HOUTZDALE – State Representative Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Clearfield County, today announced his intentions to seek re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, saying Clearfield County’s economic progress must be buttressed.
“Clearfield County is fast becoming an energy powerhouse with four big-ticket projects in the works,” George said. “As the national economy tilts toward a recession, Clearfield County must be poised to not only weather an economic downturn but to lead the way out of one.”
George is uniquely positioned as majority chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy committee to guide the following projects to fruition:
• The $550 million River Hill waste coal generating plant near Karthaus • The $160 million Sunnyside ethanol plant near Curwensville • The $270 million BioEnergy/Bionol ethanol and cellulose pilot plant in Clearfield • A SWAN biomass conversion center in Clearfield that would serve as many as 10 biorefineries, including one in Clearfield that would utilize hardwood wastes.
“These projects promise to create more than 2500 construction jobs, more than 230 permanent jobs at the facilities and 1200 spin-off jobs,” George said.
Any one of these projects would be a boon; combined, the $1billion in investments represent a new day and a bright future for Clearfield County. I’m for moving forward into this promising future.”
“I’ve put my heart and soul into this job and into the betterment of our beloved Clearfield County. New investments in family sustaining jobs are a proud part of the accomplishments that I have always envisioned. God willing: I will be back to help nurture these projects along for a few more years,” Representative George reflected.
George noted that improvements and upgrades are being made in the Fireman’s Industrial Park and at the Clearfield Campus of Lock Haven University, which has broken ground for a 42,000 square foot health services building. “This is fabulous news! We are expanding higher education to prepare our people for the new service and technological economy.”
“Today it isn’t steel or coal but new technologies and fuels that will energize Clearfield County. The best defense against high fuel prices and the special interest driven policies of the past is a good defense and I am for cementing our move to the forefront. Let’s get ready!,” remarked George.
“We have an administration in Harrisburg that believes Clearfield County’s best days are ahead of it.” George said. “My record shows that I have the trust and experience throughout Harrisburg to be an effective advocate for Clearfield County.”
George said he would use his experience and influence to improve access to and affordability of health care. “We are on the threshold of needed changes to health care, and a single vote in the Legislature could prove critical to provide coverage to all Pennsylvanians,” George said. “We cannot wait on a federal government or those in Harrisburg who coldly sacrifice citizens for corporate profits, our national well-being for trickle down ideologies and out economic security for special interests.”
George said he will continue to fight for property tax reform and against those who would put more of the tax burden on the middle class and starve small and rural schools.
“Unfair property taxes lead to inequitable funding of Clearfield County schools,” George said. “This year, homeowners will receive the across the boards property tax relief from gaming proceeds.
I am proud of the successful fight to both expand property tax relief to thousands of county homeowners”, George said.
“I have always fought for working families and retirees because policies that promote the common good are common sense. I am proud of the successful measures to increase the minimum wage, extend more property tax relief to thousands of county homeowners and provide health insurance for Pennsylvania’s children. Retreat on these issues must not be an option. We need higher average family incomes and not lower.”
George also hailed progress in strengthening area communities through improved and expanded public water and sewerage systems. As a charter member of Pennvest, he has been able to secure more than $100 million in low cost loans and grants for the region.
“We’ve all seen the damage when powerful interests run roughshod over our Constitutional right to clean air, water and soil. I’ve spent my career as a conservationist and I am passionate about protecting our natural environment here, where we live and work. Generations to come are depending on us to come through for them on this vital matter.
Again, let’s look forward.”
George, now in his 17th consecutive term serving the citizens of the 74th Legislative District, said he is a proud NRA supporter and will continue to protect the Second Amendment rights of law abiding gun owners.
“In Harrisburg, I’m called a conservative Democrat,” he noted. “In Clearfield County, we just call it common sense, although it’s a lot more common here than down there.”
Besides his service on the Pennvest and the Environmental Committee, George also serves as chairman of the Northwest Democratic Caucus and as a member of the Environmental Quality Board, the House Rules Committee and the Wild Resources Conversation Board.
Last year, he was named House Speaker Pro Tem for the 2007-08 legislative session by House Speaker Dennis O’Brien, R-Philiadelphia.
“I cherish the opportunity to continue to do my best and I once again humbly ask for the support of the good people of my lifelong home. Edna and I have been blessed by a wonderful family and so many fine and decent friends. Our gratitude to them is boundless and the warm bonds we have shared with so many in Clearfield County over the years are precious.”