Policy

Creating and maintaining good, stable jobs for the citizens of Pennsylvania is one of Tom Corbett's top priorities. We must make Pennsylvania more competitive by reducing tax burdens on our businesses and cutting regulatory barriers that are crushing companies and their ability to create jobs. Tom has developed a five part Economic Development plan based on the following principles:

• Expanding Pennsylvania's Economy Through Innovation
• Reforming Pennsylvania's Job Climate
• Developing a World-Class Workforce
• Growing Small Business in Pennsylvania
• Expanding Pennsylvania Worldwide

For far too long, state government has let down the hard working families of this great commonwealth, and it is time for change. Tom Corbett will bring a culture of change, reform and certainty to Harrisburg that will get Pennsylvania back on track and moving in the right direction. Highlights of Tom's proposals include:

• Eliminating WAMS and legislative per diems
• Reducing the size and cost of government
• Implementing new budgeting practices
• Reducing the state vehicle fleet by at least 10%

Job creation, stimulating economic growth and expanding our economy all require that we support and build a solid education system - one that prepares students for the jobs of today and the future. Tom believes that every child in Pennsylvania, regardless of their zip code or economic status should have access to the best education possible. Highlights of Tom's Education proposals include:

• Promoting portability of funding so funding moves with students
• Supporting school choice giving parents greater control
• Growing the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program
• Ensuring effective teachers and education leaders

Pennsylvania's energy resources are a critical component to revitalizing our economy, growing job opportunities and positioning the commonwealth in the global marketplace. Tom Corbett believes that it is time to harness our energy potential to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make energy affordable for all Pennsylvanians. Highlights of Tom's plan to grow our energy infrastructure includes:

• Designating a senior advisor as Energy Executive
• Creating an Infrastructure Improvement Tax Credit program
• Encouraging renewable, alternative and clean energy in Pennsylvania
• Developing Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale resources

Our roads, airports, rails and ports not only move millions of people each day to work, school and home, but they also carry Pennsylvania's goods and services to our communities and to the rest of the world. Our transportation infrastructure is critical to our economic future and the current aged and inadequate system must be improved. Highlights of Tom's plan to improve our transportation infrastructure include:

• Developing a transportation trust fund and pursuing reliable funding sources
• Improving federal transportation funding opportunities
• Enhancing local control for transportation improvement projects
• Utilizing public-private partnerships

With employers and employees struggling with the skyrocketing costs of healthcare coverage, we all must work together to balance cost, quality and accessibility within the healthcare system. Tom Corbett knows we must do everything we can to make our world class healthcare affordable and accessible to patients as well as the businesses that buy healthcare coverage for their employees. Tom's plan to reform Pennsylvania's healthcare system includes:

• Adopt medical liability reform or 'tort' reform
• Expand programs to manage chronic conditions
• Embrace competition among health plans
• Invest in Health Information Technology

Pennsylvania is blessed to have a rich agricultural heritage that continues today as the number one industry in Pennsylvania. While our agriculture industry is strong due to the hardworking men and women who run our farms, Tom Corbett knows that the industry is in critical need of leadership at the state level to ensure the viability and success of our agriculture community for generations to come. Highlights of Tom's plan include:

• Growing the future of Pennsylvania dairy
• Promoting Pennsylvania's equine industry
• Enhancing the Department of Agriculture
• Securing the future of Agriculture