Washington 2017: The U.S. Political RP IC-Volume II (OPEN)

[Greater Arab State]

"I'm great, how are you, Senator?" Kramer asked whilst taking a seat.

"I've been in good health, I can't ask for much more than that. I believe you're here to discuss a bill with me?"

"Indeed I am, Senator. There is a possibility of a further Senate sponsor who is waiting to see how much the support the bill can get in terms of sponsorships as well, Senator." Kramer said as he opened the black briefcase that had been brought with him.

"Here's the bill, Senator." Kramer said as he passed it over to Ashe.

Official Name: Act for the Returning of Environmental Affairs to the States Nickname: AREAS

Overview: This act seeks to dissolve the Environmental Protection Agency and hand the issue of environmental protection back to the individual states and their governments so that efficiency and effectiveness is increased.

Section 1: As of now the issue of environmental affairs is administered through the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The existence of the Environmental Protection Agency puts the United States at a great disadvantage through consequences such as the forced unemployment of Working Americans throughout the United States or through not allowing the United States to access the full potential of its natural resources, therefore putting the United States at a disadvantage compared to other nations.

Section 2: This act hereby starts the process of dissolving the Environmental Protection Agency which will conclude on January 1st 2018.

Section 3: Consequently, this act hereby hands the issue of environmental protection over to the individual states and their governments.

This bill is then honorably presented to the Senate for consideration in order to dissolve the Environmental Protection Agency and return the issue of enviromental affairs to the individual states to improve the United States Law and is backed by Senator Alois Kramer, Representative Susanna Harrington and Representative Areen Ramalan.

[Kannap]

"I've been in good health, I can't ask for much more than that. I believe you're here to discuss a bill with me?"

"Indeed I am, Senator. There is a possibility of a further Senate sponsor who is waiting to see how much the support the bill can get in terms of sponsorships as well, Senator." Kramer said as he opened the black briefcase that had been brought with him.

"Here's the bill, Senator." Kramer said as he passed it over to Ashe.

Official Name: Act for the Returning of Environmental Affairs to the States Nickname: AREAS

Overview: This act seeks to dissolve the Environmental Protection Agency and hand the issue of environmental protection back to the individual states and their governments so that efficiency and effectiveness is increased.

Section 1: As of now the issue of environmental affairs is administered through the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The existence of the Environmental Protection Agency puts the United States at a great disadvantage through consequences such as the forced unemployment of Working Americans throughout the United States or through not allowing the United States to access the full potential of its natural resources, therefore putting the United States at a disadvantage compared to other nations.

Section 2: This act hereby starts the process of dissolving the Environmental Protection Agency which will conclude on January 1st 2018.

Section 3: Consequently, this act hereby hands the issue of environmental protection over to the individual states and their governments.

This bill is then honorably presented to the Senate for consideration in order to dissolve the Environmental Protection Agency and return the issue of enviromental affairs to the individual states to improve the United States Law and is backed by Senator Alois Kramer, Representative Susanna Harrington and Representative Areen Ramalan.

Ashe reads the bill, frowning in parts, "So straight to the point, eh? Just completely dissolving the EPA, not even replacing it with another agency? I understand the importance of the states having rights, Senator, I really do and I am an avid supporter of state's rights. However, I don't really see much in the way of gain by dissolving the EPA. It seems like a very weak piece of legislation, Senator, as it currently stands. Are you hoping that this gains support in the Senate?"

[Greater Arab State]

"Indeed I am, Senator. There is a possibility of a further Senate sponsor who is waiting to see how much the support the bill can get in terms of sponsorships as well, Senator." Kramer said as he opened the black briefcase that had been brought with him.

"Here's the bill, Senator." Kramer said as he passed it over to Ashe.

Official Name: Act for the Returning of Environmental Affairs to the States Nickname: AREAS

Overview: This act seeks to dissolve the Environmental Protection Agency and hand the issue of environmental protection back to the individual states and their governments so that efficiency and effectiveness is increased.

Section 1: As of now the issue of environmental affairs is administered through the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The existence of the Environmental Protection Agency puts the United States at a great disadvantage through consequences such as the forced unemployment of Working Americans throughout the United States or through not allowing the United States to access the full potential of its natural resources, therefore putting the United States at a disadvantage compared to other nations.

Section 2: This act hereby starts the process of dissolving the Environmental Protection Agency which will conclude on January 1st 2018.

Section 3: Consequently, this act hereby hands the issue of environmental protection over to the individual states and their governments.

This bill is then honorably presented to the Senate for consideration in order to dissolve the Environmental Protection Agency and return the issue of enviromental affairs to the individual states to improve the United States Law and is backed by Senator Alois Kramer, Representative Susanna Harrington and Representative Areen Ramalan.

Ashe reads the bill, frowning in parts, "So straight to the point, eh? Just completely dissolving the EPA, not even replacing it with another agency? I understand the importance of the states having rights, Senator, I really do and I am an avid supporter of state's rights. However, I don't really see much in the way of gain by dissolving the EPA. It seems like a very weak piece of legislation, Senator, as it currently stands. Are you hoping that this gains support in the Senate?"

"I am hoping that it does gain support in the Senate, in fact one of the House sponsors, Representative Harrington, is chair of the House Freedom Caucus which will almost certainly influence those members to vote in favour, furthermore, it could be argued that by dissolving the EPA, the federal budget would be improved due to an area of spending being removed from it, something which we need whilst we still recover from the recession. In addition by handing the issue of environmental affairs to the individual states, the issue and associated spending will be improved on account of state governments having a greater knowledge of where there spending should be. Although there may be concerns that some states will abandon any environmental commitments, I sincerely doubt it for two reasons. Number one is that there would be a large amount of public outcry if such a thing were to happen, my final reason is that the states could receive a greater amount of revenue derived from tourism due to the preservation of their environment, something which would be a more long term and sustainable source of funding for them." Kramer replied.

[Kannap]

Ashe reads the bill, frowning in parts, "So straight to the point, eh? Just completely dissolving the EPA, not even replacing it with another agency? I understand the importance of the states having rights, Senator, I really do and I am an avid supporter of state's rights. However, I don't really see much in the way of gain by dissolving the EPA. It seems like a very weak piece of legislation, Senator, as it currently stands. Are you hoping that this gains support in the Senate?"

"I am hoping that it does gain support in the Senate, in fact one of the House sponsors, Representative Harrington, is chair of the House Freedom Caucus which will almost certainly influence those members to vote in favour, furthermore, it could be argued that by dissolving the EPA, the federal budget would be improved due to an area of spending being removed from it, something which we need whilst we still recover from the recession. In addition by handing the issue of environmental affairs to the individual states, the issue and associated spending will be improved on account of state governments having a greater knowledge of where there spending should be. Although there may be concerns that some states will abandon any environmental commitments, I sincerely doubt it for two reasons. Number one is that there would be a large amount of public outcry if such a thing were to happen, my final reason is that the states could receive a greater amount of revenue derived from tourism due to the preservation of their environment, something which would be a more long term and sustainable source of funding for them." Kramer replied.

"You must understand my reluctance," responded Ashe, "In knowing that many states, perhaps most states, would not step up to the responsibility that the EPA has. They would not adequately fill the void. Some states aren't tourism states, so the revenue from tourism can be negligible at best. Some states have politicians that don't believe the environment needs preservation or commitment from us while many citizens do. I can easily see where the will of the people may be quickly disregarded by politicians currently in elected positions, some who may change their opinions on the environment if offered enough money by a company that wants the land."

Ashe looked out the window of his office for a brief moment before continuing, "I believe we live in a beautiful country and the least we can do is assure the American people that we are doing the best to keep America the beautiful land that it is. I don't believe dissolving the EPA will show the American people - or any people - that we're committed to keeping our nation a beautiful land. Do you? All I can see from an America without the EPA is all our forests, mountains, and rivers being ravaged and destroyed by companies seeking greater and greater profits without caring about the environment."

[Greater Arab State]

"I am hoping that it does gain support in the Senate, in fact one of the House sponsors, Representative Harrington, is chair of the House Freedom Caucus which will almost certainly influence those members to vote in favour, furthermore, it could be argued that by dissolving the EPA, the federal budget would be improved due to an area of spending being removed from it, something which we need whilst we still recover from the recession. In addition by handing the issue of environmental affairs to the individual states, the issue and associated spending will be improved on account of state governments having a greater knowledge of where there spending should be. Although there may be concerns that some states will abandon any environmental commitments, I sincerely doubt it for two reasons. Number one is that there would be a large amount of public outcry if such a thing were to happen, my final reason is that the states could receive a greater amount of revenue derived from tourism due to the preservation of their environment, something which would be a more long term and sustainable source of funding for them." Kramer replied.

"You must understand my reluctance," responded Ashe, "In knowing that many states, perhaps most states, would not step up to the responsibility that the EPA has. They would not adequately fill the void. Some states aren't tourism states, so the revenue from tourism can be negligible at best. Some states have politicians that don't believe the environment needs preservation or commitment from us while many citizens do. I can easily see where the will of the people may be quickly disregarded by politicians currently in elected positions, some who may change their opinions on the environment if offered enough money by a company that wants the land."

Ashe looked out the window of his office for a brief moment before continuing, "I believe we live in a beautiful country and the least we can do is assure the American people that we are doing the best to keep America the beautiful land that it is. I don't believe dissolving the EPA will show the American people - or any people - that we're committed to keeping our nation a beautiful land. Do you? All I can see from an America without the EPA is all our forests, mountains, and rivers being ravaged and destroyed by companies seeking greater and greater profits without caring about the environment."

"I do understand your reluctance, Senator and I do understand your reasoning with the symbolic value of the EPA to show our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of this nation, we just have differing methods of how to achieve such a process." Kramer said reflectively.

"Thank you for your time, Senator, I'll make sure you're amongst the first to know of any bill's I draft for you to look at and potentially sponsor." Kramer said in a friendly manner whilst putting the bill back into the briefcase before stretching his hand out towards Ashe to shake.

[Kannap]

"You must understand my reluctance," responded Ashe, "In knowing that many states, perhaps most states, would not step up to the responsibility that the EPA has. They would not adequately fill the void. Some states aren't tourism states, so the revenue from tourism can be negligible at best. Some states have politicians that don't believe the environment needs preservation or commitment from us while many citizens do. I can easily see where the will of the people may be quickly disregarded by politicians currently in elected positions, some who may change their opinions on the environment if offered enough money by a company that wants the land."

Ashe looked out the window of his office for a brief moment before continuing, "I believe we live in a beautiful country and the least we can do is assure the American people that we are doing the best to keep America the beautiful land that it is. I don't believe dissolving the EPA will show the American people - or any people - that we're committed to keeping our nation a beautiful land. Do you? All I can see from an America without the EPA is all our forests, mountains, and rivers being ravaged and destroyed by companies seeking greater and greater profits without caring about the environment."

"I do understand your reluctance, Senator and I do understand your reasoning with the symbolic value of the EPA to show our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of this nation, we just have differing methods of how to achieve such a process." Kramer said reflectively.

"Thank you for your time, Senator, I'll make sure you're amongst the first to know of any bill's I draft for you to look at and potentially sponsor." Kramer said in a friendly manner whilst putting the bill back into the briefcase before stretching his hand out towards Ashe to shake.

Senator Ashe nodded, listening to the other man's words, about the potential for a sponsorship in the future for a future bill. Kramer seemed to either be naive or wholly more optimistic than Ashe. Nonetheless, Ashe shook Kramer's hand when Kramer stood to leave, "I wish you a good day, Senator, thank you for stopping by."

[Greater Arab State]

"I do understand your reluctance, Senator and I do understand your reasoning with the symbolic value of the EPA to show our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of this nation, we just have differing methods of how to achieve such a process." Kramer said reflectively.

"Thank you for your time, Senator, I'll make sure you're amongst the first to know of any bill's I draft for you to look at and potentially sponsor." Kramer said in a friendly manner whilst putting the bill back into the briefcase before stretching his hand out towards Ashe to shake.

Senator Ashe nodded, listening to the other man's words, about the potential for a sponsorship in the future for a later draft of the bill. Kramer seemed to either be naive or wholly more optimistic than Ashe. Nonetheless, Ashe shook Kramer's hand when Kramer stood to leave, "I wish you a good day, Senator, thank you for stopping by."

"Your most welcome, Senator." Kramer replied before making his exit.

[Dentali]

Glen Anderson Campaign Stop #58
Tredyffrin, Chester County



Amanda had just spent her first day with Glen’s daughter Jess and it had gone fairly well. Glen introduced her as ‘a friend’ and they didnt do anything overtly romantic around Jess but they had a nice night going go karting, playing mini golf, having dinner and then renting the latest marvel movie. Amanda was trying a bit too hard to be liked by Jess but overall they seemed to hit it off, Jess was the most important thing in Glen’s life so the approval of his new potential love interest was just as important.

After the much needed personal day Anderson hit the campaign trail in Chester County. Glen’s schedule had changed yet again to accommodate for the entrance of a more conservative voice in the race, he had been getting a few of the less populous counties over with and savings the more populous counties for closer to the election. However he decided that he needed to reinforce the republican vote while keeping with his pledge to visit every county in the state, by that logic Chester County had the most republican voters among those he had yet to visit.

It also happened to be Ramalan’s district. He wasn’t going to call him out, the order of the visit was pure coincidence but it was something Glen had to be conscious of.

Chester was a center of slow and sometimes uncomfortable change as it became less rural and more suburban though farming was still vital to the county especially horse farming and mushroom growing. He started by visiting those horse farms frankly and candidly explaining his position on ending horse racing subsidies explaining the majority of funds ended up going out of state and that the tax break it would fund would better benefit them horse farms in the state.

After visiting Horse farms in the early morning Anderson went to church, something he did frequently during his weekend campaign events but was more notable and emphasized in the conservative county and capitalizing the fact Ramalan was non-christian.

As he visited homes businesses and schools he made sure to clearly emphasize the legislation he had written and his experience after years in office, while not ever mentioning Ramalan by name focusing on legislation written and time in office highlighted that not only had Ramalan been sworn in as a Representative less than a year ago and had never written a piece of legislation or debated on the floor of the house.

"Thank you all for being here today, and for caring enough about our great state to be involved in this effort to Get Pennsylvania Working for the better. This is an incredible turnout and its truly humbling.”

“Let me begin by introducing myself, I am Congressman Glen Anderson I was born in Lebanon and I have devoted my life to public service. Since I first start representing the 17th district in 2012 I have constantly asked myself, ‘how do I best serve my state?’ Searching for an answer to that question I have traveled to every corner of the state, from my alma mater Penn State, to the streets of Philadelphia, the rusted factories of Erie, to the farms of Lancaster I have consistently traveled and spoke to countless residents of our state, people from all walks of life about their concerns and hopes.”

“The common theme I've been hearing is frustration. People everywhere see a real disconnect between Harrisburg and the rest of Pennsylvania. We feel that not only are our elected leaders not solving the serious problems that face us, but that they are actually causing the problems, and making things worse.”

“The average Pennsylvanian sees a governor and a legislature willing to impose record tax increases on the rest of us that we don't need, don't want, and simply cannot afford.”

“We are perfectly situated to become the strongest state in the union, a economic powerhouse. 1/3rd of our nation’s population is within a 24 hour drive, we have a strong work ethic, our universities are leading advanced research that will change the way we live, and yet every day I see our state hemorrhaging jobs, businesses, and taxpayers at an alarming rate, with no discernible response, or action from Harrisburg other than imposing more taxes and stressing our economy to the breaking point.”

“Regardless of party the people of our state constantly tell me we are heading in the wrong direction, and through all my discussions, my travels across the state and country it has become abundantly clear that our state cannot change direction without changing governors, that is why I am running for governor, to get Pennsylvania working again, I refuse to accept the status quo, the politics as usual.”

“Let me tell you what i stand for... I’m proud to say that in during my tenure in congress, i’ve fought to expand healthcare to our first responders, I have championed education, supporting Education Savings Accounts and merit pay for teachers. Just this year I introduced bills in Congress designed to strengthen our pediatric workforce, to protect and encourage innovation for small businesses, to reform onerous regulations stifling the growth of our communities, and to start a grant program to rehabilitate our crumbling schools. I proudly introduced the “21st Century Agriculture Act of 2017” which will revolutionize how we farm and improving quality of life across the state. I’m Pro-Life, Pro-Free Speech, Pro-Second Amendment, Pro-Student, Pro-Small Business and Firmly against the bloated government and fiscal irresponsibility of Harrisburg.”

“As it stands today Harrisburg has 150,000 pages worth of regulations that impact business and every single citizen, we have a heroin and opioid crisis, we have a skilled labor crisis, we have an economy has stay flat for years under the current administration. And for every problem facing our state, the current administration seems to only find one solution… raise taxes.”

“Harrisburg looks out for itself not the state, from day one as governor I will push to cut property taxes, cut wasteful spending and work to create a more efficient government in Harrisburg that works for the people of our state. I pledge that as your governor I will begin a policy of zero based budgeting, we will track every dollar being spent and we will treat with respect every single one. Despite claims to the contrary I can tell you that Harrisburg does not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem, and today I am calling on the state legislature to begin working on a taxpayer bill of rights.”

“We're standing up for the thousands of Pennsylvanians who are losing their pensions because of politics and incompetence. We're standing up for the Pennsylvanian’s who have lost their jobs and we're standing up for their families who are struggling to make ends meet. We're standing up for those thousands of small business owners who have closed their doors, and the thousands of others who are struggling just to keep them open.”

“I know the anxiety you all are feeling, I have a young daughter myself. She wants to grow up to be a dentist, and I want to not only make sure she can go to college and pursue her dream but that their will be good jobs and economic security when she graduates. Jobs will come from a healthy modernized economy not one built behind barriers to growth or handouts to a privileged few through corporate welfare. In congress I have made my first priority the economic security for families, that is something I will continue as governor, building a 21st century economy where people can work hard not just to get by but to thrive and give their children a better life then they had.”

“You feel like they live in the forgotten land, that no one understands what a blue-collar, working-class family has to go through in Pennsylvania today. You’re good, hard-working people, and ready for a change."

“A few weeks ago I was speaking with some of my fellow congress members from Florida. They told me of Dorothy Famiano and her kids Danielle and Nicholas. Nicholas was born with a condition called spina bifida and is confined to a wheelchair, Danielle has autism and cerebral palsy, and they were both in the foster care program. Dorothy looked at these kids and where others may have seen challenge raising children with special needs instead only saw love and adopted the pair. Today Danielle and Nicholas are thriving teenagers with lives more promising than anyone could have expected.”

“Dorothy deserves all the praise and credit in the world for her actions, but she had hardships raising these kids. The public school system didn’t work for them, there was no place to put them, placed in classrooms overfilled with students that had severe behavioral issues it was not a environment where they could learn or thrive. It wasn’t until Dorothy learned about the Gardiner Scholarship that things turned around. The scholarship was specifically for children with special needs, applying through the Step Up for Students program the Scholarship gave her the ability to homeschool her children, letting her teach her children at their own pace and meeting their needs, from there her kids blossomed and made great progress.”

“Dorothy said ‘They have gifts that aren’t necessarily discovered in a classroom setting. I saw that potential in them from the first time I met them. The success my children are enjoying is due to the fact the Gardiner Scholarship is geared towards each child’s strength. It’s the personalized learning experience that has made it so successful. A lot of people don’t understand this.’”

“Thousands of students in our state face the same challenges that Dorothy’s kids faced. Programs similar to the Gardiner Scholarship program could prove a turning point in the education and development for our children. We need Education Savings Accounts, programs where parents can provide children with the education that best suits them, tuition, special needs services, curriculum and more can be funded based on the individual needs of the kids. This is educational innovation, this is bringing closer to bringing education into the 21st century, people demand choice in every area of life, education should not be the exception.”

“Six States have already enacted ESA’s and families are extremely satisfied with the results, over a 90% satisfaction rate. Empowering parents is a necessity to improving education, and ESAs promise to improve the lives of student by letting parents choose what’s best for their child.”

“Pennsylvania was once the leader in education choice, in 2011 the tax credit cap for EITC scholarships here was $60 million, it served 38,000 students the most in the country, Florida served 29,000 students. Audits of the program have found it saves billions for taxpayers and provides better education for the students through school choice and empowering parents. Now Florida serves 107,000 students while Pennsylvania doesn’t serve half that many, and is forced to turn down thousands every year. The EITC should not be arbitrarily capped but should be based on demand. As governor I will pursue legislation to increase tax credits automatically if 90% of available credits were claimed in the previous year. I will not allow partisan political skirmishes disrupt valuable programs as we have seen too often in the past.”

“School Choice and Education Savings Accounts put choice back in the hands of parents, they provide an escape route from failing and violent schools, they save money and lead to smaller class sizes, they give lower income families the same options as upper income families, and they force schools to improve to attract students. Perhaps most importantly it rejects the notion of a “One-Size-Fits-All” education, it creates diverse schools that respond to the needs of the children instead of forcing children to respond to the needs of a rigid curriculum.”

“ For towns like this I wrote the Student Fiscal Literacy Act, supports schools that try and teach their students practical financial literacy, how to balance a checkbook, save for the future and make smart financial choices that let them pursue the American dream. Its for towns like this that I wrote legislation like the 21st Century Agriculture Act, which amends the tax code to reflect the modern realities of farming, lowering the cost of doing business and making things easier, a goal I will continue as your governor. ”

“For towns like this I authored the Save Local and Small Business Act, which rewrote regulations a rules governing businesses on main street, making it easier to do business, lowering taxes and increasing investment in the small businesses that need and deserve it the most. It reforms the worst parts of Dodd-Frank, that have so badly impacted small banks and businesses and made it easier for entrepreneurs to get loans.”

“For towns like this I wrote the Invent and Manufacture in America Act, which promotes and protects manufacturers in America, not just helping keep our job right here in Pennsylvania, but beginning the process of bringing them back home.”

“For kids like ours I wrote the Educational Facility Rehabilitation Act, a bill that will help ensure that kids don’t need to attend crumbling schools, schools without heat in the winter or air conditioning in the Summer, because schools should have to worry about teaching children, not whether the facilities are safe. For kids like ours I authored the Strengthening our Pediatric Workforce Act, which encourages doctors to enter into the field of children's health, a field that desperately needs more doctors.”

“As your governor my agenda will all works towards the prosperity of Pennsylvanians, not select corporations or special interests. I will push for policies that promote charter schools and quality education, doubling down on policies like your county has where residents may apply to attend cyber charter schools with no additional costs to parents. And when we send our children to college I will pursue a policy of openness and much needed transparency regarding tuition and what your children will get out of college.”

“On day one as governor I will declare a statewide disaster and state of emergency regarding the opioid crisis, this will enable us to take immediate measures to enhance response, increase access to treatment and save lives. It will be the first of its kind for a public health emergency in the state.

“Step one will be to create an Opioid Command Center located at PEMA. The Command will meet weekly and be responsible for coordinating all elements of our response to the crisis. Next we will expand access to the prescription drug monitoring program to ensure prescribers are in compliance with opioid regulations.”

“We must make Overdoses and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome as reportable conditions, so that prescribers know if a patient has a history with abuse, keeping prescribers informed and making sure data is available is vital to curbing future addiction. We must also give the DDAP further emergency purchase authorization, allowing us to purchase more lifesavings drugs. Other aspects of this include amending regulations so that EMTs can dispense naloxone, waiving regulations that keep pharmacists from interacting with other organizations that deal with at risk individuals. Make rescheduling of fentanyl derivatives permanent as long as the crisis continues.”

“We have a shortage of doctors certified for the Narcotic Treatment Program, we need to allow nurses and physician assistants to expedite initial intakes which will greatly speed up the certification process and provide more qualified doctors to fight the crisis. For the duration of the crisis we will waive ALL licensing requirements and fees for high-performing drug and alcohol treatment facilities.”

“We also need to start exploring any and every option to combat this crisis, a plan that addresses the crisis from the top down, start to finish. This is just the first step in addressing this crisis, I just hope the current governor finally realizes the severity of the crisis. Even now I am speaking with members of the Pennsylvania legislature to secure funding exclusively to fight this crisis and the greater crisis with addiction as a whole. Moving forward we need to ask ourselves 3 major questions What treatment programs are proven to be effective?‘How can we fast track the most effective programs? How can we educate people about the dangers of opioids?’”

“The same moral commitment that calls us to act on the Opioid Crisis calls us to move to protect the most vulnerable among us, the lives of the unborn. In the words of Ronald Reagan ‘I’ve noticed that everybody that is for abortion… has already been born’. I’ve heard some claim you can’t determine where a life begins, that its a matter of debate, well here is where I stand… if we don’t know when the unborn becomes a human life then we MUST opt in favor that it is a human life until someone proves it isnt. And as a life they are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

“As it stands our state levys one of the highest taxes on natural gas in the nation, and the democrats in harrisburg have tried to raise it higher every year. That hurt every one of those jobs pipelines like Mariner East has created, the permit delays, the fee increases on gas wells, raising a tax on gas sold to homes… the energy sector is one of our states most promising sectors, we shouldnt shackle it to the greed of bureaucrats in Harrisburg. As your governor I will fight every proposed tax increase, and do everything I can to relieve your regulatory and tax burden.”

“Not only that I am going to support research on how to make fossil fuels, natural gas, every form of energy, cleaner and more efficient, so you can do more business and bring home a bigger paycheck to your families. The future of energy is not more corporate welfare, its cutting the oppressive regulatory and tax burden so companies can pay more, hire more and expand to their full economic potential. We have a 21st century industry operating under a 1970s regulatory regime, changing this alone would make a huge difference in the industry.”

“Our current state government is too focused on doling out taxpayer cash and promulgating regulation than on fostering an environment for good-paying jobs and economic growth.”

“We don’t do enough… not nearly enough to support our farmers. I’m not talking about subsidizing farmers more i’m talking about farming smarter. The truth is the average farmer receives little to no actual support with the vast majority going to corporate farmers and massive land holders. Our farmers facing burdensome regulations, negative stereotypes, children fleeing the family business. As governor I will reform how we approach farming, I’ll make sure aid goes to the people who actually need it not corporate mega-farms. We will foster an environment of community, accountability and stewardship, we are seeing our small rural communities falling apart, their vibrant spirit becoming ghost towns in the same way our proud industrial towns turn to rust.

Our government federal, state and local saddle our farmers with excess paperwork, regulations and an increasingly burdensome bureaucracy. Big corporate farms set high barriers that small farms cont overcome, thats not a free market. As Governor I will cut back on the red tape that hurts so many, you will not need an army of lawyers to contend with a mountain of paperwork and regulation. We will deregulate locally produced foods, and work to exempt local sales from government licensure, permitting, certification, inspection, packaging, and labeling requirements, and applies to farmers’ markets as well as on-site stores at farms.

“As it stands the democratic leadership in Harrisburg is a relic, large scale standardization, control, spending and bureaucracy, things do not reflect a highly diverse society, a highly diverse population and a highly diverse state, instead we have an lumbering ‘one size fits all’ government that doesnt fit with the 21st century. With all our advantages jobs are growing at less than 1% a year, Pennsylvania unemployment increases while the rest of the country decreases. Business and entrepreneurship has been stifled by over taxation and regulation, an unbroken 45 year streak of tax increases. We need new solutions, new innovation not more of the same.”

“The policies of Harrisburg have resulted in companies like GE sending jobs to Texas, our wealth and factories overseas leaving thousands of Pennsylvanians out of work. The negligence of those in Harrisburg have seen the jobs of skilled craftsman and tradespeople moved thousands of miles away, it has devastated our middle class, it has devastated our nation. Staying on this path and continuing these policies of relentless taxation, and allowing our communities to deteriorate will keep our factories closed, our inner cities poor, and special interests in control.”

“Jobs will come from a healthy modernized economy not one built behind barriers to growth or handouts to a privileged few through corporate welfare. In congress I have made my first priority the economic security for families, that is something I will continue as governor, building a 21st century economy where people can work hard not just to get by but to thrive and give their children a better life then they had.”

“Under the absent leadership of the democrats an average family of four in our state now owes nearly $20,000 to pay off the state pension fund alone. Many of our school districts, our urban areas spend over $300,000 per high school graduates, half aren’t proficient in basic algebra, they can’t read at a high school level. And for all the accolades the democrats have received for increasing education funding, less than 30% has actually gone to teaching.”

“10 years ago democrats denied the existence of a pension crisis, 2 years ago Vilseck vetoed vital pension reforms, but because of the advocacy and had work of Pennsylvania citizens like you I have some good news... our Senate Majority Leader has introduced SB 1, and it is going to be a major turn around for our state. It moves us away from the unsustainable pension system to a system that provides choice for workers and stability for taxpayers. I have spoken with the leader at length about SB 1 and I am proud to fully endorse this legislation and I encourage all of you to contact your representatives and voice your support!”

“SB 1 is just one step in the right direction, we need to lower taxes of all forms, property, sales, income and whatever else overburden Pennsylvanians. Our budget deficit grows not because of a lack of revenue but because these high taxes, overregulation and a state government that continues to fund failing programs. As your governor I will institute an automatic sunset provision for under-performing programs and require the implementation of cost-reducing changes recommended by the IFO or Performance based Budget Board. We are going to introduce transparency measures and pass the taxpayer protection act to control spending and protect the hard earned money of families across the state.”

“We are going to become the most business friendly state in the nation, not through reckless corporate welfare that the current administration engages in but by actually creating a environment of growth, an environment where the American Dream can thrive. Our state has countless advantages, we have some of the largest, cheapest deposits of natural gas and coal in the world, we can utilize that to bring back the manufacturing jobs of years past we can become the global leader in manufacturing and energy exports once again. I refuse to accept Pennsylvania’s place at the bottom of the country for job growth and economic output, its time for that to end.”

“As your governor I will put an end to a lack of transparency in Harrisburg, the shadow budget, the lack of accountability. I am going to start a policy of job growth, education and fiscal responsibility. I will make blue collar communities like this one, ones that have been left behind by Winston and Harrisburg, my top priority unlike the democrats who have taken communities like yours for granted. How many years have democratic leaders made promises that never came to fruition? You all deserve economic strength and stability, accept nothing less.”

“Despite this lack of transparency, the state lawmakers are some of the best paid in the nation, the governor makes over $190,000 a year, the highest in the nation. I pledge to you today that as governor I will not take a dime of that salary until the salary is lowered! The lowest salary of a governor in the nation is $70,000, Maine, I call on the legislature to make it at least that low. All elected officials working for the state will have a pay freeze while I am governor until the budget is balanced.”

“I will do everything in my power to create an environment more friendly to business encouraging the growth of industries new and old. I am going to fight for the expansion of healthcare and higher education here, i’m going to fight for tax cuts for small businesses and across the board. As your governor I will be an advocate in Washington for the renegotiation of trade deals that are now outdated and costing jobs.”

“The policies of Harrisburg have resulted in plants like GE to send jobs and plants to Texas, our wealth and factories overseas leaving thousands of Pennsylvanians out of work. The negligence of those in Harrisburg have seen the jobs of skilled craftsman and tradespeople moved thousands of miles away, it has devastated our middle class, it has devastated our nation. Staying on this path and continuing these policies of relentless taxation, and allowing our communities to deteriorate will keep our factories closed, our inner cities poor, and special interests in control.”

“Ladies and gentlemen let’s have the economic resurgence of our state begin today. Lets send a message to Harrisburg a message that enough is enough and we need an economy that is growing not stagnant, it’s time to stop over-taxing, over-regulating, and crippling ourselves. It’s time to get Pennsylvania working again, I hope you join me, God bless America and God Bless the Great State of Pennsylvania, Thank You!.”

[Kannap]

The Charlotte Observer

ASHEVILLE, NC - A teacher in Asheville passed away Friday morning after suffering a heart attack in the middle of one of his classes.

Students called 911, as well as alerting other nearby teachers at Bowen High School in Asheville, NC, after history teacher Holden Hunt collapsed to the floor during a lecture in his Sophomore U.S. history class.

One student, Jason Pembroke, spoke of the experience, "It was horrifying, it was scary and none of us knew what was happening. Casey called 911 and a few other students ran to get other teachers from nearby classrooms. We didn't learn until later that he'd passed away."

An ambulance rushed Mr. Hunt to Mission Hospital, but Hunt was deceased by the time they arrived.

The Superintendent of Buncombe County Schools issued a statement, "Mr. Hunt has been one of the most professional teachers yearly at Buncombe County Schools since he started teaching with us seven years ago. He was a close friend to many other teachers and staff in our schools. He will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

Two vigils will be held at Bowen High School tonight and tomorrow at 8pm.

Asheville Citizen-Times
Obituaries

| Holden Ashe Hunt of Asheville, NC passed away of a heart attack last Friday. Holden was a teacher at Bowen High
| School. He was recognized as Teacher of the Year three times during his seven years working for Buncombe County
| Schools. Holden was a devoted member of Asheville Presbyterian Church.
|
| Holden is survived by his father, Senator Noah Jefferson Ashe, and mother, Grace McKimmick Ashe; husband, Gavyn
| Hunt; children, Danny, Sarah, and Noah; brothers, Jackson Grant Ashe and Noah Jefferson Ashe, Jr.; and sisters, Gracie
| Anne Gibshaw and Macy Amelia Sweetner.

[Amuaplye]

Just 30 minutes after his flight touched down at JFK International in New York City from Reagan International in Washington, he got the call about the incident in Asheville, North Carolina.

He was sitting in Terminal 8, when his phone rang, and he got the news.

He muttered a curse to himself, before frantically calling Stuyvesant High, asking if he could hold a speech there about the prevalence of mass shootings in America. Upon being told yes, and scheduling it for next week, he adjusted his American flag lapel pin, grabbed his luggage, and left, but before modifying his schedule to say:

"July 4 - Visit 9/11 Memorial
July 11 - Speech at Stuyvesant High on mass shootings
September 11 - Speech at 9/11 Memorial."

His first area: His office at 201 Varick Street. He put the luggage away, then tweeted:

Pyotr Torenov @PTorenovNY10 I am saddened by the incident in Asheville, North Carolina. Mr. Hust have been a wonderful man, and I am calling for the Representatives of Districts 10 and 11 to honorably attend his funeral. 00 8:01 am - 7/4/17

He then took a cab to his next destination: The 9/11 Memorial and Museum.



He paid the driver his fare, and left, entering the area where the reflecting pools were. He had been here 4 times, 5 counting this one, so it was much less difficult to navigate here. He walked towards the South Pool, with 1 thing repeating in his head: Panel S-70. That was where the names of the victims of Flight 77 were, and therefore, where his father-in-law's name was.

He always had this one hope: That he was at the front of the plane, so that when it hit the Pentagon, it would at least be quick. After all, he had read somewhere that the front of the plane disintegrated on impact, but that almost definitely wasn't the case, as he had also read that everyone on board was forced into the back of the plane, which, he thought, entered the building intact.

He walked around the panel, looking for his name. After at least three or four minutes, he found it.

"RICHARD S. STUART"

The details were hazy to him, but he thought that he was attending a business conference in Los Angeles for his company, some sort of financial firm, whose name had escaped his mind. But, he thought it was probably in the US Bank Tower.

He left a paper drawing of an angel next to his name, and left.

[Velahor]

“Yeah, true...” said Carter, before changing the subject. “So...I hear you’re doing the baseball game. Guess I’m a little new around here to get the invite,” he joked.

"Oh, you heard about that?" Kristen was halfway between pride at the recognition and embarrassment at not looping him in. If she was honest with herself the question she was going to ask out loud was a decent excuse but there was something else that had made her hesitate. "Is your achilles all right now? I didn't mean to exclude you, I wasn't sure if you were up to speed yet. I know that's a tough one to get over"

“I’m at like 95% now. It feels good. The doctor said it was a quick recovery. I’m not gonna go sprint, or run a marathon any time soon, but a game of baseball would be fine,” responded Carter. He wanted to participate, if only for the fact that he knew it would make for some publicity for him, being a well-known pro athlete who ends up playing baseball as a Congressman would deserve even just a little mention on ESPN. But he tried not to come on too strong about it, in fear that it would be rather awkward given the circumstances.

[Tallahassee News Station]

"Oh, you heard about that?" Kristen was halfway between pride at the recognition and embarrassment at not looping him in. If she was honest with herself the question she was going to ask out loud was a decent excuse but there was something else that had made her hesitate. "Is your achilles all right now? I didn't mean to exclude you, I wasn't sure if you were up to speed yet. I know that's a tough one to get over"

“I’m at like 95% now. It feels good. The doctor said it was a quick recovery. I’m not gonna go sprint, or run a marathon any time soon, but a game of baseball would be fine,” responded Carter. He wanted to participate, if only for the fact that he knew it would make for some publicity for him, being a well-known pro athlete who ends up playing baseball as a Congressman would deserve even just a little mention on ESPN. But he tried not to come on too strong about it, in fear that it would be rather awkward given the circumstances.

"That's good. I'm happy to hear that." Stevenson sounded sincere but a darker part of her didn't agree with what she was saying. She had had to cut a backroom deal with Amaras to get to be the captain of the team and Roberts's celebrity would take some of the attention and shine off of something she felt she needed with the election looming and her self imposed limitations. She watched her tone as she questioned him.

"So I bet you've played baseball before?"

[Velahor]

“I’m at like 95% now. It feels good. The doctor said it was a quick recovery. I’m not gonna go sprint, or run a marathon any time soon, but a game of baseball would be fine,” responded Carter. He wanted to participate, if only for the fact that he knew it would make for some publicity for him, being a well-known pro athlete who ends up playing baseball as a Congressman would deserve even just a little mention on ESPN. But he tried not to come on too strong about it, in fear that it would be rather awkward given the circumstances.

"That's good. I'm happy to hear that." Stevenson sounded sincere but a darker part of her didn't agree with what she was saying. She had had to cut a backroom deal with Amaras to get to be the captain of the team and Roberts's celebrity would take some of the attention and shine off of something she felt she needed with the election looming and her self imposed limitations. She watched her tone as she questioned him.

"So I bet you've played baseball before?"

“Only until high school,” replied Carter, in a way that sounded more like a confession than boast. “Track and baseball season overlap in Connecticut. So I had to choose. Track was better for keeping me in shape for basketball, so I chose it,” he continued, trying to keep it short so to not sound like he reminisced too much about high school sports.

[Tallahassee News Station]

"That's good. I'm happy to hear that." Stevenson sounded sincere but a darker part of her didn't agree with what she was saying. She had had to cut a backroom deal with Amaras to get to be the captain of the team and Roberts's celebrity would take some of the attention and shine off of something she felt she needed with the election looming and her self imposed limitations. She watched her tone as she questioned him.

"So I bet you've played baseball before?"

“Only until high school,” replied Carter, in a way that sounded more like a confession than boast. “Track and baseball season overlap in Connecticut. So I had to choose. Track was better for keeping me in shape for basketball, so I chose it,” he continued, trying to keep it short so to not sound like he reminisced too much about high school sports.

Kristen was partly hoping internally that he would answer "no" to give her a good excuse but she kept up the face and told herself it would be fine to be teammates with him. Now she was trying to deal with conflicting frustration and excitement from different halves of her. "That all sounds good. What position did you play?"

[Velahor]

“Only until high school,” replied Carter, in a way that sounded more like a confession than boast. “Track and baseball season overlap in Connecticut. So I had to choose. Track was better for keeping me in shape for basketball, so I chose it,” he continued, trying to keep it short so to not sound like he reminisced too much about high school sports.

Kristen was partly hoping internally that he would answer "no" to give her a good excuse but she kept up the face and told herself it would be fine to be teammates with him. Now she was trying to deal with conflicting frustration and excitement from different halves of her. "That all sounds good. What position did you play?"

“Mostly outfield,” replied Carter assuredly. “I was usually at center field.”

[Tallahassee News Station]

Kristen was partly hoping internally that he would answer "no" to give her a good excuse but she kept up the face and told herself it would be fine to be teammates with him. Now she was trying to deal with conflicting frustration and excitement from different halves of her. "That all sounds good. What position did you play?"

“Mostly outfield,” replied Carter assuredly. “I was usually at center field.”

"I think I can get a spot for you" Kristen said brightly. "We have a good team, we'll be lucky to have you"

[Velahor]

“Mostly outfield,” replied Carter assuredly. “I was usually at center field.”

"I think I can get a spot for you" Kristen said brightly. "We have a good team, we'll be lucky to have you"

Roberts tried his best to sound surprised that she’d offered him a spot, “that’s so nice of you. Is there anything I need to do?”

[Tallahassee News Station]

"I think I can get a spot for you" Kristen said brightly. "We have a good team, we'll be lucky to have you"

Roberts tried his best to sound surprised that she’d offered him a spot, “that’s so nice of you. Is there anything I need to do?”

Kristen shook her head. "Just be there nice and early. I want us to be the first ones to the field so we have plenty of time to stretch out and do some practice before the game starts. Being a little more prepared than them might give us the edge"

[Velahor]

Roberts tried his best to sound surprised that she’d offered him a spot, “that’s so nice of you. Is there anything I need to do?”

Kristen shook her head. "Just be there nice and early. I want us to be the first ones to the field so we have plenty of time to stretch out and do some practice before the game starts. Being a little more prepared than them might give us the edge"

“Like John Wooden said, ‘failing to prepare is preparing to fail,’ so let’s make sure we’re prepared,” replies Carter, surprised he could even recall the quote from memory.

[Tallahassee News Station]

Kristen shook her head. "Just be there nice and early. I want us to be the first ones to the field so we have plenty of time to stretch out and do some practice before the game starts. Being a little more prepared than them might give us the edge"

“Like John Wooden said, ‘failing to prepare is preparing to fail,’ so let’s make sure we’re prepared,” replies Carter, surprised he could even recall the quote from memory.

Kristen had no idea who the guy was, but the way Carter was talking about him made him sound important enough that she should know him so she just nodded along "Sounds like a plan"

[Velahor]

“Like John Wooden said, ‘failing to prepare is preparing to fail,’ so let’s make sure we’re prepared,” replies Carter, surprised he could even recall the quote from memory.

Kristen had no idea who the guy was, but the way Carter was talking about him made him sound important enough that she should know him so she just nodded along "Sounds like a plan"

“Good,” replied Carter, pausing before continuing. “I also have something I want to invite you to. I’m putting together a coalition to work on the first of my series of higher education reform bills. Senators and Representatives. I really would appreciate your input.”

[Tallahassee News Station]

Kristen had no idea who the guy was, but the way Carter was talking about him made him sound important enough that she should know him so she just nodded along "Sounds like a plan"

“Good,” replied Carter, pausing before continuing. “I also have something I want to invite you to. I’m putting together a coalition to work on the first of my series of higher education reform bills. Senators and Representatives. I really would appreciate your input.”

"Uh, sure. I'd be happy to help with that." Kristen wondered for a moment if Carter knew she never went to college.

[Velahor]

“Good,” replied Carter, pausing before continuing. “I also have something I want to invite you to. I’m putting together a coalition to work on the first of my series of higher education reform bills. Senators and Representatives. I really would appreciate your input.”

"Uh, sure. I'd be happy to help with that." Kristen wondered for a moment if Carter knew she never went to college.

“Good, I’ll let you know the details after I assemble the rest of the necessary people,” replied Carter. “So...I better get going...” he continued.

[Tallahassee News Station]

"Uh, sure. I'd be happy to help with that." Kristen wondered for a moment if Carter knew she never went to college.

“Good, I’ll let you know the details after I assemble the rest of the necessary people,” replied Carter. “So...I better get going...” he continued.

"Yeah....I've got some stuff to do too getting ready for tomorrow."

[Velahor]

“Good, I’ll let you know the details after I assemble the rest of the necessary people,” replied Carter. “So...I better get going...” he continued.

"Yeah....I've got some stuff to do too getting ready for tomorrow."

“You have my number if you need anything, I’ll see you later,” remarked Carter, knowing he was intentionally keeping the meeting very brief.