By Bette Alburger

The 2009 state budget, renewable energy sources, student loans, and healthcare coverage for the uninsured and underinsured were among issues discussed at the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce's Annual State Forum Breakfast held recently at Maris Grove in Concord Township.Presenting an update on what's happening in the state legislature that impacts the region's business community were Senators Dominic F. Pileggi, R-9, and Ted Erickson, R-26, and Representatives Stephen Barrar, R-160, Bill Adolph Jr., R-165 and Tom Killion, R-168.

Pileggi, Senate Majority Leader, said a $400 million gap in the projected 2009 state budget presents challenges. Energy is one of the ancillary issues tied to the budget, he said, noting the spike in electricity rates is one of the most important. Transportation funding is another issue. There also are infrastructure issues, such as wastewater treatment systems across the state that need upgrading. Pileggi estimated the project at $750 million.

He pointed to a 5.6 percent increase in school funding, but said the disparity in what individual school districts in Delaware County actually would receive "is causing dissatisfaction in the House and Senate."

Among issues covered by Erickson was one close to his heart as chairman of the Public Health and Safety Committee: health insurance. He noted 800,000 Pennsylvanians have no coverage. Fifty percent are between ages 18 and 34.

He supports a plan whereby businesses would contribute a certain amount to fund free clinics for the uninsured and underinsured, in exchange for substantial tax breaks. He also favors giving tax breaks to healthcare workers in clinics and establishing health savings accounts that would be transportable.

Adolph, chairman of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, spoke about how the student loan program was in jeopardy and about a successful lobbying effort in the House and Senate in Washington by Pennsylvania legislators to make sure money would be available.

"I saw firsthand how bipartisanship can really work in Washington, if they understand the issue and we put politics aside," said Adolph. "In just 45 days, a piece of legislation was passed in Washington, and President Bush signed it. Now we're just waiting for the Secretary of Education to decide how much money is needed nationwide to stop this student loan crisis."

Barrar presented a strong case for alternative energy sources when he appeared at the event in yellow and black bicycle gear, having pedaled to Maris Grove. An avid biker, he joked that "you probably think I'm the only legislator who can't afford $4-a-gallon gasoline." Actually, it was Bike to Work Day, sponsored by the Delaware County Transportation Management Association.

A member of the House Appropriations Committee, Barrar lauded Pileggi for his great job in negotiating the budget. He noted the surplus will be less than projected. This is great news, he said, because every state contiguous to Pennsylvania has announced billions of dollars in deficits.

Bill Tyson of ConocoPhillips, chairman of the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee, introduced the legislators and moderated the question and answer session.

For more on the Chamber and its many services to members, call 610-565-3677.