Issues

Health Care
I support Gov. Rendell's Health care initiative. In its own preamble it speaks of being the first step in solving the the Health care crisis. View this at www.ohcr.state.pa.us. Most of us don't need an explanation of our current health care crisis as we are all living it. The struggle to have insurance coverage for ourselves, family and to some employees is long over due in a solution. We need our legislators to get on a time table of urgency to solve this cruel crisis.
Tax Reform
With the burden of school tax on real estate becoming an ever increasing hardship the time to act is now. I support efforts to shift real estate taxes to discretionary spending income sources as well as on to those that can afford it. The burden is too great for those on fixed incomes with the yearly increases out pacing the ability to pay. That not only refers to the retired and handicapped but also refers to most of us who have jobs that no longer have much in the way of annual pay increases. As we've seen in these recent economic times, the economic burden on the middle class has led to the end of what I can best describe as a pyramid scheme. A healthy middle class that can still work towards the American dream is what really keeps our country prosperous.
Sustainable Growth
The legislature needs to give local municipalities the tools to ensure responsible growth is taking place. Most municipalities have been powerless against large developers. Along with individual municipalities there is a need for regional cooperation on development impact. The legislature can go along way in setting laws that will benefit residents and developers alike in clearing up disputes on development before long and costly court proceedings happen.
Legislature Reform
Aside from the major issues I've mentioned there is legislature reform. I support recent initiatives to open up our government to more scrutiny. What I would also work for is reform of the processes. Expedited legislation in a responsible fashion will lead to great cost savings and better accountability of our legislature.