REACH Scholarship

ACTION ALERT: PAYD President Tony Payton Jr has introduced a brilliant piece of legislation in the State House. Here's a letter he sent out to Democrats and Republicans alike.

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My Fellow Pennsylvanians:

Over the next few months, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will be debating the Reliable Education for College Hopefuls (REACH) Scholarship Initiative. The REACH Scholarship is legislation I wrote that will provide a full scholarship, covering tuition and fees, to all high school students, regardless of their economic background, gender, race and/or religious affiliation. Every public, private and parochial school student who meets the base criteria would be eligible for the REACH Scholarship. In essence, for a student to be eligible for REACH, they must maintain a 3.0 GPA and have an attendance over 90%. Ultimately, if this legislation passes, every parent will be able to tell their child, “If you show up to school everyday and work hard you will have the opportunity to go to college.”

The REACH Scholarship, however, is not a “give away” program. It is an investment in the state’s future. Pennsylvania currently has one of the most expensive state school systems in the country. The cost of tuition is increasing far quicker than the rate of inflation. In a 10 year period between 1987 and 1997, Pennsylvania college tuitions increased by 132%. High costs in college tuition have resulted in the troubling phenomenon commonly referred to as the “brain drain”; where college bound students seek higher education outside of the commonwealth. Many of these students graduate and are employed outside of the state as well, resulting in the loss of a young tax base and intellectual capital. Unless the “brain drain” issue is addressed, Pennsylvanians will be met with a daunting burden as taxpayers, similar to the projected social security crisis the nation as a whole will face. This is due to the fact that Pennsylvania has the fastest growing elderly population in the United States and a declining growth in population among 18-44 year olds. Accordingly, Pennsylvanians will have to face significant tax hikes to support our elderly population, unless we reverse this demographic trend. By giving Pennsylvania’s best and brightest an incentive to stay within the commonwealth both during and after college, the REACH scholarship will create a stronger tax base of young professionals, which will encourage economic growth and combat the population crisis that threatens the state’s financial future.

The REACH scholarship is not a “pie in the sky” idea. Georgia enacted a similar initiative, the HOPE scholarship, in 1993. Since then, they have sent over 700,000 Georgians to college. The HOPE has had a profound affect on Georgia’s economy as well. Georgia’s employment has grown by 27% since HOPE’s inception, which is twice that of the national average. Also, Georgia’s population living in poverty fell by 23% during this tenure. Needless to say, the HOPE scholarship has been and continues to be a key factor in Georgia’s economic success in the last 15 years. I am confident that the REACH scholarship would have similar results on Pennsylvania’s economy and educational system, seeing as the initiative is based off the HOPE scholarship.

I have worked diligently on this legislation with the leaders of Pennsylvania from both parties, including Speaker of the House Dennis O’Brien (R) and House Education Committee Chairman James Roebuck (D). I believe this bipartisan endeavor will provide an opportunity to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy and change the culture of education in the commonwealth. My hope is that you would join me in this effort. If you have any questions or would like to express your support for the REACH scholarship, please contact my office at 215-744-7901.

-Representative Tony Payton, Jr.

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In favor of REACH? Sign our petition by clicking here.

Canvassing for Obama!

The presidential race starts long before Election Day ’08. Right now, Democratic presidential candidates all want the party nomination, but to win that, the need to win in state primaries. Key states include New Hampshire, Iowa, and South Carolina. Recently I went to Florence, South Carolina to canvass for Barack Obama. Regardless of your politics, the experience is worth sharing.

After a six hour bus ride from Washington, DC and a stop at Waffle House, our group was welcomed by Obama staff to sleep on a dirty gym floor at the local middle school, complete with dust and bugs. Lights were out at 1 a.m. and wake-up was 8:30 a.m. Then we were to go to headquarters for further instruction.

The morning came fast and after a breakfast of donuts, we were whisked away to headquarters to start canvassing potential voters.

Canvassing is surveying voters to see how people will vote in the primaries and why. This is useful to candidates because they can determine how to best allocate their campaign efforts and talk to voters about the issue on which they vote. There are a few different ways to canvass.

For the first part of the day I went door-to-door asking residents if

1. they and any other eligible residents were registered to vote
2. if so, who would they vote for in the primaries
3. if they were decided ask why they were for that candidate
4. or if undecided ask what issues mattered to them

My canvass partner and I knocked on dozens of houses, but most people did not answer. However, out of the ones that did, we received valuable results. When finished we returned to HQ.

Then I got a chance to do phone-banking. Lots of people find this boring or tedious, but it’s really a less intrusive and more efficient way to gather the information needed. Phone-banking is like canvassing only over the phone. I called up residents, and if they answered, I asked who they would vote for in the primaries and why. Most people were responsive, but not many people picked up the phone. After a few calls, it was lunch time and we were treated to some good Southern cooking and sweet tea.

The last part of the day was called “visibility”. The purpose of visibility is to raise awareness of a candidate in an area. Our group carried our Obama signs and made a beeline for the busiest intersection in town. Waving and yelling in attempts to get cars to honk for Obama was how I spent the rest of my afternoon. This got the highest response from citizens by far. Granted, the reactions ranged greatly, from cars honking and cheering to others booing and waving Confederate flags. But the point was that people were aware that Obama has presence in South Carolina and needs the vote. It really got the message out there.

This experience was far more encouraging because of the number of young people involved. Most of us were under the age of 30, but we believed we had the power to change something despite our “lack of experience.” It was pretty awesome to see kids my age psyched for a cause other than the latest Xbox 360 game. It was a fun way to get involved in something that matters. I encourage all my friends to go out and support their cause and their candidate.

-Rita Turpin

(Editor's Note: If you have an experience working or volunteering for another candidate, feel free to submit an article by emailing paulmckrell@gmail.com.)

YDA Mid-Atlantic Report

I’d like to take this opportunity as Pennsylvania’s only elected officer of YDA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Caucus to update you on what was accomplished at our last national meeting in Dallas, Texas. Our convention in Dallas was replete with inexorable enthusiasm. It was a wonderful experience to get the chance to talk with so many YDs from across the country about all the exciting things going on in their home states; however, nowhere was there more happening than in our own Mid-Atlantic Region. All six of our member states and the District of Columbia had something exciting to report about during our time together in the lone star state.

West Virginia recapped on our last regional meeting which they hosted in Sheppardtown. Congratulations also go out to the new Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Rod Snyder. Rod, a former American Idol contestant, was recently elected President of the West Virginia Young Democrats.

Young Democrats have been on the move in Delaware for some time, but as a state Delaware had not previously been officially chartered with YDA. Delaware changed that recently and has now become a member state of YDA. Present to report at our meeting was the new President of the Delaware YDs, and we look forward to working with him and the chapter he represents.

Our friends in Washington D.C. spoke on the importance of the House Bill giving permanent representation to the District of Columbia. They also successfully lobbied their position in the YDA Platform Committee, The Minority Caucus, and the LGBT Caucus.

Maryland was proud to report on the diversity and overall number of delegates that they were able to bring to the convention; the second largest and most diverse in our region behind Pennsylvania. Maryland also announced their intentions to seek the right to host YDA’s spring 2008 convention. They have proposed either Baltimore or Annapolis. Also noteworthy was the election of Maryland’s own Brown-Sugar Stallings as an officer of the Minority Caucus. She will serve a two year term as the caucus’ new Parliamentarian.

New Jersey was able to boast a delegation of nineteen; the largest in their state’s history. New Jersey was also proud to have their own Marshall Spevak elected Vice Chair of the College Caucus.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has much to be proud of with the election of Virginia Young Democrat Amy Lewis as the new YDA Treasurer. Amy was previously the Deputy Director of the Mid-Atlantic Region where many of us came to know her for her hard work and dedication. Virginia also boasts the election of Ben Spangenberg as the new Chair of the Disabilities Caucus and the re-election of Atima Omara-Alwala as the Chair of the Women’s Caucus. Atima also currently serves as the Secretary of the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Last, but certainly not least, our very own Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enjoyed the distinction of being the second largest delegation in attendance behind California. Our delegation also enjoyed one of the largest pick-ups in caucus elections and committee appointments: Alicia Froio was elected Chair of the High School Caucus, Stephanie Strazisar was elected Treasurer of the Labor Caucus, and I was elected Parliamentarian of the Labor Caucus. In addition Abe Haupt, President of Montgomery YDs, has been appointed the Mid-Atlantic Coordinator for the Jewish Caucus and Dan Tyman, former President of Chester YDs, has been appointed the Mid-Atlantic Coordinator for the Labor Caucus.

Before we adjourned our meeting we addressed Resolutions proposed by some of our members. Resolutions were adopted honoring Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Johnson, Gov. Ann Richards, the victims of the recent Virginia Tech massacre, and the Amateur Radio Operators. We will convene again at the YDA Fall convention in New Hampshire, and if you’re able to come, we’d love to see you there.

Democratically Yours,

Rocco Giammaria

President, Beaver County YD

Report From State Committee

Three times per year our Democratic State Committee meets to bring together each county party in the Commonwealth. In addition to each county’s delegation the PAYD has a representative as well. As your State Committee representative I would like to report to you on what transpired at our most recent meeting in Harrisburg. We met during the first full weekend of September to address several old issues and some new.

Along the line of old issues we picked up where we had left off during our last regular meeting. During our previous meeting we had voted to table several resolutions until such time as the members had the opportunity to fully review proposed amendments. Though not all of the resolutions previously tabled made it back to the floor for a vote most were.

In all we voted on five separate resolutions, though not all made it. The four that did pass were: an endorsement of Governor Rendell’s energy independence strategy submitted by State Committee Chairman T.J. Rooney, a resolution supporting U.S. military personnel and a call to develop an “Exit Strategy” submitted by Southwest Caucus Chair Jack Hanna, a resolution calling for legislative support of an LGBT non-discrimination bill submitted by Mary Shupp-George, Chair of the newly formed LGBT Caucus, and a resolution calling for the adoption of voter verifiable paper trail ballots submitted by the Berks County Democratic Committee.

The one resolution that did not make it was one submitted by the Chester County Democratic Committee. This was a resolution calling for the impeachment of President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B. Cheney. This resolution proved to be as contentious this time around as it was when it was first tabled at our last meeting. Many girded themselves to steadfastly support the resolution though; it ultimately failed to make it to the floor for a vote. The failure of the resolution was attributed to the majority of committee members subscribing to the argument that the resolution would not have any effect other than to undercut the objectives of our newly elected national majority. These members felt that in order to build upon our new charge that we should follow Speaker Pelosi’s policy. The intent is to not create the perception that we are “playing politics” by initiating impeachment hearings that would never have the time to come to fruition; and to instead work on delivering the promises of our platform to the American people.

Our new major piece of business was to address the new spot opened up for a candidate to the state Superior Court. With Republican Judge Joyce deciding not to seek retention this year due to serious allegations of insurance fraud we now have the chance not only to gain a slight majority on the Superior Court, but to expand upon that. Overwhelmingly we chose Judge John Younge of Philadelphia. Ironically Judge Younge was the only Superior Court candidate to get the necessary votes for endorsement during the Primary Election, but lost. We are glad to have a candidate like Judge Younge back on the ballot. We will convene again after the General Election, and we look forward to celebrating well earned victories from across our Commonwealth with you on election night.

-Rocco Giammaria

President, Beaver County YD

What I Did for My Summer Vacation: Democracy in Action

Some kids went to the beach this summer, waited up all night for the release of Harry Potter or sat on the couch channel surfing. I worked. Lucky me, and I mean that with all sincerity.

While other college students read political philosophy books, I got to see democracy in action. For six weeks, I interned at Congressman Mike Doyle’s office in downtown Pittsburgh. Many of my friends who had already interned at other offices said it was boring and tedious work like envelope stuffing. This wasn’t so at for me. Some of my work was answering phones and directing constituents, but I also was directly involved in over 100 passport cases.

As you may well know, this summer was a disaster for the State Department and passports. But I got some unique insight into what a Congressman really does. Members of Congress actually do help their constituents! Lots of apathetic teens and young adults may find this as a greater shock than the latest Britney Spears scandal, but it’s true. Congressmen have staff that does all sorts of things like help you expedite your passport, help find government housing if you qualify, or even understand how to apply for student loans. However, the most important thing I noticed in Congressman Doyle’s office was that constituents could leave their opinion and be heard, not just call if they had a problem with a Federal agency.

Let me go into some of the details on Congressional passport processes. Most of what happens is pretty simple. A constituent calls in to track a passport they applied for over 16 weeks ago. I take down some information and contact details. After the phone call I contact the National Passport Agency to locate their passport. If it isn’t done, I can request an “expedite” or even a Congressional Upgrade or a same-day-issue if the travel date is within 48 hours. Afterwards, I contact the constituent on how the case is being handled and possible outcomes. Most congressional work is like that. There are processes and appeals that the congressman’s office staff goes through to ensure that it is either the right outcome or, if something’s wrong, correct and appeal any errors and decisions from Federal agencies.

Another very important role of the congressman is to listen to constituent opinion on legislation. I received many calls and messages about immigration and Medicare reform. However, I was a little disappointed in the lack of youth participation on important national issues. Again, I think young adults are seriously disenfranchised with government for many reasons and become apathetic because they feel insignificant. That couldn’t be more inaccurate. It is our silence that makes us insignificant.

An old saying is “the squeaky wheel gets the oil” and it holds true for government. You need to be involved, yes you’re young and maybe not as experienced, but it’s all good. You still have energy (after a trip to Starbuck’s) and you can make a difference if you put forth the effort. After working in Congressman Doyle’s office, I knew that being involved in my government was a right, a duty, and a joy. Congressman Doyle and his awesome staff showed me what a Congressman did and that my voice did matter.

In his office, every constituent counted, no matter who he/she was. Action wasn’t reserved only for the powerful; help was given where it could to all who asked. Working in Congressman Doyle’s office affirmed my faith in government and assured me that there is a place for young Americans to be involved.

-Rita Turpin

(Rita is a member of the PAYD Communications Committee and attends American University in Washington, DC. Congressman Mike Doyle, pictured, represents Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District and is a tremendous supporter of PAYD.)

Another Perspective on Dallas

If anyone wasn't in Dallas (and why weren't you?) for the 2007 YDA National Convention, I believe Paul McKrell's recap of it should give you a pretty good idea of what went on. But I think it only covers part of why these conventions are so important. Paul nodded in the direction of the social networking aspect, and I feel that's a very important aspect of what went on in Dallas. I was one of the people who didn't serve on a single committee, didn't run for any office, wasn't involved in any caucuses or elections and I even missed quite a few speakers (though, thankfully, not the amazing John Edwards). But I still feel that Dallas was not just an enjoyable time but an extremely productive one and very beneficial for me to attend. Why?

Quite simply, if you put this many bright, dedicated Democrats in one place you're bound to have some amazing discussions and meet some fascinating people. Within hours of showing up in Dallas I found myself talking to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee. The ability to have private, informal conversations with someone like that or with Chuck Rocha of the USW is not just a privilege, but its a learning experience. On my last night in Dallas, our National Committeeman Tim Brennan and I sat and had drinks with a former Executive Director & Treasurer of the Texas YDs. This is truly my favorite part of these conventions: the access to people who have gone through so many years of advancing the Democratic cause and are willing to share their accumulated wisdom with the next generation of leaders.

But that isn't the only important benefit. The peer-to-peer contact is outstanding. For starters, there's a morale boost from talking to so many people who are fighting the same fight, frequently under worse conditions. Where I'm from, in Chester County, it's tough to be a Democrat. We win, but we have to fight like Ulysses to do it. But when you talk to our proud, fighting Democrats in a place like Alabama, where their uphill climb is something on par with K2, it really makes you appreciate how important our work is here and how lucky we are to be in the Great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Another great aspect of peer-to-peer contact is the intermixing of ideas. I came back bursting with ideas, both in how to make the YDs stronger and how to better run campaigns. There's a lot more to swapping war stories than just fun. Not only are you learning new tricks but you're teaching them to others.

This doesn't just apply to our contact with people from other states. The sheer amount of camaraderie that is built amongst a delegation is truly impressive. Our Commonwealth is blessed with a plethora of bright and dedicated people, and most of them I had only met in passing at state committee meetings. I had the privilege of traveling with Dan Lodise of Philadelphia and Danny Bauder of Luzerne County. Being able to spend time with people like this and discuss the challenges facing our commonwealth, our party, our organization... there's just no price that can be put on that. In fact, I'd wager that I learned more about politics from going to this convention than I did from being a Political Science major (and I can definitely put a price on that!). And the working relationships that grow out of it are an important part of making our very, very, very large commonwealth a much smaller place.

Overall, I think that these conventions are a terrific way of growing the future of the Democratic Party, and I think that everyone should try their utmost to be at the next one.

- Dan Tyman,
PAYD Corresponding Secretary

PAYD in Dallas!

The Pennsylvania Young Democrats sent a 28 member delegation to the 2007 Young Democrats of America Convention in Dallas, Texas. PAYD’s Executive Board, including State Representatives Tony Payton Jr and Chelsa Wagner, were joined by a diverse group of young Pennsylvanians from all walks of life and every corner of the commonwealth.

The four day convention that began on July 18^th included invaluable seminars by political professionals from organizations like Emily’s List, the NAACP, Young Voter Strategies and the DNC. Topics included not only traditional workshops like fundraising, media and field, but issue discussions from experts on the Iraq War, climate change and college affordability. The Pennsylvania delegation especially enjoyed presentations by YDA Political Director Tony Cani and YDA Finance Director Andrea Pagano. In addition, YDA’s five state executive directors, including Pennsylvania’s, presented seminars on emerging aspects of youth organizing, such as using social networking websites as political tools and peer-to-peer organizing.

A highlight of the Dallas experience was the speeches of Democratic stalwarts like radio host Jim Hightower, Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope and General Wesley Clark. A particularly powerful moment came when former Senator John Edwards took to the stage to detail his advocacy for America’s poorest citizens. His clarion call that "It's time for the president to ask America to be patriotic about something other than war," brought the Pennsylvania delegation to their feet in approval.

The Keystone State was doubly proud to witness two of their favorite sons take the main stage before the audience of 750 delegates and guests. Jon Soltz of VoteVets.org gave an impassioned history of his involvement in ending Bush’s unjust war and bringing our troops back to America’s shores. Soltz, a Pittsburgh native, is a nationally recognized authority who has appeared on numerous cable news programs giving voice to the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Chuck Rocha of the United Steelworkers (USW) told the assembly about his unique experience being the youngest Political Director of a major labor union in the country while detailing the miserable record of the Bush White House on issues that affect working Americans. Thanks to Rocha’s strong support of PAYD and its mission to build a reliable voting bloc of young voters in Pennsylvania, PAYD and the USW have begun a partnership to work for common goals in 2008 and beyond.

True, when many think of young people and conventions, they think of networking, social events and partying. Not to disappoint, a few very memorable evenings were enjoyed by Pennsylvania’s delegation, including a reception hosted by the five state executive directors. Nevertheless, this convention was about work – and our delegation rose to their duties each morning.

Special thanks goes to Tara Reynolds, our National Committeewoman, who represented PAYD during the 14 hours that the YDA Platform Committee met to discuss issues of national import affecting young America. Josh Pasek, our former National Committeeman, sat on the Rules and Bylaws Committee, while Tim Brennan, our current National Committeeman, joined the Credentials Committee. In addition to these YDA standing committees, all of our delegates attended the meetings of the various caucuses that carry out much of the work that Young Democrats do.

Josh Pasek at Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting

PAYD members participated in the GLBT, Women’s and Rural caucuses, but other caucuses saw Pennsylvanians assume leadership roles. Winning elections were Stephanie Strasizar and Rocco Giammaria in the Labor Caucus, Nyota Robinson in the Disability Issues Caucus and Alexandra Wood in the College Caucus. Josh Pasek regained his position as chair of the Jewish Caucus while Alicia Froio, the youngest member of our delegation, won her election to become the new chair of the High School Caucus. PAYD believes that a targeted effort to organize among high school students is a critical goal in 2008. We can’t wait to begin working with Alicia and all of the other caucus officers over the next two years.

Those elections were the prelude to the main event: the election of new officers to replace the administration of Chris Gallaway, who held the presidency for four years. Under Gallaway’s leadership, YDA increased its staff from 1 part-time employee to 10 full-time professionals while membership increased to 150,000. The most impressive statistic is the growth of YDA’s annual budget from $70,000 to well over $1,000,000 this year! Pennsylvania received its fair share from that budget in matching money paying for our two very successful peer-to-peer voter contact campaigns in 2004 and 2006. PAYD extends its thanks to Gallaway and our best wishes for the future.

In his stead, the Young Democrats of America elected a bold new leader from the conventions host state, David Hardt of Texas. Receiving over 90% of the delegates’ votes, Hardt, YDA’s first openly gay president, spoke from his heart during his acceptance speech by promising to reinvigorate YDA from top to bottom. Hardt’s new executive committee includes some of PAYD’s best friends, such as Vice Presidents Chris Anderson of Tennessee, A’shanti Gholar of Nevada and Josh Blevins, former president of Pennsylvania’s sister organization in the great state of Arkansas. PAYD is thrilled to see Amy Lewis of Virginia elected to the office of Treasurer and Stephanie Hausner assuming the role of Secretary. In our hopes that young people are fully represented at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, PAYD can think of no stronger advocate than our friend Crystal Strait of California, newly elected YDA National Committeewoman. Together, these officers make an impressive team that we expect will make an indelible mark on YDA for years to come.

PAYD Members with YDA President Hardt

In the opinion of this humble scribe, the 2007 YDA National Convention was a tremendous success. We would like to thank President Payton, who acted as our chief ambassador throughout the convention, and Abe Haupt, who enthusiastically served as our Delegation Chair. We would be remiss not to thank Alexandra Acker, YDA’s phenomenal new Executive Director, YDA’s Convention Director Amber Goodwin, and YDA Intern Tiana Epps-Johnson for making our Dallas experience so memorable.

PAYD’s large, vocal and active delegation made our presence felt in Dallas. As we chart a new course through 2008, we will look back at the time we shared at convention as the beginning of a new chapter in our continual growth.

-Paul McKrell
PAYD E. D.