The LuLac Edition #2184, September 4th, 2012

DEMS FIRED UP 

The Democratic party’s first night got off to a rousing start with vigorous defenses of the President’s record. Something that President Obama has not done very well. The big question Democrats seem to have been fearing is the question, “Are You Better Off Today than Four Years Ago?” The question should be “Just where were we four years ago”? Banks were collapsing, the auto industry was on the way down, there was no job growth anywhere and no one was investing in anything because of fear. The Democrats have been running on offense tonight and that is a good thing. You might want to liken the economic condition to a dying patient. In early 2009 the entire economic structure of this country and the world was on the ropes. It was resuscitated through the Stimulus program and tough decisions made by this President. Is that dying patient running a marathon? Not yet but it is on its feet and not moving backward. It is moving FORWARD. I finally get the slogan. Hope reasonable people do too.

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17th Congressional Candidate Matt Cartwright.

CARTWRIGHT AT THE CONVENTION 

17th District candidate Matt Cartwright will be front and center at the Democratic convention in Charlotte this week. Here’s a statement issued by his press office: Marion and I are here in Charlotte by special invitation by the House Democratic leadership. We're here to witness and support the historic nomination of Barack Obama for reelection as President of the United States. This election is a make-or-break moment for the middle class. We have to bring back the values of balance and fairness that have made our country great. We can't just cut our way to success, we need an economy that’s built to last—one that out-innovates, out-educates and out-builds the world. We need to rebuild an economy that creates the jobs of the future and makes things the rest of the world buys—not one built on outsourcing, loopholes or risky financial deals that jeopardize everyone, especially the middle class. The American People Will Face a Clear Choice This Year… The President cut taxes for every working family, putting more money in the pockets of Americans who need it most. He’s also prevented a middle-class tax increase and extended vital unemployment benefits for Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Now he’s fighting to make sure the wealthiest and corporations pay their fair share. The Affordable Care Act provides stability and security to Americans who have insurance and gives those who don’t the opportunity to afford it. It puts an end to the worst industry abuses, such as cancelling coverage when someone gets sick, and will stop insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions or charging women more for insurance because of their gender. It already is insuring millions of young Americans, providing patients free preventive care, lowering costs for seniors, and will bring down costs for families and businesses. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act makes it easier for women to challenge unfair pay practices, helping all Americans earn equal pay for equal work. We either can continue to level the playing field, invest in education, American manufacturing and clean energy—or we can keep giving tax breaks to the wealthiest, let Wall Street write its own rules again, widen loopholes for corporations, and stick veterans, seniors and the middle class with the bill. I think the choice is obvious, and that's why Marion and I have come to Charlotte this week.

10th Congressional candidate Phil Scollo. 

SCOLLO ON TOBYHANNA 

Following the uproar caused by Rep. Tom Marino’s vote to eviscerate funding for the Tobyhanna Army Depot, Phil Scollo proposed an alternative plan to save Tobyhanna and create jobs in the tenth district of Pennsylvania. “I’ve heard enough talk about how we are going to create jobs. Democrats and Republicans in Congress continue to let us down. Obviously you know where someone stands on jobs when he or she votes to cut six hundred quality jobs from their local Army Depot. “That is why I am proposing the following 5-piece plan to create good American manufacturing jobs like the ones at the Depot in Pennsylvania and across our country, to help us grow all sectors of the economy going forward.” Phil Scollo outlined his plan in an op-ed published  by The Daily Item .  
 “First, we’ve got to save Tobyhanna and focus on rebuilding America’s manufacturing base. We need both U.S. Senators Casey and Toomey to push hard to restore Tobyhanna’s funding to the bill in conference committee—Senator Casey has stepped up already, but Senator Toomey now needs to join him publicly. We should create a Made in America tax break to help keep manufacturing jobs here and crack down on companies shipping jobs overseas to countries like China.  
Second, we should simplify the tax code and reduce the regulatory burdens on businesses. The Small Business Administration says regulations are a $1.75 trillion annual drag on the economy. We can no longer afford to hamstring our job creators in this way any more. Let’s also encourage innovation itself by extending the federal research and development tax credit and making sure our public schools, research universities and community colleges are able to educate and train a true 21st Century workforce, especially in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math). 
Third, a modern transportation and energy infrastructure is a requirement for both businesses and communities to grow. People from both parties agree that roads, bridges and rail systems make large-scale economic growth possible and need to be updated, which will create good jobs in the short term and stronger growth in the long term. Similarly, clean energy alternatives like renewable energy and natural gas along with a smart power grid will be critical to the next century of job creation, economic growth, conservation and environmental sustainability. And when we make infrastructure investments, the federal government must “Buy American.” Finally, we need to continue opening markets abroad where our manufacturers, businesses and innovators can sell their world-leading goods and services—but only on a level playing field, because American workers and businesses alike will outcompete anyone in a fair fight. That’s why we need to make sure nations like China are not unfairly manipulating their currency or using unlawful sweatshop labor to illegally or unjustly undercut American competitors.” 
Phil Scollo left Wall Street to start a small business in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He learned hard work and public service early from a New York City Fire Fighter, his father. His business, a management-consulting firm, has served all types of organizations from global corporations to small businesses and government agencies. Phil has lived in Dingman Township, Pennsylvania since 1998 with his wife, Karen. He is the proud father of three children.