Equal Opportunity

Ensuring Equal Opportunity
http://joehoeffel2010.com/equal-opportunity

As governor, Joe Hoeffel’s administration will reflect the diversity of this great commonwealth. Joe believes that it is the role of government to level the playing field so that all members of our society are afforded equal opportunity.

Joe Hoeffel will fully support the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in its mission to root out discrimination and will strengthen and fully enforce hate crimes legislation. In addition, a Hoeffel administration would work with every department in state government to ensure that there are equal opportunities for employment and advancement for all.

SCHOOL FUNDING

Joe believes that our system of school funding, which relies heavily on property taxes, discriminates against communities of color and low-income communities that do not have a tax base to support their schools. Joe Hoeffel will fight for a constitutional amendment to establish a graduated state income tax based on ability to pay, and will shift school financing away from local property taxes and onto income taxes based on ability to pay.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Joe has urged the legislature to pass the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act without delay to create a State Housing Trust Fund. This funding will improve housing options across the commonwealth, and it will support programs which make those options accessible for all Pennsylvanians — especially those with low and moderate incomes.

Joe will help struggling home owners by creating counseling and foreclosure prevention programs on a state level following successful local and municipal models, and will help struggling home buyers by fighting against redlining and other discriminatory credit and loan practices.

FIGHTING POVERTY

Joe will support and fund anti-poverty agencies and safety net programs to protect those who are most vulnerable in our society. Joe has demanded that the Department of Public Welfare restore funding for the State Supplementary Payments which help our poorest seniors and disabled citizens of all ages, and as governor he will prevent budget cuts that adversely affect low-income citizens.

HELPING IMMIGRANTS

Joe will establish a commission to integrate recent immigrants in Pennsylvania, help link government and private organizations to serve immigrant communities, and establish trust between immigrants and local and state governments. The commission would serve as a resource guide, connecting immigrants with the many state agencies and nonprofit organizations which help immigrants find English language training, accreditation and certification programs, and jobs.

VOTER PROTECTION

In conducting elections, Joe will remove obstacles that interfere with voting. Polling places will be protected and plentiful in communities with minorities and students to ensure no voters are inconvenienced by long lines or discouraged from voting for any reason.

Joe's Equal Opportunity goals are part of a broad platform of support for social and economic justice for all. Read more at http://joehoeffel2010.com/civil-rights.