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House passes ban on texting
and hand-held cell phone use while driving  (Feb. 8, 2010)
Eugene DePasquale announced today that legislation which he helped craft banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving, including text messaging, has passed the Pennsylvania House.
 
House Bill 2070 would make texting and hand-held cell phone use while driving a primary offense in Pennsylvania. The bill would make violations punishable with a $50 fine. Fines would be doubled to $100 if the offense happens in a school zone, active work zone, highway safety corridor or emergency response area. The funds generated would go towards driver education.
 
Also today, the U.S. Transportation Department announced it is prohibiting truck and bus drivers from sending text messages while operating commercial vehicles. This sends a clear message as to the importance of this legislation.
 
Studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Virginia Tech, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Utah show that drivers who talk on cell phones are three to four times more likely to be involved in a crash. According to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation statistics, since 2003, there have been only 397 accidents in Pennsylvania where hands-free phones were a contributing factor, while 6,877 accidents listed hand-held phones as a contributing factor.

 House Bill 2070 now goes to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration.

Rep. De Pasquale wishes to thank all who signed his online petition and helped make this happen. For more facts and figures on distracted driving in Pennsylvania, click here.  

 
For more information about this or any other state-related matter, please contact Rep. DePasquale

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DEMOCRATS TO GATHER ON FEB. 20TH IN LANCASTER
WHAT: Joint Lancaster County/York County Candidate Convention
WHERE: Lancaster Host Inn
WHEN: February 20th 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
WHY: To meet and greet candidates and learn how to elect them
WHO: You, candidates and workshop presenters
COST: Free.
RSVP for lunch ($17) to Tracey, 717-299-5701.
Mail check to LCDC, 53 N. Duke St., Suite 218, Lancaster, PA 17602

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York County political parties gear up for primary season
YORK DAILY RECORD, PA. | TOM JOYCE | Mon, Feb 1, 3:57 PM

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February 14th Fundraiser for Linda Small, Democratic Headquarter Supervisor, candidate for Pennsylvania Legislative District 93.DETAILS

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Kim bracey sworn in as new mayor of York, PA

Kim Bracey vowed to build on the past and rise to meet future challenges as she was inaugurated as York's 24th mayor Monday. "The little girl who trembled in her Penn Street house as the National Guard tank rumbled by in 1969 stands before you as mayor of York," Bracey told a crowd in front of City Hall. "Our York. One York for all of our people." (AND WATCH VIDEO)

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volunteers needed to circulate petitions
 
 
You can help get Democratic candidates on the ballot by circulating the required petitions that put them on the Primary ballot.  Whether you get 4 signatures or 40, your efforts are crucial as this year's candidates need a minimum of 300 signatures (and Governor and Senator need 2,000 statewide).  This is a great way to participate in our democracy.  

A petition training session will be held to teach those who have never circulated petitions and offer a refresher for those who have.  

There will be two sessions, on Saturday, Jan. 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and a make-up on Wed, Feb 3rd from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  

The sessions will be held at party headquarters, 275 West Market St., York.  

We hope to see you there!

The Democratic Party of York County operates with donations from people like you.  Donations in any amount allow us to support Democratic candidates and principles.  Please donate today using our new secure online contribution system, Act Blue!
 
Click on the link to donate!  
http://www.yorkdems.org/contribute

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Specter Advisory Committee Expands Again – Now Tops 300 Members

Harrisburg – Citizens for Arlen Specter announced today that 45 additional Democratic leaders joined Senator Specter’s Advisory Committee for his 2010 U.S. Senate campaign. The Committee’s membership now stands at 307. DPOYC Committeewoman, Kathleen Lucas, was among the new members of Sen. Specter's committee.

Those endorsing Senator Specter today include State Representatives, County Commissioners, members of Philadelphia City Council, State Committeepersons and dozens of other distinguished leaders of the Democratic Party.

Senator Specter was pleased to start the new year with this strong showing of support. “I am grateful to these outstanding rank and file leaders of our Party for giving me their support. 2010 is off to a great start and I know we will continue to build even more strength as the campaign progresses.”

“Our country is facing difficult times and the citizens of Pennsylvania need someone to fight for what’s right in Washington,” said State Representative Tim Mahoney of Fayette County, a new Advisory Committee member. “Arlen Specter has done that and will continue to do so. That’s why I am supporting his re-election.”

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“REFORM PA" package introduced to state legislature
Package of reforms includes new limits on campaign donations, a ban on lobbyist gifts, permanent elimination of WAMS, penalties for unexcused absences, creation of open primaries, and a new redistricting process. YORK, PA--State Representative Eugene DePasquale (D-York) recently proposed a package of much-needed reforms on campaign donations, lobbyist gifts, WAMs, the redistricting process, unexcused absences from legislative sessions, and voting in primaries. By bringing together new proposals and those previously made by himself and other legislators under one package, Reform PA will make Pennsylvania’s legislature more accountable to its citizens and create a more open voting process. (click for video)

candidate opportunities

We welcome your suggestions for candidates in the following York County races:

1. 193rd Legislative District. We are working closely with the Adams County Democratic Committee to recruit a candidate to run against Will Tallman. 
2. 193rd Legislative District to run against Seth Grove
3. 28th Senate District to run against Mike Waugh

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Job opportunities
Openings for interns

York County Federation
of Democratic Women

NATIONAL PARTY LINK

STATE PARTY LINK

The latest news from the Capital
Rep. Eugene DePasquale

IN Harrisburg
Join Rep. DePasquale on Facebook
Rep. DePasquale is using his official facebook page to post videos explaining what is happening in Harrisburg and our community including Harley Davidson. Note: You do not have to be a facebook member to view this.

HELP WITH SKY ROCKETING ENERGY COSTS
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program
The Keystone Home Energy Loan Program was created to provide special financing and rebates for ENERGY STAR-rated and high-efficiency heating, air conditioning, air sealing, insulation, windows, doors, geothermal and "whole house" improvements.
Who is eligible?
What improvements are eligible?

VIDEOS:
What's new in Harrisburg - Videos by Rep. Eugene DePasquale

The Democratic Party of York County operates with donations from people like you. Donations in any amount allow us to support Democratic candidates and principles. Please donate today using ActBlue, our secure online contribution system.