Wellbeing and Happiness (Doing What Matters to Us)
Putting our wellbeing and happiness first makes government priorities clear:
- good jobs with decent and fair pay;
- a tax system that is responsible and fair;
- clean water, air, and a safe climate;
- reliable funding for strong schools (and lower property taxes);
- investment in projects that matter to us, like roads, bridges & reliable electricity grid;
- meeting the needs of seniors;
- caring treatment for the ill, addicted and vulnerable;
- preservation of our parks and open spaces; and,
- an honest balanced budget, that doesn't leave a mess for our kids.
As you will see in the discussion of Issues,
there’s much overlap between these!
FairTaxes, Lower Taxes (and JOBS)
Pennsylvania’s tax system is the 6th most
unfair in the country, with low- and mid-income families paying far more than
their fair share on income in taxes. Plus, we pay $800 per tax payer in a
single year in subsidies to the fossil fuel energy. Putting everyday people
first, means making the tax system fair and getting rid of energy subsidies
that are not helping us or the environment. These steps lead to more state
funding that can be used for schools (lower property taxes), transportation
projects (roads, bridges and jobs) and social services (senior services,
treatment programs). WE are happier.
Safe water, air and climate (and JOBS)
Programs to encourage energy efficiency and renewable
energy are proven to create jobs and to lower energy costs for consumers. When
government makes these a priority, it’s good for jobs, consumers and the environment. We are all better
off.
Protection from Fracking
Temporary bans on fracking in our area have lulled us into a false sense of security about the risks we face. There are untapped natural gas reserves under both Bucks and Montgomery Counties. And, especially if the “Energy Hub” goes through in Philadelphia, we are an obvious target for new pipelines and compressor stations. The public health risks and disruption to our communities are far, far greater than any benefits. Putting everyday people first means now is the time to permanently ban fracking.
Putting the Wellbeing and Happiness of Everyday People First
The happiness and well-being of people are constitutional obligations and rightful priorities. Happiness is the simple things in life. Though for governing, maybe not so simple!
Governance for happiness and well-being means prioritizing opportunities to create conditions for happiness in our daily lives, protecting our natural resources and caring for future generations.
For more information
Constitution of Pennsylvania (http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Constitution.html)
Environmental Rights: 5 Facts about the Pennsylvania Constitution (2014, available here, http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/04/environmental_rights_5_shockin.html