Issues

As a lifelong resident of Dauphin County, Rep. Sue Helm is in touch with her constituents and the issues that matter to them the most. Before her election in 2006, Sue Helm identified the need for changes in the state House: “The taxpayers of the 104th District deserve a representative who listens to and acts on their concerns, a representative that supports reform in the state House.” She has continually delivered on these promises, voting for new House rules that promote greater openness and accountability while fighting to keep taxes low and creating jobs.

 The following issues encompass a few of the areas in which Rep. Sue Helm plans to focus her efforts during a second term in office:

JOBS AND THE ECONOMY

As a small business owner, Rep. Sue Helm knows the importance of a vibrant economy. With the state’s unemployment rate currently at 5.2% and on the rise, this issue takes a front seat and requires immediate attention. That’s why she drafted legislation that conveyed 45 acres of land in Susquehanna Township to the PA State Employees Credit Union. This kept PSECU and nearly 500 jobs in the area and guaranteed their presence in the mid-state for decades to come. The amendment was unanimously supported by all of her colleagues and provided an economic boost to Dauphin County. 

ENERGY PRICES 

As gasoline prices in the mid-state hover near $4 a gallon and threaten to rise further, residents are spending an increasing percentage of their income on fuel. To make matters worse, electricity rate caps in Pennsylvania are set to be removed soon and will cause a spike in prices. In isolated test areas where some caps have already been removed, prices have jumped by more than 50%. Rep. Sue Helm knows that increases will leave many residents in the 104^th District unable to drive to work or pay their bills. She is determined to support legislation that will make energy affordable without increasing taxes or imposing fees on state residents.

TAX REFORM 

As a fiscal conservative, Rep. Sue Helm does not support raising taxes. Instead she feels there are workable alternatives for meeting the state’s spending needs. In the most recent legislative session, Rep. Helm kept taxpayers in mind by ensuring that the 2008-2009 budget spending increased at a rate lower than inflation, while avoiding any new taxes or fees. She aslo fought for $1.4 million in increased funding for local schools to help keep property taxes under control. “I am pleased that we were able to resolve our differences and come to agreement on a budget that meets our needs without asking the taxpayers for more money, ” said Rep. Helm. She plans to continue her crusade to reduce and ultimately eliminate property taxes as well as promote a greater awareness of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. This program provides desperately needed tax relief for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

LEGISLATIVE REFORM

Two years ago Rep. Sue Helm adamantly opposed legislative pay raises and vowed to never vote for a pay increase while in office. During her term she voted for new House rules that required greater disclosure and responsibility for members. This is a good start, but Rep. Helm knows more can be done. In light of the recent string of indictments handed down by State Attorney General Tom Corbett, she backs efforts to end corruption on Capitol Hill. Bonusgate is a gross misuse of taxpayer funds that embarrasses our state and insults our taxpayers. To prevent similar happenings Rep. Helm supports a special session this fall to consider actions such as requiring annual forensic audits of all legislative accounts and establishing an Office of Inspector General for the General Assembly.

INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS

A recent study by the American Society of Civil Engineers has given Pennsylvania an overall infrastructure grade of “D” in the nine key areas including aviation, bridges, dams, drinking water, navigable waterways, rail, roads, transit, and wastewater. Rep. Sue Helm expressed her view on the condition of the state infrastructure: “This is simply unacceptable. As a public official, the safety of the people I represent and the people who travel through my district are of paramount importance to me.” She is working to ensure that a fair share of nearly $500 million in state funding for infrastructure repairs is allocated to her district. And Rep. Helm will continue to support legislation that ensures safe travel for her constituents.