TIME TO PUT YOUR VOTE WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

 To the Editor:

 On May 17^th, the citizens of Pennsylvania will have the opportunity to cast a vote that will directly impact how the state invests in Pennsylvania’s environment. I encourage all registered voters – Democrats, Republicans and Independents -- to go to the polls and vote in favor of the ballot question, which would allow the state to borrow $625 million to invest in the state’s environmental program, Growing Greener II.

 Act 1 of 2005 requires a ballot question be placed on the primary ballot that will ask Pennsylvanians whether they approve of the Commonwealth borrowing up to $625 million for the “maintenance and protection of the environment, open space and farmland preservation, watershed protection, abandoned mine reclamation, acid mine drainage remediation and other initiatives.”

 Gov. Ed Rendell has made funding for open space and the environment a top priority through the Growing Greener II initiative. The ballot now puts the matter before voters.

 If approved in May, the Growing Greener bond will provide much-needed funding for important environmental programs that communities have come to rely upon, as well as investing in Pennsylvania’s state parks.

 The bond will be paid for without any increased fees. In general, it will involve the state borrowing money at a low interest rate, with repayment from existing fees and tax revenues. The governor’s proposed budget sets aside $759 million in total state debt costs to cover the expense of state borrowing overall. Also, the environmental cleanup is tied to the Governor’s Economic Revitalization Program. A cleaner environment, reclamation of polluted and hazardous sites and preservation of open space will attract new business and encourage business expansion, as well as increasing tourism income in the state.

 Last year voters in Montgomery County approved a local bond issue, the proceeds from which will serve as the local match to future Growing Greener Funds. In Delaware County, preservation of open space such as the 120 acres saved on the Haverford State Hospital site, and stream bank reclamation are important.

The future of open space preservation, recycling, stream bank reclamation and other important environmental programs important to our local communities will be decided by voters on May 17^th.  Please take the time to vote in the upcoming primary election and help us to make Pennsylvania green.

 Sincerely,
Connie Williams
State Senator
17^th District