Fall 2010 Legislative Update
With November's elections behind us I have to ask – did you get involved? Did you vote? Voter turn-out in Pennsylvania during these mid-term elections was at a record high. Voters were not happy with Washington or Harrisburg and that was clearly reflected at the polls.
There was a huge turn-over in the United States House of Representatives with 37 members retiring, (17 Democrats and 20 Republicans,) 53 incumbents defeated, (51 Democrats and 2 Republicans,) and five seats to be determined in a special election. That is a total of 95 new members of Congress, almost one third of the 435 member House. Democrats lost 68 congressional districts while the Republicans gained an additional 64, placing them at the helm of the United States Congress with a total 243 Republican controlled seats. Less than half of the United States Senate seats were voted upon in this election. Prior to these elections the Senate was comprised of 57 Democrats, 41 Republicans and 2 Independents who caucused with the Democrats. While the Republicans were able to pick up six seats in the U.S. Senate, it was not enough for them to take control. There are 15 new members of the United States Senate. Specifically for Pennsylvania, there is a new Republican Senator, Pat Toomey and four new Republican Congressmen, Mike Kelly, (3rd District), Mike Fitzpatrick, (8th District), Tom Marino, (10th District,) and Lou Barletta, (11th District).
It was a good night for Republicans in Pennsylvania as they took control of the Governor’s mansion, the State House and maintained control of the State Senate. There are 32 new members of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly including 3 who won in special elections earlier this year. Sixteen members of the General Assembly retired while 13 incumbents lost their bid for re-election. Republicans now hold a 21-seat majority in the House. There are three new members of the Pennsylvania State Senate, all winning seats of retiring Members. One seat in the Pennsylvania House is now vacant due to the sudden passing of Rep. Donatucci. Rep. Donatucci represented the 185th district for 30 years.
As many of you are becoming all too aware, this industry is increasingly regulated and legislated by government at all levels. To protect our industry, ward off attacks, and ensure inclusion in issues of water, electricity and taxation, members really need to be involved in the political arena. Take a look at your business and just think about all of the permits that are required – many are fairly new, new “fees” levied, increased taxation, etc. As long as small businesses, like car washes, set by and say/do nothing it will be easy for elected officials of local municipalities, the county and the state to assail them with new regulations, policies and taxes that eat away at your livelihood. Too often people forget that these elected officials work for us; we pay their salaries and we are counting on them to foster an atmosphere where businesses can not only succeed, but will thrive. With this influx of new legislators at the State and National level we have an opportunity to forge new relationships. These relationships are not built in Harrisburg or Washington, DC, but in our backyards. They are not developed by hired consultants and lobbyists, but by the local operators. CAP has the resources to assist you in forging relationships with your elected officials, please take advantage of this. Available to you are form letters, contact information and talking points on issues of interest. It is not enough to simply replace ill-performing legislators with new ones; they must be held accountable as well. Will you be holding them accountable?
