HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale said Pennsylvania must move decisively to build the Commonwealth’s economy and protect citizens and businesses from the ravages of the nationwide recession.
“We must not surrender by being content to weather the storm,” said George after being sworn in as a member of the 2009-10 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “We push forward – on the economy, energy, the environment and in education – or risk being trampled by mediocrity, pessimism and naysayers.”
George, now serving his 18th consecutive term in the House, said finding a responsible middle ground among those wanting to slash taxes and spending and those who think profligate state spending is the answer will be crucial to keep moving Pennsylvania forward.
“What good are programs designed to protect businesses, communities and families if they only are available when times are good?” George said. “It’s counter-productive to offer life- or business-saving assistance only when they are not needed.
“However, there’s no denying that the worse time to raise taxes is during a recession,” he said.
George applauded the election of Rep. Keith R. McCall, D-122 of Carbon and Luzerne counties, as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
As one of his first duties as Speaker for the 193rd Session of the state House, McCall re-appointed George as majority chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
George said bipartisan efforts must continue to forge an energy policy for Pennsylvania for the 21st century.
“We have made great strides in alternative and renewable energy, and a great opportunity exists with the natural gas within the Marcellus Shale deposit,” George said. “Yet, much more work must be done to ensure Pennsylvania’s energy future.”
George said Pennsylvania also must mitigate double-digit rate increases in electric-generation charges that will hammer much of the state over the next 24 months.
“Time is running out to spare the Commonwealth from rate increases that will devastate families, businesses and jobs,” George said. “It would poison a recovery and kill opportunity.”
George said the state also should consider an extraction tax on oil and gas drilling.
“Pennsylvania remains the only natural-gas-rich state that does not tax the extraction of the cleaner-burning fuel, despite facing at least a $1.6 billion budget deficit,” George said. “Some 40,000 drilling applications are expected in Pennsylvania over the next three years, and giving the industry a free ride at the expense of Pennsylvania taxpayers, water resources and economy is a poor deal.”
George said the Commonwealth needs a rising tide that lifts all Pennsylvanians.
“Household incomes have declined through most of this decade, and it’s time for a change on the issues that matter most, especially on health care, education and more property-tax relief,” George said. “We won’t turn the tide on prosperity through retrenchment and rhetoric but by action and change.”
George said the economic recovery will begin once the middle class is given a fighting chance to thrive.
“The citizens of Clearfield County and throughout the Commonwealth have worked too long and too hard to continue to swallow the lies of trickle-down economic policies,” George said. “Business will rebound once policies are enacted that enable the middle class to bounce back.”
George said he also anticipates returning as a board member on the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority – Pennvest – where he has been able to secure more than $130 million for sewer and water projects in the 74th Legislative District.
The toll-free telephone numbers for George’s Houtzdale and Harrisburg offices – (1) 866 523-5279 and (1) 866 354-0890, respectively – will remain the same. Also unchanged is his Web page address.
“My door always is open, and I’m eager to begin work for the betterment of Pennsylvania and Clearfield County,” George said. “The new session will be challenging, but a stronger Pennsylvania can be forged on the anvil of tough economic times.”
