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June 2007

 

 

 

After threatening to walk off the floor, and hold up the budget until their gun-control bills get a vote, Judiciary Committee Chairman Caltagirone agreed to hold an impromptu committee meeting "off the floor" at the end of Wednesday's session.  The committee report follows, and an article follows below that.

HARRISBURG - (6/27/07, 5:00 p.m., Room 205, Ryan Office Building)

The House Judiciary Committee met to consider one bill.

HB 29 Williams, J - (PN 54) Amends Title 18 (Crimes) providing for registry for lost or stolen firearms and for failure to report lost or stolen firearms. The Pennsylvania State Police would maintain a registry of all firearms reported lost or stolen in PA. The registry would contain the manufacturer, model, caliber, serial number and any other identifying information concerning any firearm reported lost or stolen, as well as the name of the lawful owner of the firearm. If a firearm is reported stolen to a local law enforcement agency, that agency would collect the required information and would submit it to the Pennsylvania State Police within 24 hours. A person who is the owner of a firearm that is lost or stolen and who fails, within 24 hours after the loss or theft is discovered, to report the loss or theft to an appropriate local law enforcement official commits a summary offense, punishable by a fine of up to $500. A person who is found to intentionally fail to report a loss or theft commits a misdemeanor of the first degree for a first offense and a felony of the third degree for any subsequent offense. Also, the court may enter an order prohibiting a person convicted for a violation of this section from the purchase or any other method of acquiring a firearm for a period of six months. - The bill failed and was tabled upon reconsideration. See below for votes.

A01932, by Caltagirone, A02065, by Creighton, and A02067, by Creighton, were all withdrawn.

Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) expressed concern that the requirement to report within 24 hours seems a bit short and with the inclusion of criminal penalties. Rep. Jewell Williams (D-Philadelphia) stated an individual should report a lost or stolen gun immediately upon discovery. He further explained that up to 89% of guns used in crimes are illegal guns and they should be reported. He remarked individuals purchase guns for friends or family who cannot legally purchase a gun with the intent to transfer the gun to that person, who uses it to commit a crime. When police contact the purchaser, they claim it was lost or stolen but never reported it. Rep. Vitali remarked he agrees with the intent of the bill, but he feels there is a better way to get at false claims. John Ryan, Executive Director of the Committee, noted that if a false report was made to police, that would be illegal under current law.

Rep. Bev Mackereth (R-York) questioned how it would be determined that an individual was lying. She emphasized her support for helping Philadelphia solve its issues relating to gun violence, but opined this legislation is "feel good" legislation that gives false hope. She stated the responsible owners will report lost or stolen guns, but the criminals will lie. Rep. Williams remarked his intent is to make gun owners responsible, because often when police show up after their gun has been used in a crime the gun owner states they were not aware the gun was gone.

Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) remarked that this bill doesn't change anything because what the criminals are doing is already illegal. She questioned if there is a precedent for requiring property owners to report when any other sort of property (car, TV, etc) is stolen. Ryan explained stolen vehicles must be reported.

Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) stated several hearings were held around the state on how to curb violence and this was among the top fixes requested by law enforcement. He opined this is a reasonable standard and it is up to law enforcement and the judicial system to determine if the requirements of the law are met. He added that if an individual purposely fails to report a missing gun, he should be subject to a criminal penalty. Rep. Frankel added six states have already enacted similar legislation.

Rep. Kathy Manderino (D-Philadelphia) further remarked on the testimony received and stated law enforcement want this legislation for two reasons:

·  There is an amount of ignorance among gun owners regarding gun laws and many do not report stolen guns because they fear they're violating a gun registration law, which they're not. To that end, she also expressed support for a public education component to be added to the bill.

·  Requiring a reporting of a missing gun provides police with a way to trace the history of the gun used in a crime. Ryan added this enables police to interview the person reporting the gun lost or stolen and they are usually able to get information regarding the truth.

Rep. Tom Creighton (R-Lancaster) commented the legislation could work in a perfect world. He then expressed concern with the phrase "if available", stating that most gun owners don't have the serial number or caliper of their guns. Rep. Williams remarked they can be traced based on the markings of a spent bullet.

Rep. Harold James (D-Philadelphia) explained the miseducation about gun laws can be traced to fact that registration was required in Philadelphia a number of years ago, but the law was struck down by the courts. He remarked that this legislation is just one piece of many to help Philadelphia address its violence issues.

Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) remarked that the comments offered in support of the legislation have confused the issue because they make it seem as though the intent is to address gun trafficking. However, she argued, the legislation will not address that issue and gun trafficking is already illegal. She noted that she could support the bill if it ended at line 4 on page 2, but she can't support making law-abiding citizens who have been victimized in a robbery into criminals for not noticing a missing weapon. Rep. Williams reiterated his intent is to make gun owners be responsible and report a missing gun. He remarked on a study conducted in New York City in which it was determined that the illegal guns in the city were coming from PA.

Rep. Bryan Lentz (D-Delaware) stated he has concerns with the way the bill is drafted, but will support it moving forward because law enforcement has indicated it would be a valuable tool.

Rep. Vitali raised further concerns about the difference between a summary offense and a misdemeanor. No one offered an explanation of the difference, but Ryan opined the difference may be based in the level of consciousness in the decision not to report the missing gun. Rep. Deberah Kula (D-Fayette) added that intent is the key in determining guilt.

Rep. Will Gabig (R-Cumberland) expressed concern with the unintended consequences of the legislation, noting that citizens may choose not to report a gun missing if they realize the 24 hour window has passed and they fear they may be in trouble for not complying with the law. He urged that the bill be held and worked on until a consensus can be reached.

Rep. Katie True (R-Lancaster) stated her support for mandatory sentences and opined the General Assembly is not tough enough on criminals.

The vote to report the bill as committed failed with the following Representatives voting in the negative: Kula, Joe Petrarca (D-Westmoreland), Sean Ramaley (D-Beaver), Don Walko (D-Allegheny), Jesse White (D-Washington), Minority Chairman Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin), Creighton, Craig Dally (R-Northampton), John Evans (R-Erie), Gabig, Glen Grell (R-Cumberland), Harper, Mackereth, Carl Mantz (R-Berks), Tina Pickett (R-Bradford), Todd Rock (R-Franklin), and True.

Representatives Manderino and James then motioned for the vote to be reconsidered and to table the bill to be worked on further. Both motions were unanimously adopted.

Kimberly Collins, PA Legislative Services 

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Pa. black caucus: No gun laws, no budget

Angry Phila. legislators aim to hold up spending bill over crime relief.

By Amy Worden
Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau

6-28-07

 

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/home_top_stories/20070628_Pa__black_caucus__No_gun_laws__no_budget.html

 

HARRISBURG - Anger about the lack of action on gun-control bills boiled over onto the House floor yesterday, with several African American Democrats from Philadelphia vowing to hold up passage of the state budget unless their bills are considered.

With the city's death toll approaching 200 this year, six members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus made impassioned pleas for help during an unexpected two-hour discussion about gun violence and many of its root causes: drugs, joblessness and poverty.

They were not debating a bill; none of the 14 anticrime bills introduced this session has even made it out of a House committee.

Amid a busy day filled with a slew of budget bills, Rep. Jewell Williams, chairman of the Philadelphia delegation, used a parliamentary procedure known as "unanimous consent" to voice his frustration over the stalled gun-control bills.

"I am going to make it completely clear: no gun legislation, no votes for the budget," Williams said. "Philadelphia members are constantly asked to support legislation that helps other areas of the state as our pleas for help continue to fall on deaf ears.

The Democrats hold a one-seat majority in the 203-member House. The caucus, with 17 members, could block the budget.

Rep. Thomas W. Blackwell of Philadelphia told anti-gun-control rural lawmakers, who make up the majority of the House, that he had no intention of trying to restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens.

"We're not trying to control what you do in your home," he said. "We're trying to control what's going on in the streets of Philadelphia."

Read More…..

 

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HOUSE LEADERS AND ALTERATIVE ENERGY INDUSTRIES RALLY FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

By Amy Richards, PA Legislative Services

 

6-29-07

 

“Don’t come home without an energy independence strategy,” said John Hanger, President and CEO of PennFuture, at a rally for a package of bills, HB 1200, HB 1201, HB 1202, and HB 1203, to further Pennsylvania’s alternative energy sources and economy. In conjunction with many House members, alternative energy industry leaders, and representatives from the Rendell Administration, Hanger explained there is nothing more important than energy and the economy. He added that the public overwhelmingly supports alternative energy, by a 2:1 margin, and is willing to pay fee for state’s energy investment. Hanger applauded efforts by the Rendell Administration and alternative energy groups and urged members to pass the legislation immediately.

 

Rep. Eugene DePasquale (D-York), the primary sponsor of HB 1200, called for swift passage of energy independence legislation and encouraged the state Senate to continue with important reforms. Not only would energy independence benefit people in their daily lives, it would also enhance security and reduce dependence on oil, he remarked.

 

As prime sponsor of HB 1201, Rep. Bud George (D-Clearfield) echoed similar concerns, mentioning that “we can give new meaning to independence day.” Considering the impending electric rate increase and rising gas prices, Rep. George strongly advocated for the package of bills and for an energy independence strategy.

 

“The public gets the linkage between dependence on oil and alternative energy,” emphasized Rep. Gregory Vitali (D-Delaware). As his number one priority, he explained it was prudent public policy not to delay passage of an energy independence strategy. “It’s about creating jobs in Pennsylvania,” he concluded.

 

We’ve seen gas prices increase to the point where LIHEAP can’t keep up, said Rep. Scott Conklin (D-Centre). He also pointed out that electric deregulation in 2009/10 will increase rates even more. By contacting your legislators in support of the energy independence legislation, we can get this done, stated Rep. Conklin.

 

“It’s about one thing – economic prosperity,” said Kathleen McGinty, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. “We can’t keep outpacing energy costs,” she pointed out. Secretary McGinty indicated that a “no” vote for the legislation is analogous to saying “I am for a double or triple rate increase.”

 

According to Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky, multimillion dollar corporations are moving operations out of the state, and we’ve been dealing with it for 18 months. We’re competing with other states for wind farms and solar energy projects, he said, but the companies want to know where Pennsylvania stands on alternative energy policy. “Everyday we wait, we lose projects,” remarked Secretary Yablonsky.

 

In addition to members of the General Assembly and the Administration, alternative energy advocates and industries, such as the Sierra Club, Pennsylvania Council of Churches, PennEnvironment, SunEdison, and Iberdrola, joined in the call for energy independence to enhance the economy and reduce global warming.

 

Hanger concluded by saying the public is demanding energy independence and recognizes the need for this crucial plan for Pennsylvania.

 

The legislators and leaders then answered questions from the press.

 

You talked about future savings and project numbers, can you provide data on what is going on now?

Secretary McGinty replied that Pennsylvania has secured half a billion dollars in new investment and 3,000 new jobs related to alternative energy projects. She also mentioned working with industry leaders, such as Iberdrola.

 

 

SECRETARY MCGINTY DISCUSSES STATUS OF ENERGY INDEPENDENCE LEGISLATION

By Eric A. Failing, PA Legislative Services

6-29-07

 

This afternoon, Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty, briefed stakeholder groups on the status of two of the bills comprising the Governor’s Energy Independence Legislation (EIS) stating that advocacy needs to be done on House Bill 1201 and Senate Bill 716 in particular in order to stabilize electricity costs in PA.

 

Secretary McGinty cautioned that without passage of these bills, PA is most assuredly heading towards electric costs that will be two to three times the current rates. According to Secretary, the legislation will instead cut $1 billion in electric costs. Saying that these numbers are not hypothetical but real, she explained that when rate caps in Maryland expired, that state witnessed a 70% cost increase overnight and that Pike County in PA has already seen rates increase.

 

Secretary McGinty then worried that a strong “push back” from the utility lobby threatens to keep these bills from passing and that in order to correct this situation, more effort must be undertaken by consumers to contact their legislators.

 

She explained that the proposed legislation will keep rates down by:

Establishing a new directive requiring utilities to use the least costly service

Requiring utilities to focus on conservation prior to expanding electric transmission lines

Placing “smart meters” on residential homes and

Offering rebates to consumers for purchasing more energy efficient appliances

 

The discussion ended with the stakeholder groups strategizing about how to approach the Legislature.

 

PENNFUTURE PROVIDES UPDATE ON ENERGY INDEPENDENCE STRATEGY

By Nate Collins, PA Legislative Services

6-29-07

 

John Hanger, President and CEO of Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture), held a telephone press briefing about Governor Ed Rendell’s Energy Independence Strategy.

 

He said the House passed three pieces of the proposal, HB 1200, HB 1202 and HB 1203 but the Senate has taken no action on the bills.

 

He noted that HB 1201 has not yet received second consideration in the House. This bill is important because it includes the system benefit charge and the conservation aspects of the proposal, Hanger explained, adding that it also includes a requirement that utilities provide for the use of smart meters.

 

Governor Rendell has remained steadfast in his insistence for the passage of this proposal, Hanger remarked. He noted that the Governor has said he won’t sign the budget without the energy plan.

 

The public overwhelmingly supports this proposal, he offered. He noted that PennFuture commissioned a poll on the energy plan, which found that 68% of those polled support the plan, even with the system benefit charge. He added that self-identified conservatives and Republicans support the proposal, proving this is not a partisan issue.

 

The public is way ahead of political leaders on this issue, he suggested, adding that they don’t understand the controversy with the energy strategy. This issue should be fast-tracked and there is no excuse not to do it by the time of the budget, Hanger opined.

 

He also noted that the poll found 82% of Pennsylvanians are concerned about global warming, and they understand the relationship between the environment, the economy, and national security. He suggested that both parties would be well advised to get out and support this plan. He voiced his opinion that the Energy Independence Strategy is not being passed because of partisanship.

 

Hanger offered that HB 1201 has stalled in the House because the electric utilities are attacking it. He explained that there have been robo-calls, almost entirely targeting Democrats, speaking out against the bill. The calls label the system benefit charge as an “electricity tax,” but that is not true, he stated. No one is taking credit for the calls, but in his mind, all of the evidence leads to the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

 

This issue will “come to a head” sometime this week, he concluded.

 

Hanger was asked what will happen if this proposal doesn’t pass this summer. Hanger replied that the Energy Independence Strategy won’t die because the problems it seeks to address will only get worse. Eventually this will be a cutting political issue, and Republicans need to decide what side of the issue they are on. He suggested that the epicenter of this battle is in the southeastern part of the state. Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) has the power to move the bill or he can kill it, he said. This is not a political issue and it is foolish for the southeastern Republicans not to support it, he opined. He noted that House Minority Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) voted against all three bills that passed the House, and to get this done it is going to require some southeastern Republicans voting against their leadership.

 

Do you think opponents are not supporting this plan at this time because the rate caps haven’t expired yet?

Hanger responded that some people say this tries to do too much too quickly but he doesn’t believe that is true. He cited the poll, which found that people would pay one dollar a month for the benefits in the legislation, but it is only requiring $0.45. We need to put the conservation measures in place because it will take “lead time,” and if we don’t do it soon it will be too late, he said. He commented that the electric utilities oppose this proposal because they lose money when people conserve energy. He concluded by saying that the House showed that it is serious about staying as long as it takes to pass this proposal since they added session days for all of next week.

 

 

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GOVERNOR RENDELL OUTLINES HIS ENERGY INDEPENDENCE STRATEGY

By Nate Collins, PA Legislative Services

6-15-07

 

Governor Ed Rendell held a teleconference Friday to outline his Energy Independence Strategy.

 

The governor said that with the focus on the budget, focus has been lost on the issues of transportation, health care and energy. He commented that his energy strategy is important because it impacts many facets of society.

 

The Energy Independence Strategy will lower costs for Pennsylvania consumers, he stated. He added that the rate caps are coming off soon and we can't afford to let electricity prices be so high.

 

Governor Rendell suggested that the proposal contains conservation aspects that will help control demand. We can't continue to try and meet our energy demand by generating more energy, he stated.

 

He also explained that consumers will have the opportunity to get a smart meter, which will help them conserve energy.

 

He said the proposal also changes the way electricity will be priced because electricity distributors won't have to buy it on the spot market. They are required to buy the least cost electricity and have mixed contracts and portfolios, he explained.

 

The governor also noted that consumers will have the option of a three-year phase-in of increased prices that are projected from the removal of the rate caps.

 

Industrial users will be allowed to enter into long-term contracts, which they cannot do now, he explained. He remarked that the prices may or may not be cheaper, but the stability of pricing is crucial to heavy industrial users.

 

The strategy includes an $850 million bond issue, which will provide rebates for energy efficient appliances and solar panels, he added.

 

This is a very important initiative and the price tag for it is minimal, the governor said. He explained that the $850 million bond issue will be paid for by a systems benefit charge, which will cost the average homeowner $5.40 per year, the average commercial consumer $36 per year, and will be capped at $10,000 per year for heavy industrial users.

 

The governor noted that some Republicans critical of this proposal have called the systems benefit charge a tax, but he argued that is not a tax because with the use of smart meters consumers will save $73 per year and commercial consumers will save $425 per year.

 

Governor Rendell said another goal of his energy strategy is to grow jobs in the energy sector. He offered that over the last three years, Pennsylvania has been very successful in attracting foreign companies in the alternative energy sector to locate the Pennsylvania.

 

We have produced 4,500 new jobs in this sector over the last three years, he said, adding that they are good paying jobs.

 

He then discussed the PennSecurity Fuels Initiative, which requires that by 2017 one billion gallons of fuel sold at the pump will come from fuel with 10% ethanol or 20% biodiesel. He commented that Pennsylvania is on the verge of having six or seven major ethanol plants in the state.

 

This is a very important proposal and I am going to press hard for the Legislature to pass it before summer recess, Governor Rendell stated.

 

The governor was asked if direct regulation of prices may be the only way to truly protect consumers. Governor Rendell said, “That may be but I am not ready to reach that point yet”. He remarked that there is no question that there will be an increase in electricity prices, but the question is if there will be an increase of 120% like in Pike County or if it will be 20-30%. He reiterated that every ratepayer will be able to choose whether to phase-in the increase over three years. He added that the PUC must hold distributors to the standards that they must buy the lowest-cost electricity. If this is done properly, I believe we will see very reasonable increases, the governor opined. If the Legislature passes this I am certain that you won't see huge rate increases, he concluded.

 

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FIRMS ENDORSE RENDELL’S ENERGY INDEPENDENCE STRATEGY

By Peter G. Trufahnestock, PA Legislative Services

6-12-07

 

Governor Ed Rendell and a coalition of 14 high-tech energy companies and venture capital firms from across the state held a press conference today calling for passage of the Governor’s Energy Independence Strategy.

 

Brian Kennedy from the Pittsburgh Technology Council played Master of ceremonies introducing three CEO’s of companies all of whom voiced support for the Governor’s plan.

 

Mark Granhan of CICLON Semiconductor Device Corporation in Bethlehem, PA talked about how global use of his company’s product would reduce the need for 12-14 power plants worldwide.

 

Sean Sebastian of Birchmere Ventures in Pittsburgh described how investment into alternative energy and lifescience companies nearly doubled nationwide from 2005 to 2006, but PA needs to do more to stay in the forefront of this growing economy.

 

Tom Brieseldin of Spinworks in Erie said his company is saving approximately 2.5 trillion BTU’s per year for businesses, which comes to about $80,000 per year per customer.

 

Governor Rendell followed up saying that if Pennsylvania is to fully capitalize on the strategic investments it made over the past four years to rebuild its economy and improve its business climate, the state must address the needs and challenges facing new and developing energy companies. The companies are the economic driver of the future, he said.

 

The Governor said his Energy Independence Strategy will also save consumers $10 billion in energy costs over the next decade. The small utility charge he is proposing will cost the average family just $6 per month, he explained further, but the smart metering should save the average family approximately $70 per year, which nearly wipes out the additional cost altogether.

 

The Governor then took general questions from the press. (NOTE: Statements are summaries of the Q&A and are not direct quotes.)

 

House and Senate Republicans say they may pass parts of your strategy but they will not include the utility charge.

Then virtually nothing would work. I don't understand what they're worried about. The small utility charge will cost the average family just $6 per month, but the smart metering should save the average family approximately $70 per year, which nearly wipes out the additional cost overall.

 

Your proposal calls for long and short-term contracts; would this prevent spot market deals altogether.

No, the strategy just enables long and short term contracts. Companies could do whatever they want.

 

But you are encouraging the long term contracts?

We think it’s a good idea, but again, companies can do whatever is in their best interest.

 

Maryland is considering trying to put electricity rate caps back on after their prices have increased significantly.

The lesson to learn from Maryland is that we should act now. As electricity rate caps are set to expire, the state’s manufacturers will face soaring or rapidly changing energy prices that will make it difficult to manage and grow their business. We need to put things in place to help us manage the change. The rate caps can’t stay on forever.

 

Would you consider calling a special session on this issue if it is not resolved through the budget process?

Yes. At this rate we may have several special sessions all going at once.

 

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CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION CALLS FOR PASSAGE OF “REAP”

By Kimberly Collins, PA Legislative Services

6-12-07

 

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation was today joined by several legislators and other organizations to call for passage of the Resources Enhancement and Protection Act of PA (REAP), as contained in House Bill 100 and Senate Bill 960.

 

Matt Ehrhart, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, commented small farms are critical to the viability of agriculture and the General Assembly has a unique opportunity to safeguard resources with REAP. He cited the many groups and legislators that support the legislation, noting it is bipartisan and comes from all regions of the state, even those not in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

 

REAP is an investment in PA’s future, Ehrhart stated, adding that it protects drinking water and streams while farms are able to remain profitable. He also noted the protections REAP offers the tourism industry, especially the fishing industry.

 

Ehrhart argued that $25 million may sound like a lot, but it is only a small portion of the state’s $59 billion budget. He urged the administration to support the proposal.

 

Rep. Jerry Stern (R-Blair) stated REAP “makes a lot of sense”. He noted the House Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee held a hearing on REAP last session and the bills introduced reflect the suggestions made in that hearing. He too urged the administration to support the proposal. He commented REAP can work and go a long way in cleaning up PA’s environment.

 

Rep. Stern commented this is part of the broader vision to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and will go along way toward reaching the goals of 2012.

 

Rep. Peter Daley (D-Washington), who chaired the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee last session, commended the Chesapeake Bay Commission for its efforts over the last 25 years pushing this issue. He stated this is a bipartisan issue and action needs to be taken to protect future generations.

 

Senator Mike O’Pake (D-Berks), Minority Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, stated agriculture is the number one industry in PA, but PA is losing farms and dairy farmers. He stated REAP provides assistance to farms for conservation efforts and to increase productivity while reducing costs. He stated REAP enjoys wide support throughout PA.

 

John Brosious of the PA Municipal Authorities Association remarked sewer and water authorities have a large stake in cleaning up the Bay. He stated the estimated cost to authorities is $1 billion, which is significantly more than original estimates in 2000. He commented that he would like the Administration to recognize the efforts of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Brosious stated agricultural runoff is the largest source of non-source pollution and noted that Maryland and Virginia have dedicated funding for the Chesapeake Bay.

 

Chad Forcey of the PA Landscape and Nursery Association discussed the importance of trees to protecting the Bay. He stated the trees grown by his members provide shade, food, habitat and buffers for streams.

 

Brian Hill of the PA Environmental Council stated his support for REAP, stating it will help landowners and farmers across PA and protect stream systems.

 

Joel Rotz of the PA Farm Bureau voiced his organization’s strong support for REAP. He said farmers strive to be strong stewards for the environment and must meet strict state and federal standards, which puts them in a financial bind. He stated limited resources are a barrier to implementing best practices.

 

Rep. Mike McGeehan (D-Philadelphia) and Rep. Bob Bastian (R-Somerset) also attended the event in support of REAP.

 

Click to view the information packet or press release distributed at the press conference.

 

 

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Below is an Op Ed that submitted to PA Newspapers. 

 

Op-Ed

June 07

 

Governor’s Gun Plan: A Failing Solution

 

Crime and violence are problems that not only affect our state’s largest cities but have spilled into our rural and suburban towns across the Commonwealth.  Governor Rendell thinks the answer to this problem is simple:  add more gun control laws to free our streets of crime.

Don’t be misled by the Governor or any of his supporters.

     Recently, Rendell joined with mayors and members of the General Assembly to support legislation that aims to take away our Second Amendment rights and punish law-abiding citizens.  One proposal includes limiting gun purchases to one firearm a month, a plan based on speculation with no proof or support of decreasing crime.

     Maryland, Virginia and California have one-gun-a-month laws.  In 2005, all three states had homicide rates above the national average. Studies by Syracuse University and BATFE have shown ALL one-gun-a-month states have more guns exported to crime in other states than PA.   South Carolina, the first state to enact one gun a month, repealed this law as ineffective.  Even Rendell’s Commission to Address Gun Violence was unable to reach a consensus whether this law would help decrease crime.

     Almost every state preempts localities from instituting their own gun restrictions. No citizen wants to run a gauntlet of patchwork gun laws every time they travel in Pennsylvania. Law-abiding citizens should not have their rights oppressed just because of the city where they happen to reside.

      Disarming the victims of crime and violence will not stop the criminal from illegally possessing a firearm. Criminals do not apply for concealed carry permits or acquire their guns through legitimate means.  Enacting another law will not make someone who doesn’t follow the current laws start obeying new ones.

Gun bans and other misguided forms of gun control give advantage to criminals because they know unarmed victims are more vulnerable. Washington DC is the model of total gun control and also the example of a crime rate that is out of control!

We need to look at common sense solutions.  Rendell’s answer to decreasing crime should be focused on enforcing the current laws already on the books.  Currently, Pennsylvania has many, strict gun laws, especially on straw purchases of firearms.

     A solution that many state representatives have supported would increase funding for law enforcement across the state.  Our cities lack the ability to put and keep criminals behind bars.  A key to reducing crime is to prosecute criminals relentlessly, impose tough sentences with no time off for good behavior, and stop plea-bargaining out the illegal weapons charges.

     Philadelphia’s Chief of Detectives, Joseph Fox, said in a recent article, “Until we're ready to strictly enforce the current laws, there is no reason for tougher ones.  (Police) get some guns off the street, only to be faced with the same people back on the street within days or weeks to commit the same type of crime over and over again."

     Adding more gun control laws will only take guns away from law-abiding citizens; they will still be left in the hands of violent criminals.  Criminals will always gain access to illegal guns.  Instead, we should be supporting programs that put more cops on the streets, and programs which do away with plea bargaining and early parole for violent gun criminals.

 

 

Melody Zullinger

Executive Director

Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs

Harrisburg, PA

info@pfsc.org

 

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 June 11, 2007


 

Citizens Decree to the President of the United States George W. Bush

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE CITIZEN’S DECREE

Dear Fellow American,

The Constitution of the United States of America is under a MAJOR assault from a most unlikely source: the power mongers of liberal elitists in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

If you doubt that there are members of Congress out to destroy certain of our freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution, I beg you to read the following quotes from the Democrat majority party’s Congressional leaders:

“We're going to hammer guns on the anvil of relentless legislative strategy. We're going to beat guns into submission”.
United States Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY)

“Banning guns addresses a fundamental right of Americans to feel safe”.
United States Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)

“If someone is so fearful that, that they're going to start using their weapons to protect their rights, makes m e very nervous that these people have these weapons at all!”
Representative Henry A. Waxman (D-CA)

These self righteous zealots no longer even attempt to mask their TRUE INTENT: the elimination of the right guaranteed by the second amendment to keep and bear arms. Their own words describe how the Senate and House anti-gun Democrats in leadership positions plan to take away guns from law abiding Americans, just like you and me – thereby eliminating our ability to keep firearms for self-defense and other lawful use.

Yet these same “servants of the people” have taken NO ACTION to stop illegally armed barbarians from running wild in murderous rampages! What’s more, their words belie how these elitist politicians view YOU as being dangerous to their legislative plans.

My name is Alan Gottlieb. I am Chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. We are one of America’s most effe ctive grassroots organizations dedicated to preserving your Second Amendment rights.

Today as I send you this email, we are in a fight-to-the-death battle with Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, the national media, simple minded Hollywood activists and a host of other left leaning elitists who are united in their mission to take away our right to keep and bear arms.

Chances are you have helped to in the fight against some of these same gun grabbers before. But now we have to fight them all at the same time, as the gun grabbers now control Congress!

THIS IS WHAT WE FACE TODAY: LIBERAL ELITSTS WITH AN AGENDA TO TAKE AWAY THE CONSTITUTIONALLY GUARANTEED RIGHT OF LAW ABIDING CITIZENS TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS..

The Citizen’s Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms has two opportunities for you to join us in the effort to make certain that our liberties are not restricted, or eliminated all together:

1) Sign the CITIZEN ’S DECREE, which urges President George W. Bush to…

…VETO every anti-gun or gun banning bill that the gun grabbers who control Congress pass to limit your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms against crime, terrorism and anarchy.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE CITIZEN’S DECREE

2) Join or contribute to the Citizen’s Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Only through the contributions of fellow Americans like you can we continue to fight for the preservation of our Constitutional rights.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO JOIN OR DONATE

As these gun grabber quotes make perfectly clear, the threat we face from the gun control extremists is stronger than ever before. It is simple: the liberal gun grabbers in Congress don’t care about you or your rights. They are DETERMINED to assuage their power and exercise their control, by taking away your second amendment rights to keep and bear arms.

That’s why they are working night-and-day to win Congressional passage of any and all laws that will force all law abiding Americans to be disarmed. And the only thing that may stand in their way is a veto by the President of the United States.

Please do not delay – not for a single minute. The anti-gun crowd claims that no law-abiding citizen would ever be harmed by strict new gun laws or bans and that somehow we would be “safer” because of new restrictions on our rights.

Well, let the gun grabber leftists tell that to…

 

    • the unarmed motorists who are pulled from their vehicles, savagely beaten and shot;
    • the unarmed homeowners who hide in terror while the pol ice can’t get there in time to protect them from intruders.
    • and the unarmed businessmen who watch their stores and shops looted and lives destroyed by those who have no regard for ANY laws.


My friend, in the wake of all the statistical evidence, can anyone still believe that “banning guns” make us safer? There are currently over twenty thousand gun control laws on the books around the nation. Is our nation any safer because of them? The answer is an emphatic NO!

Ask yourself this simple question: If gun control works – why is Washington D.C., which has outlawed all guns, known as the “murder capital of the world?” The answer is that gun control simply does not and cannot work. And it never will.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE CITIZEN’S DECREE

Yet, more and more polit icians think the way to take guns away from murderers, rapist, and drug dealers is by taking them away from law-abiding citizens like you and me. This would have shocked our Founding Fathers who realized more than 200 hundred years ago that government could never guarantee the safety of all its citizens all of the time – and that self-defense is a God-given right.

That’s why they were very specific in writing the Second Amendment which states,

“…the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”.

Yours. Your children’s. And your grandchildren’s.

Not the government’s…not the liberal media’s…and not Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy, Chuck Schumer, Hilary Clinton, Dianne Feinstein, Henry Waxman or scores of other gun grabbers.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO JOIN OR DONATE

That’s why I hope you will immediately sign and return your CITIZEN’S DECREE and join us with your financial support. We MUST make certain that the right of gun ownership is never stolen away.

The gun grabbers are united in the singular goal of denying all honest, law abiding Americans their Second Amendment rights. What’s worse, President Bush has hinted he may actually sign some gun control bills if he wins concessions of other crime and terror related issues! And like the concessions the President made on other issues – that would be a TERRIBLE mistake and would likely have catastrophic results!

For that reason, the Citizen’s Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms intends to flood the White House with a sea of CITIZEN’S DECREES, urging President Bush to veto every anti-gun or gun ban bill passed by the House and Senate. A vote on a dangerous, anti-gun or gun ban bill could come at any time in this explosive political year. That’s why I am pleading with you to sign your CITI ZEN’S DECREE today…

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE CITIZEN’S DECREE

Please also consider joining the Citizen’s Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms and make your most generous contribution to help us with the financial means to keep up the fight. Together, we can preserve our God-given right to own firearms for self-defense and other lawful purposes.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO JOIN OR DONATE

Thank you. I know I can count on you.

 

Sincerely yours,

Alan M. Gottlieb
Chairman, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms

P.S. It’s t ime we stood up and said enough is enough! Please, sign you CITIZEN’S DECREE and join us with your donation of $20, $25, $50, $100 or more to the Citizen’s Committee to Keep and Bear Arms. Thank you.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE CITIZEN’S DECREE

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO JOIN OR DONATE