Erie government reps listen…and call back

As Pennsylvanians, we all know about the Pennsylvania state budget impasse. In fact you probably have a friend, family member or neighbor that’s been directly affected by it in some way. Some families are looking to tighten their belts even more in these dangerous economic times.

My wife will soon be affected if there is no resolution in Harrisburg soon. Her agency is funded by state dollars that will stop flowing shortly. At the urging of one of her co-workers, she wrote letters to her government representatives in Harrisburg. Don’t you remember writing a letter to your Congressman or to the President when you were in elementary school? Don’t you also remember not getting a response back? (maybe it was just me)

We were both shocked when House Representative John Hornaman called my wife directly. He said he was working as hard as he could to get the situation resolved and he very much appreciated reading her feedback regarding the whole issue.

Government officials DO listen!

I know we’re not the only ones that are hoping for a speedy decision. I feel if the state government was filled with John Hornamans, we wouldn’t be in this spot in the first place.

 

Fill your tank for $1.44! (In Caracas)

Go to Europe.  Today I saw the price of 87 unleaded was $3.31 at the Country Fair around the corner.  Imagine paying double for that, because that’s what people in Europe have to pay. 

I know this article is from a while ago but it still paints a pretty decent picture for you.  Perhaps you’d like to move to Venezuela where gasoline is a mere $0.12!  I could fill my tank for $1.44!!  But do you really want to live in Caracas?

I last filled my gas tank for $35.00, my wife recently spent $39.00.  We just learned to cut back a little in other areas – you’ve heard this story before.  We cut out a couple unnecessary things like going out to dinner or renting movies at Blockbuster (Have you used a Redbox?  Fantastic!)

On the opposite side of the economic coin, Europe pays through the nose for fuel because of the massive amounts of taxes levied on fuel.  Many Europeans drive around town via motorbike, compact cars or public transportation. 

Here in Erie, public transit is seldom looked upon as a respectable means of travel.  There’s an odd stigma about riding the EMTA bus in Erie versus riding the Metro in D.C., or the T in Boston.  During the day, I can easily catch the EMTA Bayliner Trolley and hitch a ride to the Bayfront or Marketplace Grill. 

I won’t be relinquishing the use of my car though, that’s for sure.  I love driving too much.  Maybe it’s time for a 75mpg motorcycle??