Candidate for State House of Representatives John Ritter. Photo via Ballotpedia.org
John Ritter is the Republican challenger for Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives in District 25, which is in Allegheny County. Below are his answers to our five 2016 Voter Guide questions for state candidates on the ballot in Allegheny County.
His opponent is the incumbent, current State Rep. Joseph Markosek (D), who was first elected to the chamber in 1982. Markosek declined to participate in this voter guide.
1. Do you support an increase in the TANF cash grant from its current level of $403/month for a family of three?
No. Attempting to increase the TANF cash grant from its current level of $403/month for a family of three by taking money from other families who are struggling, does not seem to get to the heart of the issue. Please clearly state the heart of the issue.
2. Do you support an increase in the TANF Earned Income Disregard to 75% and expanding it to applicants for benefits?
No. Attempting to increase the TANF Earned Income Disregard to 75% and expanding it to new applicants for benefits requires others who are struggling to supply the (proposed) additional monies, thus moving them closer to welfare.
3. Do you support raising corporate taxes and eliminating corporate tax loopholes in order to fully fund human services and reduce the state’s structural deficit?
No. Corporations employ people. An increase in corporate taxes results in a shift of the corporation’s employee’s monies from one account to another. Switching a struggling employee’s categorization of taxes from one moniker to another, and forwarding that money to others who are struggling, does not seem to get to the heart of the issue.
4. Do you support drug testing applicants for Food Stamps (SNAP) and/or other public benefits?
No. Attempting to perform drug testing for applicants for Food Stamps (SNAP) and/or other public benefits does not seem to get at the heart of the issue, namely: Why do some applicants for Food Stamps take drugs? Why do applicants for Food Stamps apply for Food Stamps? Why do applicants for other public benefits apply for other public benefits?
5. Do you support barring people convicted of a drug felony from receiving food stamps after they’ve served their sentence?
No. Barring people convicted of a drug felony from receiving Food Stamps after they’ve served their sentence does not seem to get at the heart of the issue, namely: Why did people who were convicted of a drug felony take (or sell) drugs? Why are people who were convicted of a drug felony applying for Food Stamps after serving their sentence?
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