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by Tallahassee News Station » Thu May 16, 2019 3:42 pm
The Orion Islands wrote:Dentali wrote:
"Mr. Governor" The GOP leader says after clearing his throat resulting in a somewhat different voice "The GOP has the majority, we can get it through as stands."
Di Pietro: “Ok. I’ll put it at the 70th percentile. Will that please everyone? Now that the Republicans are speaking up, mind telling me your opinion of the 4.75% income tax hike on the top bracket?”
by The Orion Islands » Thu May 16, 2019 3:46 pm
by Tallahassee News Station » Thu May 16, 2019 3:51 pm
by The Orion Islands » Thu May 16, 2019 3:58 pm
by Tallahassee News Station » Thu May 16, 2019 4:03 pm
by Dentali » Thu May 16, 2019 4:13 pm
Tallahassee News Station wrote:The Orion Islands wrote:Di Pietro: “Alright gentlemen, we agreed on a 4.75% tax hike on the top bracket and to use the chained-CPI. Now we can use the 70th percentile to work with.”
"90th. I just voluntarily dropped that and the Majority leader here agreed, don't get greedy."
by Tallahassee News Station » Thu May 16, 2019 4:15 pm
by Dentali » Thu May 16, 2019 4:19 pm
by The Orion Islands » Thu May 16, 2019 4:42 pm
Dentali wrote:Tallahassee News Station wrote:
"So that's what I get for voluntary compromise, exploitation" he said bitterly. "No, that's off the table now. You blew that chance."
New York Republican Senate Leader
“Mr governor let’s call it a day for now, just do the healthcare we agreed to then tackle this issue at a later date.”
by Meelducan » Fri May 17, 2019 7:19 am
Arthur Arlen
@NorfolkMayor
After many meetings with the Commission On Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption, today I announce my plan to classify Norfolk as an Eco-City.
Arthur Arlen
@NorfolkMayor
By doing this, Norfolk will move into the 21st Century eviromentally. Climate Change is a major problem that our country is facing and we must do everything we can to fight it.
Arthur Arlen
@NorfolkMayor
I urge cities throughout the Commonwealth to begin taking steps towards becoming an eco-city. Let's make Virginia the cleanest state in the country!
by Dentali » Sat May 18, 2019 11:07 pm
Glen for Penn? Life, Liberty and the pursuit of the Governor’s Mansion
By David Halco
It’s 9 pm on a Saturday, Glen Anderson has been working a 14 hour day barnstorming across Dauphin County visiting homes, small businesses and literal barns but he has one last stop to make. Jessica Anderson, a clever and freckle-faced 11-year-old runs out to greet him, Glen who was exhausted just moments before lights up before picking his daughter up and swinging her around in a tight embrace.
“Dad!” Jessica says returning the hug, “Can we watch Doctor Strange before you tuck me in?”
“I wish I got more moments like this,” Anderson said a few hours later when Jessica had been put to bed, “I asked her if I could run for Governor before I announced, I wanted her input, her permission. She told me ‘if you’re going to run you better win’”
Earlier that day Anderson had been at a roadside diner with some of his team, treating them to a well deserved lunch. He was recognized by a few people, obliging in selfies and brief conversations on issues but for the most part he was busy coordinating an event with his team. Anderson had announced quite early for the race but considering his campaigns busy schedule it is probably good he did. Anderson pledged to visit all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.
“These aren’t just lip service visits either,” his campaign manager, Amanda De Sousa, says as Glen is distracted from the interview by talking with the owner of the diner about how buying local produce can be made more cost effective, “We spend all weekend in a county, visit every spot we can and talk to whoever we can. He doesn’t believe in voter rolls, in targeting those who are known Republican activists, he just cares if they are a citizen of the state.”
“The hardest part of campaigning?” Anderson says, repeating the question I had asked as he looked over the diner menu, “I’m a health nut, and on the road it’s hard to eat right. Everyone is tempted to get McDonalds every day out of convenience.” After a few moments contemplation he makes his selection a spinach and feta cheese egg white omelette “Feta has a third less fat than cheddar” he explains matter of factly. “When I was a fitness trainer I tried to start people out making small changes before moving on to the big ones, maybe that’s what i’ve always tried to do since.”
Glen was born into Generation X, weaned on Star Wars, Alt Rock and a healthy skepticism of the mainstream. “REM, Sonic Youth,” Glen said flipping through his Ipod, “Springsteen is my favorite but most of my music is alternative and post-punk rock; the Replacements, The Smiths, The Cure… they taught me that in life you shouldn’t be afraid of making mistakes of not doing something perfectly, if you want to get anywhere you need to free yourself from that fear.”
Anderson is a famous name in Pennsylvania, especially in the west where the factories and offices of “Anderson Industrial” dot the landscape and employ 2,000 people. “As a kid I was all about sports and the local music scene, it wasn’t so much competition with others that attracted me as the idea of perfecting myself. I cared more about being in good shape than being on a team. I love Penn State though,” Anderson added, referring to his alma mater, “I’ll root for them in anything.”
Anderson has been advocating for change in Washington for longer than he has served in Congress, he worked as an intern for Pennsylvania Senator Raymond Gootlatch while in college and assisted in a number of other campaigns for office in his home state. “It was a busy time,” Anderson commented as we were driven to his next event, “I was a waiter and a fitness trainer while doing freelance writing and working for “America Tomorrow”, I am not going to pretend I wasn’t born into a wealthy family but I tried to strike out on my own and be independent.”
His skill with the pen landed him a role as a speechwriter of Vice President Dickney in 2004, until Anderson decided to return home full time in 2006. “I had just gotten married,” he explained, “we wanted to settle down someplace a bit more stable but honestly I was restless, even after Jessica was born.” Anderson and his then-wife Rebecca Dalton moved to the suburbs outside Pittsburgh near Anderson Industrial’s headquarters; where Glen started working for his family as a consultant and lobbyist, but he never strayed from politics completely advising local campaigns and working to elect Republicans.
“When Winston got elected, the people of Pennsylvania felt hopeful. Maybe this guy could get us through the recession… I didn’t vote for him, didn’t support him, helped the PA Republican Party organize against him but I still hoped they were right. That somehow Winston would be the right man for the right moment. But it became readily apparent he wasn’t.”
Glen credits his increasing political activism as a major reason for his divorce from Rebecca Dalton in 2010, as his passion left him less time to be a good husband, “After our nominee for Congress lost in 2010, I decided I was done being behind the scenes. I wanted to be the guy running, Senator Gootlatch wanted me to but I never felt ready before. I told Rebecca that I couldn’t stand on the sidelines and do nothing while the state and country suffered.”
Over 70 members of Congress and a handful of governors are divorced, but something that potentially cost Nelson Rockefeller the Republican nomination in ‘64 is still an issue. ‘“Some voters will ask ‘How can I talk about family values when I have a failed marriage?’” Anderson asked rhetorically after finishing a rally a few miles west of Harrisburg, “That’s a fair question, but bottom line… Rebecca is still an amazing mom and I’m doing all I can to be an amazing dad. Divorce is rough, sure, but we put our daughter first. I still worry about keeping her safe and getting her through school like everyone else.” When I asked Anderson if he regret getting married in the first place, he told me, “No... because it gave me Jessica.”
Anderson won his first election in 2012, relying on a wealth of experience, connections and with a family name known in the region, to make it through the primary and then the general election, he won against the Democratic incumbent Peggy Epps by a 5 point margin outperforming the districts Partisan Lean by two points, he mainly focused on an economic platform. In his first year he authored two bills, the first of which increased healthcare protections for firefighters especially volunteers and another that protected small town banks. The next year saw three more bills.
After his first term, Anderson grew more comfortable writing legislation. “I had worked in Congress before, I knew what it looked like and how it felt to get votes for a bill. I missed it. But I was still new, I was in no rush to make a fool of myself. After the first year I decided I was ready to go full tilt.” Anderson would become a prolific bill author on a number of issues, notably on education. His outspokenness on the issue led him to the chairmanship on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. He championed charter schools and education savings accounts, anything to privatize and localize schools. It was Anderson who authored the highly popular DC voucher Pilot program.
Anderson voted in his first election in 1988, voting for the Senior Shrub. “I wasn’t much of an activist then, but everyone loved Reagan and wanted the good economy to continue. When 1992 came around I was close to voting for Pallot, I liked a lot of what he was saying and his middle of the road focus. But in the end, I was a Conservative and stuck with the party.” Sticking with the party is something Anderson has had issue with, claiming he has never voted a straight party ticket in his life. “Having an R next to your name doesn’t mean you should get elected. Make no mistake, I’m a Republican, proud to be so, but not every Republican is created equal.”
He caused some stir in the last election by not explicitly endorsing now President Reed, “I voted for him in the end, and I told others to do so. He’s a great guy and has proven himself since.” Anderson explained, “My worry wasn’t ideological it was ‘if this guy gets a phone call at 2am about Russia invading Estonia can he handle it? Will he know what to do?’ I’m happy to say my fear was unfounded. It definitely pissed off some people in the party, but if you’re not ruffling some feathers as a politician you’re doing it wrong.”
Another rarity in today’s politics is Anderson’s commitment to bipartisan legislation, authoring more legislation than any other Republican this last session, most of it with a co-sponsor from across the aisle. “My biggest pieces of legislation this session were the 21st Century Agriculture Act, the Educational Facility Rehabilitation Act, Save Small and Local Business Act and the Innovation in America Act.”
“The Agriculture Act was backed by Senator Alphonsey from California. He’s a Progressive but incredibly bright and he’s truly committed to his job.” Anderson hinted a bit at his belief Alphonsey would run for President in 2020 before continuing to talk about the benefits of the farm bill. “The tax code didn’t work for farmers, where they had their money, how they were taxed, this reflected modern realities… people think of farming as some antiquated thing but the truth is its changing rapidly and is innovating constantly, we need to support workers as industries change and farming is no different.”
Touring public schools in Philadelphia is what inspired The Education Facility Rehabilitation Act. According to Anderson, “Kids can’t learn if the school is falling apart, and in a lot of cities they have their priorities backwards for funding schools, mainly in urban areas like Philadelphia that are using schools that have been around for decades. Congressman Barnum, I was in a meeting with him for an unrelated matter, and I mentioned the bill, I never expected him to jump on it like he did. That bill wouldn’t have gotten through without him.”
“Saving Small and Local Business, and the Innovation in America Act…” Anderson said with a hint of pride “The Winston administration was responsible for a gutting of small businesses, through taxation and mostly through regulation. Pennsylvania’s government didn’t help things. Innovation in America is a Consumer focus ‘made in America’ type bill. Problem with most ‘made in America’ solutions is that they raise the cost for consumers, buy American for twice as much. This focuses on bringing down the costs of manufacturing in America, of innovating, of bringing jobs to places like Erie that need it the most.”
During this last session he was simultaneously campaigning for the Governorship. Despite essentially holding 2 full time jobs, Anderson managed to never miss a vote and wrote more legislation than any other Congressman that session, something Anderson credits to a great campaign staff he can trust to make hard decisions. “No one campaigns alone, I trust my staff to make the right choice when the chips are down and I can’t be there to chime in. My duty as a Congressman comes first and they knew that going in.”
However the campaign does admit to missteps, like doing a joint rally with Senator Alois Kramer before he officially announced his campaign for President and before the massacre in Dillon, Montana, which claimed 9 lives.
“The idea from the beginning of the campaign was to unite as many people and groups as possible, I knew Kramer a bit but not very well. At the time I just saw him as a Senator a bit further right than me with a ton of experience. I told him I was running and he offered to endorse. I said yes. Then, a few days later, he announced he was considering challenging Reed in 2020.” Anderson relayed the story with a bitter taste in his mouth, the association clearly causing him some distress.
“I let him know my frustration, bluntly and firmly, that he would not inform me of such a move, that it affected my campaign by association and that the President didn’t at all deserve such a primary threat so early into his Presidency. Kramer was apologetic and swore to me… swore to god that he did not actually intend to challenge the President and was simply expressing frustration at a few recent positions, He offered to make it up to me by holding a rally with me, I told him I would think about it. Afterwards I contacted the White House, spoke with the chief of staff about the endorsement and made it clear I had no intention of supporting Kramer challenge the President, they greenlit the joint rally with Kramer and we held it.”
“Then Kramer announced, I disowned the endorsement he had given me and expressed my disdain for the move. Then Dillion happened… I have no words for Kramer’s actions and association, the man has dishonored the nation and Congress.”
Anderson has continued to campaign throughout the state, racking up momentum and more endorsements from multiple wings of the Republican Party, like Governor Stephens of Montana, Senator Troy Wilson of Wyoming, Senator Diane Lane of Wisconsin and Governor Mondale of Ohio as well as many local names from across the state.
“My platform is to Get Pennsylvania Working Again, to bring economic prosperity to the state, to lower the burdens of taxes and regulation and to remove the barriers to prosperity that affect people from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.”
“The Commonwealth Healthcare Choices Plan is my current pride and joy,” Anderson said, referring to his healthcare policy platform, “It tooks years of research, writing and experimentation, I’m proud of the final product and it’s going to do a lot of good. The basic idea is to empower consumers, let them choose and tailor healthcare to their own personal needs.” Healthcare frequently ranks as the number 1 issue among voters across the nation, and in Pennsylvania its dueling for the top spot with “Jobs/Economy.” So far, Anderson is the only candidate for the Governorship with a full healthcare plan, including current Governor Brantley. “I have a reputation as a ‘policy guy’ or a ‘policy wonk’, I hope that people start viewing that more as a ‘solutions guy’ someone who actually has real solutions for how to solve real problems. Too often the party gets too focused on rejecting Progressive and Liberal solutions to problems, we are dismissive, we say ‘that won’t work because of X,Y and Z.’ Too often we lose sight that they are addressing real problems facing Americans today and we can’t win by just saying ‘No,’ we need to have our own way forward.”
“When I go door to door I hear the same thing, people feel disconnected from their elected leaders. Ever problem they have is met with more taxes, that people don’t need or want. You can claim the tax increases are all for good things but how much are we getting for our investment? Our state is hemorrhaging jobs, businesses, taxpayers… and the only solution Harrisburg has found is raising taxes.” Anderson has been bringing a pro-business low tax message to communities throughout the state, remaining remarkably whether speaking to inner city Philadelphia, blue collar Erie or rural Lancaster, pledging not to raise taxes and to tear down regulation.
“Something I learned from Senator Gootlatch is that you can’t go door to door explaining your 20 point policy plan” Anderson explained in between stops on his tour of Westmoreland County “So instead of education policy I talk about their kids, and I talk about Jessica and how at 11 she wants to be a dentist.” Anderson chuckles a bit and shakes his head “What kind of an 11 year old wants to be a dentist? I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, I expected for her to say Wonder Woman or something but instead she told me a dentist.”
Smiling Anderson continues “As a parent you feel joy when your kid starts to set goals but you also get scared you can’t do your part to get them there. That’s where I talk about education savings accounts, economic security and helping people send their kids to college.”
“As it stands Anderson has visited 58 of the 67 counties in the state before the Republican primary is even over, recently another Congressman has entered the race Areen Ramlan of the 6th Congressional District, a relative unknown. “Jump on in” Anderson said after hearing the announcement of Ramalan entering the race “I believe in the exchange of ideas, primaries are a great opportunity for the party to continually refine its identity.”
On the left Governor Brantley has been largely regarded as an inactive governor, after taking over for Governor Vilseck after he left to head the DNC. “We need him to move on a bunch of immediate issues” Anderson related with frustration “first and foremost the opioid crisis, he’s paid lip service to it but has yet to do much of substance. Our state has the highest salary for the governor in the country, something I aim to change, he hasn’t earned a dime.”
“This is a state in crisis, but we also have great opportunity. 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. Pennsylvania can leave the way.”
by Tallahassee News Station » Mon May 20, 2019 8:08 am
by Aureumterra » Mon May 20, 2019 12:03 pm
by Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi » Mon May 20, 2019 8:48 pm
Fredrick Williams
@GovMS
President Reed did not address the incoming CULTURAL GENOCIDE against the South by the YANKEE aggressors. Mississippi would rather die poor and hungry than take down our beloved Southern flag.
by Dentali » Tue May 21, 2019 2:09 pm
“I would like to thank everyone for coming today and choosing to support life. I would also like to thank all the speakers today telling their stories and hope that they reach those who need to hear them. I promise to keep my comments brief."
I’d like to tell a story that many here known already, but many watching may not. In 1984 a student at Notre Dame confided in her Professor about her unplanned pregnancy. She told her professor she didn’t want an abortion but didn’t know what else to do, she didn’t know where to turn. Professor Janet Smith took action and bought a small house near campus, right next to an abortion clinic. Starting with that student she helped show young women they could choose life instead of abortion.”
“The Women’s Care Center started with one small conversation, someone being a good friend and neighbor. That one choice has grown into the country’s largest network of pregnancy-resource facilities;... 23 locations in 11 states, serving 25,000 a year. WCC locations offers free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling, referrals for prenatal care, parenting classes and resources from children’s clothing to diapers and toys.”
“I am not going to stand here and pretend I know what women who have an unplanned pregnancy are going through, I will not pretend it is easy… what I am going to do is offer my help as a friend and neighbor to someone going through a hard time. We should treat women going through this period with love, charity and understanding.”
“I stand for life because I believe human life has inherent value. That each child born and unborn has the ability to open up our lives and add to the rich tapestry of our world. That each child born and unborn has the potential for greatness. A child born today could become the doctor that cures cancer, could be the brave man or woman that plants a flag on Mars, closer to home they could be a leader in the community, a friend when someone is in need, a volunteer that realizes the gift given to them and wants to give back.”
“When we terminate a pregnancy we kill that potential… we all suffer, we all lose a little bit of ourselves. We lose what might have been. I am proud to serve in a Congress, to be part of a movement that has chosen to value life, to turn away from funding organizations that convince women they have no alternative but to abort the life and the potential within them. Organizations that limit a woman’s choice so they can profit. I refuse to believe the way to empower a life is by allowing people to end a life.”
“The right to life is fundamental, it trumps virtually any other right I can imagine, without it none of the other rights matter. You cannot have liberty without life. This is not a political or policy issue, its a basic issue at the foundation of every society which we must answer, and how we choose to answer will define us. The Constitution tells us every human life is worthy of protection, whether they can vote or not, whether they can speak or not. ”
“May God bless our women who are struggling with unplanned pregnancy, may we love them and embrace them. May we find the strength to empower them and find their potential. Thank you.”
by Greater Arab State » Wed May 22, 2019 1:01 pm
To: Representative Areen Ramalan
From: Senator Alois Kramer
RE: An opportunity
Representative,
I have seen your recent speech in Norristown where you have shown support for American people against the growing tide of illegal immigration flowing from the southern border. I would first like to thank you for doing so and would like to invite you to my D.C. area residence in Anaandale, Virginia in order to discuss further your campaign and new potential opportunities you may find. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Respectfully,
Senator Alois Kramer
by Aureumterra » Thu May 23, 2019 4:25 pm
To: Senator Alois Kramer
From: Representative Areen Ramalan
RE: An opportunity
I will be glad to come over, just send me a time to visit.
by Greater Arab State » Fri May 24, 2019 9:48 am
Aureumterra wrote:To: Senator Alois Kramer
From: Representative Areen Ramalan
RE: An opportunity
I will be glad to come over, just send me a time to visit.
To: Representative Arleen Ramalan
From: Senator Alois Kramer
RE: An opportunity
Would this Saturday at 18:20 work for you, Representative?
by Tallahassee News Station » Sat May 25, 2019 7:30 am
Kristen Stevenson
@BayStateGirl
Only a career politician like Jason Samara and his Washington cronies that have spent their entire careers burying all of us in more and more debt could say that a balanced budget is avoiding responsibility. How out of touch can someone be to say that it is responsible to dig us deeper and deeper into debts that he'll refuse to pay?
Kristen Stevenson
@BayStateGirl
We're being lectured on responsibility by someone who has helped blow massive holes in our budgets as a Winston ally and can't even handle the responsibility of his own office without running out on the job.
by Aureumterra » Sat May 25, 2019 11:05 am
Greater Arab State wrote:Aureumterra wrote:To: Senator Alois Kramer
From: Representative Areen Ramalan
RE: An opportunity
I will be glad to come over, just send me a time to visit.To: Representative Arleen Ramalan
From: Senator Alois Kramer
RE: An opportunity
Would this Saturday at 18:20 work for you, Representative?
To: Senator Alois Kramer
From: Representative Areen Ramalan
RE: An opportunity
Yes, I will be there at 18:20
by Greater Arab State » Sat May 25, 2019 12:19 pm
To: Representative Areen Ramalan
From: Senator Alois Kramer
RE: An opportunity
I look forward to seeing you, Representative.
by Dentali » Sun May 26, 2019 12:20 pm
Interviewer: Congressman Ramalan attacked you recently saying “Anderson is far too much of a moderate to get anything done, I ensure that enough is enough”, how do you respond?
Anderson: I tried to contact the Congressman a number of times to ask him to agree to a clean campaign, I was ignored every time and I guess I know why now. As to the specific charge of my moderation I would ask ‘Compared to what?’ Ramalan has served in Congress a bit, despite his lack of a single piece of legislation to his name, can Ramalan point to a single vote that trended to my right? Furthermore I have written conservative bills and fought for conservative legislation, I have been on the floor debating democrats and progressives alike. Ramalan to my knowledge has never voiced support in favor of a single bill, never debated in favor of a Conservative position on the floor of Congress.”
“He promises to advance school choice, i’ve actually advanced school choice. He promises to help small business, I have actually helped small businesses, so I would like to thank Congressman Ramalan for supporting legislation I have written. He calls for lower taxes but has no plan, I call for lower taxes and have pledged to not raise or implement new taxes AND I have a plan to lower them without harming essential services or creating massive debt.”
“Congressman Ramalan has never taken actual substantive action to advance Conservative ideology. Now if he was a businessman, or someone from outside politics that would be understandable but he is a Congressman, he was elected to represent the values and interests of his district and he hasn’t done anything.”
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