Governor Rendell recently announced Pennsylvania’s participation in Complete College America. Governor Rendell’s and Mayor Nutter’s efforts are laudable, but they are just a start. We need to make sure not just that kids in college graduate, but that all Philadelphia’s children have the skills and knowledge required to get into college.

This will require continued investment in education at all levels, from Head Start right through university. Without improving our degree attainment rates, Pennsylvania will slip behind the rest of the country in quality jobs. We can’t afford to let that happen.

Chronic health conditions like obesity and respiratory disease are too prevalent in the 195th district.  Nearly every day we are confronted with news about another contaminated food product in our restaurants or supermarkets.  Markets with fresh produce and meats need to replace convenience stores and fast food restaurants.  Studies show that rates of illnesses including diabetes and heart disease go way down in neighborhoods with supermarkets.  It is imperative for legislators from Philadelphia to maintain support for the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, which works to bring supermarkets to underserved neighborhoods.

Pennsylvania’s public health infrastructure is so outdated that we do not even qualify for all of the federal money that is available for public health programs.  This disservice to our citizens is unacceptable.  Even in tough economic times, state government needs to have the resources to protect public health.  As your state representative, I will fight tirelessly to ensure that our public health agencies are modernized and supported.

If you would like to meet me or ask any questions about our campaign or my platform, please consider stopping by Tritone, which is at 1508 South Street, this Wednesday, March 3, at 7 pm.

Certainly if clinics like these exist under current laws, one can only imagine what conditions might exist if abortions were to be made illegal. I shudder to think at the health risks women would face as a result.

I fully support a woman’s right to make her own decisions about her health and her body. These rights are being threatened every day in our commonwealth and in our nation’s capitol. I pledge to maintain support for these rights in Harrisburg, where I will fight to make sure that women ones allowed to make decisions about their bodies.

As a supporter of equal rights for all Pennsylvanians, I applaud this decision. It is an important step forward in affirming the dignity of all our citizens regardless of sexual orientation. Much work remains to be done, however, and if elected, I will continue to fight for equal rights for all Pennsylvanians regardless of color, creed, gender or sexual orientation every single day.

Do you live in the 195th district?  Email shannon@voterooney.org and we’ll make sure you get a chance to add your signature to the list of neighbors supporting a fresh voice in Harrisburg.

Be sure to log in as a fan of Chris Rooney for PA House District 195 on Facebook!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 22, 2010

Rooney Announces Candidacy for PA House District 195

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Saying it’s time for a fresh perspective in Harrisburg, Fairmount resident Chris Rooney formally announced his candidacy for the Pennsylvania General Assembly today.

“For too long, the state capitol has been too friendly to corporate lobbyists and Harrisburg insiders,” Rooney said. “Our district deserves a representative who will fight for them and not for special interests.”

His platform focuses on job creation, access to quality education and preserving our environment.  He also promises to support measures to bring marriage equality and universal healthcare to the commonwealth.

“Given the state of the economy, creating jobs must be the top priority of every public servant.  State government must continue its focus on bringing green jobs to Philadelphia and all of Pennsylvania,” he said.

The candidate has set up headquarters in his Fairmount home and is currently seeking the signatures required to appear on the ballot for the primary election to be held May 18, 2010.

“I’m looking forward to meeting more of my neighbors and to a vigorous exchange of ideas in the coming weeks and months,” Rooney said.

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