League of Women Voters Lunch

Several members of DWMC attended the lunch and submitted questions to our PA State Representatives. There were about 32 people attending the lunch.

Legislature Dick Stevens talked about changes in Voter laws, photo ID, and reduce size of legislature.

Mark Longietti spoke about voting Access, early voting. PA is one of only 15 states without early voting.
Same day registration is a trend in other states increasing participation by 10%. Campaign finance reform. Verified ballot trail.

Senator Bob Robins spoke about voter registration.
Question:
Funding for education:
Mark Longietti spoke about unequal cuts to low income and rich districts.
How to pay for education? eliminate bonus depreciation. Look at how other states fund education.
Stevenson spoke about the state budget. 5.4 Billion the highest ever.

The next question addresses social services. How will you address the needs.
Robins said provide good paying jobs.
He said you had 12 years of free education why did you not take advantage of it?


Stevens also wants to make PA more job friendly with lower taxes for employers.
No help on social services.

Natural Gas tax and Tax Credits for job creation. House hold income is declining in PA.
Mark L:
We need to invest in creating world class workforce by funding education.

Question; Top three legislative issues you will address:
Dick S.
1.Transportation needs,
2. Pension reform
3. Privatize state liquor stores
Bob R.
1. Transportation and bridge repair
2. Budget 40% education
3. Libraries addressing the new technology and mandated advertising laws.
Legislation mandated advertisements on line to save $$.

State questions done
Now local questions:
Question:
Extraction tax for natural gas drilling?
We need this, other states have 5% to 7% tax Marcellus Shale effects counties even when drilling is not local. Roads are effected by trucks passing thru.

Mark L. Priorities:
1. Criminal street gang legislation

2. Implement School Library Study that funds and promotes libraries.

3. Jobs and focused tax policy to create jobs. Made in PA economic development help for manufacturing.

Stevens talked about the Natural Gas Industry paying taxes even without extraction tax. We have never had an extraction tax before and he would not support such a tax.

Stevenson on gun violence. No change on gun laws. Look at other causes, movies, family structure, other questions.
Robbins wants to look at mental health and social issues. No gun law changes.
These are the notes I took during the question answer session.