The LuLac Edition #1115, Mar. 9th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER AND AUDITOR GENERAL JACK WAGNER.

WAGNER ON REFORM

Jack Wagner is serious about reform. Sunday he called for a Constitutional Convention in Pennsylvania. The last time that happened was over 40 years ago. On the KD-PG Sunday Edition program that aired this morning on KDKA-TV, Auditor General Jack Wagner said that "a constitutional convention is a good idea." "I am fighting the status quo as a candidate for Governor," said Wagner. "I want to change the status quo." Wagner discussed reforms such as reducing the size of the General Assembly, campaign finance reform, non-partisan congressional redistricting, and contract reform to bring competition into the procurement process. "After more than 40 years, it is time for another constitutional convention in order to directly involve the public in bringing these and other fundamental reforms to state government." The half-hour program also covered a variety of significant issues including higher education, infrastructure, and maintaining vital services without raising taxes, as well as some of Wagner's audits such as PHEAA and Megan's Law. When discussing energy policy, Wagner said "I'd like to see America get off its dependence on oil. We need to take advantage of Pennsylvania's natural resources." Wagner added that energy policy must be accomplished in an environmentally responsible manner. Wagner, twice elected with bipartisan support as the state’s independent fiscal watchdog, received record-breaking vote totals in his re-election in 2008. As a gubernatorial candidate, he has earned endorsements and support across the state. Most recently, he was endorsed by the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association, which represents more than 7,000 Pennsylvania restaurants and food service establishments. Pennsylvania’s restaurant industry plays an integral role in the state’s economy, employing more than 470,000 people and generating $16.2 billion in annual sales. He has been endorsed by dozens of local elected officials and party leaders, the affiliated political action committee of the Pennsylvania Business Council, and Henry Nicholas, President of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, and President of District 1199c of the national union. In addition, Wagner was the top vote-getter at the Democratic State Committee's endorsement meeting, earning more than 50 percent of the vote and twice the total of his nearest opponent. He earned the majority of votes in 43 county caucuses. Wagner is a decorated Vietnam War combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, former member and president of the Pittsburgh City Council, and former state senator representing Allegheny County. Between the time of his military service and his service as an elected public official, Wagner worked his way through college on the GI Bill and as a paramedic, followed by six years working as a Certified Safety Professional helping to ensure that businesses provide safe work environments for their employees.

SPECTER ON JOBS

Endorsed Democratic candidate Arlen Specter recently sent a communication on the importance of jobs as well as his role in this Senate term. Specter writes: What is required from members of Congress and the public alike is a new spirit of devotion to the national welfare beyond party or self-interest.” So reflected my colleague Sen. Evan Bayh in his recent essay published in the New York Times. I stand with him in that fundamental spirit of community. Last week, we saw a glimmer of hope in the successful bipartisan vote in the Senate for passage of the HIRE Act, a bill that has the potential to create and save over a million jobs by supporting private businesses and public agencies in making infrastructure investments. The Senate bill – which passed by a vote of 70-28 - contains provisions that both Republicans and Democrats support: a cut in payroll taxes for businesses that hire new workers; more liberal expensing rules for small business; and extending the Highway Trust Fund to create more jobs. The real test of bipartisanship will come in the months ahead as Congress deals with additional initiatives designed to put Americans back to work. Senate Democrats are focused on the next phase of our bipartisan jobs agenda which includes extending critical tax relief and safety net programs for American workers, states and businesses. The recent obstruction by Republican Senator Jim Bunning has made the last week a time of great uncertainty for tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who count on such programs to make ends meet. I am pleased that the stalemate ended and, on Tuesday, the Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill to extend long term unemployment insurance and COBRA benefits to help America’s unemployed workers support their families through these difficult times. With America’s economy showing signs of recovery, I will continue to support these efforts that will encourage businesses to hire more workers and strengthen the economy. As always, I want to hear from you on this and any other issue. Please contact me through any one of my nine offices located throughout the state and in Washington, or through my website.

DENNIS MENACING

Dennis Kucinich has been on the front lines of health care reform. Here is a fascinating video where the Congressman demolished a right wing health care advocate. Interesting viewing: