House Democrats teed up an ambitious, aggressive agenda to aim for the  green on the issues that matter the most to working families this budget season, and as we make the turn we thought it was time to check the scorecard.

 

1. Fighting for our volunteer emergency services - Hole in One

House Democrats, led by Rep. Bryan Lentz, stood as one to fund the $25 million grant program for volunteer fire and ambulance companies and we're close to sending it to Governor Rendell to sign into law.

 

2. Protecting those who care for our loved ones - Hole in One

House Democrats, led by Rep. Dan Surra, stood as one to end mandatory overtime for nurses. Make sure your Senator can read the green and tap in the gimme putt by clicking here.

 

3. Improving access to health care for every Pennsylvanian - On the Green

We've hit it flush when it comes to putting forth a real-world agenda of health-care solutions to make sure you can afford to see your doctor when you're sick, and we're working on promoting the highest technology possible to get it done. Click here to see and hear more.

 

FORE. Making Pennsylvania cleaner and greener for the future - On the Green

We have to get the Commonwealth off the foreign oil habit, and we're doing it by promoting high-tech, high-wage industries that guarantee our Energy Independence, and we're going to fly the hazards and traps to get there for a brighter future for every man, woman, child - and even birdie.  Click here to see and hear more.

 

5. Rebuilding and funding our transportation system - On the Fairway

We're facing the hard facts about getting our fading roads, bridges, railways, highways and transit systems up to par. We're working on commonsense solutions that don't handicap taxpayers while still drawing businesses to the state. Click here to see and hear more.

 

6. Opening up Government to the people - Hole in One

We led the charge to provide you with a new approach to getting information with online access to all House voting records, streaming video of House session and now we are the ONLY caucus that offers closed captioning of session so ALL Pennsylvanians can get an open face from government. Click here to see and hear more.

 

7. Giving our students the tools they need to succeed - On the Fairway

For years we've led the fight so our schools, teachers and students can make the cut, and this year is no different. We're working to expand proven early education programs, block grant programs for tutoring and class-size reduction and greater investments in higher education.

 

8. Protecting our seniors in long-term care - Hole in One

We're in a playoff with Florida and West Virginia to determine which state is the "oldest" in the nation, but one fact is clear: we can't afford to take a mulligan on providing care to older Pennsylvanians. That's why we worked hard to reauthorize funding for care at nursing facilities so that the elderly, disabled and poor can get the care they need and deserve. The funding expires in just two weeks, and the Senate is next on the tee -- let's hope they don't slow play. 

 

9. Cutting property taxes - On the Fairway

Act 1 hit a double bogey at the ballot box. Even with $1 billion in slot gaming money on the way, we know that our homeowners want, need and deserve more relief. That's why we're examining multiple plans and using every club in the bag to cut your property taxes.  

 

The round is far from over, but House Democrats are staying atop the leader board when it comes to working for Pennsylvania.

 

(Oh .we'd also like to welcome the U.S. Open back to Pittsburgh's Oakmont)