|
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Babette Josephs |
|
Josephs: House resolution could end Social Security, desegregation
HARRISBURG, April 3 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., said a Republican resolution being considered in the House State Government Committee could mean the end of such federal programs as Social Security, Medicare and food stamps for Pennsylvanians.
The committee currently is considering H.R. 49, a resolution that would declare many federal laws not specifically enumerated in the Constitution in violation of the 10th Amendment and an infringement on the state's powers. The resolution would claim sovereignty over those laws and demand the federal government repeal mandates.
"This is a particularly frightening resolution in that its ramifications could be disastrous for the Commonwealth," Josephs said. "Does adoption of this resolution mean that Pennsylvanians will no longer receive Social Security? Or Medicare? Or food stamps? All of these are federal programs that are not mentioned in the Constitution, but upon which many rely for survival. Everyone should be thinking long and hard before supporting this resolution.
"And what about desegregation? The Constitution does not say governments, public schools or businesses cannot segregate. Pennsylvania could wipe out years of civil rights advancements with a single vote."
Josephs said she and her Democratic colleagues repeatedly asked questions of their Republican counterparts about the resolution during Tuesday's committee meeting. Among the many questions was which of the "many federal laws are contrary to the Constitution?" None of their questions were answered.
The committee recessed before a vote was taken on the resolution. Josephs said she will continue to fight, as she always has, for seniors, farmers, minorities and others who are not able to fight for themselves. She will oppose this measure.
###