Education

I'm committed to improving the quality of our public education system. I've worked to expand Head Start, early childhood education, and the use of technology in our classrooms to fully prepare students for college and jobs. However, the pace of rising property taxes to fund education is far exceeding inflation - many residents on fixed incomes are being overburdened and can barely afford their home because of increasing property taxes.

Do you believe we should reduce or replace property taxes to fund schools?

1) If so, what method of raising replacement revenue would be best?
Increase the Earned Income Tax levied on wages
Increase the Personal Income Tax levied on all income
Increase the Sales and Use Tax
Expand the Sales Tax to include formerly tax-free items like food and clothing
Increase the Realty Transfer Tax

In addition to increasing overall state funding for our school system by over $2 billion to reduce local tax burdens, the state has helped school districts target new strategic educational programs proven to increase student success.

2) What do you think about the quality of education provided by our schools generally?
It is high-quality and meets the needs of our students
It is good but still needs improvement
It is low-quality and doesn't meet the needs of our students
It's failing our students

Health Care

This past summer I helped enact strategic reforms to help increase the quality and efficiency of our health care system. Through the plan we'll finally start to reduce the skyrocketing costs of medical care. However, there were several proposals that were delayed until the fall that could significantly build on our efforts to prevent health problems, cut the cost of health care and increase access to quality care.

3) One measure that was passed by the House but was delayed in the Senate was my proposed statewide smoking ban that would have protected millions of Pennsylvanian workers from costly illnesses caused by second-hand smoke. This fall we will look for a compromise that promotes healthful lifestyles and reduces health-care costs. What is your opinion on a statewide smoking ban inside public places like casinos, bars and restaurants?
I support a statewide smoke-free law in all places
I oppose a statewide smoke-free law
Other

4) The governor proposed a plan to provide statewide health care coverage - Cover All Pennsylvanians. What is your opinion on providing statewide health care coverage?
The state should provide health care coverage for all Pennsylvanians
The state should leave it up to private insurers and employers
Other

Energy

This summer I advocated an energy independence strategy that I will continue to pursue during a special session on energy this fall. My bill to establish a statewide plan to increase our production and use of clean fuels, making Pennsylvania a leader in the alternative fuels market place and making us much less dependent on foreign oil, will be discussed heavily during that session.

5) What do you think of establishing benchmarks for producing and using clean and alternative fuels over the next several years?
We should pass the clean fuels strategy
The state should maintain the status quo
No Opinion

Reform

The House Speaker convened a special commission to evaluate ways to reform the "business as usual," to improve public accountability in how the Legislature conducts its affairs. The first round of reforms made significant changes to the rules and procedures we follow when passing legislation, but the next step is addressing larger reform issues.

6) What would you most like to see addressed in the next set of legislative reforms?
Campaign finance reform
Impose government open records laws
Redistricting reform
Reduce the size of the Legislature
Impose term limits on legislators

Transportation

I was proud to co-sponsor a solution that addressed the failing conditions of our roads and bridges and created a dedicated funding source for aged mass transit system across Pennsylvania, including SEPTA. It was of particular significance that the new public transportation funding plan didn't rely on raising any state taxes. However, the debate over increasing the investments in our infrastructure continues.

7) What do you think is the best option to fund transportation?
Increase the gasoline tax
Sell or lease the turnpike
Make I-80 a toll road

Gun Control

8) What is your opinion of firearms laws in Pennsylvania?
There should be stricter laws for purchasing firearms such as one gun a month.
We should use existing laws to punish criminals who use guns while committing crimes.
Lost or stolen firearms should be reported with the state
No Opinion

Fall Legislative Agenda

9) What issue would you most like to see resolved when the House reconvenes this fall?
Energy independence
Statewide indoor smoking ban
Cut Pennsylvania's business taxes
Government reform
Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund
Expanded property tax relief

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