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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT:
Ann Collis |
State Rep. Bryan Lentz |
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July 3, 2007
House Democrats lead charge on investing in Pennsylvania’s future
By state Representative Bryan Lentz
In recent days, we have heard a lot from Republicans in this county and state about what they are against. As state budget deliberations continue, I want the people of Delaware County to know what I am for: I am for good policy over politics and patronage.
I support, and will continue to support, forward-thinking legislation to make wise investments in energy independence, pre-kindergarten education, Classrooms for the Future and access to health care.
I promised in my campaign to work hard to find a dedicated source of funding for both mass transit and road and bridge maintenance. Pennsylvania is faced with 5,913 structurally deficient bridges (the highest number of any state), 8,528 miles of roads in poor condition and a 25 percent cut in transit service looming in the future.
Those statistics paint a bleak picture not only for Delaware County residents who use our mass transit system, but for our economy and environment. Mass transit is of particular concern to residents in Delaware County, who rely on SEPTA to commute to work and avoid clogged arteries like I-95 and I-476. We also need a first-class system of roads and bridges. More than 12 million residents rely on Pennsylvania’s infrastructure to support every aspect of their daily lives.
For 10 years, under a Republican-controlled legislature, our roadways, bridges and mass transit systems were left in a state of neglect. Despite a massive funding shortfall for transportation, the Republican leadership in Harrisburg was ready to go home for the summer – yet again without taking action to solve the transportation funding crisis.
House Democrats alone introduced a bill to solve the transportation crisis. Our bill created a long-term solution, and did not (as some have claimed) “cede control to Philadelphia.” In fact, Delaware County gained a seat on the SEPTA board under our plan, and the vote necessary to override the Philadelphia veto was reduced from 75 percent to 70 percent. As a result, Delaware County’s veto power on the SEPTA board would be virtually unchanged; all but one of the non-Philadelphia votes would still be required to override a veto.
Democrats have also taken a stand to fight for our children through measures such as Pre-K Counts and Classrooms of the Future. Pre-kindergarten education is a proven way to ensure that our children achieve in school. The early investment pays off big in the years ahead by increasing the rate of graduation from high school and reducing the need for intensive tutoring in later years. Likewise, incorporating technology into the classroom is essential to keeping our children competitive in the modern world; just ask the students and parents at Springfield High School about the benefits of a computer on every desk.
The Republican budget cut both of these educational initiatives. Under the Republican budget, Ridley High School – which is poised to get a “Classrooms of the Future” grant to purchase computers – would go another school year without this advantage.
As with transit and education, the energy package that the Republicans are blocking is critical to our state’s future. With rate caps coming off, we must act now to prevent spiraling prices. By investing 45 cents per month (half a cup of coffee) Pennsylvania residents would be eligible for almost $1,000 in energy rebates and savings. We also must do whatever we can to reduce our nation’s reliance on foreign oil. Our troops are not fighting overseas because of oil, but you can be sure that the despotic leaders in the Middle East supporting terrorism and attacks on our soldiers are in power because of oil. We now have a chance, with a minimal investment, to eliminate any Pennsylvania money from going to Middle East oil in within 10 years. We should act.
These are the things I am fighting for in Harrisburg. I will continue to fight for the people of Delaware County and for good policy over politics and patronage.
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