MOMS

Perry A. Stambaugh

This bill prohibits the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from regulating carbon dioxide emissions without the approval of the legislature. As a result, the bill blocks an executive order by the Wolf Administration which enters Pennsylvania into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which serves as a carbon tax. The bill instead serves as a compromise, providing $250 million for carbon capture, abandoned well plugging and transition for coal communities. Support is the Moms for America Position as while a large portion of the bill's spending may be unnecessary, this "compromise" is certainly better than the state entering into the RGGI that is expected to increase state energy costs by billions of dollars while harming the competitiveness of the state's manufacturing sector.

Preventing Energy Costs from Skyrocketing by Ensuring the State does not Enter into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

This bill exempts automotive enthusiasts that trailer their vehicles to motorsports events from laws and regulations concerning "commercial activity". Additionally, the bill authorizes commercial vehicle owners to place additional axles on their trucks to better disperse weight, while still requiring them to comply with weight limits. Support is the Moms for America Position as this bill reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens placed on motorsports enthusiasts while also curbing illegal street racing by making it easier and less costly to transport vehicles to the race track. Additionally, allowing additional axles to be placed on trucks benefits taxpayers by allowing weight to be better dispersed which reduces wear and tear placed on roadways.

Protecting Automotive Enthusiasts from Regulatory Overreach by Clarifying the Trailering of Vehicles to Events is not "Commercial Activity".

This bill establishes a taskforce to study the challenges, economic feasibility, financial impact, and the security requirements involved in turning the Port of Philadelphia into a LNG export terminal. Support is the Moms for America Position as exporting LNG from Philadelphia boosts American energy production and economic growth. It also opens the door for improving international relations and security by making the European market less reliant on Russian energy.

Boosting American Energy Production and International Trade by Establishing a Task Force to Study the Export of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) from the Port of Philadelphia.

This bill prohibits outside groups from funding the administration of election operations. The bill is in response to the hundreds of millions outside groups spent in 2020 for election administration, including $10 million for the administration of election operations in Philadelphia. Support is the Moms for America Position as privately funding election operations introduces serious concerns over their integrity and fairness of election outcomes, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Increasing Election Integrity by Prohibiting Private Funds for Election Administration

This bill, known as the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" requires public school entities sponsoring competitive sports to designate athletic teams as either male, female, or co-ed. The bill defines "sex" as the biological distinction between male and female based on reproductive biology and genetic make-up and requires all participants of either a male or female team to be of the same sex. Support is the Moms for America Position as this measure protects the competitiveness of women's sports by ensuring females are not forced to compete against biological men. This requirement represents one of many restrictions (including height, weight, and age requirements) to ensure fair competition between public schools competing across the state.

Ensuring Fair Competition in Public School Sport Leagues through the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act".

This bill represents a five-part Constitutional amendment package. Firstly, the package prohibits taxpayer funding of abortion and declares the state does not guarantee a "right to an abortion". Secondly, the package implements voter-id requirements and an audit system for elections. Thirdly, the bill allows gubernatorial candidates to select their Lt. Governor as a running mate rather than selecting him or her through a separate election. Finally, it allows lawmakers to disapprove regulations without facing a gubernatorial veto. Support is the Moms for America Position as it is not the role of government to guarantee abortion and force payment from taxpayers (many of whom may have strong religious objections). Furthermore, voter-id requirements and election auditing to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Amending the Constitution to Strengthen Election Integrity through Voter ID and Audits, Prohibit Taxpayer-Funded Abortion and Disapprove Regulations without a Gubernatorial Override.

This bill expands the definition of "farm vehicle" to include passenger vehicles if, like trucks and truck tractors, they are solely used for local agricultural deliveries. As a result, farmers will have lower insurance costs and not have to obtain yearly safety inspections for the vehicles. Additionally, the bill reforms regulations at fueling stations to allow greater flexibility in where emergency shut-off devices must be located. Support is the Moms for America Position as this measure not only provides regulatory and financial relief to farmers, but it also benefits motorists by reducing the number of slow and heavy vehicles traversing roadways. Additionally, providing greater regulatory flexibility at fuel stations helps improve design layouts and unnecessary costs.

Reforming Regulations to Reduce Unnecessary Burdens Placed on Farmers and Fueling Stations.

This bill establishes a new condition for Medicaid eligibility (state-provided healthcare), which ensures a child is only enrolled into the program if their non-custodial parent does not have healthcare, otherwise they would be required to be enrolled on their non-custodial parent's plan as opposed to Medicaid. Support is the Moms for America Position as this bill decreases government dependency and ensures that the state's Medicaid system serves only as the payer of last resort for healthcare. As a result, taxpayer funds are protected from abuse, and a greater amount of accountability is placed on parents.

Protecting Taxpayer Funds from Abuse by Requiring a Child to be Enrolled on the Health Plan of their Non-Custodial Parent as Opposed to Medicaid.

The Kenyatta amendment #5555 to a bill pertaining to voter roll maintenance serves as a "gut and go" measure, which eliminates the bill's language and replaces it with much weaker provisions. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as updating voter rolls and maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Weakening Election Integrity by Blocking Reforms that Ensure Voter Rolls Remain Updated and that Deceased Individuals are Removed.

This bill requires anyone who serves as a "behavior analyst" to become licensed by the state to work. This includes anyone who practices "applied behavior analysis" to help a person overcome addiction, depression or an eating disorder, as well as assist a person with ADHD, autism, or Down Syndrome. To obtain a license one must obtain a master's degree, pass examinations and pay fees, meet continuing education requirements, and maintain $1,000,000 in liability insurance. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this bill is largely designed to enrich entities that offer certification and degrees in applied behavior analysis and protect holders of such degrees from competition. As a result, it becomes much more costly and difficult to find individuals to assist those with Down Syndrome, autism and others who seek these services. Instead of this one-size-fits-all government licensing mandate, lawmakers should allow the free market to provide consumer protection through private certification entities and grant individuals the freedom to choose which behavior analysts they wish to obtain services from based on their level of training and experience.

Restricting Competition and Hiking Consumer Costs by Imposing New Licensing Mandates on Behavior Analysts.

The "Affordable Housing Unit Tax Exemption Act" authorizes local governments to provide property tax exemptions for both single-family and multi-family housing units that are occupied by individuals whose income does not exceed 60% of the median income within its area. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as not only does this measure further enrich developers of "affordable housing" who receive hefty payouts under the state and federal low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) program, but this bill further drives up property tax burdens for all other homeowners who must now subsidize the amenities and lost revenue from these properties. Instead, lawmakers should allow the free-market to reduce housing costs by eliminating zoning and regulatory barriers that prohibit housing development.

Increasing Property Tax Burdens by Authorizing Local Exemptions for "Affordable Housing".

This bill broadens the state's "Open Campus Initiative" (OCI) to include charter schools, regional charter schools, and cyber charter schools. Under the OCI, school districts can enter into collaborative partnerships which allow students from one district to take a class at a school in another district and receive credit for the course. As a result, schools have the ability to offer more specialized classes and students can take courses which best align with their career paths. Support is the Moms for America Position as this bill improves educational outcomes and fosters school choice by providing charter school students with the same benefits as public school students. Additionally, by including charter schools in the initiative, students at public schools also benefit through an expanded competitive market, which provides them a greater number of course options.

Improving Educational Outcomes by Expanding the "Open Campus Initiative" to Include Charter Schools.

This bill directs federal infrastructure funds to the Department of Environmental Quality to plug abandoned oil and gas wells. Additionally, the bill reforms bonding requirements (ranging from $2,500 to $100,000) to provide environmental protection while also ensuring companies are not hit with excessive bonding costs. The bill also authorizes  the state legislature, not the Environmental Quality Board, to be the authority to adjust bonding requirements over the next decade. Support is the Moms for America Position as this bill helps better balance environmental protection with the need to maintain a business-friendly environment for oil and gas extraction. Furthermore, the bill strengthens government accountability by ensuring the legislature, which is accountable to voters, sets bonding levels as opposed to the Environmental Quality Board which is not held to this same level of oversight.

Strengthening Government Accountability by Providing Legislative Oversight of Bonding Requirements for Orphaned Gas and Oil Well Plugging.

This bill establishes a regulatory framework that allows autonomous vehicles to be tested and deployed in the state. Additionally, the bill increases penalties for the theft of catalytic converters, which are emission-control devices that contain valuable metal components. Support is the Moms for America Position as reducing government barriers to autonomous vehicle deployment will help reduce development costs, ultimately helping more quickly bring this innovative and pro-economic growth technology to the marketplace. Additionally, the bill helps strengthen property rights and dissuade crime by ensuring criminal penalties on catalytic converter theft better reflect the significant financial harm suffered by victims.

Reducing Regulatory Barriers to Autonomous Vehicle Innovation and Increasing Penalties for Catalytic Converter Theft.

This bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinances which restrict the ability of consumers to access the energy source of their choice, including natural gas, solar, wind, and geothermal. As a result, the bill would preempt bans on natural gas hook-up and all-electric building codes. Support is the Moms for America Position as this bill strengthens both property rights and individual liberties. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Protecting Consumer Choice by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing All-Electric Building Codes and Anti-Natural Gas Ordinances.

This resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission (JSGC) to conduct a study of all changes within the past 5 years to statutes and regulations under the titles 23 and 67 of the Human Services Code (Domestic Relations and Public Welfare). The JSGC is required to report whether any measures have "exacerbated trauma in children and families" and make recommendations on the drafting of statutes and regulations to "mitigate trauma". Oppose is the Moms for America Position as not only does requiring the JSGC to conduct this study drive-up taxpayer costs and restrict the team from performing other research initiatives, but there are already non-profits within the private sector that provide such analyses. Furthermore, this measure is primarily designed to expand government dependency as recommendations to "mitigate trauma" nearly always involve growing the size and scope of government and increasing government dependency.

Directing the JSGC to Conduct an Unnecessary Study that is Primarily Designed to Justify Growing Government Dependency.

This resolution brings 6 articles of impeachment against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, finding him "derelict in his obligations to the victims of crime, the people of the City of Philadelphia and of this Commonwealth and has failed to uphold his oath of office." Supporters of impeachment cite Krasner's prosecution record, which includes a 90% reduction in retail theft prosecutions and Krasner's office only achieving a 14% conviction rate on the cases that were prosecuted. Support is the Moms for America Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Krasner, who received nearly $1.7 million in campaign support from George Soros during the 2017 election, has demonstrated through countless statistical measurements that he has failed in his duty to protect Philadelphia and surrounding communities.

Strengthening Public Safety and Property Rights through the Impeachment of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner for Failing to Prosecute Crime.

The Knowles Amendment #5002 to the state-related university appropriations bill prohibits the nearly $155 million in funds from being appropriated to the University of Pittsburg if the institution maintains a program that conducts research utilizing aborted fetal tissue. Support is the Moms for America Position as the fetal remains from the tragedy of abortion should be treated with dignity, and taxpayers should not be forced to fund institutions that capitalize off this tragedy.

Preventing Taxpayer Funds from Being Provided to the University of Pittsburgh if the Institution Continues to Conduct Research with Aborted Fetal Tissue.

This bill amends the state's cosmetology regulations by reducing the minimum amount of floor space that is required for each licensee working within a salon space from 180 to 120 square feet. Additionally, the bill creates a new temporary license to allow individuals to start working in a salon, as it can take between 3 to 6 months for a salon inspection to occur. Support is the Moms for America Position as this measure serves as a step in the right direction to improve the states' heavily overregulated cosmetology industry. However, far greater reforms must be made to cut, and preferably eliminate, occupational licensing mandates placed on cosmetologists and salon establishments to help expand employment opportunities and reduce consumer costs.

Reducing Overreaching Regulations Placed on Salon Establishments

This bill eliminates a tax barrier, one that only a handful of states imposed, which will encourage family-owned businesses to sell their companies to their employees as opposed to outside entities. Specifically, the bill relates to Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and allows sellers of C corporations to defer 100% of capital gains tax when selling to their employees in an ESOP, if the funds are reinvested in certain securities. As a result, the state tax code will mirror federal Section 1042 rules. Support is the Moms for America Position as this pro-growth measure will benefit all family-owned businesses and help spur entrepreneurship, while providing greater stability and certainty to company employees.

Reducing Barriers for the Sale of Businesses to Employees by Aligning PA Tax Code with the Rest of the Nation.

This bill, part of a larger stream maintenance package, authorizes counties, in consultation with their county conservation district, to issue emergency permits for stream maintenance. The bill is based on a successful pilot project in Bradford County and allows counties to perform actions without being hindered by state bureaucracy. Support is the Moms for America Position as this bill improves response by counties to emergency situations by reducing unnecessary red tape and regulatory overreach of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Reducing Unnecessary Red Tape by Providing Localities the Ability to Bypass State Approval to Maintain Streams in Certain Emergency Situations.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's laws governing insurance to comply with two covered agreements between the United States and the European Union and United Kingdom concerning domestic companies operating in the EU and UK. If Pennsylvania does not adopt this amendment, domestic companies with operations in the EU and UK will be required to comply with stricter regulations and accounting standards. Support is the Moms for America Position as the state (along with the federal government) should work to protect all domestic companies from regulatory overreach by foreign governments which harms business competitiveness and profitability.

Protecting Domestic Insurance Companies with Operations in Europe from Costly and Excessive International Regulations.

The Daley amendment #5440 to the package of five Constitutional amendments declares women have a "right to abortion" up until a fetus is viable (typically 23 to 24 weeks gestation). Oppose is the Moms for America Position as, not only does this amendment permit the tragedy of abortion up until a very late stage, but it also places taxpayers on the hook to pay for the practice and may force religious medical entities to violate their sincerely held beliefs.

Declaring a Constitutional "Right to Abortion" Prior to Fetal Viability.

This bill appropriates nearly $600 million to four "state-related" universities: Penn State University, Temple University, Lincoln University and University of Pittsburgh. Officials estimate these funds help lower tuition rates by $15,000 per year and are in addition to other subsidies these institutions receive from the federal government and private foundations. The $155 million given to the University of Pittsburg received controversy due to its research program which utilizes fetal tissue from abortions. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education - ideally through school choice. College and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades. Furthermore, Pennsylvania's state debt and liabilities currently exceed $120 billion, representing a $15,600 debt burden for each state taxpayer. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-Of-Control Spending by Providing 4 Non-State-Owned Universities with Nearly $600 Million in Taxpayer Funds.

The Longietti amendment #4207, to a bill concerning proxy voting for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors, provides unions two seats on the board. Under the amendment, one seat is assigned to the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, and the other seat assigned to the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this amendment creates a direct conflict of interest considering the Board of Governors is assigned with approving union contracts. As a result, unions will have greater negotiating power, which will ultimately result in higher costs for taxpayers.

Hiking Taxpayer Costs by Providing Unions Two Seats on the State's Board of Higher Education.

This bill expands the Pennsylvania Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (C-PACE) to include indoor air quality projects and resiliency improvement projects, such as flood mitigation and energy storage. Under the C-PACE program localities may issue bonds (debt) to finance these new initiatives and clean energy projects of commercial property owners, which are then repaid through an additional assessment on their property. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as not only is it not the proper role of government to compete in the lending industry, but taxpayer funds are unnecessarily placed at risk in the event of a default. Furthermore, the C-PACE program creates additional complications in the mortgage industry concerning lien priority and debt recovery.

Placing Taxpayer Funds at Risk by Further Expanding the Commercial Property-Assessed Clean Energy Program (C-PACE).

The Longietti amendment #4330, to a bill concerning the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs, authorizes employees within the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to make document requests to scholarship granting organizations that distribute tax credits that fund school choice vouchers. The amendment does not contain any limitations on the type of requests that may be made. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as, while scholarship granting organizations should be subject to strong oversight since they are awarding taxpayer funds, this open-ended measure is primarily designed to serve as a tool by anti-school choice advocates to harass these entities and subject them to costly and time-consuming reporting.

Attacking School Choice by Subjecting Scholarship Granting Organizations to Abuse through Open Record Requests

This bill implements a $45.3 billion general fund budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, which, when including federal American Rescue Plan funds, represents a spending increase of roughly 11%. The bill contains significant spending increases on social programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Low-Income Property Tax and Rent Rebate (PTTR) Program, a new Whole Home Repair Program, and over $250 million for additional affordable housing. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as Pennsylvania's state debt and liabilities currently exceed $120 billion, representing a $15,600 debt burden for each state taxpayer. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-Of-Control Spending through a Budget with a 11% Spending Hike and Countless New and Increased Social Programs.

This bill, part of the Small Business Tax Fairness Package, helps provide tax relief to passthroughs (LLCs and S-corps) by aligning the state section 179 deduction with the federal tax code. As a result, small businesses (just like corporations) can take advantage of the full $1.08 million expense deduction as opposed to the state's $25,000 cap on passthroughs. Support is the Moms for America Position as this pro-growth measure will incentivize all business sectors to increase investment and will allow a greater amount of resources to remain in the private sector where they can be re-invested and grow the economy.

Reducing Tax Burdens on Small Businesses by Aligning the State Section 179 Deduction with the Federal Tax Code.

The "Keystone Opportunity Dairy Zone Act" authorizes government employees within the Department of Community and Economic Development to create "dairy zones" and provide tax exemptions, deductions, and credits to individuals and businesses within the zones for up to 10 years. This measure is expected to cost the commonwealth $15 million annually in lost revenue. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as not only do policies such as this measure provide competitive advantages to select companies and industries, but shift tax burdens to other individuals and businesses not favored by government. Instead of expanding government central planning, lawmakers should work to quicken the tax cuts in HB 1342 and remove regulatory barriers so the free market can spur investment in the most needed initiatives.

Expanding Cronyism by Providing Tax Exemptions to Government-Favored Dairy Processing Facilities.

The Boyle amendment #4028 to the small business tax reform package increases tax burdens on businesses by preventing the Section 179 deduction from being indexed to inflation, as is the case at the federal level. Oppose is the Moms for America Position as this tax deduction utilized by countless small businesses will continue to shrink over the years due to inflation. As a result, more cash will be transferred to the government and companies will have less resources to invest and grow the economy.

Increasing Taxation by Preventing the Section 179 Business Deduction from Being Indexed to Inflation.

This bill places a 45-day window on permit application decisions by the state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in order to provide a predictable framework and improve the business climate of the state. Support is the Moms for America Position as this bill improves the state's business climate by providing greater regulatory certainty and reducing delays that unnecessarily drive-up business costs.

Improving the State's Business Climate by Establishing a 45 Day Window on DEP Permit Applications.

This motion by Rep. Bernstine advances the "Taxpayer Protection Act", which amends the State Constitution to limit the amount the Commonwealth's spending may increase. The crease will be based on a three-year average of the Commonwealth's inflation and population growth. The cap may only be exceeded by a 2/3 vote of both chambers of the General Assembly. Support is the Moms for America Position as Pennsylvania's state debt and liabilities currently exceed $120 billion, representing a $15,600 debt burden for each state taxpayer. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Protecting Taxpayers through a Constitutional Amendment Limiting State Spending to Only Growth in Population and Inflation.

This bill amends the state's Crime Victims Act to ensure victims of violent crimes are provided notice of the defendant's bail proceedings and are provided the opportunity to appear and offer comment. Support is the Moms for America Position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government. While it is critical all defendants be provided their Fifth Amendment right of "innocent until proven guilty", victims of crime deserve the right to communicate harms they allege throughout the arrest and arraignment process.