WILLIAMS EARNS 100 PERCENT ON PA CONSERVATION LEAGUE SCORECARD

 HARRISBURG, OCT. 27 – State Sen. Connie Williams was one of only three state legislators to receive a 100 percent rating on the Pennsylvania League of Conservation Voters scorecard for the first three-quarters of the 2003-04 Legislative session.

 “I am truly honored by this rating,” Williams said. “Environmental issues are critical to the future of the Commonwealth and to all Pennsylvanians. It is important that we take intelligent steps to create strong, thriving communities – for today and for tomorrow. And that includes preserving open space, protecting our watersheds and taking steps to improve air and water quality.”

 The league’s scorecard encompasses the issues that Pennsylvania’s environmental community thinks are important. The scorecard is viewed as a comprehensive way for Pennsylvanians to see how they are being represented.

 Williams noted that the issues the league emphasized were among the key issues being considered by the Governor’s Green Ribbon Commission. Williams (who is a member of the commission) said it is imperative that the commission not only look at how best to continue the state’s environmental program – Growing Greener, which didn’t have a dedicated funding source – but also for the commission to take a closer look at the environmental programs available today in Pennsylvania and how best to address the state’s environmental needs for the future. Additionally, she feels that it is critical to address how the programs are funded, as well.

 The three state senators who received a 100 percent rating were: Sens. Connie Williams, Edward Helfrick (who resigned Aug. 22, 2003) and Allyson Y. Schwartz.