English's priorities: business, jobs

By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
ERIE, Pa. -- U.S. Rep. Phil English of Erie said economic development and job creation will continue to be top priorities as he seeks a fifth term in office.
English, 45, who has represented the 21st District since being elected to Congress, will now represent the 3rd District, thanks to a reapportionment based on the 2000 census.
Noting that local communities have been devastated by layoffs and plant closings, English said he will "fight to pass balanced economic stimulus legislation with new incentives to create jobs."
He also pledged to support the administration in its war on terrorism, and promised to continue to protect Social Security and to add a prescription drug benefit to the Medicare program for senior citizens.
Expansion: English's new district is expanded beyond Erie, Mercer, Crawford and Butler counties. It now includes portions of Warren, Venango and Armstrong counties as well.
Rather than try to make a stop in each county when he made his re-election announcement Monday, English broadcast his plans via his Web site at www.philenglish.org.
English supporters gathered at a half-dozen central sites across the district to view the announcement.
"We'll also see to it that western Pennsylvania gets its fair share of federal support, including critical local projects that help create jobs right here," he said.
Platform highlights: Other highlights of his campaign platform:
* Immediate passage of a $100 billion economic stimulus package.
* Passage of the High Productivity Investment Act to stimulate capital investment in good paying jobs.
* Enactment of a remanufacturing tax credit to assist the remanufacturing industry and retain domestic jobs.
* A refundable tax credit to allow the uninsured to purchase health insurance.
* Targeting federal dollars for classroom instruction, and federal tax incentives for school construction.
* Passage of the Trade Law Reform Act to strengthen U.S. anti-dumping laws.