Ian Thomas

Issues

  • Fair Investment in Education

    A costing-out study has been conducted to determine what the actual cost of educating a student to PSSA proficiency is.

    Pennsylvania was determined to be $4.6 Billion short of reaching this goal.

    Governor Rendell signed into law next year's education budget which includes a state education fund distribution formula and increases funding to our schools; however, more needs to be invested to reach out goal.

    I will fight to reach that goal in order to lift up our state's educational system, which as been drastically underfunded for too many areas.

  • Single Payer Healthcare

    Single Payer Healthcare provides access to healthcare to every citizen while getting rid of the overhead and complexity of over a hundred insurance companies.

    Insurance companies have overhead costs of over 10% to 20%, while Medicare only has 2% in overhead; Single Payer will cut overhead costs.

    There are over a hundred different insurance plans that doctors have to navigate; Single Payer will simplify the system.

    Single Payer Healthcare is the moral option. No person should be turned away from basic healthcare services. This system ensures that no one is turned away.

  • Sustainable Environment

    Stronger Energy Independence Strategy

    The Energy Independence Strategy for Pennsylvania will move us forward. $650 million was invested in the Energy Independence Fund. Pennsylvania citizens will be able to save money and conserve energy through smart meters. However, much more needs to be done.

    Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

    Building construction often results in enormous amounts of waste. I support changes in building standards to LEED standards (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). There are many ways to reduce a building's environmental footprint while saving money in construction and saving money throughout the live of the building.

    Promote Recycling

    I support large scale implementation of single-stream recycling. Single-stream means that all materials to be recycled can be collected from the same can. There is no need to separate; therefore, recycling becomes easier. Easier means more people do it and more waste will be averted from landfills.

    Control of Invasive Species

    Invasive Species cause damage to at least one of the three: Human Health, Economy and Environment. When we ignore the problem, these species only will increase their damage.



Paid for by Pennsylvania HDCC; Authorized by Friends of Ian Thomas