Leanne Krueger

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 Limited Government 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 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 Limited Government 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.

This bill prohibits elected officials within the General Assembly from being assigned state-owned vehicles or using state funds to lease a vehicle except for emergency situations. Currently roughly 20 Representatives utilize state-leased cars under a program which authorizes leases of up to $650 a month. And while lawmakers must reimburse the state for the percentage of the vehicle lease that is not utilized for official business, the program has a history of abuse, including a lawmaker who crashed their car multiple times and even fled the scene of an accident. Support is the Limited Government Position as 90% of lawmakers utilize their own vehicles and receive mileage reimbursements and this program is an unnecessary cost for taxpayers to maintain.

Strengthening Government Integrity by Prohibiting Assignment of State-Owned Vehicles to Members of the Legislature.

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 Limited Government 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 makes "land banks" or entities formed by local governments eligible to serve as "conservators" under the existing Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act. That Act permits properties to be seized if they have been vacant for at least 12 months, in need of substantial repair and considered a public nuisance. Once seized from the property owner, the properties are handed to a "conservator" - and collects a fee based on 20% of their costs - who repairs and sells the rehabilitated properties. After a number of fees, court costs, and conservator costs are collected, the original owner is provided the remaining portion of the proceeds from the sale. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further worsens the Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act, which infringes on property rights and represents a textbook example of government overreach. Instead of growing the number of entities that can seize properties under this Act, lawmakers should work to incentivize the private sector to rehabilitate properties by reducing excessive building regulations, reforming zoning laws, and cutting crime in communities.

Infringing Property Rights by Further Worsening the "Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act".

This bill establishes a list of new governing requirements for condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities (commonly referred to as HOAs). The bill establishes certain vote thresholds for changes to HOA bylaws, how election processes are carried out, and the inclusion of "independent reviewers". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to dictate the private contractual agreements and operations of HOAs. HOAs serve as free-market alternatives to government zoning and land use standards, as individuals can choose the restrictiveness of the community they wish to join or select to live on property outside the governance of an HOA.

Infringing Private Contracting Rights through Government Overreach into the Governance Practices of Private Homeowners Associations.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's version of the Delaware River Basin Compact to make it clear that it is not within the Delaware River Basin Commission's (DRBC) authority to ban fracking. Support is the Limited Government Position as while there is a role for government to protect the river and surrounding landowners from direct and significant environmental threats, an outright ban on fracking represents an example of significant government overreach. A ban on fracking not only infringes on property rights but subjects Americans to unnecessarily high energy prices.

Expanding Energy Production by Ending the Delaware River Basin Commission's Authority to Ban Fracking.

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 Limited Government 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.

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 Limited Government 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.

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 Limited Government 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.

The Herrin amendment #3817 to a bill requiring legislative approval to enter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) represents a miniature "green new deal" by utilizing $750 million in federal COVID-19 funds for various environmental initiatives and projects, while requiring worker apprenticeships and adherence to state prevailing wage mandates. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only are these public works projects unneeded but subjecting these initiatives to the prevailing wage (a depression-era law which requires payment of above-market wages) unnecessarily drives up taxpayer costs. 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.

Advancing Run-Away Spending by Directing $750 Million of Federal COVID-19 Funds to Environmental Projects Subject to Prevailing Wage Mandates.

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 Limited Government 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 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 Limited Government 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.

The Mullery amendment #5793 to a bill pertaining to the state's unemployment compensation law results in higher unemployment benefit payouts through the elimination of an automatic trigger that will occur in 2026. Unemployment benefits are funded through a payroll tax imposed on all businesses. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as increasing unemployment benefit payouts will inevitably lead to higher business payroll taxes, which, when coupled with other factors, may have an impact on company hiring and employee compensation decisions. Unemployment insurance should not be mandated and carried out by government to oversee, but rather an option for individuals and companies to purchase through the private marketplace.

Imposing Greater Tax Burdens on Businesses by Increasing Unemployment Benefit Payouts.

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 Limited Government 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.

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 Limited Government 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 resolution titled "Ending Pro-Putin Pipeline Bans" urges New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy to end their states' policies banning the construction of any new natural gas pipelines. The resolution states these policies have "walled off Pennsylvania natural gas from accessing markets in New England. As a result, New England states often must rely on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports from foreign nations, including Russia." Support is the Limited Government Position as all states should work together to grow the U.S. economy by unleashing American energy dominance, especially through the elimination of all unnecessary regulations that hinder development and energy extraction.

Promoting American Energy Dominance by Urging the Governors of New York and New Jersey to Authorize Natural Gas Pipeline Construction

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 Limited Government 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.

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 Limited Government 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 resolution calls on Congress to eliminate or reform emission testing regulations. The resolution is in response to federal clean air goals which has resulted in 25 counties across the state maintaining vehicle emission testing programs since 1995. Support is the Limited Government Position as significant advances in vehicular emissions technology and an increase in hybrid and electric vehicles makes emission testing for automobiles unnecessary. Testing mandates burden motorists with an added financial cost. Such regulations are especially problematic for car collectors that own multiple vehicles, due to the amount of time they waste testing, the miles that are added to their vehicles, and the increased risk for vehicle damage.

Reducing Unnecessary Regulations by Calling Congress to Reform Vehicle Emission Testing Mandates.

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 Limited Government 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.

The Keefer amendment #4343 to the Coronavirus Infection Medication Act provides greater legal clarity to ensure doctors can prescribe off-label drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine sulfate and ivermectin, to treat a COVID-19 infection without facing any disciplinary actions from the state's professional and occupational licensing boards. Support is the Limited Government Position as there have been countless reported cases of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin being effective in treating COVID-19, even though they haven't been approved by the FDA. Additionally, considering the low level of associated risks and side effects of these drugs, patients and their doctors should have the freedom to make their own medical decisions.

Strengthening Medical Freedom by Preventing Licensing Boards from Taking Actions Against Doctors for Prescribing Off-Label Drugs to Treat COVID-19.

This bill authorizes the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DNCR) to lease subsurface rights under state lands. As a result, companies would be able to pay the state to extract the oil and gas beneath state lands as long as their drilling originated from a wellsite that was not on state property. The revenue that is generated from the leases would be utilized to fund stream maintenance, clearing projects, and flood mitigation. Support is the Limited Government Position as not only does this measure boost domestic energy production which, grows the nation's economy, but also protects the environment and benefits Pennsylvania taxpayers through increased state revenue.

Boosting State Revenue and Energy Production by Authorizing Oil and Gas Extraction Under State Lands.

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 Limited Government 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 "Poll Watcher Empowerment Act" permits all eligible registered voters of Pennsylvania to enlist as a poll watcher in any precinct and levies penalties against election officials who prohibit poll watchers from performing their official duties. Previously, poll watchers had to be a resident of the precinct they were appointed to. Support is the Limited Government Position as poll watchers play a critical role in maintaining election integrity and transparency, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic. Due to the fact a vote cast in any of the state's precincts has an impact on the outcome of a state-wide election, every precinct must be properly staffed with competent poll watchers, regardless of where the poll watchers reside.

Increasing Election Integrity and Transparency through the Poll Watcher Empowerment Act

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 Limited Government 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.

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 Limited Government 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.

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 Limited Government 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 further expands occupational licensure requirements within the healthcare industry to include individuals assisting with medical imaging and radiation therapy. Under existing law, an individual can only perform these services if they are under the direct supervision of a medical doctor and have passed an examination. This bill creates additional requirements, including obtaining a state license, paying an annual fee of $100 or more, completing a course of study, and obtaining certification by an outside organization. Finally, the bill prevents individuals with criminal convictions from receiving a license unless they pass an "individualized assessment". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these new mandates are excessive considering individuals providing medical imaging and radiation therapy already must pass an examination and can only perform such services under the oversight of licensed medical doctors at licensed medical facilities. This bill both drives up healthcare costs and further exacerbates the staffing shortages at hospitals and the ability of patients to receive attentive and timely treatment. Furthermore, imposing greater employment barriers for individuals with criminal convictions harms their economic mobility which increases recidivism and government dependency.

Increasing Healthcare Costs through an Excessive New Occupational Licensing Regime Concerning Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy.

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 Limited Government 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 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 Limited Government 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 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 Limited Government 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 bill establishes the "Lifeline Scholarship Program" which serves as a school voucher program for students who reside within a school district ranked in the bottom 15% in performance within the state. Under the program, parents would receive a scholarship of $6,697 to use towards the tuition of a private school. This amount would be deducted from the $19,200 per-student funding that the public school receives, allowing the school to still retain the other roughly two-thirds in funding. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding. Additionally, unlike some school choice initiatives which drive-up taxpayer costs, this measure protects taxpayers and ensures public schools retain a portion of their funding to cover overhead costs.

Improving Educational Outcomes by Expanding School Choice via the Lifeline Scholarship Program.

This bill authorizes urban municipalities to seize any ATV or dirt bike that is operated unlawfully on public roadways or areas. The property is subject to forfeiture and upon a conviction is to be sold or destroyed. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as one of the foundational principles of our nation's Constitution is strong property rights. While government has a duty to uphold the rule of law to ensure societal safety and order, which it can do by increasing fines and imprisonment for vehicular violations, this measure weakens property rights while creating moral hazards, such as "policing for profit".

Weakening Property Rights through the Seizure and Destruction of ATVs and Dirt Bikes if Unlawfully Operated on Roadways.

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 Limited Government 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.

ILA

Leanne Krueger