The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania

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Libertarian Party denounces broad-based tax increase

Written by djahn
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Cut spending, don’t raise taxes Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania 3915 Union Deposit Road #223 Harrisburg, PA 17109 www.lppa.org For Immediate Release: June 16, 2009 Contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) at Media-Relations@lppa.org or Michael Robertson (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org Harrisburg, PA – House Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans recently indicated that he's convinced a broad-based tax increase will be necessary to help erase the state's $3.2 billion deficit. However, Pennsylvania already has the 11th highest burden of state and local taxes in America. Plus, Pennsylvanians don’t want more taxes. According to a recent survey co-sponsored by the state’s leading small business association, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), over 60% of residents indicated that taxes are too high. As Winston Churchill said, “for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” According to LPPa Chair, Michael Robertson, “The problem is not insufficient taxation. The problem is out of control spending.” Recent history supports Robertson’s statement. State spending during Governor Rendell’s time in office has increased over 36%, more than double the rate of inflation. During the 2008-2009 fiscal year, Pennsylvania state and local governments will spend approximately $10,000 for every man, woman and child. Pennsylvanians agree with Robertson. In the NFIB survey, 60% of residents believe that state spending is too high. Per Robertson, “Harrisburg should address their budget deficit the same way responsible Pennsylvania families address tough economic times. They tighten their belts and reduce their spending. They question each expenditure. They are fiscally responsible, which is a hallmark of the Libertarian Party.” Media Relations Chair, Douglas Leard, remarked “Unfortunately, this isn't an election year when Libertarian and independent candidates can show a sharp contrast to tax and spend incumbents. Until next year, we urge taxpayers who want fiscally responsible government to become activists and pressure Harrisburg to reject their failed tax and spend policies.” Added Robertson, “There is another clear and distinct way to voice your displeasure with the current system – change your voter registration to Libertarian – and thereby let the Republicans and Democrats in Harrisburg know that your are sick of being over-taxed for their big spending approach to running state government. “ The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in Pennsylvania and the United States. More than 200,000 people across the country are registered Libertarians, and Libertarians serve in hundreds of elected offices. Please visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org for more information. # # #
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 23 June 2009 )

Libertarian Party joins lawsuit challenging PA Election Code

Written by djahn

Wednesday, 06 May 2009

Lawsuit filed to protect electoral process and secure voters’ rights

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
3915 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
www.lppa.org

For Immediate Release: May 5, 2009

Contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) at Media-Relations@lppa.org or
Michael Robertson (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org

Harrisburg, PA – On behalf of the Libertarian, Constitution and Green Parties of Pennsylvania, the Center for Competitive Democracy (CCD), a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) legal advocacy group (http://www.competitivedemocracy.org/) has filed suit in federal District Court challenging the constitutionality of the Pennsylvania Election Code.

The lawsuit specifically challenges provisions that authorize courts to order candidates to pay litigation costs and fees to private parties who challenge their nomination papers. The lawsuit also seeks to require elections officials to count and certify write-in votes as required by the election code.

“Making minor party candidates pay the costs of validating their nomination papers while using public funds to subsidize the major party nomination process makes a mockery of the constitutional guarantee of equal protection,” said Mik Robertson, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. “The interest of the government is to secure voters’ rights to choose their elected representatives, not limit those choices.”

The lawsuit, Constitution Party of Pennsylvania, et al. v. Cortes, et al., No. 09-1961, was filed in response to a judgment ordering a 2006 Green Party candidate to pay more than $80,000 in litigation costs to private parties who challenged his nomination papers, and by Pennsylvania elections officials’ routine failure to count write-in votes.

The lawsuit asks the court to hold Sections 2872.2 and 2937 of the Pennsylvania Election Code unconstitutional. Section 2872.2 requires minor party candidates to submit nomination papers to gain ballot access, no matter how many votes the minor party won in the previous election. Section 2937 authorizes private parties to challenge those nomination papers, and authorizes courts to order the candidates to pay their challengers’ litigation costs and fees. The lawsuit also seeks enforcement of Section 3155, which requires elections officials to compute and certify valid write-in votes.

In 1972, the Supreme Court declared in Bullock v. Carter that states may not require candidates “to shoulder the costs” of conducting elections by charging filing fees without providing a non-monetary means of gaining ballot access. In Pennsylvania, however, these candidates cannot gain ballot access unless they submit nomination papers.

Constitution Party of Pennsylvania, et al. v. Cortes, et al. has been assigned to Judge Thomas Golden. CCD is expected to file a motion this week for preliminary injunction to suspend the fees already assessed pending the outcome of the action.

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in Pennsylvania and the United States. More than 200,000 people across the country are registered Libertarians, and Libertarians serve in hundreds of elected offices. Please visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org for more information.

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Most Pennsylvania Congressmen graded "F" -- Big Spenders

Written by djahn

Saturday, 18 April 2009

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania says Congress doesn’t make the grade

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
3915 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
www.lppa.org

For Immediate Release: April 16, 2009

Contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) at Media-Relations@lppa.org or
Michael Robertson (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org

Harrisburg, PA – The National Taxpayers Union (http://www.ntu.org/main/) last week released their 30th annual rating of Congress which encompasses every roll call vote that significantly affects taxes, spending, debt and regulatory burden on consumers and taxpayers. Pennsylvania Representatives received an average score of 28% (D) while Pennsylvania Senators received an average score of 18% (F) reflecting poor voting records on controlling taxes and spending.

Over half (12 of 21) of Pennsylvania’s federal representatives and senators received a failing grade of “F” and the designation of “Big Spender” as their individual NTU scores show:

Representative	Grade	Score	Senator	Grade	Score
Pitts, J.	A	84%	Specter, A	D	34%
Shuster, B.	B-	62%	Casey, B.	F	3%
Peterson, J.	C+	56%	State Average		18%
Platts, T.	C	51%
Dent, C.	C-	48%
English, P.	C-	42%
Gerlach, J.	C-	41%
Murphy, T.	C-	39%
Altmire, J.	F	21%
Carney, C.	F	18%
Holden, T.	F	18%
Murphy, P.	F	12%
Kanjorski, P.	F	7%
Murtha, J.	F	7%
Schwartz, A.	F	7%
Sestak, J.	F	7%
Fattah, C.	F	6%
Brady, R.	F	5%
Doyle, M.	F	5%
State Average		28%

Allegheny County Libertarian, Mark Crowley, remarked, “Think of the NTU ratings as school report cards. They’re awful! Students with report cards like these would be held back or given remedial help. But politicians aren't school kids. They failed us and should be sent home in 2010 to learn firsthand what their failure cost Pennsylvania and our nation. They need to be replaced with a new class of legislators who believe in the libertarian ideals of small government, limited spending and sound fiscal policy.”

Montgomery County Libertarian, James Babb, added, “It is worth noting that the NTU grades on a substantial curve. Even the top Pennsylvanian score of 84% would be a 'C' in any grade school. Arlen Specter's 34% score shatters any remaining perception that Republicans are fiscally conservative. His utter disregard for cash-strapped Pennsylvanians is treacherous. Replacing these robbers with Libertarians is the best way for Pennsylvanians to protect their earnings.”

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in Pennsylvania and the United States. More than 200,000 people across the country are registered Libertarians, and Libertarians serve in hundreds of elected offices. Please visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org for more information.

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Last Updated ( Saturday, 18 April 2009 )

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania supports 10th Amendment Resolution

Written by djahn

Friday, 13 March 2009

State Senator Mike Folmer and State Representative Sam Rohrer circulate resolution and plan rally

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
3915 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
www.lppa.org

For Immediate Release: March 13, 2009

Contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) at Media-Relations@lppa.org or
Michael Robertson (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org

Harrisburg, PA – The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania (LPPa) supports the 10th Amendment Joint-Resolution (http://samrohrer.com/uploads/10th-Amendment-Res.pdf ) currently circulating in the State House and Senate.

The resolution reaffirms the critical separation of powers between the federal and state governments. The 10th Amendment states that “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

According to State Representative Sam Rohrer, the resolution is “a logical step in redrawing the line” (between state and federal government) “and exercising our lawful authority to pushback against the overarching reaches of Congress and the Federal government.”

Allegheny County Libertarian Mark Crowley commented, “The Tenth Amendment prohibits federal intrusion into, for examples, manipulating the economy, subsidizing businesses, regulating health care, guaranteeing home mortgages, managing retirement accounts, mandating energy policy and dictating education rules. If you don't see the wisdom of those prohibitions, then you haven't been paying attention."

Over twenty states are moving forward with 10th Amendment resolutions. To demonstrate support for the resolution, a public rally has been scheduled in the State Capitol Rotunda for noon Monday, March 16th.

James Babb, Montgomery County Libertarian, asked “Will simply restating the principles of our constitution, in a non-binding resolution, be too radical for the Pennsylvania legislature? Ask your representative today if they will stand against federal tyranny.”

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in Pennsylvania and the United States. More than 200,000 people across the country are registered Libertarians, and Libertarians serve in hundreds of elected offices. Please visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org for more information.

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Shortfall on Revenue Continues to Grow

Written by djahn
Monday, 09 March 2009
Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania calls on Harrisburg to tighten spending belt Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania 3915 Union Deposit Road #223 Harrisburg, PA 17109 www.lppa.org For Immediate Release: March 9, 2009 Contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) at Media-Relations@lppa.org or Michael Robertson (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org Harrisburg, PA – Last week, the acting Secretary of Revenue Stephen H. Stetler reported that, during February, Pennsylvania collected $1.5 billion, $196.8 million (11.6 percent) less than anticipated. The $196.8 million deficit was more than double the $79 million deficit that Governor Rendell projected for February just two months ago. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections are now $1.3 billion, or 7.9 percent, below estimate. In his December mid-year budget briefing, Governor Rendell projected that the fiscal year shortfall could reach $1.6 billion. Two months later, a budget shortfall of $2.3 billion, 30% higher, appears more likely. Per LPPa Media Relations Chair, Doug Leard, “Governor Rendell’s spending habits have created a budget crisis in Pennsylvania. I hope Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth will call on the governor and the legislature to join us during this economic downturn and severely tighten their spending belts.” This year’s shortfall exceeds the entire twelve-month shortfalls for fiscal years 1990-91 and 2002-03. These shortfalls resulted in the two largest tax increases in Pennsylvania history. “The shame is that the deficit could easily have been avoided,” added Leard. “Harrisburg has been on a spending spree since Governor Rendell took office.” The numbers bear this out. Between fiscal years 2002-03 and 2008-09, total state spending has increased 35.8% ($16.2 billion), more than twice inflation (17.4%). Michael Robertson, LPPa Chair, concluded “Spending in the commonwealth must be brought under control. Unless spending is reduced, the legislature will likely increase tax rates despite federal assistance, further inhibiting economic activity in an already dismal business climate. We cannot eliminate problems caused by debt by continuing to spend beyond our means.” The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in Pennsylvania and the United States. More than 200,000 people across the country are registered Libertarians, and Libertarians serve in hundreds of elected offices. Please visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org for more information. # # #
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 April 2009 )