Don't bail out the Auto Makers!

Since the 1970s, Detroit’s Big Three auto makers have failed to keep up in the competitive auto industry. Now they are begging the federal government for a bailout to the tune of $75 billion!
Ten years ago the Big Three posted a combined profit of over $16 billion dollars. But management failed to wisely invest these profits.
The Big Three are heavily weighed down by irresponsible labor costs. The problem in the auto industry is caused by unrealistic union contracts written decades ago. These contracts did not give the industry the flexibility it needed to respond to market changes and burdened the industry with legacy costs.
General Motors is leading the call for the $75 billion taxpayer bailout, speeding up the $25 billion loan program to develop fuel-efficient vehicles, $25 billion in general support to keep the companies operating, and $25 billion to bailout promises to union benefits.
It is time to draw the line in the sand when it comes to federal bailouts. Please contact you U.S. Senators an Representatives and urge them notto support a bailout of the Big Three auto makers.

No New Taxes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is running a surplus this year. Budget projections underestimated the amount of revenue that is actually going to the commonwealth. In April, the state government collected more than $3 billion in tax dollars. This money should be used to provide tax relief to Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, some are calling for more spending and taxes.
Gov. Rendell’s budget opens the door to future massive tax hikes on Pennsylvanians. He is pushing for HillaryCare in Harrisburg, which would require more of our hard-earned tax dollars. More than likely, Gov. Rendell will increase taxes on tobacco, which does not make much sense.
Cigarette taxes rarely bring in the amount of money desired, due to the fact that smokers tend to avoid the tax by purchasing cigarettes on the internet or in nearby states. Gov. Rendell and lawmakers should avoid raising taxes and should instead find ways to cut government excess and reduce the tax burden for average Pennsylvanians.

State Legislator's COLA. Do they deserve one?

December 1, 2008 will provide a 2.8% salary increase for legislators, raising the rank and file pay to $78,315 with top leaders as high as $122,000. So far, state legislators have met in formal session in Harrisburg for about 10 days since July. The legislature will meet for one day in early January to be sworn in for the 2009-10 session, but won't be back until later in January. With the exception of Kevin Murphy defeating Frank Andrews Shimkus; Representatives Staback, Wansacz, and Smith have once again run unopposed for another term. With the new session beginning just less than two months away let us look at what they have (or haven't) done. After the infamous pay raise of 2005, Pennsylvania still has one the most expensive legislatures in the country, the second largest legislature/full-time legislative staff, and have taken several COLA's (cost of living adjustments). State lawmakers promised to reform and touted 2007 the "ye ar of reform". The fact of the matter is that 2007 ended without a single law being enacted to raise standards of public integrity. This years budget includes $750 million in WAM's (walking around money) to pass out for projects in their districts, up from $640 million last year. This violates the state Constitutions separation of powers by giving lawmakers a direct hand in spending money appropriated to executive agencies. Last year legislators slush fund increased from $215 million to $241 million. This money could fund the State Ethics Commission for 115 years. Media reported in 2006 that $6 million was paid by the House for "public service ads" for incumbent lawmakers and in 2007, Media reported four legislative caucuses spent $500,000 for partisan polling. This money is supposed to come from political party expenses not at the expense of the taxpayer. Pennsylvania is the only state where this occurs. In 2006, M edia reported, $50,000 in gifts to lawmakers. Public officials are allowed to accept "gifts" of $250 without ever having to report them.

In closing let's not forget about criminal charges brought against 12 lawmakers and their staff, a Pa. senator indicted on 139 counts of public corruption, and the state's attorney general working with a grand jury investigating $3.6 million in bonuses. There is more but space constraints will not allow me to express what they "have done". These "leaders" do not need a cost of living adjustments! What they need is concerned citizens to look at what they are (or aren't) doing for us. Citizens need to follow the next two years of these elected officials careers and look at what these public servants are (or aren't) doing.