There is an old saying that, "If you don't exercise your right vote, you don't have a right to complain." That sentiment is often expressed by those who do vote when they hear others complain about the actions or inactions of their government, and when questioned had some convenient excuse as to why they did or could not get to the polls on Election Day.

Politics is not a spectator sport. It requires all who want to succeed in advancing their issues to be active participants. Those who are most successful are successful because of their dogged persistence and their unwavering commitment and resolve.

This has been PSSA's position when it comes to addressing the issues and interest of snowmobilers in Pennsylvania. For more than two decades PSSA has sought to have the General Assembly adopt legislation that would direct a portion of the taxes paid at the gas pump by snowmobilers to DCNR to support the maintenance and creation of motorized recreational trails.

For the past four sessions the Pennsylvania General Assembly, eight years, PSSA has had legislation introduced, considered and voted in various aspects of the legislative process. For the past three sessions legislation has been poised and put into position for passage on to the Governor. The track record with the Ridge-Schweiker Administration in dealing with PSSA on this issue has been less than honorable. You may recall initial possession of the administration was that, "It is a great idea however, it wouldn't be prudent until we have sufficient funds to meet our highway needs." Shortly after that the General Assembly passed legislation that increased the wholesale price of gas as well as a substantial increase in registration fees. After that the administration indicated, "That is an issue best left to the General Assembly to decide." Based on the Administrations comments PSSA again contacted our key supporters legislation was then reported unanimously from the Senate Transportation Committee. When it became apparent that a bill would pass the Administration reversed their position and communicated to our supporters that our proposition was unconstitutional. In spite of the opposition of the Administration, Senators and Representatives continue to support PSSA's position because the question of constitutionality had been addressed shortly after the Legislature adopted similar language that provided a refund law for the Fish and Boat Commission in 1970 and 71. The opinions from Attorney General's Fred Speaker and Shane Creamer concluded, that not only is it constitutional for the Fish and Boat Commission to receive a refund on behalf of watercraft users they indicated that, any mode transportation that generates a tax that those funds should be returned to support that mode of transportation.

Having given you that background, the Administration continues to maintain their opposition, while PSSA continues to press this issue with their supporters in the General Assembly. For those of who have followed the evolution of PSSA's efforts you know that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed amendments offered by Representative Rod Wilt to three different bills earlier in this session that contained PSSA's "Gas tax refund" language. These bills were referred to the Senate Transportation Committee, which is chaired by Senator Roger Madigan of Lycoming County. Chairman Madigan initially supported PSSA in its effort, however, withdrew that support without giving PSSA the courtesy of a coherent explanation. His opposition came a critical time in the last session causing a House passed effort to fail in the final days of the session two years ago.

For those of you who live in the Senators district and are interested in seeing PSSA succeed in this initiative please ask the Senator to reconsider.

When the General Assembly reconvenes for their post-election session the Senate Pennsylvania will consider House Bill 152. Currently, House Bill 152 does not contain PSSAšs refund language. It is anticipated that when this legislation is passed back to the House for concurrence in the Senate's amendments, it will be amended in the House Rules Committee to include PSSA's gas tax language. The bill will be voted in the House and sent back to the Senate for their concurrence. This would again put the question before the Senate as was done at the close of the last session. Instead of the same outcome, I have a better idea, let's do something different this time, LETšS WIN!

Right now, your Senator and Representative are home until November 12th when they are scheduled to return to Harrisburg. All members of the House are up for reelection and based on the last vote in the House all but two members voted in support of the PSSA language. The two individuals who voted against the Wilt amendment are Representatives Greg Vitali and Phyllis Mundy. In the Senate Pennsylvania twenty-five Senators are up for reelection.

So, I respectfully request you to contact your Senator and Representative, urge them to support and actively seek the inclusion of language in House Bill 152 that would provide a $1 million annual refund to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the purpose of maintaining and creating motorized recreational trails and for enforcement in state parks and state forests.

My question to all of you is this, do you to be a spectator and complain? Or do want to succeed? The choice is yours. As an old General said long ago that is still true today, "There is no substitute for victory." 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Lowell Morton, Don Clouser, or me, Fred Brown.  I can be reached at 717.234.8814, or fred-brown@home.com