the more difficult the “road to re-election” will be for every incumbent State Senator and State Representative. The Governor doesn’t care because his career in Harrisburg is at an end. Rather than trying to help his own party by trying to smooth things over, the Governor is ONLY concerned about his own “legacy”. His “legacy” may eventually be that he was able to single-handedly unseat HUNDREDS of legislators (including Democrats) through his lack of leadership.

As always, just my opinion.

Commonwealth Foundation: Tolling I-80 is a Recipe for Disaster

THE FOLLOWING IS AN IMPORTANT REPUBLICATION FROM THE COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Michael J. Nerozzi
09.03.09

Once again, state lawmakers, bureaucrats and special interest groups are looking for another way to grab more money from Pennsylvanians. The latest rendition is tolling Interstate 80 across the northern tier of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the I-80 tolling proposal doesn’t comply with federal law, ignores much-needed reform in transportation funding, and will harm Pennsylvania’s economy.

As it turns out, the I-80 tolling scheme was never a true “toll” but rather a tax on I-80 drivers. Instead of funding improvements, maintenance, and operation of the road itself, I-80 toll revenue would be diverted to fund other road projects around the state, as well as mass transit in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Not only is this redistribution inequitable, it is illegal. The federal program which allows tolling of some federal highways requires toll revenue to be used exclusively on the highway from which it was derived. The proposed tolling of I-80 does not meet this criterion, but that hasn’t stopped an intense lobbying and public relations campaign by the Turnpike Commission and its allies.

Much of the argument for I-80 tolls is based on the premise that transportation—particularly road and bridge repair—has been underfunded in Pennsylvania. But there’s more to that story. State transportation spending increased 121% from 1995 to 2009—more than triple the rate of inflation. Even before Act 44—which allowed the Turnpike Commission to borrow billions—state road, bridge, and highway spending had increased 90% through 2007, fueled by one of the highest gasoline tax rates in the country.

Pennsylvania does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. In fact, in 2006 the Pennsylvania Transportation Funding and Reform Commission (PTFRC) recommended: “no additional funding should be provided for highways, bridges and transit unless a series of parallel actions are taken to reform funding structure and a number of transportation business practices.” Yet Act 44 and the tolling of I-80 is designed to generate additional funding without the reforms on the spending side of the ledger.

One of the biggest parasites of transportation dollars is Pennsylvania’s Prevailing Wage Law. Under this statute, all public projects are required to pay wages set by the state, which increases the cost to taxpayers by up to 30%. By not allowing the market to determine wages, taxpayers annually pay billions in excess costs. To get true infrastructure reform, Pennsylvania needs to axe this antiquated and wasteful policy.

Finally, Act 44 would put tolling I-80 into the hands of one of the most corrupt and inefficient government agencies in the state, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). Turning I-80 over to the PTC would ensure further inefficiencies and exacerbate the Keystone State’s transportation problems.

The PTC has long been known as an agency marked by patronage and corruption. It is no coincidence that Vince Fumo, the Philadelphia State Senator convicted on 137 counts relating to corruption, conspiracy and fraud, frequently utilized the agency to spend other people’s money. Placing something as vital to Pennsylvania’s economy as transportation infrastructure in the hands of corrupt PTC bureaucrats is quite simply a recipe for disaster.

While tolling, at least to some extent, will likely be part of the long-term transportation solution, it should be a part of comprehensive reform. Tolls should be linked to the road itself, as a true user fee, not just a generic source of revenue. I-80 shouldn’t be tolled to fund roads in another part of the state, while I-79 in Pittsburgh or I-95 through Philadelphia remains untolled. Tolling should be used to replace tax revenue, not simply increase funding for a wasteful bureaucracy. Private companies should competitively bid on the right to manage new toll roads, instead of giving another sweetheart deal to the Turnpike Commission. And toll roads should not be used to subsidize mass transit systems, which should also face competitive bidding and be funded primarily by users.

Tolling I-80 is nothing more than a new revenue scheme of the Turnpike Commission, by the Turnpike Commission, and for the Turnpike Commission. Until Pennsylvania lawmakers reform how they spend current transportation dollars, it is absurd to talk about ways to generate new revenue.

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Michael J. Nerozzi is a Research Associate with the Commonwealth Foundation (www.CommonwealthFoundation.org), an independent, nonprofit public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg.