PA Ag Republican February 2013 Meeting

/ * * *

The PA Ag Republicans will hold a meeting at 3:30 pm on Friday, February 8, 2013 in the Penn Harris room of the Harrisburg Hilton.  All members are encouraged to attend.

This meeting is being held in conjunction with the PA Republican State Committee.  Governor Bob McDonnell will be the special guest at the Lincoln Day Dinner – PA GOP Lincoln Day Dinner

2013 Election Calendar

/ * * *

2013Important Dates

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
BUREAU OF COMMISSIONS, ELECTIONS AND LEGISLATION
2013 PENNSYLVANIA ELECTIONS
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

First day to circulate and file nomination petitions – February 19
Last day to circulate and file nomination petitions – March 12
First day to circulate and file nomination papers – March 13
Last day for withdrawal by candidates who filed nomination petitions – March 27
Last day to REGISTER before the primary –  April 22
Last day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot –  May 14
Last day for County Board of Elections to receive voted civilian – May 17
absentee ballots
MUNICIPAL PRIMARY –  May 21
First day to REGISTER after primary – May 22
Last day for County Board of Elections to receive voted military-overseas-  May 28
ballots (must be postmarked no later than May 20)
Last day to circulate and file nomination papers- August 1
Last day for withdrawal by candidates nominated by nomination papers – August 8
Last day for withdrawal by candidates nominated at the primary-  August 12
Last day to REGISTER before the NOVEMBER election – October 7
Last day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot – October 29
Last day for County Boards of Elections to receive voted civilian – November 1
absentee ballots
MUNICIPAL ELECTION –  November 5
First day to REGISTER after November election –  November 6
Last day for County Board of Elections to receive voted military-overseas – November 12
ballots (must be postmarked no later than November 4)

Note: All dates in this calendar are subject to change without notice.

Robert DeSousa briefed the PA Ag Republicans on behalf of Senator Pat Toomey

/ * * *

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Robert DeSousa spoke representing Senator Pat Toomey.  Senator Toomey was unable to attend the PA Ag Republican meeting, but will be attending the PA Farm show later in the week.  He thanked everyone for their support of Senator Toomey and stated, “ we can’t do it without the rural farm voters.”  He discussed that government needs to stay out of rural farm family lives and let them run their farm and family.  We must strip our zealous regulations.  Colonel DeSousa stated that Senator Pat Toomey has a “Had Enough” place on his website.  When you have had enough and the government is trying order senseless regulations on you, you can log on to this website and click had enough and enter and your thoughts on regulations.  Some of the other topics he discussed included: the biggest budget ever and the national debt (currently $16 thousand billion).

 

Congressman GT Thompson gave an update at the PA Ag Republican Annual Meeting

/ * * *

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Congressman Glenn (GT) Thompson also addressed the group.  He thanked everyone who supports PA’s number one industry, agricultural, in any way.  He is honored to serve on the Ag Committee for the third term; and also serving on the conservation, forestry subcommittee.  Conservation pays and they are looking at safety nets.  A one year extension was put on the farm bill.  There needs to be more free market and less subsidies.  Eight dollar a gallon milk would crush the market.  There is a need to work on re-authorization of the farm bill and they hope to do so in the first quarter.  There are two main issues with the farm bill, supply and management and food stamps.  Food stamps have increased 275% over ten years and are in the farm bill.  He spoke on taxes and thanked everyone for their support and work.  Mike announced that once again there will be a fundraiser breakfast for GT the Wednesday of Ag Progress Days.