On March 22nd, 2010, Senator P. Casey spoke to the Rotary Club of Harrisburg and noted the “ongoing” horrific recession impact on Pennsylvanians, and nationally, with the high unemployment we continue to experience. The impact of unemployment is worse in some Pennsylvania regions versus others with the Capital region least affected. He went on to comment that “Real people and families have been adversely impacted.” Many are over 60 years old and were never previously out of work. “We need to remain cognizant of this issue.”

The Senator noted job losses are “going down – the good news.” Real people, however, remain out of work at approximately 10% nationally. The Gross National Product (GDP) has finally recovered with positive growth and the Recovery Act has provided a major boost to the Pennsylvania economy. Education in Harrisburg schools have received over $10.8 million from the Recovery Bill. Casey believes there are at least three (3) key issues that must be addressed for our future: 1/ preparing PA for future opportunities and challenges; 2/ Retaining people in PA.; 3/ Educating PA citizens. He went on to quote the % of people 25 or older with a BA or greater: 26.1% in Dauphin County; 25.8% for PA.; and 77.8% nationally.

Maintaining a “Safety Net” for PA’s citizens is paramount, according to the Senator. He suggests; extending unemployment benefits through the end of 2010; expanding safety net spending by; 1/ investing in Clean Energy; 2/ helping small businesses create jobs; 3/ establishing hiring incentives to restore employment; 4/ Congress passing the “American Workers State & Business Relief Act” to create jobs; 5/ seeking long-term fiscal strength through deficit reduction; 6/ stabilize the housing market.

The Senator wrapped up his formal comments and then took questions from the well-attended Rotary audience. He received questions pursuant to how we move forward in the future; on debt/deficit reduction and whether the passage of recent health care legislation in Congress fulfills Rotary’s 4-way Test? Although not direct in his response to the 4-way test question, Casey commented that the “cost of doing nothing is irresponsible/reprehensible. He went on to say that his Republican Friends would have preferred “no bill.”

Senator Casey wrapped up with emphasis on “early education intervention” which will pay off 10-20 years down the road, in his opinion. Also, the need to address nutrition emphasis in schools. Finally, providing health insurance: uninsured rate for children is 5% in PA and 12% for adults.

The timing of having Senator Casey come speak to Harrisburg Rotary was significant. Who could have predicted he would be speaking the day subsequent to Congress passed the historic health care legislation – for good or ill. Time will be the determinant of whether it was appropriate and helpful to those it was intended to help.

Senator Casey was first elected to represent Pennsylvania in 2006. He has been involved in health care reform debates and a strong proponent to increasing access to early childhood education and reversal of chronic under funding of child care. As an important advocate for expansion of Children’s Health Insurance programs, which is modeled after our Pennsylvania program.

Senator Casey  serves on the following U.S. Senate committees:  Foreign Relations; Agriculture; Health & Education; Labor & Pensions; and Special Committee on Aging. Prior to becoming a U.S. Senator from PA Casey served as PA’s Auditor General for eight (8) years; PA’s Treasurer for two (2) years. He was born and raised in Scranton, PA the eldest son of the late Governor Robert P. Casey and his wife Ellen. The Senator is married with four (4) daughters, is a graduate of the College of Holy Cross and a law degree from Catholic University. He was taught by his Father, “all public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor.”