Investing In Pennsylvanians’ Future
2009-2010 House Democratic Caucus Agenda:
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Policy Agenda
The 2009-2010 House Democratic Caucus agenda was created by the House Majority Policy Committee, which includes rank-and-file members, standing committee chairmen, and the leadership team. This agenda is a guide that reflects the policy issues we feel are most important in bettering the lives of all Pennsylvanians. Our caucus has always fought for equality, fairness and the protection of working families and this agenda affirms our commitment to these causes. Our agenda includes seven priority areas.
2009-2010 House Democratic Caucus Policy Agenda Areas
Economic Development To Retain And Create Jobs Accessible And Affordable Health Care Modern Infrastructure And Transportation Healthy Environment With Clean And Safe Energy Education And Job Training Opportunities Safer Communities And Stronger Consumer Protection Better Governance
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Implementing The Agenda
The following House standing committees will be implementing aspects of the 2009-2010 House Democratic Caucus Agenda: Investing In Pennsylvanians’ Future.
Aging & Older Adult Services Committee .....................................Chairman Phyllis Mundy Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee ..........................................Chairman Michael Hanna Appropriations Committee ................................................................. Chairman Dwight Evans Children & Youth Committee ........................................... Chairman Louise Williams Bishop Commerce Committee ............................................................................. Chairman Peter Daley Committee on Ethics .....................................................................Chairman Kathy Manderino Consumer Affairs Committee ........................................................... Chairman Joseph Preston Education Committee ........................................................................ Chairman James Roebuck Environmental Resources & Energy Committee ............Chairman Camille “Bud” George Finance Committee ......................................................................... Chairman David Levdansky Game & Fisheries Committee ......................................................... Chairman Edward Staback Gaming Oversight Committee ......................................................Chairman Dante Santoni, Jr. Health & Human Services Committee................................................ Chairman Frank Oliver Insurance Committee......................................................................Chairman Anthony DeLuca Intergovernmental Affairs Committee ......................................Chairman W. Curtis Thomas Judiciary Committee .................................................................Chairman Thomas Caltagirone Labor Relations Committee ............................................................. Chairman Robert Belfanti Liquor Control Committee ..........................................................Chairman Robert Donatucci Local Government Committee .......................................................Chairman Robert Freeman Professional Licensure Committee ........................................ Chairman Michael McGeehan State Government Committee .........................................................Chairman Babette Josephs Tourism & Recreational Development Committee ............. Chairman Thaddeus Kirkland Transportation Committee ........................................................... Chairman Joseph Markosek Urban Affairs Committee ................................................................. Chairman Frank Dermody Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee ...........Chairman Anthony Melio
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Investing In Pennsylvanians’ Future
Economy
Encouraging and fostering economic development is at the core of job creation and retention. We must promote entrepreneurial opportunities, revitalize our communities, recognize Pennsylvania’s role in the global economy, and prepare our workers for tomorrow’s challenges. Supporting and attracting economic development, especially green industries, through the implementation of forward-thinking policy initiatives is the best way to create family-sustaining jobs and advance our economy.
Economic Development To Retain And Create Jobs
Encourage business development and capital investment, especially in the creation of alternative energy and green jobs. Maintain investments in Pennsylvania’s core industries and support emerging industries. Promote economic development initiatives in rural, urban and suburban Pennsylvania, especially those that utilize brownfields and target underserved communities. Continue to position Pennsylvania at the forefront of the education, biotechnology and medical fields. Protect workers by advancing a fair work environment.
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Health Care
With more than 1 million of our family members, friends and neighbors having no access to health insurance, we remain dedicated to making health care accessible and affordable. In difficult economic times, it is more important than ever that we contain costs while protecting the most vulnerable by ensuring the availability of affordable health care and other critical human services.
Accessible And Affordable Health Care
Provide Pennsylvanians access to quality, affordable health care while containing costs. Promote independence opportunities for seniors, including at-home care from family, friends and neighbors. Protect vulnerable seniors from physical and financial abuse, neglect and exploitation. Assist returning military personnel and aging veterans in managing physical and mental health issues. Encourage medical research and development to fight disease and keep Pennsylvania a national leader in health sciences.
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Investing In Pennsylvanians’ Future
Infrastructure
Pennsylvania has an expansive infrastructure network that includes a variety of roadways, bridges, railways, ports, dams and airports. Our commonwealth also has an array of water, sewer, electric and telecommunications lines. Continuing to invest in the growth and modernization of our infrastructure is a vital component of economic development, job creation and safety. As a result, we will make strategic investments to serve all Pennsylvanians.
Modern Infrastructure And Transportation
Maximize federal, state and local funds and seek innovative funding partnerships for Pennsylvania’s highway, bridge, river transport and transit infrastructure needs. Explore advancement of rail-freight, high-speed and intercity rail technologies for promotion of green energies and reduction of commuter congestion. Support efforts by communities and utilities to upgrade water, gas, electric and sewer systems. Modernize utility telecommunications infrastructure while accelerating deployment of affordable and reliable broadband technology. Improve safety conditions for drivers in Pennsylvania.
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Energy
Pennsylvania is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including oil, gas, coal, timber and minerals. We must utilize and manage these resources in a manner that promotes economic growth without compromising the beauty of our commonwealth. Incumbent upon this effort is a need to develop and manage new energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal and other alternatives, to meet an ever growing demand from our state and national economies.
Healthy Environment With Clean And Safe Energy
Advance the development and use of alternative energy sources while minimizing the environmental impact. Support energy conservation through consumer education, the use of new technology and incentives for families and businesses. Promote initiatives to conserve and protect natural resources for generations of Pennsylvanians to enjoy. Ensure that Pennsylvanians receive safe and reliable electricity, natural gas and water services at reasonable rates. Encourage smart growth throughout the Commonwealth to protect farmland and open spaces while also revitalizing older, distressed communities.
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Investing In Pennsylvanians’ Future
Education
Education is the important foundation to a child’s future. We support early intervention to make sure children have the tools to become lifelong learners. Students deserve a quality education that prepares them for a successful career. Higher education institutions and job training programs must be geared toward the growth and development of a skilled workforce.
Education And Job Training Opportunities
Continue to support early childhood education efforts. Remain committed to adequately and equitable funding basic and special education. Demand fiscal accountability and efficiencies from from public schools, including charter and cyber schools. Reduce the state’s high school dropout rate and close the achievement gap by supporting stronger academic accountability and assistance in schools. Make higher education more accessible and affordable to better utilize 21st-century jobs and ensure a well-trained diverse workforce with strong academic, workplace and technical skills.
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Security
One of government’s chief responsibilities is to protect citizens. We strongly support our emergency services personnel, local police and state police efforts. We also will promote consumer confidence that fair and just business practices prevail in Pennsylvania’s marketplace. Whether in public safety or consumer transactions, we want residents and visitors to know they are protected in Pennsylvania.
Safer Communities And Stronger Consumer Protection
Coordinate intergovernmental efforts to address public safety needs with law enforcement, emergency services and judiciary. Employ initiatives to safeguard Pennsylvania’s food and water supplies. Strengthen gaming oversight to heighten integrity and produce effective revenue. Advocate for the rights of all Pennsylvanians, especially those most at risk – children, the elderly and people with disabilities. Promote professional standards that ensure quality goods and services for consumers and personal data safety. Implement measures to make our cities and towns more livable through the eradication of blight and the advancement of initiatives to facilitate the development and maintenance of safe, decent and affordable rental and owner-occupied housing.
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Investing In Pennsylvanians’ Future
Governance
Now more than ever, all levels of government must operate in a collaborative and coordinated manner. Efficient government does not end with cutting costs because it is predicated on the development of sound public policy. We will work with local and federal government to provide effective governance to better serve our citizens.
Better Governance
Encourage and incentivize better cooperation and coordination among federal, state and local governments to provide cost-effective delivery of essential services to Pennsylvania’s residents. Evaluate the Commonwealth’s tax policy with special emphasis on property tax reform. Ensure social and economic justice for all Pennsylvanians Support voter registration and Election Day policies enable Pennsylvanians to exercise their right to vote. Prioritize spending in the face of an economic crisis to preserve public safety; help families that are the hardest hit; stimulate the economy; and support jobs through strategic, affordable investments. Maintain an open and transparent state government with responsible reform while protecting Pennsylvania’s economic resources to the benefit of taxpayers and local communities.
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2009-2010 House Democratic Leadership Team
Speaker Keith McCall Majority Leader Todd Eachus Majority Whip Bill DeWeese Majority Caucus Chairman Mark Cohen Majority Caucus Secretary Jennifer Mann Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Dwight Evans Majority Caucus Administrator Ron Buxton Majority Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla
2009-2010 House Democratic Caucus Agenda: www.pahouse.com/PolicyAgenda House Majority Policy Committee: www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee House Democratic Caucus: www.pahouse.com