GOP Roundup

This weekly summary of important events on Capitol Hill is provided by Rep. Mike Peifer, R-139.

Appropriations Committee Holds Budget Hearings

The House Appropriations Committee recently held a budget hearing in advance of the governor’s budget speech on Feb. 9. Testifying before the committee were the elected heads of the state’s row offices. Among the issues that garnered the most attention was state Auditor General Jack Wagner’s critical comments on the Department of General Service’s recent sale of the state office building in Pittsburgh. Wagner testified the building was sold well below the appraised value and was a bad deal for state taxpayers. Other points noted by the row offices were requests for increased funding for personnel, much of which were necessary due to increases in union contracts and the need to pay deferred health care costs. Gov. Ed Rendell delivered his budget address on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Given that the state is already facing a $374 million revenue shortfall, House Republicans remain committed to reducing spending and not raising taxes for the 2010-11 budget. For the latest budget news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Lawmaker Calls for Increased Protection of Veterans

In light of recent news reports indicating problems within two of the state veterans’ homes that received poor ratings from a federal agency inspection in early 2009, Rep. Russ Fairchild (R-Union/Snyder), Republican chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, is authoring legislation to address the timeliness of reporting such inspection results. Since news of problems at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home and the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in Scranton came long after they occurred, Fairchild’s legislation would require the Office of the Adjutant General to inform the respective House and Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees and the Pennsylvania State Veterans Commission within 30 days of any and all federal and state licensure inspection findings and reports concerning the six state veterans’ homes. The goal of the legislation is to ensure the proper oversight committees in the Legislature are promptly and adequately informed of any problems at the state veterans’ homes. For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Rebates Available for the Purchase of Hybrid Vehicles

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering rebates to Pennsylvanians who have recently purchased or leased hybrid electric vehicles. Pennsylvania’s Hybrid Electric Vehicle Rebate Program offers a $500 rebate while funds are available for vehicles that have a combined EPA city and highway rating of greater than 55 miles per gallon, with a carbon footprint of fewer than seven tons per year of carbon dioxide. The rebate program is scheduled to end March 6. Applications will be accepted up to six months after the date of purchase. For more information on the rebate program, visit Peifer’s Web site at RepPeifer.com.

GOP Highlights From Harrisburg

State Rep. Mike Peifer, R-139, released the following state capital roundup for the week of February 1:

House GOP Elects New Appropriations Chair

Rep. William Adolph (R-Delaware County) was elected as the new House Republican Appropriations Committee Chairman. Former Appropriations Chairman Rep. Mario Civera (R-Delaware County) resigned as chairman upon his election to the Delaware County Council. Both Adolph and House Republican leaders emphasize that they will continue to work toward restraining government spending and fighting for no new or increased taxes to protect Pennsylvanians and get the state on the road to economic recovery. Adolph takes the reins as the House Appropriations Committee began 2010-11 budget hearings this week. For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Republicans Introduce Legislation To Protect Health Care Freedoms

Concerned citizens and lawmakers joined House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Stan Saylor (R-York) and Reps. Matt Baker (R-Bradford/Tioga) and Curt Schroder (R-Chester County) in announcing legislation aimed at protecting Pennsylvania’s 10^th Amendment right to reject a massive federal government intrusion on health care. Baker has authored House Bill 2053, the “Health Care Freedom Act,” which would preserve individual rights in choosing not to participate in a government-run health care plan, while also safeguarding important patient-doctor relationships. Schroder’s House Bill 2179 is a joint resolution which would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to protect a citizen’s right to choose his or her own health care plan and to purchase health care insurance from the company of his or her choice. Estimates show that if implemented, a government-run health care program would hit Pennsylvania with more than $1 billion in increased costs and also greatly infringe on an individual’s right to make his or her own health care decisions. For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Proposal Bans Text Messaging While Driving

The House has approved legislation banning junior drivers from using any wireless communication devices while driving, and prohibiting all drivers from text messaging or using hand-held cell phones behind the wheel. Attempting to address concerns that cell phone users aren’t the only drivers who may become distracted, Rep. Chris Ross (R-Chester County) offered an amendment assessing an additional fine on drivers distracted by things such as reading newspapers or books, applying makeup, shaving or eating. The amendment was not included as part of the final bill, which passed 189-6 and is now on its way to the Senate for consideration.

Budget Hearing Highlights Economic Outlook

Members of the House Appropriations Committee held a hearing on Pennsylvania’s economic outlook. Those testifying – including James Diffley of Global Insight and Richard Lang of the Federal Reserve Bank. They reiterated that although some signs of the recession are over, jobs and the economy are unlikely to show any signs of real growth until 2012. House Republicans remain concerned that the governor’s proposed spending increases for the 2010-11 budget will be unsustainable and are again calling for a responsible budget that controls growth and reflects today’s economic conditions. For the latest budget news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Delaware Twp. GOP To Meet

DINGMANS FERRY – The Delaware Township Republican Club will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 8 at the Delaware Township Municipal Building on Wilson Hill Road. Registered Republicans interested in issues and giving back to the community are invited to participate. Light refreshments will be served.

GOP Dinner To Feature Toomey

MATAMORAS – To celebrate the history of the Republican Party and Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican President, the Pike County Young Republicans will be co-hosting a Lincoln Day Dinner on February 16 with the Matamoras Republican Club.  The dinner, to be held at the Riverview Inn in Matamoras, will include special guest speaker Pat Toomey, candidate for U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania, and will allow Pike County voters an opportunity to meet local and statewide candidates.  The event will also be the first opportunity for many voters to meet Snyder County Commissioner Malcolm Derk, candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 10^th Congressional District.  Other special guests may include Pennsylvania Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett, candidates for Lieutenant Governor Steve Johnson and Joe Watkins, and many local elected officials, political leaders, and activists.

Due to the direction the Commonwealth and Country are going, many people are upset and want their voices to be heard.  The Lincoln Day Dinner will give Republican and conservative voters an opportunity to speak with their candidates and get to know the candidates as people instead of just a face on television.  It is also a great chance for those people who have never been very active in politics before to get a more involved.

The event is open to everyone and will begin with a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $30 per person and should be purchased in advance.  To purchase tickets please send checks to Pike County Young Republicans, P.O. Box 114, Matamoras, PA 18336 or contact PCYR Chairman Christopher Decker at CPDecker@PikeYR.comor Matamoras Republican Club President Lynn Homer at HomerLynn@optonline.com.  Opportunities for businesses and individuals to help sponsor the event are also available.  For more information on the dinner and an updated list of guests please visit www.PikeYR.com.

GOP Gears Up For 2010 Races

By Susan Koomar

DINGMANS FERRY – The calendar still says 2009, but Republican leaders in Pike County have already launched their 2010 campaign efforts.

High priorities include electing a Republican governor in Pennsylvania and defeating incumbent Democrats U.S. Rep. Chris Carney and U.S. Senator Arlen Specter.

Close to 100 candidates, activists and elected officials gathered December 4 at the Delaware Township municipal building for an event hosted by the township’s Republican Club.

“2010 is going to be a banner year,” predicted Tom Ryan, club president and event organizer. “We’re starting 2010 now.”

The first step to winning next year’s elections is getting the local GOP faithful acquainted with the races and candidates. The event featured representatives speaking on behalf of gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett and Senate candidate Pat Toomey.

Corbett supporter Dan Meuser took a shot at outgoing Gov. Ed Rendell and this year’s 100-day state budget crisis.

“[Tom Corbett] is going to deliver a budget that he can actually be proud of,” said Meuser, adding that Corbett will cut state spending and taxes to increase prosperity.

York businessman and Gulf War veteran Steve Johnson promoted his candidacy for lieutenant governor – and referenced the budget crisis.

“What if lawmakers spent 100 days talking about ways to bring businesses in (to Pennsylvania) and help businesses flourish?” he asked.

Snyder County Commissioner Malcolm Derk is considering a run against Carney.

“I know what it’s like to juggle scarce resources and meet federal mandates passed down to us [at the local level],” he said. “One thing I know for certain is we have to get that [10^th congressional district] seat back. As far as the role of government, some people believe that bigger is better. I’m not one of them.”

Derk criticized Carney’s votes in favor of the federal economic stimulus plan and health care reform.

“Those votes don’t match the values of the district. They’re not the votes of a fiscally responsible person,” he said.

Derk graduated from Susquehanna University and served on the Freeburg borough council before being elected county commissioner.

The event included members of Republican clubs in Matamoras and Blooming Grove, as well as the Pike County Young Republicans. Ryan was “overwhelmed” by the turnout.

“We’re just a small club that decided to have an event,” he said. “This is grassroots. This is it.”

Ryan hopes to promote unity among Pike’s Republicans.

“We have to be unified in our approach and speak with one voice,” he said.

Plans In Works For Pike PAC

MILFORD – Pike County Republicans are working on plans to give their rural county comparable political clout to places with more people and resources.

Chris Decker, president of Pike County Young Republicans, is working with counterparts in Wayne and Susquehanna counties, as well as the state Republican Committee, to form a political action committee that will have an office, computers, phones, staff and organization dedicated to getting out the vote and winning elections.

Decker hopes to have the office open by mid-February – plenty of time to get to work on primary races.

“We need the infrastructure to be effective in upcoming campaigns,” he said.

The Pike County Young Republicans became chartered in July as an official affiliate of both the state and national young Republican organizations.

Decker hopes local GOP activists can maximize their impact by joining forces on the PAC project.

“By working together, we can do more,” he said.

To volunteer or obtain more information, visit pikeyr.com. The group also has an active Facebook page.

GOP Candidates Gear Up For Election Day

PORT JERVIS-On Thursday, September 10, the Port Jervis Republican City Committee celebrated the grand opening of its official campaign headquarters.  More than 50 people attended the event to show their support for the 2009 GOP team, including several enthusiastic supporters who signed up to volunteer their time for the campaign effort.

Campaign chairman Bob Eccleston formally introduced the slate of candidates, including mayoral candidate Russ Potter, councilman-at-large candidate Dean Aumick, and councilman candidates Jimmy Hendry and Mike McCarthy (1st Ward), George Belcher and Bob Ritchie (2nd Ward), John Wortmann and Denis Livingston (3rd Ward), and Stan Siegel and Judy Oppelt (4th Ward.)

“The next mayor and Common Council will operate in a challenging economic environment as the financial difficulties that now face New York State could have a serious impact on the city budget,” Eccleston explained.  “However, our mayoral candidate Russ Potter has the intellect and determination to meet the many challenges of the future.”

Referring to the Republican candidates’ combined 44 years of previous Common Council service, Eccleston stated, “Russ Potter will be the beneficiary of the many years of experience that his colleagues will bring to the table.”

Port Jervis residents are invited to visit the campaign headquarters – located at 116 Jersey Avenue, across from Subway – to learn more about the candidates or for general information about the 2009 election.  Volunteers are available to assist first-time voters and new Port Jervis residents to complete their voter registration cards.  In order to participate in the 2009 election, voters must register by October 9.

The campaign headquarters hours of operation will be will be based on the availability of campaign volunteers.  From now until Election Day, volunteers are needed to staff the campaign headquarters, conduct voter registration drives, assist with public events, and participate in get-out-the-vote efforts.

For more information about the 2009 Port Jervis Republican team or to learn more about the various exciting volunteer opportunities, e-mail PJRepublicans@gmail.com or call Brian Siegel at (845) 750-9765.

Port Jervis GOP Ready To Campaign

The Port Jervis Republican Party opened its 2009 campaign headquarters on Thursday at 116 Jersey Avenue, across from Family Dollar and Subway.

The 2009 Port Jervis Republican team includes: candidate for mayor Russell R. Potter, candidate for councilman-at-large Dean A. Aumick, candidates for first ward councilmen James M. Hendry III and Michael W. McCarthy, candidates for second ward councilmen Robert C. Ritchie and George A. Belcher, candidates for third ward councilmen – John W. Wortmann and Denis A. Livingston, and candidates for fourth ward councilmen Stanley B. Siegel and Judith A. Oppelt.

The 2009 Republican team has a combined 44 years of previous common council experience and includes four incumbent councilmen, along with two former councilmen-at-large who are running this year for ward council seats.

All ten Republican candidates have devoted much of their lives to serving the residents of Port Jervis through various community service organizations, including the fire department, ambulance corps, veterans’ organizations, fraternal service organizations, youth sports, scouting, and neighborhood watch groups.  As an example their lifelong commitment to community service, the Republican team has a total of more than 160 years of volunteer service to the Port Jervis Fire Department.

Volunteers are needed for campaign headquarters staffing, phone banks, door-to-door canvassing, public events, voter registration drives, and get-out-the-vote efforts.

For more information about the 2009 Port Jervis Common Council election, or to join the campaign as a volunteer, please contact email PJRepublicans@gmail.com or call Brian Siegel at (845) 750-9765.

State Capitol Roundup

Republican Leader Calls for Return to Session to Solve PA Budget Crisis

HARRISBURG – More than 40 days into the new fiscal year without a full budget, Gov. Ed Rendell’s decision to line-item veto funding for many important programs and services is taking its toll on millions of Pennsylvanians. Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson County) called on House Democratic leaders this week to return to session immediately so that schools, day care providers, mental health counseling services, preschool programs, nonprofit organizations and other vital services across the Commonwealth will not be interrupted in continuing to provide assistance to residents across the state. Thousands of college students may be forced to find other ways to fund their education in the coming weeks as the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) can neither finalize grant award amounts nor disburse money to campuses on students’ behalf until a final budget is adopted. The House-Senate conference committee, charged with reaching a budget agreement, has not met since the end of July and has not planned or announced meetings in the coming days. For the latest budget news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Gaming Expansion Considered by House Committee

The House Gaming Oversight Committee heard this week from casino executives seeking to add table games to Pennsylvania’s casinos. Legislation that would authorize table games, providing an additional revenue source for Pennsylvania, could come before the House as part of the budget process. Republican members of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, including chairman Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester County) and Rep. Paul Clymer (R-Bucks County) oppose expanding gaming in Pennsylvania, at least until sweeping reforms of the gaming process are instituted, including banning political contributions by gaming interests, prohibiting outside employment for members of the Gaming Control Board, and forbidding anyone with a felony conviction from obtaining a gaming license. For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Adolph Calls for Override of Vetoed Student Financial Aid

Rep. William Adolph (R-Delaware County) Thursday called for an override of the governor’s veto of funding for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to ensure students get the financial aid they need as they head back to college. Joined by House Appropriations Chairman Mario Civera (R-Delaware County) and Delaware County Community College officials, Adolph said the governor’s decision to blue-line PHEAA funding is leaving many students and their families wondering when or if they will get their state grants. While some higher education institutions intend to front the anticipated grant money for students, others may not be in the financial shape to do so. An estimated 172,000 state residents are eligible for need-based grants and have been held hostage by the governor. Senate Bill 850 contained $386 million for PHEAA grants, but those funds were vetoed by the governor when he signed a temporary spending plan last week. For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Weekly summary provided by Rep. Mike Peifer (R-139)

Matamoras GOP Hosting Open House

MATAMORAS - The Matamoras Republican Club is inviting the public to its Annual Open House Meeting located at Borough Hall, 10 Avenue I, in Matamoras on July 28 at 7 PM. Refreshments will be served. The Open House serves to introduce the Club to the community and show how it works as a team to get Republicans organized, including participation in the National Tea Party movements, active community involvement with “grassroot” ideas, and focusing on how individuals can make a difference on a local, county, state and national level. Please join us to share ideas. This is a free, public, casual event. Contact: Lynn, Matamoras GOP President, for more information at 845-741-1671.