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Bipartisan Group of House, Senate Members Urge Vote YES for GG
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Sen. Connie Williams (D), state Representatives Raymond Bunt (R), Mike Gerber (D), Kate Harper (R), Daylin Leach (D), Josh Shapiro (D) and Greg Vitali (D), and members of various environmental organizations this week urged voters to make Pennsylvania a green state, and to vote in favor of the $625 million environmental bond question on the primary election ballot in Montgomery County.

A strong bipartisan message to support the environment by permitting Pennsylvania to borrow money for valuable environmental programs was delivered during a news conference at the Harriet Wetherill Park in Plymouth Township. The park was chosen because it had received state funds to aid in its creation.

"In 12 days voters will have the opportunity to decide what this quality of life will be for every Pennsylvanian. We need to act now to protect the environment - by safeguarding our precious water supply, ensuring funds are available to preserve valuable open space, and to cleanup acid mine drainage that threatens the future of our waterways," Sen. Williams said. "The longer we wait to act, the more of Pennsylvania's natural resources will be destroyed or lost - not just for today for our generation, but for our children and their children."

"This is an important bond question for Montgomery County where suburban sprawl pressures daily threaten our quality of life and the survival of farming here," Rep. Harper said. "We need to save the places that should be saved and manage the growth we get responsibly. The bond issue will help us do that."

"This May, vote like the future of your environment depends on it, because it does," Rep. Leach urged voters.

"I am proud to have cast a vote to put the question on the ballot and now voters have the opportunity to make an historic investment in Pennsylvania's future," said Rep. Shaprio. "Growing Greener II will protect open space, curb sprawl, cleanup our water and make us less dependent on foreign oil. I strongly encourage voters to support this important ballot initiative."

"There's no doubt we need this funding to address the state's environmental problems and I applaud Gov. Rendell for putting the issue on the table," Rep. Gerber said. "But now, those of us representing Montgomery County and the Greater Philadelphia Area must stick together -- Democrats and Republicans -- to be sure that the effects of sprawl and urban decay are addressed when we spend this money."

Joining state legislators were a number of environmental groups and environmental advocates. The news conference illustrated that support for Pennsylvania's environmental initiative crosses party lines and touches everyone's life.

"Just last year, there was talk everywhere about red and blue states - Republicans and Democrats," Sen. Williams said. "Today, we're talking about uniting every party and making Pennsylvania a green state - the best color any state can be."


5/6/2005

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