On the Issues

A Plan for Pennsylvania

A PLAN FOR PENNSYLVANIA: New Jobs and a New Economy
http://joehoeffel2010.com/economy

Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

Protecting Our Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
http://joehoeffel2010.com/civil-rights

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
http://joehoeffel2010.com/equal-opportunity

As governor, Joe Hoeffel’s administration will reflect the diversity of this great commonwealth. Joe believes that it is the role of government to level the playing field so that all members of our society are afforded equal opportunity.

Court Access

Access to the Courts
http://joehoeffel2010.com/court-access

Insisting on fairness, ending discrimination and creating a level playing field for all Pennsylvanians is a common thread throughout Joe Hoeffel’s career and issue platform. This includes our justice system: Joe Hoeffel is committed to justice for all Pennsylvanians, regardless of their income. Hoeffel believes that everyone who is legitimately injured due to the negligence of others should have access to the courts and a jury of their peers in an effort to be made whole.

Education: Investing in Our Future

EDUCATION: Investing in Our Future
http://joehoeffel2010.com/education

My vision is not just to improve education in Pennsylvania; I want to change how we frame the issue: education is an investment with a tremendous return for the commonwealth — it's not a spending program — and the best path is to invest wisely for the long-term by fully funding the programs that are proven to work, not to trim spending for short-term savings.

INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION BENEFIT EVERYONE

Environment and Public Health

Protecting Our Environment and Public Health
http://joehoeffel2010.com/environment

Protecting the environment and public health is a top priority for Joe Hoeffel, and Joe has proven his leadership to protect the environment and create more “green” jobs for Pennsylvanians. During his tenure in Congress, Joe was given a 95% rating by the League of Conservation Voters. His environmental priorities demonstrate his commitment to the health of Pennsylvanians, the beauty of Pennsylvania, and the sustainability of the state’s energy sources.

Equal Opportunity

Ensuring Equal Opportunity
http://joehoeffel2010.com/equal-opportunity

As governor, Joe Hoeffel’s administration will reflect the diversity of this great commonwealth. Joe believes that it is the role of government to level the playing field so that all members of our society are afforded equal opportunity.

Ethics & Government Reform

A Higher Standard in Harrisburg
http://joehoeffel2010.com/ethics

Joe Hoeffel will restore Pennsylvania’s dignity. Citizens are justifiably outraged and embarrassed by the corrupt acts and ethical abuses that have been running rampant in our state capital. The Hoeffel administration will reform Harrisburg and set a new standard for ethical behavior and decency in state government.

ETHICS REFORM

Health Care for All Pennsylvanians

Joe Hoeffel: Providing Health Care for All Pennsylvanians
http://joehoeffel2010.com/healthcare

As Governor, Joe Hoeffel will support and work to achieve insurance coverage for every Pennsylvanian. Joe believes that it is unconscionable that over one million Pennsylvanians lack affordable health care.

Joe Hoeffel believes that viable businesses that do not provide health insurance for their employees should contribute to a fund to support extending health insurance for all Pennsylvania residents.

MEDICARE MODEL

Housing and Neighborhoods

Joe Hoeffel: Affordable Housing and Safe Neighborhoods
http://joehoeffel2010.com/housing

Labor: Building Our Workforce, Building Our Economy

Building our Workforce, Building our Economy
http://joehoeffel2010.com/labor

Marcellus Shale

The Marcellus Shale and Responsible Development
http://joehoeffel2010.com/environment/marcellus-shale

The extraction of Marcellus Shale natural gas represents an entirely new economy for Pennsylvania. It has the potential to create thousands of jobs, drive local economies, and build revenue for the commonwealth. Drilling in the Marcellus Shale also opens up new environmental concerns with extremely serious consequences for all Pennsylvanians.

Marriage Equality

Full Marriage Equality
http://joehoeffel2010.com/marriage-equality

I am blessed by my 32 year marriage to Francesca and by the family we have raised together. Yet there are committed and loving couples for whom marriage is not an option, simply because of their gender.

Pennsylvania and Agriculture: Keeping Each Other Healthy

PENNSYLVANIA AND AGRICULTURE: Keeping Each Other Healthy
http://joehoeffel2010.com/agriculture

Agriculture is Pennsylvania's number one industry. Twenty-six percent of Pennsylvania's area is farmland — nearly eight million acres. Yet while Pennsylvania's agriculture is large, it isn't large-scale. Our farmland is divided into over 63,000 farms, and 41% of them have fewer than 50 acres; 82% have fewer than 180 acres.

Strengthen Pennsylvania's Transportation Infrastructure

Strengthening Pennsylvania's Transportation Infrastructure
http://joehoeffel2010.com/transportation

CREATE JOBS AND REBUILD INFRASTRUCTURE

Tax Fairness

Tax Fairness for Pennsylvania
http://joehoeffel2010.com/tax-fairness

Pennsylvania has one of the most regressive tax systems in the nation. The poorest 20% of wage earners pay 12 cents in state taxes per dollar earned, while the richest 1% pay only 4.3 cents after the federal deduction for state and local taxes. Middle Class wage earners also pay more than the wealthiest Pennsylvanians.¹

LGBT Rights

Full Marriage Equality and Freedom from Discrimination
http://joehoeffel2010.com/lgbt-rights

MARRIAGE EQUALITY
http://joehoeffel2010.com/marriage-equality

Joe supports full marriage equality for same sex couples. He will stand up and speak out in support of legislation in the Pennsylvania Senate for full marriage equality. He believes that it is time to end discrimination that prevents people who are in love from freely marrying because of their gender.

FULL EQUALITY FOR LGBT INDIVIDUALS