Stefano criticized
Pat Stefano, our newly elected state senator, is pushing a bill that will do nothing to stop people that scam the system. Mr. Stefano claims Mr. Robbins’ criticism of him in a recent column about the legislation is wrong.
Look around Fayette County, Mr. Stefano, and you won’t find too many Spanish speaking welfare recipients. I agree with Mr. Robbins’ article, the Stefano bill is just another gimmick that is used by do-nothing politicians who want their constituents to believe they are hard at work.
There are bills laying all over Harrisburg that blame everything on Illegal Immigrants, but somehow the problem is still here. The residents of Pennsylvania do not need more do-nothing legislation. The people of Pennsylvania need real legislation not pretend useless legislation that does not address the problem.
Republicans with the support of Gov. Tom Wolf have an opportunity to really do something about those illegal immigrants and welfare cheats that are stealing jobs. Maybe Pat Stefano will offer real legislation that imposes stiff fines and real jail penalties on those who hire illegal immigrants and contractors who pay their employees under the table. Let’s say if you are caught hiring an illegal immigrant, how about a $10,000 fine for a first offense and a $10,000 fine and 60 days in jail for a second offense.
That would also go for contractors who pay their employees under the table where the real deal, big-time welfare fraud goes on. We need real legislation, Mr. Stefano, not party-line, keep the base happy, been there, done that same old, same old redundant legislation.
Don’t just pander to your base, Sen. Stefano. Show the people of Fayette County that you have their interests at heart by offering legislation that addresses real welfare fraud. Offer real legislation with teeth. If not, you might as well sit down, be quiet and collect a pay check for doing nothing.
James Sloan
Hopwood