Dear Friends,
Rich Collins has agreed to be "arrested" for the benefit of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Will you join him in helping Jerry's kids?
The lock-up will be Wednesday, December 8, at the Shawnee Country Club in Milford. In order to get out of jail, Rich needs you to make a donation towards his bail by that date.
Rich thanks you in advance for your help. Please go to the link below for all the details and to make a donation:
https://www.joinmda.org/MyLockup/MyHomepage/tabid/185575/Participant/pgalliance/Default.aspx
PERSONAL NOTE FROM RICH:
Folks, I know a few of you are disappointed that I'm not really going to jail. If so, you can make yourself feel much better by donating to Jerry's kids.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Tide will soon turn on Democrats in Delaware
Party triumphed this year, but tax increases will cause 2012 uprising
DELAWARE VOICE • By JOHN E. STAPLEFORD • November 14, 2010
Original Source:
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20101114/OPINION07/11140305/1004/OPINION/Tide+will+soon+turn+on+Democrats+in+Delaware
While much of the nation swung toward the Republicans in the recent election, here in Delaware congressional, statewide and local elections overwhelmingly favored Democrats.
While the determinants of the congressional vote can be debated, Delaware voters have given Democrats increased control over the state Legislature. The Democratic majority in the Delaware Legislature not only remained but is now so large that any bill can be passed without any negotiations with Republicans.
It is an interesting outcome and raises the question, "Why didn't the voters of Delaware follow the national trend of expressing outrage at the current state of affairs?" This can be asked of both statewide and local races, and is evidenced not because Democrats won, but rather because the current majority remained in power regardless of which party it happened to be. Surprisingly, the answers are straight-forward.
First, Delaware residents are not paying the real bill for the runaway state and local government spending that has occurred over the past decade. Delaware exports 44 percent of its state and local tax burden, ranking fifth among all the states in being able to successfully shift the state and local tax burden out of state.
In addition, the state of Delaware has held taxes down by running up debt. Over the last decade, Delaware has gone from the middle of the pack on debt per capita to the fifth-highest among all states. State debt has doubled over the past seven years.
Not to mention the fact that local property taxes are kept low because public education is funded primarily at the state level. Delaware has the third-lowest property taxes as a percentage of median home value among all the states.
Finally, the Delaware residents who vote are not the folks most affected by the current economic hard times. While the recession has not hit Delaware as hard as many states, it has been very tough on groups whose voter participation rates are typically low: the poor, people with less education and the young. Counter to that, the voter participation rate for government employees is typically high. AFSCME and the teachers union have been very involved in this election cycle in Delaware.
Will the tide turn?
Yes. During the next two years, state and local taxes that affect Delaware residents and the Delaware economy are going to rise. The reasons for this are many. First, the federal stimulus money dries up in 2011. Second, state and local governments in Delaware can't shift operating expenses into debt much more without affecting their bond ratings.
Third, the majority party in control of the Legislature is not naturally inclined to cut spending, and the unions will work to make sure that the Legislature does not modify pension benefits nor address the unfunded health care liability of over $5 billion.
Fourth, the over-65 resident population in Delaware is going to explode. These folks are on fixed incomes and perceive themselves to be hard-pressed. They will be very upset with any state and local tax increases, and their voter participation rates are typically very high.
Finally, with the passage of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill, the door has been opened for the pre-emption of Delaware corporate law and a shift of governance to the national level, with new requirements such as "say on pay" and jurisdictional changes. This will cripple the state's ability to export its tax burden.
So, there is a logic to the recent state and local elections in Delaware, and it will be interesting to watch over the next year and see how these issues are dealt with.
John E. Stapleford is director of the Center for Economic Policy and Analysis at the Caesar Rodney Institute.
Click below for the Original Source:
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20101114/OPINION07/11140305/1004/OPINION/Tide+will+soon+turn+on+Democrats+in+Delaware
DELAWARE VOICE • By JOHN E. STAPLEFORD • November 14, 2010
Original Source:
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20101114/OPINION07/11140305/1004/OPINION/Tide+will+soon+turn+on+Democrats+in+Delaware
While much of the nation swung toward the Republicans in the recent election, here in Delaware congressional, statewide and local elections overwhelmingly favored Democrats.
While the determinants of the congressional vote can be debated, Delaware voters have given Democrats increased control over the state Legislature. The Democratic majority in the Delaware Legislature not only remained but is now so large that any bill can be passed without any negotiations with Republicans.
It is an interesting outcome and raises the question, "Why didn't the voters of Delaware follow the national trend of expressing outrage at the current state of affairs?" This can be asked of both statewide and local races, and is evidenced not because Democrats won, but rather because the current majority remained in power regardless of which party it happened to be. Surprisingly, the answers are straight-forward.
First, Delaware residents are not paying the real bill for the runaway state and local government spending that has occurred over the past decade. Delaware exports 44 percent of its state and local tax burden, ranking fifth among all the states in being able to successfully shift the state and local tax burden out of state.
In addition, the state of Delaware has held taxes down by running up debt. Over the last decade, Delaware has gone from the middle of the pack on debt per capita to the fifth-highest among all states. State debt has doubled over the past seven years.
Not to mention the fact that local property taxes are kept low because public education is funded primarily at the state level. Delaware has the third-lowest property taxes as a percentage of median home value among all the states.
Finally, the Delaware residents who vote are not the folks most affected by the current economic hard times. While the recession has not hit Delaware as hard as many states, it has been very tough on groups whose voter participation rates are typically low: the poor, people with less education and the young. Counter to that, the voter participation rate for government employees is typically high. AFSCME and the teachers union have been very involved in this election cycle in Delaware.
Will the tide turn?
Yes. During the next two years, state and local taxes that affect Delaware residents and the Delaware economy are going to rise. The reasons for this are many. First, the federal stimulus money dries up in 2011. Second, state and local governments in Delaware can't shift operating expenses into debt much more without affecting their bond ratings.
Third, the majority party in control of the Legislature is not naturally inclined to cut spending, and the unions will work to make sure that the Legislature does not modify pension benefits nor address the unfunded health care liability of over $5 billion.
Fourth, the over-65 resident population in Delaware is going to explode. These folks are on fixed incomes and perceive themselves to be hard-pressed. They will be very upset with any state and local tax increases, and their voter participation rates are typically very high.
Finally, with the passage of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill, the door has been opened for the pre-emption of Delaware corporate law and a shift of governance to the national level, with new requirements such as "say on pay" and jurisdictional changes. This will cripple the state's ability to export its tax burden.
So, there is a logic to the recent state and local elections in Delaware, and it will be interesting to watch over the next year and see how these issues are dealt with.
John E. Stapleford is director of the Center for Economic Policy and Analysis at the Caesar Rodney Institute.
Click below for the Original Source:
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20101114/OPINION07/11140305/1004/OPINION/Tide+will+soon+turn+on+Democrats+in+Delaware
Two senators eye gas-tax hike to pay for highways and bridges
By Alexander Bolton - 11/09/10 04:42 AM ET
Original Source:
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/128293-two-senators-eye-gas-tax-hike-to-pay-for-highways-and-bridges-
A bipartisan pair of senators has urged President Obama’s debt commission to consider raising the gas tax to pay for infrastructure projects.
Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and George Voinovich (R-Ohio) have written to the chairmen of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform advocating for a 25-cent per gallon tax increase.
“We suggest that the commission include an increase in the federal tax on gasoline and diesel as part of your report to the president,” they wrote. “We suggest that the taxes be increased by one cent per month for 25 months — a total of 25 cents over a three-year period.”
The lawmakers suggest 10 cents of the tax increase should go to deficit reduction and 15 cents should go to funding transportation infrastructure improvements.
It is one of many tax increases Congress is likely to consider in the months ahead as it wrestles with finding ways to reduce the nation’s $1.5 trillion budget deficit.
The proposal, however, seems likely to face staunch opposition from Republicans, many of whom ran on a firm anti-tax increase pledge. It is notable that Voinvoich, the GOP voice on the letter, is retiring at the end of this Congress.
He and Carper argue the nation’s infrastructure system is beginning to crumble.
“The Interstate Highway System is more than 50 years old and many roadways and bridges are reaching the end of their useful life,” they wrote. “In fact, nearly 50 percent of all bridges were built before 1966.”
The increase would more than double the current 18.4-cent federal tax on a gallon of gas, according to a Senate aide.
Both lawmakers sit on the Environment and Public Works Committee.
The age of the nation’s highways and bridges became a national issue in 2007 when the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis collapsed, killing 13 people.
The letter was addressed to Erskine Bowles and former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.), co-chairmen of the fiscal commission, which is due to submit its recommendations to Obama by Dec. 1.
The Treasury Department and the Congressional Budget Office are projecting the national highway trust fund will run out of money in a few years, according to a Senate aide.
The tax increase, when fully implemented, would cost drivers on average of $156 a year, or $13 extra per month.
Voinovich estimates the revenues that would go to transportation improvements would create 775,000 new jobs.
Voinovich has also questioned whether to extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts passed under President George W. Bush.
“My gut is probably no,” Voinovich told The Hill in September. “I think I would probably not vote, period, for it.”
Chris Prandoni, the federal affairs manager at Americans for Tax Reform, a group that advocates for lower taxes, panned the proposal to increase gas taxes.
“I think the proposal by Sen. Voinovich is very discouraging considering the recent election, which you could argue is a repudiation of these tax and spend policies,” Prandoni said
“We spend all this money to create jobs, and we saw it didn’t work in 2009 with the stimulus,” he said.
But Carper and Voinovich argue taxpayers will have to pay for the transportation improvements either way, because Congress is expected to transfer billions of dollars from the general treasury to the trust fund to fix roads and bridges.
They note the CBO estimates the highway trust fund will require $34 billion over the next six years.
“This situation will force Congress to decide between two unacceptable solutions: additional transfers from the General Fund, which will lead to a higher deficit, or a sharp reduction in federal transportation funding for every state, which will create additional unemployment and continued deterioration of infrastructure,” the senators wrote.
Prandoni of Americans for Tax Reform, however, disagrees with that rationale.
“Taxing our way out of problems isn’t going to solve anything,” he said.
Congress last increased the gas tax in 1993, under former President Clinton, raising it by 4.3 cents per gallon, according to a Senate aide.
Congress also increased the gas tax in 1990, under former President George H. W. Bush, raising it 5 cents per gallon.
Both times lawmakers voted to increase the gas tax a portion of the revenues went to deficit reduction.
Source:
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/128293-two-senators-eye-gas-tax-hike-to-pay-for-highways-and-bridges-
The contents of this Article are © 2010 Capitol Hill Publishing Corp., a subsidiary of News Communications, Inc.
Original Source:
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/128293-two-senators-eye-gas-tax-hike-to-pay-for-highways-and-bridges-
A bipartisan pair of senators has urged President Obama’s debt commission to consider raising the gas tax to pay for infrastructure projects.
Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and George Voinovich (R-Ohio) have written to the chairmen of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform advocating for a 25-cent per gallon tax increase.
“We suggest that the commission include an increase in the federal tax on gasoline and diesel as part of your report to the president,” they wrote. “We suggest that the taxes be increased by one cent per month for 25 months — a total of 25 cents over a three-year period.”
The lawmakers suggest 10 cents of the tax increase should go to deficit reduction and 15 cents should go to funding transportation infrastructure improvements.
It is one of many tax increases Congress is likely to consider in the months ahead as it wrestles with finding ways to reduce the nation’s $1.5 trillion budget deficit.
The proposal, however, seems likely to face staunch opposition from Republicans, many of whom ran on a firm anti-tax increase pledge. It is notable that Voinvoich, the GOP voice on the letter, is retiring at the end of this Congress.
He and Carper argue the nation’s infrastructure system is beginning to crumble.
“The Interstate Highway System is more than 50 years old and many roadways and bridges are reaching the end of their useful life,” they wrote. “In fact, nearly 50 percent of all bridges were built before 1966.”
The increase would more than double the current 18.4-cent federal tax on a gallon of gas, according to a Senate aide.
Both lawmakers sit on the Environment and Public Works Committee.
The age of the nation’s highways and bridges became a national issue in 2007 when the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis collapsed, killing 13 people.
The letter was addressed to Erskine Bowles and former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.), co-chairmen of the fiscal commission, which is due to submit its recommendations to Obama by Dec. 1.
The Treasury Department and the Congressional Budget Office are projecting the national highway trust fund will run out of money in a few years, according to a Senate aide.
The tax increase, when fully implemented, would cost drivers on average of $156 a year, or $13 extra per month.
Voinovich estimates the revenues that would go to transportation improvements would create 775,000 new jobs.
Voinovich has also questioned whether to extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts passed under President George W. Bush.
“My gut is probably no,” Voinovich told The Hill in September. “I think I would probably not vote, period, for it.”
Chris Prandoni, the federal affairs manager at Americans for Tax Reform, a group that advocates for lower taxes, panned the proposal to increase gas taxes.
“I think the proposal by Sen. Voinovich is very discouraging considering the recent election, which you could argue is a repudiation of these tax and spend policies,” Prandoni said
“We spend all this money to create jobs, and we saw it didn’t work in 2009 with the stimulus,” he said.
But Carper and Voinovich argue taxpayers will have to pay for the transportation improvements either way, because Congress is expected to transfer billions of dollars from the general treasury to the trust fund to fix roads and bridges.
They note the CBO estimates the highway trust fund will require $34 billion over the next six years.
“This situation will force Congress to decide between two unacceptable solutions: additional transfers from the General Fund, which will lead to a higher deficit, or a sharp reduction in federal transportation funding for every state, which will create additional unemployment and continued deterioration of infrastructure,” the senators wrote.
Prandoni of Americans for Tax Reform, however, disagrees with that rationale.
“Taxing our way out of problems isn’t going to solve anything,” he said.
Congress last increased the gas tax in 1993, under former President Clinton, raising it by 4.3 cents per gallon, according to a Senate aide.
Congress also increased the gas tax in 1990, under former President George H. W. Bush, raising it 5 cents per gallon.
Both times lawmakers voted to increase the gas tax a portion of the revenues went to deficit reduction.
Source:
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/128293-two-senators-eye-gas-tax-hike-to-pay-for-highways-and-bridges-
The contents of this Article are © 2010 Capitol Hill Publishing Corp., a subsidiary of News Communications, Inc.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Positive Growth Alliance’s 5th Annual Christmas Mixer!
We hope you will join us at our 5th annual Christmas mixer! It will be held on Tuesday evening, December 7th from 5:30 till 7:30 pm at the beautiful Clubhouse at Baywood. A $15 donation at the door helps us to pay for the wonderful spread of lite fare, including something for everyone! You will meet some great folks, enjoy holiday cheer, all while networking in a great environment.
The Positive Growth Alliance is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, founded on the principle that FREE ENTERPRISE is the best means for improving the Quality of Life. We work WITH government officials and the public who believe that consumers should control their access to goods, services, and housing through these principles, and hence control our own destiny and standard of living. We advocate for the protection of private property rights and act as a government watch dog to help alleviate excessive government intrusion.
R.S.V.P. 302-684-8025 JOIN US!
More Details... https://pgalliance.org/
The Positive Growth Alliance is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, founded on the principle that FREE ENTERPRISE is the best means for improving the Quality of Life. We work WITH government officials and the public who believe that consumers should control their access to goods, services, and housing through these principles, and hence control our own destiny and standard of living. We advocate for the protection of private property rights and act as a government watch dog to help alleviate excessive government intrusion.
R.S.V.P. 302-684-8025 JOIN US!
More Details... https://pgalliance.org/
Friday, November 5, 2010
CRITICAL FINANCIAL NEWS
Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:
Now that the election is over, expect things to happen fast on the financial front. We have just discovered this financial blog that focuses on the critical news of the economy that few understand or are talking about. I would urge you to open it and read the first post regarding potential inflation.
Also, make sure you page down to the several articles that discuss the recently discovered fraud in mortgage foreclosures and also fraudulent handling of mortgage documents in general. It appears there could be major implications for banks.
We'll be posting a new button on our website at www.pgalliance.org entitled "The Financial Physician." It could easily become the most important area on the site for many, especially those who understand the importance of financial knowledge in these unpredictable times.
Thanks,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
http://www.thefinancialphysician.com/blog/
Now that the election is over, expect things to happen fast on the financial front. We have just discovered this financial blog that focuses on the critical news of the economy that few understand or are talking about. I would urge you to open it and read the first post regarding potential inflation.
Also, make sure you page down to the several articles that discuss the recently discovered fraud in mortgage foreclosures and also fraudulent handling of mortgage documents in general. It appears there could be major implications for banks.
We'll be posting a new button on our website at www.pgalliance.org entitled "The Financial Physician." It could easily become the most important area on the site for many, especially those who understand the importance of financial knowledge in these unpredictable times.
Thanks,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
http://www.thefinancialphysician.com/blog/
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
PGA Fall Mixer!
Positive Growth Alliance members and interested parties:
We hope to see you at our mixer next Thursday, October 28. We'll have light food, good times, and great networking opportunities. You'll also get one free adult beverage with your $15 entry fee!
The time will be from 5:30 to 7:30 PM and we'll be at the Lighthouse Landing restaurant at the Georgetown airport.
There will probably be a few candidates in attendance. It would be a good time to meet them and learn more about them.
An RSVP would be helpful but is not necessary. Bring your friends!
Thanks,
Rich Collins
P.S. We'll fill you in on our role as government watchdog. Belong to the PGA to get the news you can't get anywhere else.
P.S.S. Please look at our Facebook and Twitter pages. It would be great if you could "like us" on Facebook. It will allow you to stay informed without having to actually receive an e-mail.
We hope to see you at our mixer next Thursday, October 28. We'll have light food, good times, and great networking opportunities. You'll also get one free adult beverage with your $15 entry fee!
The time will be from 5:30 to 7:30 PM and we'll be at the Lighthouse Landing restaurant at the Georgetown airport.
There will probably be a few candidates in attendance. It would be a good time to meet them and learn more about them.
An RSVP would be helpful but is not necessary. Bring your friends!
Thanks,
Rich Collins
P.S. We'll fill you in on our role as government watchdog. Belong to the PGA to get the news you can't get anywhere else.
P.S.S. Please look at our Facebook and Twitter pages. It would be great if you could "like us" on Facebook. It will allow you to stay informed without having to actually receive an e-mail.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
OUR 2010 VOTER GUIDE RELEASED
CLICK HERE FOR THE POSITIVE GROWTH ALLIANCE VOTER GUIDE
We have just released our 2010 voter guide. We think you will find the results surprising and maybe even shocking.
The purpose of this guide is to help you determine what incumbent members of the Delaware General Assembly have actually voted for in terms of the economy. We have no comments on challenger candidates without an actual voting record.
First we analyzed all legislation passed by the Delaware General Assembly in 2009 and 2010, plus some others that didn't become law. We then chose 30 that we believe harm the Delaware economy by their passage. Some make large impacts and some small, but all have a negative effect at a time when we can ill afford it.
For a candidate to be included in this guide, they have to be in a Senate or Representative district where at least 2 candidates are contesting for the seat this November, plus they have to be an incumbent with a record. We did not analyze districts where a candidate is running unopposed or has no contest.
If a candidate voted "yes" on all 30 measures, they would have the worst possible record in terms of harming the economy. On the other hand, if they voted "no" on all 30, they would have the best possible rating. "No" votes support the Positive Growth Alliance position.
We would appreciate your comments,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
P.S. Next year, we will rate every General Assembly member from day one. We will do all we can to make sure that citizens are fully informed.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
EPA WORKS TO KILL ECONOMY
Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:
EPA REGULATIONS ON CHESAPEAKE BAY CLEAN-UP TO BE FINALIZED BY END OF YEAR
On September, we held a public meeting with DNREC regarding the EPA Chesapeake Bay initiative. This regulation will be finalized before the end of the year.
At the meeting, DNREC announced that EPA will hold a public workshop on the Chesapeake TMDL and the draft Delaware Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 11 at the Owens Campus of Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more and ask questions of EPA and Delaware.
Frankly, it seems as though the leadership of EPA is now firmly in the hands of folks who have no respect for entrepreneurs or job-creators. They don't seem to have any concern for the amount of economic stress all of us are in. We're also concerned that DNREC is having a difficult time asking the EPA hard questions about just how far their authority extends. We've been speaking to legislators about this and we believe they are requesting an official ruling from Attorney General Biden as to just how far EPA's authority extends.
HOW WERE THESE CALCULATIONS MADE?
In the meantime, we have a little concern with DNREC's statistics regarding our economy. For example, in their Powerpoint presentation presented on September 23, DNREC tells us the economic value of natural resources in the Delaware portion of the Chesapeake Bay drainage basin is $110 billion, yet the Kaiser Foundation says "Total Gross State Product" (value of all Delaware goods & services) was only $61 billion in 2008 (see page 6 of 29). Pretty remarkable, isn't it?
http://www.wr.dnrec.delaware.gov/Information/WatershedInfo/Documents/Chesapeake%20Phase%201%20WIP/ChesapeakeStakeholderPresentation.pdf
EPA BOILER REGULATIONS WILL CLOSE FACTORIES, COST 800,000 JOBS
Now we learn about EPA "boiler regulations" that could close down many of our factories. Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma says it could cost the U.S. 800,000 jobs and close many of our factories. This is another regulation that will be finalized before the end of the year.
OTHER JOB KILLING REGULATIONS COMING
The report also warned that the agency in the coming months is expected to propose, and in some cases finalize, job-killing standards for cooling water intake structures at power plants; national ambient air quality for dust and particulate matter; and maximum achievable control technologies for coal-fired power plants
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/09/28/inhofe-says-epas-new-boiler-rule-kill-nearly-manufacturing-jobs/
Inhofe Says EPA's New Boiler Rule Could Kill Nearly 800,000 Manufacturing Jobs
Published September 28, 2010 FoxNews.com
The top Republican on a Senate environmental panel released a scathing report Tuesday that he contends shows that the Environmental Protection Agency's new proposed rule on cleaning up boilers nationwide could devastate America's manufacturing base and imperil hundreds of thousands of jobs without providing any real public health or environmental benefits.
In June, the EPA issued a proposal that would force industrial, commercial and institutional boilers and heaters to use "maximum achievable control technology" to reduce harmful emissions that erode air quality and pose a public health risk.
The proposed rule covers industrial boilers used in manufacturing, processing, mining, refining and commercial boilers used in malls, laundries, apartments, restaurants and hotels, the report from Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma reads.
The agency, which is required to finalize the proposal by Dec. 16, has argued that implementing the rule would prevent 1,900 to 4,800 premature deaths in 2013 by reducing pollutants like dioxin, mercury and carbon monoxide, which are known or suspected to cause cancer and other serious health and environmental effects.
The EPA also lists a series of other benefits, including a reduction in asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, hospital visits and lost work days. The agency says the value of the benefits ranges from $17 billion to $41 billion in 2013 alone -- outweighing the costs of implementing the new rule by at least $14 billion.
But the Inhofe report -- written by the Senate Environment and Public Works minority staff titled and titled "EPA's Anti-Industrial Policy: Threatening Jobs and America's Manufacturing Base," -- found that the proposed rule, known as "Boiler MACT," could put nearly 800,000 jobs at risk over requirements on commercial and industrial boilers, cement plans and ozone standards.
"Reducing emissions of mercury, hydrogen chloride and other hazardous air pollutants from commercial and industrial boilers is good policy," the report reads. "But the manner in which EPA set standards to reduce those emissions is impracticable and costly."
That's because the proposed standards are so stringent that not even the best performing sources can meet them, according to the Industrial Energy Consumers of America, (IECA), an industry group that represents companies with 750,000 employees and $800 billion in sales and is cited in the report.
The IECA is "enormously concerned that the high costs of this proposed rule will leave companies no recourse but to shut down the entire facility, not just the boiler," the report reads.
The report also warned that the agency in the coming months is expected to propose, and in some cases finalize, job-killing standards for cooling water intake structures at power plants; national ambient air quality for dust and particulate matter; and maximum achievable control technologies for coal-fired power plants.
"In short, the cumulative effect of EPA's air rules will negatively affect growth energy prices, jobs, innovation and domestic manufacturing competitiveness," the report reads.
A spokesman for the EPA told FoxNews.com that the agency had not seen the report yet.
"But the doomsday predictions we hear now are the same sort we have heard every time EPA has taken any step to implement the laws that Congress wrote to protect Americans from pollution in the air we breathe and the water we drink," EPA spokesman Brendan Gilfillan said in a written statement. "Experience has consistently proved those doomsday predictions wrong for the past 40 years."
President Obama repeated in an interview released Tuesday that energy policy remains one of his top priorities, and he will throw the weight of his office behind energy policy regulations in the same way he did for the new health care law.
"We're going to stay on this because it is good for our economy, it's good for our national security and, ultimately, it's good for our environment," the president is quoted saying in the Rolling Stone magazine interview.
The report comes one day after a bipartisan group of 41 senators and a month after a group of a 100 bipartisan House members wrote a letter to EPA administrator Lisa Jackson strongly condemning the agency's proposed rule to clean up industrial boilers.
The lawmakers said the rule could wreak havoc on U.S. manufacturing.
"As our nation struggles to recover from the current recession, we are deeply concerned that the potential impact of pending Clean Air Act regulations could be unsustainable for U.S. manufacturing and the high-paying jobs it provides," reads the letter written by Reps. Walter Minnick, D-Idaho; Robert Aderholt, R-Ala.; G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C.; John Shimkus, R-Ill.
"The EPA's regulatory analysis understates the significant economic impacts of the proposed rule," reads the letter written by Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Susan Collins, R-Maine.
The lawmakers urged the EPA to consider a flexible approach that allows companies to show that emissions of certain pollutants do not pose a public health threat.
"While we support efforts to address serious health threats from air emissions, we also believe that regulations can be crafted in a balanced way that sustains both the environment and jobs," both letters read.
Among the lawmakers who signed the letter were several endangered House and Senate Democrats from manufacturing states.
EPA REGULATIONS ON CHESAPEAKE BAY CLEAN-UP TO BE FINALIZED BY END OF YEAR
On September, we held a public meeting with DNREC regarding the EPA Chesapeake Bay initiative. This regulation will be finalized before the end of the year.
At the meeting, DNREC announced that EPA will hold a public workshop on the Chesapeake TMDL and the draft Delaware Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 11 at the Owens Campus of Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more and ask questions of EPA and Delaware.
Frankly, it seems as though the leadership of EPA is now firmly in the hands of folks who have no respect for entrepreneurs or job-creators. They don't seem to have any concern for the amount of economic stress all of us are in. We're also concerned that DNREC is having a difficult time asking the EPA hard questions about just how far their authority extends. We've been speaking to legislators about this and we believe they are requesting an official ruling from Attorney General Biden as to just how far EPA's authority extends.
HOW WERE THESE CALCULATIONS MADE?
In the meantime, we have a little concern with DNREC's statistics regarding our economy. For example, in their Powerpoint presentation presented on September 23, DNREC tells us the economic value of natural resources in the Delaware portion of the Chesapeake Bay drainage basin is $110 billion, yet the Kaiser Foundation says "Total Gross State Product" (value of all Delaware goods & services) was only $61 billion in 2008 (see page 6 of 29). Pretty remarkable, isn't it?
http://www.wr.dnrec.delaware.gov/Information/WatershedInfo/Documents/Chesapeake%20Phase%201%20WIP/ChesapeakeStakeholderPresentation.pdf
EPA BOILER REGULATIONS WILL CLOSE FACTORIES, COST 800,000 JOBS
Now we learn about EPA "boiler regulations" that could close down many of our factories. Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma says it could cost the U.S. 800,000 jobs and close many of our factories. This is another regulation that will be finalized before the end of the year.
OTHER JOB KILLING REGULATIONS COMING
The report also warned that the agency in the coming months is expected to propose, and in some cases finalize, job-killing standards for cooling water intake structures at power plants; national ambient air quality for dust and particulate matter; and maximum achievable control technologies for coal-fired power plants
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/09/28/inhofe-says-epas-new-boiler-rule-kill-nearly-manufacturing-jobs/
Inhofe Says EPA's New Boiler Rule Could Kill Nearly 800,000 Manufacturing Jobs
Published September 28, 2010 FoxNews.com
The top Republican on a Senate environmental panel released a scathing report Tuesday that he contends shows that the Environmental Protection Agency's new proposed rule on cleaning up boilers nationwide could devastate America's manufacturing base and imperil hundreds of thousands of jobs without providing any real public health or environmental benefits.
In June, the EPA issued a proposal that would force industrial, commercial and institutional boilers and heaters to use "maximum achievable control technology" to reduce harmful emissions that erode air quality and pose a public health risk.
The proposed rule covers industrial boilers used in manufacturing, processing, mining, refining and commercial boilers used in malls, laundries, apartments, restaurants and hotels, the report from Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma reads.
The agency, which is required to finalize the proposal by Dec. 16, has argued that implementing the rule would prevent 1,900 to 4,800 premature deaths in 2013 by reducing pollutants like dioxin, mercury and carbon monoxide, which are known or suspected to cause cancer and other serious health and environmental effects.
The EPA also lists a series of other benefits, including a reduction in asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, hospital visits and lost work days. The agency says the value of the benefits ranges from $17 billion to $41 billion in 2013 alone -- outweighing the costs of implementing the new rule by at least $14 billion.
But the Inhofe report -- written by the Senate Environment and Public Works minority staff titled and titled "EPA's Anti-Industrial Policy: Threatening Jobs and America's Manufacturing Base," -- found that the proposed rule, known as "Boiler MACT," could put nearly 800,000 jobs at risk over requirements on commercial and industrial boilers, cement plans and ozone standards.
"Reducing emissions of mercury, hydrogen chloride and other hazardous air pollutants from commercial and industrial boilers is good policy," the report reads. "But the manner in which EPA set standards to reduce those emissions is impracticable and costly."
That's because the proposed standards are so stringent that not even the best performing sources can meet them, according to the Industrial Energy Consumers of America, (IECA), an industry group that represents companies with 750,000 employees and $800 billion in sales and is cited in the report.
The IECA is "enormously concerned that the high costs of this proposed rule will leave companies no recourse but to shut down the entire facility, not just the boiler," the report reads.
The report also warned that the agency in the coming months is expected to propose, and in some cases finalize, job-killing standards for cooling water intake structures at power plants; national ambient air quality for dust and particulate matter; and maximum achievable control technologies for coal-fired power plants.
"In short, the cumulative effect of EPA's air rules will negatively affect growth energy prices, jobs, innovation and domestic manufacturing competitiveness," the report reads.
A spokesman for the EPA told FoxNews.com that the agency had not seen the report yet.
"But the doomsday predictions we hear now are the same sort we have heard every time EPA has taken any step to implement the laws that Congress wrote to protect Americans from pollution in the air we breathe and the water we drink," EPA spokesman Brendan Gilfillan said in a written statement. "Experience has consistently proved those doomsday predictions wrong for the past 40 years."
President Obama repeated in an interview released Tuesday that energy policy remains one of his top priorities, and he will throw the weight of his office behind energy policy regulations in the same way he did for the new health care law.
"We're going to stay on this because it is good for our economy, it's good for our national security and, ultimately, it's good for our environment," the president is quoted saying in the Rolling Stone magazine interview.
The report comes one day after a bipartisan group of 41 senators and a month after a group of a 100 bipartisan House members wrote a letter to EPA administrator Lisa Jackson strongly condemning the agency's proposed rule to clean up industrial boilers.
The lawmakers said the rule could wreak havoc on U.S. manufacturing.
"As our nation struggles to recover from the current recession, we are deeply concerned that the potential impact of pending Clean Air Act regulations could be unsustainable for U.S. manufacturing and the high-paying jobs it provides," reads the letter written by Reps. Walter Minnick, D-Idaho; Robert Aderholt, R-Ala.; G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C.; John Shimkus, R-Ill.
"The EPA's regulatory analysis understates the significant economic impacts of the proposed rule," reads the letter written by Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Susan Collins, R-Maine.
The lawmakers urged the EPA to consider a flexible approach that allows companies to show that emissions of certain pollutants do not pose a public health threat.
"While we support efforts to address serious health threats from air emissions, we also believe that regulations can be crafted in a balanced way that sustains both the environment and jobs," both letters read.
Among the lawmakers who signed the letter were several endangered House and Senate Democrats from manufacturing states.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
PGA MIXER THURSDAY, OCT. 28
Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:
We'll be holding our next mixer on Thursday, October 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Get light food, one free adult beverage, good fun and great networking opportunities, all for only $15.
In addition, we'll have a report on the lawsuit against DNREC buffers, the lawsuit against SB 234 (the fraudulent recycling bill), and the latest about EPA's attempt to effectively take over land use in Delaware. We'll also tell you what we know about upcoming elections.
DATE: Thursday, October 28
TIME: 5:30 to 7:30 PM
WHERE: Lighthouse Landing Restaurant at the Georgetown Airport
WHY: light food, adult beverage, fun, networking
COST: $15
We hope to see you there,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
We'll be holding our next mixer on Thursday, October 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Get light food, one free adult beverage, good fun and great networking opportunities, all for only $15.
In addition, we'll have a report on the lawsuit against DNREC buffers, the lawsuit against SB 234 (the fraudulent recycling bill), and the latest about EPA's attempt to effectively take over land use in Delaware. We'll also tell you what we know about upcoming elections.
DATE: Thursday, October 28
TIME: 5:30 to 7:30 PM
WHERE: Lighthouse Landing Restaurant at the Georgetown Airport
WHY: light food, adult beverage, fun, networking
COST: $15
We hope to see you there,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
VOTING RECORDS WED. ON RADIO
Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:
We'll be on 92.7 FM, WGMD radio, this Wednesday, October 6, at 5 PM, with Bill Colley. This week we'll be discussing specific voting records of several members of Delaware's General Assembly who are running for re-election. We'll also explain why we filed a lawsuit against SB 234, the "Recycling Bill," a green fraud if ever there was one.
Click on this link to hear the show live on the internet: http://radio.securenetsystems.net//radio_player_large.cfm?stationCallSign=WGMD (hint: expect a delay of a few seconds before the audio begins)
We'll be on the air every Wednesday at 5 PM during the month of October, running up to Election Day on November 2. We intend to report in great detail on what our elected officials have actually done, rather than what they say.
This week's show is preliminary to releasing our voter guides next week on Wednesday, October 13. Our voter guides will be based on actual votes on issues that directly affect the Delaware economy. We think you'll be shocked at how poorly many of our elected officials rate.
We'll see you on the radio,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
P.S. This is just the beginning. When the General Assembly convenes next January, we'll continue to report from behind the scenes. Regardless of what party might be in charge, Delaware can no longer afford "politics as usual."
We'll be on 92.7 FM, WGMD radio, this Wednesday, October 6, at 5 PM, with Bill Colley. This week we'll be discussing specific voting records of several members of Delaware's General Assembly who are running for re-election. We'll also explain why we filed a lawsuit against SB 234, the "Recycling Bill," a green fraud if ever there was one.
Click on this link to hear the show live on the internet: http://radio.securenetsystems.net//radio_player_large.cfm?stationCallSign=WGMD (hint: expect a delay of a few seconds before the audio begins)
We'll be on the air every Wednesday at 5 PM during the month of October, running up to Election Day on November 2. We intend to report in great detail on what our elected officials have actually done, rather than what they say.
This week's show is preliminary to releasing our voter guides next week on Wednesday, October 13. Our voter guides will be based on actual votes on issues that directly affect the Delaware economy. We think you'll be shocked at how poorly many of our elected officials rate.
We'll see you on the radio,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
P.S. This is just the beginning. When the General Assembly convenes next January, we'll continue to report from behind the scenes. Regardless of what party might be in charge, Delaware can no longer afford "politics as usual."
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
REPORT ON DNREC/EPA MEETING LAST THURSDAY
Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:
Last Thursday, we met with DNREC regarding the EPA's Chesapeake Bay initiative. The goal is to clean up the Chesapeake Bay on an accelerated schedule, as ordered by President Obama through an Executive Order.
EPA is using the threat of a takeover of issuance of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits from DNREC as their hammer. If they did so, it would mean most land use activities or sewer system upgrades would have to deal directly with the EPA to get permission to do anything. Quite frankly, DNREC seems to see the EPA as more of a partner than they do a threat.
Most of the technical people in our group see this program as a huge problem for business and the economy. Even more interesting is that the EPA says only about 1% of the pollution going into the Chesapeake Bay is coming from Delaware.
Does the EPA actually have the legal authority to take this power? We don't know. We asked DNREC if they had asked for a formal ruling from the Attorney General and they said no. For that reason, we are making sure that the Attorney General receives a formal request for a ruling on EPA's authority under the Clean Water Act.
In the meantime, there will be a joint EPA/DNREC meeting from 5 - 7 p.m., Monday, October 11 at the Owens Campus of Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown.
To prepare for the meeting, we strongly suggest you read this compilation of EPA threats to any state that dares not to say "yes sir" to whatever EPA demands: http://www.wr.dnrec.delaware.gov/Information/WatershedInfo/Documents/Chesapeake%20Phase%201%20WIP/EPA_ExpectationsAndConsequences_1209.pdf
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
Last Thursday, we met with DNREC regarding the EPA's Chesapeake Bay initiative. The goal is to clean up the Chesapeake Bay on an accelerated schedule, as ordered by President Obama through an Executive Order.
EPA is using the threat of a takeover of issuance of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits from DNREC as their hammer. If they did so, it would mean most land use activities or sewer system upgrades would have to deal directly with the EPA to get permission to do anything. Quite frankly, DNREC seems to see the EPA as more of a partner than they do a threat.
Most of the technical people in our group see this program as a huge problem for business and the economy. Even more interesting is that the EPA says only about 1% of the pollution going into the Chesapeake Bay is coming from Delaware.
Does the EPA actually have the legal authority to take this power? We don't know. We asked DNREC if they had asked for a formal ruling from the Attorney General and they said no. For that reason, we are making sure that the Attorney General receives a formal request for a ruling on EPA's authority under the Clean Water Act.
In the meantime, there will be a joint EPA/DNREC meeting from 5 - 7 p.m., Monday, October 11 at the Owens Campus of Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown.
To prepare for the meeting, we strongly suggest you read this compilation of EPA threats to any state that dares not to say "yes sir" to whatever EPA demands: http://www.wr.dnrec.delaware.gov/Information/WatershedInfo/Documents/Chesapeake%20Phase%201%20WIP/EPA_ExpectationsAndConsequences_1209.pdf
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
VOTING RECORD OF INCUMBENTS - ON RADIO THURSDAY
Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:
In our continuing series of weekly radio appearances, we'll be on WGMD radio this Thursday, September 30. We'll be on at 4 PM with Bill Colley at 92.7 FM.
If you can't hear the program on your radio, click on this link to hear the program on the internet:
http://radio.securenetsystems.net//radio_player_large.cfm?stationCallSign=WGMD
IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING THE PROGRAM
As we move toward Election Day on November 2nd, it seems obvious to many that only a massive change in who we elect to office can rescue our economy. The question is, who should go and who should stay?
Obviously, only you can decide who you will vote for. That choice is made more difficult because most politicians are adept at telling what you want to hear while concealing what they actually do.
This Thursday, we will be giving you the inside story on what six candidates have actually done while they have been in office. In many cases, we believe you will find many of their actions frustrating, to say the least.
Thanks,
Rich Collins
381-1610
In our continuing series of weekly radio appearances, we'll be on WGMD radio this Thursday, September 30. We'll be on at 4 PM with Bill Colley at 92.7 FM.
If you can't hear the program on your radio, click on this link to hear the program on the internet:
http://radio.securenetsystems.net//radio_player_large.cfm?stationCallSign=WGMD
IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING THE PROGRAM
As we move toward Election Day on November 2nd, it seems obvious to many that only a massive change in who we elect to office can rescue our economy. The question is, who should go and who should stay?
Obviously, only you can decide who you will vote for. That choice is made more difficult because most politicians are adept at telling what you want to hear while concealing what they actually do.
This Thursday, we will be giving you the inside story on what six candidates have actually done while they have been in office. In many cases, we believe you will find many of their actions frustrating, to say the least.
Thanks,
Rich Collins
381-1610
Thursday, September 23, 2010
LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST RECYCLE BILL
Positive Growth Alliance member & interested parties:
Yesterday, September 21, I was joined by 5 other individuals in filing a lawsuit to overturn SB 234, the "Recycle Bill" passed last June. We are doing this in our own names and without an attorney, but we believe we can make a credible showing. The case has been accepted by the Court of Chancery and it has been assigned to Judge Chandler.
We are pursuing this effort because we strongly believe the bill was enacted in a way that violated the State Constitution in multiple ways. I discussed why at length during several appearances with Bill Colley on his radio program at WGMD, 92.7 FM, last June. You can now clearly understand our legal justifications by studying our filing.
I have attached the filing for your review. I did remove the contact info of the plaintiffs, but of course that is included in the official filing we made with the Chancery Court.
To get the document, Please click here.
As for our motive, as we approach Election Day, we believe that the oath of office that our elected officials take to "defend and protect" the Constitution should mean something. Once this case is resolved, we hope that it will.
Thank you,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
Yesterday, September 21, I was joined by 5 other individuals in filing a lawsuit to overturn SB 234, the "Recycle Bill" passed last June. We are doing this in our own names and without an attorney, but we believe we can make a credible showing. The case has been accepted by the Court of Chancery and it has been assigned to Judge Chandler.
We are pursuing this effort because we strongly believe the bill was enacted in a way that violated the State Constitution in multiple ways. I discussed why at length during several appearances with Bill Colley on his radio program at WGMD, 92.7 FM, last June. You can now clearly understand our legal justifications by studying our filing.
I have attached the filing for your review. I did remove the contact info of the plaintiffs, but of course that is included in the official filing we made with the Chancery Court.
To get the document, Please click here.
As for our motive, as we approach Election Day, we believe that the oath of office that our elected officials take to "defend and protect" the Constitution should mean something. Once this case is resolved, we hope that it will.
Thank you,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:
We just came accross the following article from Time/CNN regarding the Gulf oil spill. We urge you to read it.
It appears that there may not be nearly as much damage in the Gulf as we've been led to believe. The spill was hyped by every type of media, even Fox News.
If it turns out to be true, it will be no surprise to us. Human beings are very subsceptible to this type of fear, especially enviromental. After all, it sounds really frightening, especially when we don't really understand it. Throw in a few pictures of oiled pelicans to garner our sympathy and we'll buy it hook, line and sinker every time.
That the damage may be over-stated is hardly shocking. Through global cooling, global warming, and including pfisteria (remember that one?), world hunger, soil erosion, nutrification, and every other type of hyped environmental catastrophe, humans have prevailed. We've consistently gotten healthier and increased our lifespans, at least in the countries where free enterprise has been allowed to flourish.
This is not to say there aren't environmental challenges or that human beings don't cause them. All you have to do, however, is to contrast the America of the 1970s with the America of today to see how much progress can be made. Unfortunately, today there is an all out assault on free enterprise. It is an open question whether we will be able to afford real environmental progress in the future.
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
The BP Spill: Has the Damage Been Exaggerated?By Michael Grunwald / Port Fourchon, La. Thursday, Jul. 29, 2010 http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2007202,00.html
We also found these. The Yahoo article is particularly informative.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews_excl/ynews_excl_sc3270
QUOTE FROM THIS ARTICLE: The lesson from past spills is that the lion’s share of the cleanup work is done by nature in the form of oil-eating bacteria and fungi. The microbes break down the hydrocarbons in oil to use as fuel to grow and reproduce. A bit of oil in the water is like a feeding frenzy, causing microbial populations to grow exponentially.
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2010/07/so-has-anyone-seen-the-oil-that-spilled-into-the-gulf.html
We just came accross the following article from Time/CNN regarding the Gulf oil spill. We urge you to read it.
It appears that there may not be nearly as much damage in the Gulf as we've been led to believe. The spill was hyped by every type of media, even Fox News.
If it turns out to be true, it will be no surprise to us. Human beings are very subsceptible to this type of fear, especially enviromental. After all, it sounds really frightening, especially when we don't really understand it. Throw in a few pictures of oiled pelicans to garner our sympathy and we'll buy it hook, line and sinker every time.
That the damage may be over-stated is hardly shocking. Through global cooling, global warming, and including pfisteria (remember that one?), world hunger, soil erosion, nutrification, and every other type of hyped environmental catastrophe, humans have prevailed. We've consistently gotten healthier and increased our lifespans, at least in the countries where free enterprise has been allowed to flourish.
This is not to say there aren't environmental challenges or that human beings don't cause them. All you have to do, however, is to contrast the America of the 1970s with the America of today to see how much progress can be made. Unfortunately, today there is an all out assault on free enterprise. It is an open question whether we will be able to afford real environmental progress in the future.
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
The BP Spill: Has the Damage Been Exaggerated?By Michael Grunwald / Port Fourchon, La. Thursday, Jul. 29, 2010 http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2007202,00.html
We also found these. The Yahoo article is particularly informative.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews_excl/ynews_excl_sc3270
QUOTE FROM THIS ARTICLE: The lesson from past spills is that the lion’s share of the cleanup work is done by nature in the form of oil-eating bacteria and fungi. The microbes break down the hydrocarbons in oil to use as fuel to grow and reproduce. A bit of oil in the water is like a feeding frenzy, causing microbial populations to grow exponentially.
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2010/07/so-has-anyone-seen-the-oil-that-spilled-into-the-gulf.html
Monday, July 26, 2010
POLITICAL SHENANIGANS REGARDING HB 487? YOU BE THE JUDGE!
Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:
Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 27, I'll be on WGMD radio with Bill Colley. We'll be on from 5 to 6 PM. You can find WGMD at 92.7 on the FM dial. If you are out of range, click here to listen on the internet from anywhere in the world.
The show tomorrow will focus on HB 487, which some are calling the "double dipper" bill. This bill was sponsored by Rep. John Atkins in the House. Co-sponsors were Reps. Pete Schwartzkopf, Carson, Gilligan, Q. Johnson, Kowalko, Mitchell, and Mulrooney.
There are a number of fascinating questions about this bill, which passed the Delaware General Assembly and was signed by the Governor on July 12, 2010:
-WHY DOES IT FORCE DOUBLE DIPPING? - It forces Sussex County government to allow certain employees to "double dip." Prior to this bill, you could not retire from the County and get your pension, then return to County employment and get a salary plus pension. Because of this bill, you can now retire from the county government, run for County Council or certain other positions, and then receive both your pension plus the salary for the new County government position.
-WHY USE FAST TRACKING? - This bill was introduced on June 22 and assigned to the Housing and Community Affairs committee. At that point there were only 4 days remaining in the Delaware General Assembly and no time for the public to get involved. On June 23, it was re-assigned to the House Adminstration committee, chaired by Pete Schwartzkopf. It was voted out of committee the very same day. On the next day, June 24, it was passed by the House. Two business days later, on the final day of the legislative session, HB 487 was passed by the Senate.
-WHY DID ONLY 2 OF 11 SUSSEX REPS OR SENATORS VOTE YES? - 9 Sussex County representatives and senators thought this bill was a bad idea. The only Sussex County elected officials who voted for this bill were Representatives Atkins and Schwarzkopf.
-WHY DID THE BILL PASS BY BARE MAJORITIES IN BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE? - This bill passed only because of party discipline. The vote was 21 yes, 10 no, 6 not voting and 4 absent in the House. In the Senate, it was 11 yes, 4 no, 4 not voting, and 2 absent. It appears that almost half the House and Senate knew this was not a worthy bill.
-WAS THE PURPOSE OF THIS BILL TO ALLOW A RETIRING COUNTY COUNCIL EMPLOYEE TO RUN FOR SUSSEX COUNCIL THIS ELECTION CYCLE? - This was clearly demonstrated to be yes when a House amendment was defeated that would have delayed implementation until next year. Just a few days ago, a retiring county employee actually did file to run for Sussex County Council. Was this a bill for all the citizens of Delaware, or one that fulfilled the political needs of just a handful of "public servants?"
-WHY DOES THIS HIGHLY PAID SUSSEX COUNTY EMPLOYEE WANT TO RUN FOR COUNTY COUNCIL? - According to a Freedom of Information Action request, his salary was $74,400 and benefits were $34,612 (including health care insurance, pension, FICA, and vision/dental insurance). In the Coastal Point newspaper of 7/23, his major concern seems to be the fact that the number of county employees has been reduced through attrition, "but that puts a lot on the backs of other county employees who haven't had a cost-of-living raise in two years." Is this county employee/political candidate even aware that in 2009 the cost of living declined 1.7% and would have created a salary decrease if it was adhered to?
WHY WAS IT DIFFICULT TO FIND A SUSSEX COUNCIL CANDIDATE WITHOUT POLITICAL SHENANIGANS? - Was it because Sussex County hasn't had a tax increase in 21 years, they have no general fund debt, their bond rating was just raised (improved), and there's little chance of a tax increase for the forseeable future? Was it because they have reduced staff without layoffs or salary reductions and are still granting merit raises? Is it because, unlike our state government, Sussex County government has done exactly what conservatives have asked for by not growing government, taxes, and spending when all the rest of us are being forced to pull in our belts?
Listen in tomorrow on 92.7 FM for a lot more information on this bill. Starting in September, we'll be on the air every week highlighting the behind-the-scenes stories on many bills in our Delaware General Assembly.
Thanks,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:
Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 27, I'll be on WGMD radio with Bill Colley. We'll be on from 5 to 6 PM. You can find WGMD at 92.7 on the FM dial. If you are out of range, click here to listen on the internet from anywhere in the world.
The show tomorrow will focus on HB 487, which some are calling the "double dipper" bill. This bill was sponsored by Rep. John Atkins in the House. Co-sponsors were Reps. Pete Schwartzkopf, Carson, Gilligan, Q. Johnson, Kowalko, Mitchell, and Mulrooney.
There are a number of fascinating questions about this bill, which passed the Delaware General Assembly and was signed by the Governor on July 12, 2010:
-WHY DOES IT FORCE DOUBLE DIPPING? - It forces Sussex County government to allow certain employees to "double dip." Prior to this bill, you could not retire from the County and get your pension, then return to County employment and get a salary plus pension. Because of this bill, you can now retire from the county government, run for County Council or certain other positions, and then receive both your pension plus the salary for the new County government position.
-WHY USE FAST TRACKING? - This bill was introduced on June 22 and assigned to the Housing and Community Affairs committee. At that point there were only 4 days remaining in the Delaware General Assembly and no time for the public to get involved. On June 23, it was re-assigned to the House Adminstration committee, chaired by Pete Schwartzkopf. It was voted out of committee the very same day. On the next day, June 24, it was passed by the House. Two business days later, on the final day of the legislative session, HB 487 was passed by the Senate.
-WHY DID ONLY 2 OF 11 SUSSEX REPS OR SENATORS VOTE YES? - 9 Sussex County representatives and senators thought this bill was a bad idea. The only Sussex County elected officials who voted for this bill were Representatives Atkins and Schwarzkopf.
-WHY DID THE BILL PASS BY BARE MAJORITIES IN BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE? - This bill passed only because of party discipline. The vote was 21 yes, 10 no, 6 not voting and 4 absent in the House. In the Senate, it was 11 yes, 4 no, 4 not voting, and 2 absent. It appears that almost half the House and Senate knew this was not a worthy bill.
-WAS THE PURPOSE OF THIS BILL TO ALLOW A RETIRING COUNTY COUNCIL EMPLOYEE TO RUN FOR SUSSEX COUNCIL THIS ELECTION CYCLE? - This was clearly demonstrated to be yes when a House amendment was defeated that would have delayed implementation until next year. Just a few days ago, a retiring county employee actually did file to run for Sussex County Council. Was this a bill for all the citizens of Delaware, or one that fulfilled the political needs of just a handful of "public servants?"
-WHY DOES THIS HIGHLY PAID SUSSEX COUNTY EMPLOYEE WANT TO RUN FOR COUNTY COUNCIL? - According to a Freedom of Information Action request, his salary was $74,400 and benefits were $34,612 (including health care insurance, pension, FICA, and vision/dental insurance). In the Coastal Point newspaper of 7/23, his major concern seems to be the fact that the number of county employees has been reduced through attrition, "but that puts a lot on the backs of other county employees who haven't had a cost-of-living raise in two years." Is this county employee/political candidate even aware that in 2009 the cost of living declined 1.7% and would have created a salary decrease if it was adhered to?
WHY WAS IT DIFFICULT TO FIND A SUSSEX COUNCIL CANDIDATE WITHOUT POLITICAL SHENANIGANS? - Was it because Sussex County hasn't had a tax increase in 21 years, they have no general fund debt, their bond rating was just raised (improved), and there's little chance of a tax increase for the forseeable future? Was it because they have reduced staff without layoffs or salary reductions and are still granting merit raises? Is it because, unlike our state government, Sussex County government has done exactly what conservatives have asked for by not growing government, taxes, and spending when all the rest of us are being forced to pull in our belts?
Listen in tomorrow on 92.7 FM for a lot more information on this bill. Starting in September, we'll be on the air every week highlighting the behind-the-scenes stories on many bills in our Delaware General Assembly.
Thanks,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
Thursday, July 8, 2010
GIANT FREE PICNIC & MEET THE CANDIDATES RALLY!
We are joining in to help sponsor a tremendous event next Friday, July 16, that lovers of responsible government need to know about. Former Senator & Governor of Virginia, George Allen, is coming to Sussex County to help a new common-sense conservative group launch in a huge way.
WHAT: Great Conservative Cookout!
WHEN: Friday, July 16, from 5 to 8 PM
WHERE: Sam Yoder's Farm, 89 Hunting Quarter Rd., Houston, DE
TIME: 5 PM to 8 PM
COST: FREE!!
REASONS TO ATTEND: food, fun, networking, helping to return common-sense conservative principals to government!
CLICK FOR MAP: http://tinyurl.com/2dklvy4
The Delaware Conservative Coalition is hosting the Great Conservative Cookout. This is a free picnic & political rally for the public. It's been made possible because an impressive list of sponsors are joining Senator Allen to fund this event and make it a success.
At the rally, you'll find loads of hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings. There will be fun for all ages with a moon bounce for the kids, horseshoes, music, and many other activities. Bring your family and friends!
Most importantly, this will be the best chance you'll ever have to talk to a huge number of elected officials and/or candidates that are working to bring government back to the people! These sponsors include:
State Auditor Tom Wagner
State Senator Colin Bonini
State Senator Joe Booth
State Representative Dave Wilson
State Representative Rth Briggs King
Sussex County Councilman Vance Phillips
Sussex County Councilman Sam Wilson
U.S. Senate Candidate Christine O'Donnell
U.S. Congressional Candidate Glen Urquhart
U.S. Congressional Candidate Brent Wangen
State Senate Candidate Eric Bodenweiser
State Representative Candidate Chris Weeks
State Representative Candidate Steven Rust
State Representative Candidate Harvey Kenton
Sussex Register Wills Candidate Cindy Green
The following organizations or businesses are also sponsoring to support the event:
Delaware Conservative Coalition
Freedom Works
Campaign for Liberty
Delaware Family Policy Council
Women's Watch
9/12 Delaware Patriots
Positive Growth Alliance
Hopkins Construction Co.
Access Insurance
Emcee Bill Colley of WGMD, 92.7 FM
See you there,
Rich Collins
Executive Director
302-381-1610
P.S. For more information, contact the Lynne Brannon at delawareconservativecoalition@gmail.com.
We are joining in to help sponsor a tremendous event next Friday, July 16, that lovers of responsible government need to know about. Former Senator & Governor of Virginia, George Allen, is coming to Sussex County to help a new common-sense conservative group launch in a huge way.
WHAT: Great Conservative Cookout!
WHEN: Friday, July 16, from 5 to 8 PM
WHERE: Sam Yoder's Farm, 89 Hunting Quarter Rd., Houston, DE
TIME: 5 PM to 8 PM
COST: FREE!!
REASONS TO ATTEND: food, fun, networking, helping to return common-sense conservative principals to government!
CLICK FOR MAP: http://tinyurl.com/2dklvy4
The Delaware Conservative Coalition is hosting the Great Conservative Cookout. This is a free picnic & political rally for the public. It's been made possible because an impressive list of sponsors are joining Senator Allen to fund this event and make it a success.
At the rally, you'll find loads of hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings. There will be fun for all ages with a moon bounce for the kids, horseshoes, music, and many other activities. Bring your family and friends!
Most importantly, this will be the best chance you'll ever have to talk to a huge number of elected officials and/or candidates that are working to bring government back to the people! These sponsors include:
State Auditor Tom Wagner
State Senator Colin Bonini
State Senator Joe Booth
State Representative Dave Wilson
State Representative Rth Briggs King
Sussex County Councilman Vance Phillips
Sussex County Councilman Sam Wilson
U.S. Senate Candidate Christine O'Donnell
U.S. Congressional Candidate Glen Urquhart
U.S. Congressional Candidate Brent Wangen
State Senate Candidate Eric Bodenweiser
State Representative Candidate Chris Weeks
State Representative Candidate Steven Rust
State Representative Candidate Harvey Kenton
Sussex Register Wills Candidate Cindy Green
The following organizations or businesses are also sponsoring to support the event:
Delaware Conservative Coalition
Freedom Works
Campaign for Liberty
Delaware Family Policy Council
Women's Watch
9/12 Delaware Patriots
Positive Growth Alliance
Hopkins Construction Co.
Access Insurance
Emcee Bill Colley of WGMD, 92.7 FM
See you there,
Rich Collins
Executive Director
302-381-1610
P.S. For more information, contact the Lynne Brannon at delawareconservativecoalition@gmail.com.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
OPEN LETTER TO DELAWARE HOUSE RE: ENERGY
Representatives:
Please vote against SB 119. It is on your House agenda for today.
HERE IS SS1 FOR SB 119
http://www.legis.delaware.gov/LIS/lis145.nsf/vwLegislation/SS+1+for+SB+119/$file/legis.html?open
Among many other things, this bill requires electric utilities to purchase 25% of their power from renewable sources like solar or wind by 2025. Isn't this a good thing? The answer: probably not.
Why not? Solar and offshore wind are dramatically more expensive than conventional sources. One electric utility tells us their average cost of power is 7.6 cents per kilowatt hour. The prices they have gotten on solar is .27 to .46 per KWH. For offshore wind, which is not yet available, the last suggested price (by Bluewater Wind) was .20 per KWH. There is no indication this situation will dramatically change in just the next few years.
In fact, the price of natural gas, a clean fossil fuel, has dropped like a stone. It is much less than oil, although still more than coal (About $27 for the equivalent of a barrel of oil at $75). This, plus the fact that the Great Recession has dramatically reduced demand, will make it extremely difficult for expensive alternatives like solar and wind to be developed.
The federal government tried to create alternative energy in the seventies, during the energy crisis of that decade. It was a miserable failure. A weak economy drove oil prices down so far it bankrupted alternative energy producers. They couldn't compete and huge government subsidies were wasted. This time, individual Delaware power purchasers will pay the subsidies.
Artificially high energy prices are an economy killer! These prices filter through every aspect of the economy. In particular, they hurt job creators and the middle classes, particularly the unemployed. It is, in effect, a huge regressive tax.
2025 seems like a long way off. In reality, the requirement ramps up each year. Any business that might consider moving here from another state would have to take the long-term costs into account. Why would you move your business to a state that is obviously committed to increasing energy prices?
In conclusion, please leave the existing law in place for the time being, or even consider weakening its terms. We believe Delaware's, and the world's, economic situation is so fragile that raising energy prices in our small state is like playing with fire. All Delawareans may get burned.
Thank you for your consideration,
Rich Collins
Executive Director
302-381-1610
P.S. Delaware government has recently been working hard to get solar & wind power manufacturers to Delaware. They surely understand the economic dynamic outlined above. Is it possible that these laws are just designed to force us to fund these companies and their products, regardless of economic practicality? If so, how many jobs will be killed as companies try to pay artificially bloated energy bills?
Please vote against SB 119. It is on your House agenda for today.
HERE IS SS1 FOR SB 119
http://www.legis.delaware.gov/LIS/lis145.nsf/vwLegislation/SS+1+for+SB+119/$file/legis.html?open
Among many other things, this bill requires electric utilities to purchase 25% of their power from renewable sources like solar or wind by 2025. Isn't this a good thing? The answer: probably not.
Why not? Solar and offshore wind are dramatically more expensive than conventional sources. One electric utility tells us their average cost of power is 7.6 cents per kilowatt hour. The prices they have gotten on solar is .27 to .46 per KWH. For offshore wind, which is not yet available, the last suggested price (by Bluewater Wind) was .20 per KWH. There is no indication this situation will dramatically change in just the next few years.
In fact, the price of natural gas, a clean fossil fuel, has dropped like a stone. It is much less than oil, although still more than coal (About $27 for the equivalent of a barrel of oil at $75). This, plus the fact that the Great Recession has dramatically reduced demand, will make it extremely difficult for expensive alternatives like solar and wind to be developed.
The federal government tried to create alternative energy in the seventies, during the energy crisis of that decade. It was a miserable failure. A weak economy drove oil prices down so far it bankrupted alternative energy producers. They couldn't compete and huge government subsidies were wasted. This time, individual Delaware power purchasers will pay the subsidies.
Artificially high energy prices are an economy killer! These prices filter through every aspect of the economy. In particular, they hurt job creators and the middle classes, particularly the unemployed. It is, in effect, a huge regressive tax.
2025 seems like a long way off. In reality, the requirement ramps up each year. Any business that might consider moving here from another state would have to take the long-term costs into account. Why would you move your business to a state that is obviously committed to increasing energy prices?
In conclusion, please leave the existing law in place for the time being, or even consider weakening its terms. We believe Delaware's, and the world's, economic situation is so fragile that raising energy prices in our small state is like playing with fire. All Delawareans may get burned.
Thank you for your consideration,
Rich Collins
Executive Director
302-381-1610
P.S. Delaware government has recently been working hard to get solar & wind power manufacturers to Delaware. They surely understand the economic dynamic outlined above. Is it possible that these laws are just designed to force us to fund these companies and their products, regardless of economic practicality? If so, how many jobs will be killed as companies try to pay artificially bloated energy bills?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
"DELAWARE CONSTITUTION VIOLATED" on radio this Friday
This Friday, we'll be on WGMD radio, 92.7 FM, with Bill Colley. From 3 to 4 PM, we'll be discussing several bills in the Delaware General Assembly that likely violate the Delaware constitution, while also hurting the economy.
You can listen from anywhere on the internet. Just click here.
This is an exciting time. We've just learned that 2 major bills that would have been severely damaging to the economy will not be worked. We're watching others, however, that could be a problem. After today, there are just 5 days left on the Delaware General Assembly calendar for 2010.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Rich Collins
pgalliance@delaware.net
You can listen from anywhere on the internet. Just click here.
This is an exciting time. We've just learned that 2 major bills that would have been severely damaging to the economy will not be worked. We're watching others, however, that could be a problem. After today, there are just 5 days left on the Delaware General Assembly calendar for 2010.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Rich Collins
pgalliance@delaware.net
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
PGA Banquet Friday, June 25
SAVE THE DATE! Friday, June 25th 6:00 PM is the PGA Annual Quality of Life Awards Banquet!
Join us in honoring Rep. George Carey & Richard Johnson.
Join us in honoring Rep. George Carey & Richard Johnson.
On Friday, June 25, the Positive Growth Alliance will be holding our annual Quality of Life Awards Banquet.
This is where we honor a few of the folks who help make an improving quality of life in Delaware.
This year, we're honoring retiring Representative George Carey and Philanthropist Richard Johnson.
Both have performed tremendous services for our community!
We hope you'll join us at Independence Hall at the Independence Community on Rt. 5, 2 miles north of
Rt. 24, near Long Neck. The social hour is from 6 to 7 PM and dinner starts at 7.
The program will conclude by 8:30 PM.
Cost is $50 per person or $100 per couple.
Contact us via email at pgalliance@delaware.net
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