Following a rally on the Capitol Steps organized by the Coalition to Keep I-80 Toll Free, Congressman John E. Peterson, R-Pleasantville, joined by a dozen State lawmakers, business leaders from across the Commonwealth, called upon the Governor and State Legislature to repeal Act 44 before recessing for the summer. Peterson, a long time critic of Act 44 and the tolling of Interstate 80 issued the following statement:

“Governor Rendell and the leadership in Harrisburg need to repeal Act 44 before recessing for the summer or this ill-fated policy will continue to put a cloud over the economic future of Pennsylvania. Each day this law is on the books, is another day the Commonwealth bears a ‘Closed for Business’ sign and discourages future investment from taking root.

Rendell pushed for enactment of Act 44 last summer, arguing that tolls on I-80 were needed to fund critical infrastructure upgrades throughout the commonwealth.

Peterson argues Act 44 will do far more harm than good.

“Until Act 44 is repealed, Pennsylvania will not compete with neighboring states on the national scale and continue to lose good-paying, family sustaining jobs”, claims Peterson. “In light of record energy prices, and the prospect of tollbooths being erected on I-80, the economic future of Pennsylvania is in grave danger.

• PoconoNews.Net