Nearly four years ago, President Barack Obama and liberal Sen. Bob Casey rammed an $825 billion stimulus into law that was supposed to “get the economy out of the ditch, create jobs, and aid those hardest hit by the recession,” yet today’s jobs report reiterates that their failed economic policies are not working.

As the Wall Street Journal reports:

JOB GROWTH SLOWS SHARPLY IN AUGUST: Job growth slowed sharply in August, the Labor Department said Friday. Total nonfarm payrolls increased by 96,000, lower than the 125,000 gain expected by Wall Street economists.  Adding to the sense of weakness, job growth in the past two months were revised down by 41,000.  The unemployment rate declined to 8.1% in August from 8.3% in the previous month but the drop was due to a smaller labor force.  Economists forecast the unemployment rate to hold steady at 8.3%.  Average hourly earnings were flat at $23.52.  Earnings are up 1.7% in the past year. The average workweek was unchanged at 34.3 hours. (Greg Robb, Job growth slows sharply in August, Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch, 9/7/12)

Notably, according to Sen. Casey and his fellow Democrats if their policies actually worked, the national unemployment rate would be well below 6 percent by now.

“We’ve tried the failed policies of President Obama and Bob Casey and today’s report is just further proof that their tax-and-spend agenda is not working,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesman Lance Trover.  “Pennsylvanians simply cannot afford six more years of Bob Casey’s failed economic leadership and it’s time to send a true reformer like Tom Smith to Washington.”

BACKGROUND….

Casey Promised The Stimulus Would Get The Economy Out Of The Ditch

Casey Told Business Leaders In Pennsylvania That The Stimulus Would Help Get The Economy Out Of The Ditch, Create Jobs, And Help Those Who Suffered The Most From The Recession. “Mr. Casey, a Democrat, told about 165 business leaders who attended a breakfast hosted by the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry at the Woodlands Inn and Resort that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help get the economy out of the ditch, create jobs and aid those hardest hit by the recession. He said the act is good news for Northeast Pennsylvania, the entire state and country.” (Denise Allabaugh, “Stimulus Plan Defended,” The Times-Tribune, 3/17/09)

And That The Unemployment Rate Today Would Be Less Than 6%  

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Just as he’s done over 50 times while serving in Washington, Pennsylvania’s liberal Senator Bob Casey stood with President Obama today and voted for a massive tax hike on Pennsylvania small businesses, families, farmers and ranchers.  Casey even voted to reinstate the massive death tax.

“Liberal Bob Casey has never met a tax hike that he didn’t like and once again, standing behind President Obama was more important for Senator Casey than standing up for Pennsylvania farmers and small business owners,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover said today.  “Under Bob Casey and President Obama’s watch we’ve seen 41 straight months of unemployment above 8 percent, an almost $16 trillion debt and over 1,100 days without a budget.  If Pennsylvanians want to reverse course and restore common sense in Washington, they can start by retiring Bob Casey in November.”

Remarkably, Casey’s vote came just hours after President Obama’s own Treasury Secretary testified before a House Committee and admitted that the “economy is not growing fast enough and unemployment is very high.”  

It also comes after a week of Casey misleading voters by being evasive when asked if he would support raising taxes on small business owners.

And just yesterday, the Pennsylvania farm bureau sent a letter to Senators saying, “this not only can cripple a farm operation, but also hurts the rural communities and businesses that agriculture supports.”

BACKGROUND.…

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Admitted Just Today That “The Economy is Not Growing Fast Enough.” GEITHNER: “But I’ll tell you my general view on this. The economy is not growing fast enough. Unemployment is very high. Huge amount of damage left in the housing market.” (House Financial Services Committee, U.S. House Of Representatives, Hearing, 7/25/12)

Casey Claims He ‘Hasn’t Decided’ “Democrat Bob Casey, who is running for a second term in U.S. Senate for Pennsylvania, says he hasn’t decided whether to go along with President Barack Obama and Democratic leaders on a plan to allow tax rates to rise for people making $200,000 or families making $250,000 a year. Casey in an interview Friday with The Associated Press touted himself as working to find compromise and while pushing for legislation he believed would encourage more hiring. Casey says he’d prefer to let tax rates rise on people who make $1 million or more.” (“Casey Doesn’t Embrace Obama’s Plan On Tax Rates As Pa. Democrat Seeks 2nd Term In US Senate,” The Associated Press, 7/20/12)

July 13, 2012, Majority Leader Reid Announced A Tax Plan That Only Extended The Tax Cuts For Those Earning Less Than $200,000. “Senate Democrats will push a one-year tax cut proposal for individual Americans earning $200,000 or less annually, setting the stage for a showdown in coming weeks with Republicans over extending the Bush tax cuts, according to a new plan circulating on Capitol Hill.” (John Bresnahan, “Senate Dems Push One-Year Tax Cut,” Politico, 7/13/12)

• “With Only 53 Democrats – And Reid Calling For A Straight Majority Vote For Any Tax Proposal – Democratic Leaders Cannot Afford To Lose Any Support.” (John Bresnahan, “Senate Dems Push One-Year Tax Cut,” Politico, 7/13/12)

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND….

Pennsylvania Farmers & Small Business Owners Spoke Out Against Bob Casey’s Tax Hike

PENNSYLVANIA FARMERS: “This not only can cripple a farm operation, but also hurts the rural communities and businesses that agriculture supports. Estate taxes hit family-owned farm operations especially hard because of the illiquid nature of farm and ranch business property.” (Letter, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, 7/24/12) 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: “Increasing taxes now will undermine economic recovery, choke off job creation, and take money out of the hands of the individuals and businesses that create jobs, spur investment, boost consumption, and promote economic growth.” (“Key Vote Alert On S. 3412, The “‘’Middle Class Tax Cut Act,’” The Chamber Of Commerce, 7/24/12) 

• “The Chamber urges you to oppose S. 3412, which would impose a massive tax hike on American businesses.” (“Key Vote Alert On S. 3412, The “‘’Middle Class Tax Cut Act,’” The Chamber Of Commerce, 7/24/12) 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS: “This legislation would raise tax rates on small businesses at a particularly fragile time for the economy, stifling growth and investment when we can least afford it.” (National Federation Of Independent Business, Letter To Senators, 7/24/12)

• “This tax hike disproportionately impacts small businesses… will shrink the economy by 1.3 percent and result in the loss of 710,000 jobs.” (National Federation Of Independent Business, Letter To Senators, 7/24/12)

• “…the maximum estate tax rate will revert to 55 percent while the exemption level will drop to $ 1 million. This will increase the number of estates hit with the tax from 3,600 to 46,700, including 21,700 small businesses.” (National Federation Of Independent Business, Letter To Senators, 7/24/12)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS: “…S. 3412 would result in higher taxes for the vast majority of manufacturers in the United States, threatening their ability to create jobs. …the possibility of these tax increases has forced many manufacturers to put investment and hiring plans on hold.” (National Association Of Manufacturers, Key Manufacturing Vote Letter, 7/14/12)

• “…the bill’s plan to restore estate tax rates and exemptions to pre-2001 levels would hit thousands of family-owned SMMs across our nation.” (National Association Of Manufacturers, Key Manufacturing Vote Letter, 7/14/12)

• “As our economy struggles to regain its footing, now is not the time to increase taxes on job creators and investors.” (National Association Of Manufacturers, Key Manufacturing Vote Letter, 7/14/12)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WHOLESALER-DISTRIBUTORS: “This legislation would in fact do very great harm to the middle class it purports to help.” (National Association Of Wholesaler-Distributors, Open Letter To Senators, 7/24/12)

• “Despite the unemployment crisis, the Senate is set to vote on legislation which will indisputably make matters worse.” (National Association Of Wholesaler-Distributors, Open Letter To Senators, 7/24/12)

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Two years after liberal Democrat Bob Casey voted for ObamaCare, which he promised would reduce healthcare costs for millions of people, a new report today from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reveals that the price of healthcare continues to increase.

Since the healthcare bill has been signed into law, costs have risen by 9 percent and the average premium has risen by $1,300.  They could rise as much as $2,500 according to today’s CBO report. 

As the CBO reports:

The additional enrollees [i.e., those previously projected to enroll in Medicaid, but who will now receive Exchange subsidies in light of the Court’s ruling] are likely to spend more on health care, on average, than those previously expected to purchase insurance through the exchanges because people with lower income generally have somewhat poorer health.  As a result, CBO and JCT now estimate that the premiums for health insurance offered through the exchanges, along with premiums in the individual market, will be 2 percent higher than those estimated in March 2012.

Notably, the total cost of the healthcare bill has risen from $940 billion to nearly $1.75 trillion. 

“Liberal U.S. Senator Bob Casey promised ObamaCare would lower the cost of healthcare, but today Pennsylvanians are paying more money than ever for their healthcare,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover.  “Between the job-killing taxes and the raiding of Medicare funds, it’s clear Bob Casey misled voters about the true effects of his government-run healthcare plan.”

BACKGROUND …

Bob Casey Promised ObamaCare Would Lower Healthcare Costs

Casey Said Health Care Reform “Would Make Health Insurance More Affordable For Americans And Small Businesses, End Abuses By The Insurance Companies That Deny Care And Promote Choice And Competition.” Casey: “We would make health insurance more affordable for Americans and small businesses, end abuses by the insurance companies that deny care and promote choice and competition.” (Senator Bob Casey, “Sen. Casey: Senate Passage Of Health Care Reform A Major Step Forward For Pennsylvania, American People,” Press Release, 1/6/10)

Meanwhile Healthcare Costs Across The Country Continue To Rise

BLOOMBERG:  “The average cost of a family policy climbed 9 percent in 2011 to $15,073, according to a poll of 2,088 private companies and state and local government agencies by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation in Menlo Park, California, and the Chicago- based American Hospital Association’s Health Research and Educational Trust.” (Jeffrey Young, “Health-Benefit Costs Rise Most In Six Years,” Bloomberg, 9/27/11)

WALL STREET JOURNAL:  “[In 2011], the health-insurance premiums employers pay rose sharply this year, with the average annual cost of family coverage passing the $15,000 mark for the first time, according to a major survey.” (“Employer Health Premiums Rise Sharply,” The Wall Street Journal, 9/27/11) 

WALL STREET JOURNAL: “The average annual family premium for 2011 was $15,073, up from $13,770 last year.” (“Employer Health Premiums Rise Sharply,” The Wall Street Journal, 9/27/11)

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“President Obama and Bob Casey have long supported higher taxes, bigger government and increased spending, so their support for yet another massive tax hike on Pennsylvania small businesses comes as little surprise.  But in the wake of another weak jobs report, a massive health care bill that increases taxes on the middle class and a growing $15 trillion debt, why can’t Bob Casey answer one very simple question – how does raising taxes on Pennsylvania small businesses create jobs?”  — Lance Trover, NRSC Spokesman

BACKGROUND … 

FLASHBACK – President Obama: “The Last Thing You Want To Do Is Raise Taxes In The Middle Of A Recession.” (President Obama, Remarks During An Interview With NBC, Elkhart, IN, 8/5/09)

OBAMA-CASEY SOLUTION FOR THE 23 MILLION AMERICANS STRUGGLING TO FIND WORK IS TO RAISE TAXES ON JOB CREATORS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

• Roughly 940,000 small businesses will be hit by a big tax hike. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), “75 percent of small businesses are organized as pass-through entities meaning they pay taxes on their business income at the individual rate.” The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates the tax hike would hit about 940,000 small businesses (see more here from ABC News). 

• Half of all small business income would face higher taxes. According to Bloomberg News, analysis by JCT also shows President Obama’s plan for massive tax hikes “would mean higher taxes on 53 percent of business income reported on individual returns.”

• More than a quarter of American workers’ jobs are at risk. “According to U.S. Census data,” says NFIB, small businesses “employ more than 25 percent of the total workforce.” Raising taxes on small businesses threatens these jobs – the last thing we need to do in a weak economy. 

Today’s Economy Weaker Than When Obama Extended All Tax Rates

2010 Economic Growth: 3.1%

Real GDP growth over the four quarters before Dec. 2010 tax rate extension: 3.1% (“Table 1.1.1, Percent Change From Preceding Period In Real Gross Domestic Product,” Bureau Of Economic Analysis, Accessed 7/9/12) 

2012 Economic Growth: 2.0%

Real GDP growth over the previous four quarters: 2.0% (“Table 1.1.1, Percent Change From Preceding Period In Real Gross Domestic Product,” Bureau Of Economic Analysis, Accessed 7/9/12) 

In 2010, Obama Said Tax Increases ‘Would Have Been A Blow To Our Economy’

PRESIDENT OBAMA: “…tax rates for every American were poised to automatically increase on January 1st… would have been a blow to our economy just as we’re climbing out of a devastating recession.” (President Obama, Remarks At Bill Signing, 12/17/10) 

• OBAMA: “If we allow these taxes to go up, the result would be that a lot of people most likely would spend less, and that means that the economy would grow less.” (President Obama, Remarks, Kokomo, IN, 11/23/10) 

• OBAMA: “You don’t raise taxes in a recession.” (“Obama: We Must ‘Help Elkhart Reinvent Itself,’” MSNBC, 8/5/09; Video Here)

BOB CASEY’S TAX-AND-SPEND RECORD, JUST LIKE OBAMA’S

Casey Voted For Cloture On A Bill That Would Raise Taxes On Income Over $200,000 For Individuals And Over $250,000 For Married Couples Filing Joint Returns. “Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment with a further Baucus, D-Mont., substitute amendment no. 4727 that would make permanent the 2001- and 2003-enacted tax cuts on income up to $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for married couples filing joint returns. The extensions would include current lower tax rates for capital gains and dividends, elimination of the ‘marriage penalty’ and an expansion of the increased child tax credit. It also would extend unemployment insurance benefits for 13 months.” (H.R. 4853, CQ Vote #258: Motion rejected by a vote of 53-36: R 0-31; D 52-4; I 1-1, 12/4/10, Casey Voted Yea)

Casey Voted To Invoke Cloture On Legislation That Would Raise Taxes On Income Over $1 Million. “Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment with a further Schumer, D-N.Y., substitute amendment no. 4728 that would generally make permanent the 2001- and 2003-enacted tax cuts on income up to $1 million. The extensions would include current lower tax rates for capital gains and dividends, elimination of the ‘marriage penalty’ and an expansion of the increased child tax credit. It also would extend unemployment insurance benefits for one year.” (H.R. 4853, CQ Vote #259: Motion rejected by a vote of 53-37: R 0-32; D 52-4; I 1-1, 12/4/10, Casey Voted Yea)

Since 2007, Casey Has Voted Over 50 Times In Favor Of Higher Taxes. (Congressional Quarterly, www.cq.com, Accessed 8/29/11)

The post Obama, Casey Want Higher Taxes On Small Businesses, But Can’t Explain How That Will Create More Pennsylvania Jobs appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Over three years ago, liberal Democrat Bob Casey was a strong supporter of a massive “stimulus” spending bill – paid for by borrowing billions of dollars from China – that he flatly predicted would “create or save” thousands of Pennsylvania jobs.

At the same time, Casey vigorously supported the massive health care law which the Supreme Court confirmed last week represents a significant tax hike on Pennsylvania families and small businesses.  In fact, Casey remarkably claimed that passing ObamaCare was a “significant component” to getting the economy back on track.

Yet, since President Obama has taken office and the Democrats have run Washington, our country has actually lost over 400,000 jobs, and today marks the 41^st straight month that the national unemployment rate has remained above 8 percent.

In fact, the June unemployment report shows the worst quarter of job creation in two years.

As CNBC reports:

CNBC’s John Harwood: “Not Good News For The American Economy”

“Between last week’s Supreme Court decision and today’s jobs report, it’s a sobering reminder that at a time when Bob Casey and the Democrats should have been focused on jobs, they focused instead on a massive middle class tax hike and reckless government spending programs,” National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesman Jahan Wilcox said today.  “As Pennsylvanians recall that two years ago Senator Casey said passing ObamaCare was critical to getting the economy back on track, they are right to wonder just how out of touch he is.”  

BACKGROUND…. 

Casey-Obama Economic Record….

• Since President Obama Took Office, The Nation Has Lost 473,000 Jobs And The Unemployment Rate Has Increased From 7.8 Percent To 8.2 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

• In June, The Hispanic Unemployment Rate Remained At 11.0 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

• The African American Unemployment Rate Increased From 13.6 Percent To 14.4 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

• The Unemployment Rate Has Remained Above Eight Percent For A Record 41 Straight Months. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

• The Real Unemployment Rate, Including Those That Are Working Part-Time Due To Economic Reasons, Increased To 14.9 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12) 

VERSUS….

Bob Casey’s Rhetoric….

• Casey: Obama “Can Help Us Rebuild America.” CASEY: “Barack Obama can lead us, he can heal us, and he can help us rebuild America.” (Senator Bob Casey, “Senator Casey Endorses Barack Obama For President,” Pittsburg, PA, 3/28/08)

• Casey: “I Think The President Has A Lot Of Really Good Ideas About How To Create Jobs.” MITCHELL: “Do you buy that argument? That this jobs bill alone would prevent a double-dip?” CASEY: “I think the president has a lot of really good ideas about how to create jobs…I think the president is right to focus on jobs. I think his ideas are going to have a lot of support in the Senate and across the country.” (MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports,” 10/6/11)

• Casey Said The “Stimulus” Would “Create Jobs And Create Economic Opportunity.” CASEY: “The passage of the American Recovery And Reinvestments Act was a positive step forward for our country. It made investments in areas we had not invested in in a long time and it also will help us recovery- to get our economy out of the ditch and get us moving in the right direction to create jobs and to create economic opportunity.” (Senator Bob Casey, “Five Months Of Accomplishments And Goals For The Future,” www.youtube.com, Accessed 9/7/11)

• Casey Said Our Economy Is “Moving In The Right Direction” And That “We’re Benefitting… From The Actions Taken In The Last Two Years.” Casey: “If we look at the last 14 months, we have now recorded over those 14 months private sector job gains, and during that time we’ve added to 2.1 million private sector jobs… So we’re moving in the right direction. We’re benefiting, in my judgment, from the actions taken in the last two years, in 2009 and 2010, in dealing with this challenge.” (Senator Bob Casey, Joint Economic Committee Hearing On April Unemployment, 5/6/11)

• Casey Said “A Significant Component Of Strengthening Our Economy Is Healthcare Reform.” “‘A significant component of strengthening our economy is healthcare reform,’ Casey said. ‘We need to keep moving forward to implement legislation to crack down on insurance companies, cover 3 1 million Americans with no health insurance and reduce the deficit.’” (Larry Miller, “Change Comes To Obama,” Sun Reporter, 1/28/10)

• Casey: “No One In The Senate Has Worked Harder Than I Have To Get This Done.” CASEY: “But I also voted to get the bill out of the committee, and I want to get health-care legislation passed. No one in the Senate has worked harder than I have to get this done, and we will get it done.” (MSBNC, 12/7/09)

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Two years after U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) provided the deciding vote to ram ObamaCare through Congress, the Supreme Court today has affirmed Casey’s decision to put President Obama’s agenda ahead of Pennsylvania seniors and small businesses.  In doing so, the Court has made clear what is at stake in November’s election.

“The Supreme Court’s decision makes clear in this election – the only way to stop the massive tax increases, government spending, and cuts to Medicare contained in ObamaCare is to replace liberal Bob Casey in Washington,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover said today.  

BACKGROUND….

Casey Proudly Voted for ObamaCare

Casey Voted To Pass The Senate Version Of The $2.5 Trillion Obama-Reid Health Care Bill. (H.R. 3590, CQ Vote #396: Passed 60-39: R 0-39; D 58-0; I 2-0, 12/24/09, Casey Voted Yea)

• Casey Provided The 60^th Vote To Invoke Cloture On The Senate Health Care Bill. (H.R. 3590, CQ Vote #395: Passed 60-39: R 0-39; D 58-0; I 2-0, 12/23/09, Casey Voted Yea) 

Casey Voted To Kill An Amendment That Would Have Removed The Individual Mandate From The Health Care Bill. “Baucus, D-Mont., motion to table (kill) the Ensign, R-Nev. amendment no. 3710 that would repeal provisions of the 2010 health care overhaul law that provide for IRS penalties for certain taxpayers that do not obtain basic health insurance coverage.” (H.R. 4872, CQ Vote #101: Motion agreed to by a vote of 58-40: R 0-40; D 56-0; I 2-0, 3/25/10, Casey Voted Yea)

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND… 

The Cost Of ObamaCare To Pennsylvania Alone

Cost To State

The Heritage Foundation Estimates From 2014 To 2020 ObamaCare Will Cost Pennsylvania An Additional $543.5 Million. (Edmund Haislmaier and Brian Blasé, “Obamacare: Impact On States,” The Heritage Foundation, 7/1/10)

“Bigger Increases” In Medicaid Spending “On The Horizon” As ObamaCare Takes Effect. “Medicaid enrollment in Pennsylvania is expected to grow by 2 percent over the coming budget year, according to the Department of Public Welfare, which manages Medicaid. But bigger increases are on the horizon, if and when the federal health care overhaul takes full effect, allowing more people to enroll in Medicaid come 2014.” (Bill Toland, “States’ Medicaid Costs Still Climbing,” The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 11/9/11)

In 2010, Healthcare Spending In Pennsylvania Accounted For $57.5 Billion, Or 10.1 Percent Of The State’s GDP. (“Gross Domestic Product By State (GDP By State) Interactive Maps,” Bureau Of Economic Analysis, Accessed 5/20/12)

Insurance Premiums Are Increasing

Highmark Insurance Announced That Their Premiums Would Soon Increase, Some By As Much As 10 Percent. “Highmark has filed a half dozen notices of premium increases for numerous insurance products used by tens of thousands of customers,according to announcements posted in the Pennsylvania Bulletin today. Most of the premium hikes approach 10 percent.” (Rich Lord, “Highmark Proposes Premium Hikes On A Number Of Policies,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 5/12/12)

Pennsylvanians Are Losing Their Insurance Policies

Pennsylvania One Of 34 States To Lose A Child Only Insurance Policy Since ObamaCare Was Signed Into Law. (US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Minority Oversight and Investigations Staff Phone and Email Preliminary Survey, Politico, 1/27/11)

Taxes/Effect On Businesses & Jobs

Pennsylvania-Based Alcoa To Take $80 Million Charge Due To ObamaCare. “Alcoa said it expects to take an $80 million charge to cover costs associated with new health care legislation, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.” (“Alcoa Sees $80 Million Charge From ObamaCare,” The Street.com, 4/5/10)

U.S. Steel Expects To Take A $27 Million Charge Because Of ObamaCare. “United States Steel Corp. said Wednesday it expects to record a $27 million charge in the first quarter as a result of tax adjustments in the health care reform law. … US Steel said that based on the Medicare Part D subsidies expected to be received this year, the related annual cash tax increase would be less than $10 million.” (“US Steel To Record $27M Charge For Health Care Law,” The Associated Press, 4/7/10)

Pittsburgh, PA-Based Allegheny Technologies Took A $5.3 Million Charge Because Of ObamaCare. “Allegheny Technologies Incorporated reported net income for the first quarter 2010 of $18.2 million, or $0.18 per share. Results included a non-recurring tax charge of $5.3 million related to the recently-enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Excluding this non-recurring tax charge, net income was $23.5 million, or $0.24 per share, on sales of $899.4 million.” (Allegheny Technologies Inc., “Allegheny Technologies Announces First Quarter 2010 Results,” Press Release, 4/28/10)

Owner Of Six Tanning Salons In Pennsylvania Said He Can’t Offset ObamaCare’s Tanning Tax And Worried About His Business. “Miller is the owner of Sun Your Buns, a group of six Erie-area tanning salons. … Miller, meanwhile, is worried about what it might mean to his business, which employs about 35 people who oversaw about a quarter-million tanning sessions in 2009. Miller said he can’t afford to offset the 10 percent tax, but he is hoping to ease some of his customers’ pain by giving them extra tanning time for their money.” (Jim Martin, “Erie Tanning Salon Owners Worry About Impact Of Tanning Tax,” GoErie.com, 5/16/10)

• Miller: “We are certainly not hiring any new employees… If the tax kept some people away from our salons it could affect the employment of some people. Let’s say 25 percent of the people quit coming in, you don’t need as many employees.” (Jim Martin, “Erie Tanning Salon Owners Worry About Impact Of Tanning Tax,” GoErie.com, 5/16/10)
• Miller: “I Also Think This Thing Was Just Ramrodded To The Extent That People Didn’t Know What They Were Voting For.” (Jim Martin, “Erie Tanning Salon Owners Worry About Impact Of Tanning Tax,” GoErie.com, 5/16/10)

Another Pennsylvania Tanning Salon Owner Said The Tax Will “Obviously… Affect Business And It’s Not Going To Be For The Better.” “Kim Glancy, owner of A Total Tan on East 38th Street, expects her business will survive, but she certainly doesn’t expect it will improve. ‘I am not happy about it,’ she said. ‘Obviously this is going to affect business and it’s not going to be for the better.’“ (Jim Martin, “Erie Tanning Salon Owners Worry About Impact Of Tanning Tax,” GoErie.com, 5/16/10)

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Just four days after the U.S. Department of Labor announced that the national unemployment rate climbed to 8.2 percent in April and on the same day the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that “the long-term outlook for the national debt is increasingly dire,” Pennsylvania’s senior Senator Bob Casey cast his lot with America’s trial lawyers today ahead of his state’s small business owners.

Casey joined with his liberal Democrat party leaders today in support of the so-called “Paycheck Fairness Act,” a bill that is opposed by virtually every major small business organization in the country – see below – and even the liberal Washington Post editorial board warned that it represents “a flawed approach to job bias…[and] could make employers vulnerable to attack for responding to market forces.”

And as the Wall Street Journal opined today, “The bill ought to be called the ‘Trial Lawyer Paycheck Act,’ since it is a recipe for a class-action boom….It’s a walking advertisement for gridlock, a partisan stunt that would hurt the economy for no other reason than to pay off the Democratic donors in the tort bar.”

“It speaks volumes about Bob Casey’s misplaced, liberal priorities that while unemployment rises and our federal debt climbs, he’s more concerned with scoring political points and helping his trial lawyer friends,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover said today.  “Pennsylvania small business owners and families deserve a Senator who will put their values first, and someone who is more focused on growing jobs, rather than just saving his own.” 

BACKGROUND….

Also note what the Wall Street Journal wrote this morning:

• “The U.S. already has two broad federal laws—the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1963 Equal Pay Act—that prohibit gender-based pay discrimination. In case that wasn’t enough, Congress passed the Lilly Ledbetter Act in 2009 that as recently as March Mr. Obama said ‘ensures equal pay for equal work.’ What changed in the last three months?”

In fact, Senator Casey has yet to address how he squares his rhetoric today with what he claimed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act would accomplish when it was signed into law three years ago….

• Casey Said Passage Of The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act Was “A Victory For Equal Pay For Equal Work.” Casey: “Today’s vote on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is a victory for equal pay for equal work. It will give employees a useful tool to fight wage discrimination based on race, gender, age, national origin, religion or disability.” (Sen. Bob Casey, “Casey Applauds Passage Of Fair Pay Bill,” Press Release, 1/23/09)

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND….

Jobs Groups, Top Newspaper Editorial Boards Have All Blasted The Democrats’ Bill, Warning It ‘Would Spawn Frivolous Lawsuits’

JOBS GROUPS LETTER: “The provisions of the Paycheck Fairness Act would harm employers of all sizes, as the bill would apply to employers with as few as two employees. The threat the bill poses to small business is particularly troubling given the draconian penalties found in this legislation, which include unlimited damages regardless of whether a pay discrepancy was unintentional.” (Letter To Sens. Reid And McConnell, 22 Jobs Groups, 5/24/12)

• “This flawed legislation could outlaw many legitimate practices that employers currently use to set employee pay rates, even where there is no evidence of intentional discrimination. Common practices that a court could find unlawful under S. 3220 include providing premium pay for professional experience, education, shift differentials or hazardous work, as well as pay differentials based on local labor market rates or an organization’s profitability.” (Letter To Sens. Reid And McConnell, 22 Jobs Groups, 5/24/12)

• “A number of federal laws already specifically protect employees from pay discrimination, including the Equal Pay Act, the Civil Rights Act and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.” (Letter To Sens. Reid And McConnell, 22 Jobs Groups, 5/24/12) 

• Letter Signed By: U.S. Chamber of Commerce; American Bakers Association; American Bankers Association; American Hotel & Lodging Association; Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.; College and University Professional Association for Human Resources; Food Marketing Institute; HR Policy Association; International Public Management Association for Human Resources; National Association of Manufacturers; National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors; National Council of Chain Restaurants; National Council of Textile Organizations; National Federation of Independent Business; National Public Employer Labor Relations Association; National Restaurant Association; National Retail Federation; National Roofing Contractors Association; Printing Industries of America; Retail Industry Leaders Association; Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council; Society for Human Resource Management

U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:  “Unlawful pay discrimination is abhorrent, but this bill is not a responsible way to address it.” (“Mikulski Plan For Women’s Pay Gets New Push,” The Baltimore Sun, 5/23/12) 

• “The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is opposing the legislation and will send a letter later this week urging senators to defeat it, arguing it would spawn frivolous lawsuits.” (“Equal Pay Bill Puts Romney On The Line On Women,” The Washington Times, 5/29/12) 

• “…As a practical matter it is just one more thing that creates a disincentive to do business here in the United States. If you are looking at where to open a new business, it is going to be a factor…” (“Business Community Opposes Paycheck Fairness Act,” The Daily Caller, 11/13/10) 

SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:  “…SHRM opposes Federal government efforts to second-guess employers in making pay decisions…” (“HR Alert! Oppose The Paycheck Fairness Act,” SHRM Statement, 5/30/12)

• SHRM: “The bill would also have a negative impact on employee privacy by encouraging employees to publicize their colleagues’ wages.” (“HR Alert! Oppose The Paycheck Fairness Act,” SHRM Statement, 5/30/12) 

EDITORIALS: ‘A Flawed Approach,’ ‘Grossly Intrusive’

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: “…grossly intrusive on decision-making by private businesses. At least one group would get a fatter paycheck from the Paycheck Fairness Act: trial lawyers.” (Editorial, “Paycheck Fairness?,” The Chicago Tribune, 11/12/10) 

WASHINGTON POST: “Paycheck Fairness Act: A flawed approach to job bias… could make employers vulnerable to attack for responding to market forces… not the right fix.” (Editorial, “Paycheck Fairness Act: A Flawed Approach To Job Bias,” The Washington Post, 9/28/10) 

• “…risks tilting the scales too far against employers and would remove, rather than restore, a sense of balance.” (Editorial, “Two Sides Of Fair Pay In Bills Before The Senate,” The Washington Post, 1/15/09) 

BOSTON GLOBE: “…the measure as a whole is too broad a solution to a complex, nuanced problem… The bill would create too strong a presumption in favor of discrimination over other, equally plausible explanations…” (Editorial, “Bill Takes On Disturbing Pay Gap — But Offers Flawed Remedies,” The Boston Globe, 11/17/10) 

• “… the controversial meat of the bill is the changes it would make to the legal process… companies are right to be concerned that this bill, as written, is too deep an intrusion.” (Editorial, “Bill Takes On Disturbing Pay Gap — But Offers Flawed Remedies,” The Boston Globe, 11/17/10)

The post As Unemployment Rises & Debt Grows Higher, Casey Stands With Trial Lawyers, Ahead Of Pennsylvania Small Businesses appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

BACKGROUND….

Bob Casey ran for the United States Senate attacking his opponent for voting with President Bush more than 90% of the time, driving up the deficit while claiming he’d never support deficit spending, and saying that a vote for him was a vote for smart tax policy.

Since the day he was elected, Bob Casey has flipped on nearly every single promise he made to the people of Pennsylvania.

As a Senator:

• Casey has consistently voted 93% of the time or more with Barack Obama.
• Voted to increase the debt ceiling resulting in a deficit that is more than $15 trillion
• Voted for a government takeover of health care – saying no one worked harder than he did to get it done
• Voted for the massive failed stimulus program
• Voted for the job-killing cap-and-trade legislation.

The race for United States Senate in Pennsylvania will be a clear choice between a tax-and-spend liberal who unabashedly supports the Obama agenda versus a pro-jobs leader who will be a check-and-balance on the far-left Obama agenda and who will put Pennsylvania jobs first.  

VOTED IN LOCKSTEP WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA 

2006:             Casey: “And I Think . . . When You Have Two Politicians In Washington That Agree 98 Percent Of The Time, One Of Them Is Really Not Necessary. We Could Have A Machine Have That Kind Of Votes. We Need Someone Who’s Going To Be Truly Independent, Who Has The Character And The Integrity To Stand Up To His Party And His President . . . .” (Pennsylvania Senate Debate, “Meet The Press,” 9/3/06) 

Today:           In 2011, Casey Supported Obama 93 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly, www.cq.com, Accessed 1/25/12)

In 2010, Casey Supported Obama 98 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly, www.cq.com, Accessed 9/29/11)

In 2009, Casey Supported Obama 97 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly, www.cq.com, Accessed 9/29/11)

VOTED TO DRIVE UP THE NATIONAL DEBT 

2006:             Casey: I believe in a balanced budget.  Government should live within its means like any small business. 

Today:           Casey Has Voted At Least Nine Times To Increase The Debt Limit – Debt Is Over $15 trillion (S. 365, CQ Vote #123: Motion Agreed 74-26: D 45-6; R 28-19; I 1-1, 8/2/11, Casey Voted Yea; H. J. Res. 45, CQ Vote #14: Passed 60-39: R 0-39; D 58-0; I 2-0, 1/28/10, Casey Voted Yea; H.R. 4314, CQ Vote #397: Passed 60-39: R 1-38; D 57-1; I 2-0, 12/24/09, Casey Voted Yea; H.R. 1, CQ Vote #64: Adopted 60-38; R 3-38; D 55-0; I 2-0, 2/13/09, Casey Voted Yea; H.R. 1424, CQ Vote #213: Passed 74-25; R 34-15; D 39-9; I 1-1, 10/1/08, Casey Voted Yea; H.R. 3221, CQ Vote #186: Motion agreed to, thus clearing the bill for the president, by a vote of 72-13: R 27-13; D 43-0, I 2-0, 7/26/08, Casey Voted Yea; H. J. Res. 43, CQ Vote #354: Passed 53-42: R 27-30; D 25-21; I 1-1, 9/27/07, Casey Voted Yea; H.J. Res. 98, CQ Vote #2: Motion rejected by a vote of 44-52: R 42-1; D 2-49; I 0-2, 1/26/12, Casey Voted Nay; S.J. Res 25, CQ Vote #130: Motion rejected by a vote of 45-52: D 1-48; R 44-2, 9/8/11, Casey Voted Nay) 

VOTED FOR HIGHER TAXES, MORE SPENDING & INCREASED REGULATION 

2006:             “A Vote For Bob Casey Is A Vote For Smart Tax Policy That Will Help Our Nation Grow Rather Than Bankrupt The Federal Budget And Our Future.” (Bob Casey For U.S. Senate 2006 Website, www.bobcasey.com, Accessed 3/31/11) 

Today … 

ObamaCare                          Casey: “No One In The Senate Has Worked Harder Than I Have To Get This Done.” CASEY: “But I also voted to get the bill out of the committee, and I want to get health-care legislation passed. No one in the Senate has worked harder than I have to get this done, and we will get it done.” (MSBNC, 12/7/09)

Stimulus                                Casey Voted For The “Stimulus” Bill. (H.R. 1, CQ Vote #64: Adopted 60-38; R 3-38; D 55-0; I 2-0, 2/13/09, Casey Voted Yea)

Casey Told Business Leaders In Pennsylvania That The Stimulus Would Help Get The Economy Out Of The Ditch, Create Jobs, And Help Those Who Suffered The Most From The Recession. “Mr. Casey, a Democrat, told about 165 business leaders who attended a breakfast hosted by the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry at the Woodlands Inn and Resort that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help get the economy out of the ditch, create jobs and aid those hardest hit by the recession. He said the act is good news for Northeast Pennsylvania, the entire state and country.” (Denise Allabaugh, “Stimulus Plan Defended,” The Times-Tribune, 3/17/09

Cap-And-Trade                    In 2008, Casey Voted To Move Forward With The Boxer Amendment That Would “Cap Greenhouse Gas Emissions Nationwide.” “Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Boxer, D-Calif., substitute amendment no. 4825 that would cap greenhouse gas emissions nationwide and set up a trading system for companies to buy and sell emissions allowances.” (S. 3036, CQ Vote #145: Rejected 48-36: R 7-32; D 39-4; I 2-0, 6/6/08, Casey Voted Yea)

Casey Took To The Senate Floor To Voice His Support For Cap-And-Trade That He Claimed Would Stop Global Warming, Bring Down The Cost Of Gas And Create Jobs. (Senator Bob Casey, Congressional Record, 7/3/08, p. S4940)

The post NRSC Statement & Background on Pennsylvania Republican Senate Primary appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

As millions of Pennsylvanians finish their taxes, liberal Democrat Bob Casey is working to ensure that next year some of them can pay even more money to the federal government, while refusing to pass a budget for the third year in a row.  

Casey voted this evening in support of the Buffett Tax increase which according to the Wall Street Journal does virtually nothing to the national deficit, and does nothing to create a single job or lower gas prices.  Additionally, newspapers, economists and political commentators around the country have derided this vote as “total gimmickry,” “a ruse,” “a publicity stunt,” “a hoax,” and “a sham.”

What’s more – it comes just one day after Senate Democrats, for the third year in a row, ignored the legal deadline of April 15^th, established under the Budget Control Act of 1974, to pass a budget resolution in the Senate.  For over 1,000 days, Casey and his liberal colleagues have refused to pass, or even introduce, a budget in the Senate as the federal debt has skyrocketed past $15 trillion. 

“The Buffett Tax doesn’t create a single Pennsylvania job, it does nothing to lower our gas prices, and it does virtually nothing to put a dent in our government’s debt, but Bob Casey prefers cheap political theater over tackling the serious problems facing Pennsylvania,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover.   “Bob Casey doesn’t even have the courage to pass a budget, yet he has no problem sticking Pennsylvanians with higher taxes and more wasteful Washington spending.”  

BACKGROUND …

Bob Casey Has Voted Over 50 Times In Support Of Higher Taxes

Since 2007, Casey Has Voted Over 50 Times In Favor Of Higher Taxes. (Congressional Quarterly, www.cq.com, Accessed 8/29/11)

And Now He Supports The Buffett Tax, Which Creates Zero Jobs

THE BUFFETT TAX WOULD CREATE ZERO NEW JOBS.  On the seventh and final page of its background report on the “Buffett Rule,” out this morning, the Obama administration finally dives into what it calls “the economic rationale” for imposing a new minimum tax rate on millionaires. If you’re an unemployed American, that placement should be your first red flag. The second should be the rationale itself.  Once you read it, you’ll realize the Buffett Rule has nothing to do with helping you, or the 13 million other Americans looking for work as of March, find a job. (Jim Tankersley, The Buffett Rule Won’t Get You a Job, National Journal, 04/10/12) 

BUFFETT TAX GIMMICK WOULD INCREASE REVENUE BY “LESS THAN ONE-TENTH OF ONE PERCENT OF THE $1.2 TRILLION BUDGET DEFICIT” (0.1%): “This year, the Buffett rule would increase federal revenues by all of $1.1 billion. That’s less than one-tenth of one percent of the $1.2 trillion budget deficit Mr. Obama is scheduled to run this year. Through 2022 Joint Tax expects less than $47 billion in total new revenues from the Buffett rule while the government will be adding trillions of dollars to the national debt. Joint Tax even concedes, as it is rarely wont to do, that the rule will affect taxpayer behavior: By raising the effective tax rate on capital gains, the rule will encourage people to realize fewer capital gains.” (Editorial, “The Bottom 0.1%,” The Wall Street Journal, 3/22/2012)

Another Budget Deadline Comes and Goes Under Democrats

Democrats have gone a record three years in a row with no budget. They last passed a budget in 2009 so that they could pass the President’s health care law through reconciliation.

April 15^th was the Legal Deadline for Passing a Final Budget Resolution

• Sadly, Congress has failed to pass a final budget resolution by the legal deadline three times since Democrats won the majority in 2007 (for fiscal years 2011, 2012, and 2013). 

• In addition to not bringing up their own proposal for a vote, Democrats in the Senate have wanted to avoid discussing the budget so much that last year they rejected four opportunities to move to budget resolutions (budgets from President Obama, Representative Ryan, Senator Toomey, and Senator Paul).

Nonpartisan Reviewers Have Derided The Buffett Tax As ‘A Hoax On Voters,’ A ‘Total Sham,’ ‘Desperate.’ And Even Democrats Admit It’s ‘Not Going To Help’

BILL KELLER, THE NEW YORK TIMES: “…sounds a little desperate.” (Bill Keller, “The Sweet Spot,” The New York Times, 4/15/12) 

CANDY CROWLEY, CNN: “…won’t do much to eat away at the nation’s debt, it won’t create jobs, and no one expects it to get through the Democratic-controlled Senate…” (Candy Crowley, “Buffett Rule Would Barely Dent Debt But Fits Nicely Into Obama’s Theme,” CNN, 4/16/12) 

MIKA BRZEZINSKI, MSNBC: “…just what does it really accomplish, though?” (MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” 4/16/12)

DANA MILBANK: “President Obama admits it: His proposed ‘Buffett Rule’ tax on millionaires is a gimmick…” (Dana Milbank, “Rebuffing Obama’s Gimmicky ‘Buffett Rule’,” The Washington Post, 4/11/12) 

BOB SCHIEFFER, CBS: “…kind of a publicity stunt…?” (CBS’ “Face The Nation,” 4/15/12)

JIM VANDEHEI, POLITICO: “It’s total gimmickry. It’s 1% of what you need to actually take care of the deficit.” (MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” 4/12/12)

FMR. REP. HAROLD FORD (D-TN): “…not going to help us grow…” Q: “So you support the Buffett rule? FORD: “No, there’s a big difference between the Buffett rule and reforming the tax code.” (MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” 4/16/12) 

FMR. SEN. RUSS FEINGOLD (D-WI): “My belief is this is more symbolic.” (MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” 4/16/12)

UNION LEADER [NH]: “…A Total Sham…The Buffett Rule is not about math or fairness or shared sacrifice. It is simply a cynical ploy to buy the votes of the ignorant and gullible.” (Editorial, “The Buffett Rule: A Total Sham,” Union Leader, 4/12/12) 

FOSTER’S DAILY DEMOCRAT [NH]: “Buffett Rule Is A Hoax On Voters … Buffett, schmuffett, President Obama’s Buffett Rule has nothing to do with fairness… It is also about distracting voters from the Obama administration’s mishandling of the economy.” (Editorial, “Buffett Rule Is A Hoax On Voters,” Foster’s Daily Democrat, 4/12/12) 

MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL [WI]: “Buffett Rule Is A Political Gimmick That Won’t Work … the Buffett Rule is more likely to spawn a new generation of tax dodges than to usher in a new era of tax fairness. It is, in fact, nothing more than a smoke screen that obscures the possibility of real tax reform.” (Editorial, “Buffett Rule Is A Political Gimmick That Won’t Work,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/11/12) 

ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER [CA]: “…the latest gimmick…” (“Taxing Those Mean Old Millionaires,” Orange County Register, 4/12/12) 

THE ECONOMIST: “What a pity that he is changing tack this time, bashing the rich via gimmicks such as the ‘Buffett rule’ … it is a miserable portent for the future.” (Editorial, “Game On,” The Economist, 4/14/12) 

BLOOMBERG NEWS: “The president may be just as happy to have an issue to campaign on as a law to sign.” (“Buffett Rule Or Not, Most Rich People Already Pay,” Bloomberg Businessweek, 4/12/12)

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As the Supreme Court continues to hear the oral arguments against Barack Obama and Bob Casey’s intrusive healthcare law, today the Obama Administration issued job-killing regulations on the coal industry, which could cease production of any new coal plants and kill thousands of jobs in the Keystone State.

Casey had an opportunity to reign in these unelected bureaucrats and their mandates, but rather than standing up for Pennsylvania, he decided to support the agenda of extreme environmentalists.

Even though Pennsylvania is the fourth largest coal mining state and this mandate will destroy jobs, the Sierra Club praised these new regulations because they claim it will ultimately put an end to coal fired power plants.

As The Hill reports:

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed first-of-their-kind regulations Tuesday to limit greenhouse gas emissions from new power plants. … Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune was even more blunt. He told Bloomberg that the rules “will make it nearly impossible to build a new coal plant,” and added that the market has been moving that way, so the rule “captured the end of an era.”  The rules drew quick criticism from industry groups. The National Mining Association immediately called on Congress to scuttle the plans.  “Volatile natural gas prices will, once again, expose millions of households to higher utility bills, threaten hundreds of thousands of workers with unemployment and weaken both the competitiveness of basic industries and the reliability of the nation’s electricity grid,” said the group’s CEO, Hal Quinn.  (Andrew Restuccia and Ben German, EPA unveils long-awaited climate rules for new power plants, The Hill, 03/27/12)

Earlier this month, five coal fired power plants in Pennsylvania announced they were closing due to the burdensome regulations from the Obama Administration.

“Whether it’s ObamaCare, the failed stimulus or EPA regulations, Bob Casey always sides with President Obama and his far left agenda,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Spokesman Lance Trover. “The consequence of Casey siding with President Obama and his extreme environmentalist friends instead of hard-working Pennsylvania families is simple: the EPA will now be able to implement their regulations which will kill thousands of jobs and increase energy rates.”

BACKGROUND …

Casey Supports The EPA’s Regulations, Which Are Killing Pennsylvania Jobs

Casey Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Blocked The EPA From Regulating Carbon Dioxide And Other Greenhouse Gasses. “McConnell, R-Ky., amendment no. 183 that would block the EPA from regulating carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.” (S. 493, CQ Vote #54: Rejected 50-50: R 46-1; D 4-47; I 0-2, 4/6/11, Casey Voted Nay)

In 2008, Casey Voted To Move Forward With The Boxer Amendment That Would “Cap Greenhouse Gas Emissions Nationwide.” “Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Boxer, D-Calif., substitute amendment no. 4825 that would cap greenhouse gas emissions nationwide and set up a trading system for companies to buy and sell emissions allowances.” (S. 3036, CQ Vote #145: Rejected 48-36: R 7-32; D 39-4; I 2-0, 6/6/08, Casey Voted Yea)

Pennsylvania Is A Major Coal Mining State 

Pennsylvania Is The Fourth Largest Coal Mining State. “Coal production is the amount of coal that is mined and sent to market. In 2010, the amount of coal produced at U.S. coal mines was 1,085.3 million short tons. Coal is mined in 26 States. Wyoming mines the most coal, followed by West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Montana.” (U.S. Energy Information Administration, www.eia.gov, Accessed 12/21/11)

“Direct And Indirect Employment Generated By U.S. Coal Mining In Pennsylvania Accounts For 49,100 Jobs, For A Combined Payroll Of $2.23  Billion.” (National Mining Association, www.nma.org, Accessed 1/5/12)

Obama EPA Regulations Killing Jobs In Pennsylvania

According To An AP Survey, The Obama EPA’s Smog And Air Pollution Rules  Will Lead To Dozens Of Coal Plant Closings Nationwide. “More than 32 mostly coal-fired power plants in a dozen states will be forced to shut down and an additional 36 might have to close because of new federal air pollution regulations, according to an Associated Press survey.” (Dina Cappiello, “AP IMPACT: EPA Rules Threaten Older Power Plants,” The Associated Press, 12/19/11)

Exelon Corp. Plants In Chester And Phoenixville Are Expected To Be Closed.  “’It’s fully expected that some smaller coal-fired power plants will retire,’ [Douglas] Biden [Douglas Biden, President of the Electric Power Generation Association] said. ‘Eddystone and Cromby have already seen the handwriting on the wall,’ he said, referring to Exelon Corp. plants in Chester and Phoenixville, which will close by 2013.” (Sandy Bauers, “Pennsylvania Coal Plants Face Big Changes Under Planned EPA Pollution-Control Rules,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, 8/30/10)

Approximately 35 Percent Of Pennsylvania Plants Will Have To Shut Down Or Modernize To Meet The Regulations. “As for Pennsylvania’s plants, most upgrades have been made at the newer and larger ones. So about 65 percent of the state’s coal-fired generating capacity already has controls that would meet the new regulations, said Douglas Biden, president of the Electric Power Generation Association, a Pennsylvania industry group. … About half of Pennsylvania’s 33 plants were built before 1971. The oldest went online in 1949, the year 45 r.p.m. records made their debut.” (Sandy Bauers, “Pennsylvania Coal Plants Face Big Changes Under Planned EPA Pollution-Control Rules,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, 8/30/10)

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