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In this Update:
Catastrophic Carbon Emissions Tax Is Really About Control
People who think they know better than others and, by extension, think they are qualified to exercise control over those they consider to be lesser human beings will never cease in their attempts to coerce through government force. Such is the case with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s latest proposal to impose an economy-crushing carbon emissions tax. The governor has finally figured out the Commonwealth Court’s recent ruling that his predecessor’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is actually a tax on electricity and that any tax must have legislative approval in order to be imposed. He is now baiting the General Assembly by “promising” to drop his RGGI appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, if the Legislature rubberstamps his catastrophic energy tax. He’s made similar promises to the Senate before (education scholarships) and gone back on his word. He hasn’t given any specifics of what his new energy tax might entail, much less a framework from which to begin a conversation. He hasn’t voiced a single concern about what this tax would mean to the increasing number of Pennsylvanians living on a fixed income. He also hasn’t addressed how to alleviate the burden of higher heating and air conditioning bills that will undoubtably have a negative impact on their purchasing power at grocery stores, retail outlets and at the gas pump. The governor has rightly concluded that Pennsylvania is the powerhouse for the mid-Atlantic region, but he fails to acknowledge how most of that power generation has kept costs down for individuals, the businesses who serve them, or how his fake science driven tax will destroy the energy independence that Pennsylvania power suppliers bring to the marketplace. Our electricity costs are largely in check because of what the job-creating fossil fuels industry has already done for every one of us. While other costs have grown at a much higher rate, our seniors and those living below the median household income have not had to deal with a similar surge in keeping their lights on, heating their homes or cooling them in the summer. I’m not giving this governor another opportunity to violate my trust or the benefit of the doubt for a second time. The People of Pennsylvania should likewise stand against Shapiro’s ill-defined and ill-conceived grab at their wallets that will do nothing to reduce carbon emissions or otherwise improve our environment. PennDOT Shares Roadwork Info with Motorists
As the weather improves, there will be more roadwork. To inform motorists about construction projects that are underway, beginning this year or being bid, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offers an informational portal. It has a mapping application for highway and bridge projects that allows users to obtain information about roadwork projects. For travel information, visit www.511pa.com or call 5-1-1. 511PA is Pennsylvania’s official travel information service, which provides travelers with reliable, current traffic and weather information, as well as links to other transportation services. Protect Your Family from Dangerous Radon
Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that can enter your home from the ground through cracks in the foundation. It increases cancer risks and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Pennsylvania has one of the most serious radon problems in the country. Approximately 40% of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s action guideline. Find information how to test your home’s radon level and find certified radon mitigation contractors here. Help is Available for Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling Awareness Month, observed in March, promotes prevention, treatment and recovery services. Sadly, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians experience gambling-related problems, including family, financial, legal and emotional issues. Gambling problems can be mild or very serious, and can worsen with time. Individuals seeking treatment for compulsive or problem gambling can call Pennsylvania’s helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) to connect with local help. People can also text 1-800-522-4700 or live chat. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Saint Patrick, who lived in the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to the country. Even though the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday for more than 1,000 years, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade actually took place in America. Records show the first parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Fla. “May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” – Irish blessing
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