The General Assembly last week concluded voting session for the 2011-2012 legislative session.  While there were many important measures enacted during this session, I cannot help but also reflect upon the number of crucial issues that have gone unfinished or been ignored by the Corbett Administration and majority party in the House and Senate.

From the crippling funding cuts to our education system and the dismantling of safety net programs that benefit our most vulnerable citizens to the lack of action on our state’s transportation infrastructure and mass transit funding crisis, the past two years will be defined as that of misguided priorities and missed opportunities.

No comprehensive jobs plan to lower our increased unemployment rate. No action on the recommendations of the Governor’s own Transportation Funding Advisory Commission. A voter ID law that even the courts agree was hastily enacted. Elimination of the Adult Basic health insurance program and other vital health care services for our working families and the disabled.  Failure to close business tax loopholes for multi-billion dollar corporations in order to generate revenue. The list of failures by this Administration is extensive.

Starting now and through the next legislative session that begins in the new year, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I again stand ready to work with the majority to advance an agenda that puts people back to work, our students back on the right path to a meaningful education and ensures the health, safety and welfare of all our citizens through vital human service programs.

Click here for highlights of quality legislation enacted to benefit Pennsylvanians.

—Senator Wayne D. Fontana

42^nd Senatorial District

www.senatorfontana.com