Candidate for
Governor; State of Pennsylvania; Democratic Party

I am running for governor to challenge state government to do a better job for the people of Pennsylvania. Our commonwealth today has the potential for a great future, but at the same time it faces significant challenges that call for progressive, visionary and bold actions. I am a principled progressive who does not shy away from what the term progressive means. I believe in a government that is not afraid to invest in public schools, job creation and health care; and I stand for an open and honest government based on progressive policies, sustainable financing and balanced budgets.

My number one priority will be creating jobs. The first part of my economic plan involves enacting a "Jobs Now" initiative to fast-track infrastructure repair projects and pollution clean-up projects which will put Pennsylvanians to work right away. The state will also invest in -- and attract business investment in -- growth industries such as renewable energy, health care, and transportation infrastructure. Investments in education, including expanding early childhood programs, fully funding our public education formula, and increasing state support for community colleges, will ensure Pennsylvania has a strong, competitive workforce for generations to come.

I will fully fund the state education funding formula. Right now 45% of school district revenues come from property taxes; 37% is coming from the state, through basic education funding and other state sources. We need to shift that balance from local to state funding, and bring Pennsylvania's state share more in line with the national average (where the local funding comprises 44% and state funding 47%). Our over-reliance on property taxes burdens home-owners, especially seniors on a fixed income. As Governor, I will continue to fight to base school taxes on income and ability to pay, not the property tax.

I support Pennsylvania's participation in the new federal health insurance programs. I will also appoint a governor's commission to hold hearings, which I will chair, to explore the feasibility of establishing a single-payer system modeled on Medicare to provide health care for all Pennsylvanians.

Pennsylvania needs stronger regulations to ensure wastewater produced by the natural gas industry complies with Safe Drinking Water Act standards. I have called for a moratorium on issuing new drilling permits until the new wastewater regulations are in place and enforceable. I also support a moratorium on the leasing of additional state lands for drilling until a comprehensive study of all state land is performed to prioritize which land is most critical to protect. And I will seek a strong severance tax to support environmental regulations, renewing Growing Greener, infrastructure projects in communities affected by the industry, and increased funding for community colleges and workforce development.

One of the most important roles of government is fighting discrimination of all forms and leveling the playing field so that all members of our society are afforded equal opportunity. I will fully support the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in its mission to root out discrimination and will strengthen and fully enforce hate crimes legislation. I will also work with every department in state government to ensure that there are equal opportunities for employment and advancement for all. I will support and fund anti-poverty agencies and safety net programs to protect those who are most vulnerable in our society.

I will fight to protect and advance a woman's right to choose. For over thirty years I have been an outspoken leader defending women's reproductive freedom. I trust women to make their own personal, private decisions regarding reproductive health issues.

My administration will set a new standard for ethical behavior and decency in state government. Public employment should be viewed as an honor and an opportunity to serve. Those that serve in the Hoeffel administration will adhere to the highest standards set for public servants anywhere.

For more in-depth views on these and many other issues, please visit the issues section of my website:

http://joehoeffel2010.com/issues