Scarnati Will Pay for Super Bowl Trip
State Senator Joe Scarnati is making news across the state today for accepting a trip to the Super Bowl from Consol Energy.
Scarnati and other Senate Republicans leaders were criticized by former Governor Ed Rendell and environmentalists for blocking an extraction tax on Marcellus Shale drilling. The critics say Scarnati and the other blocked legislation on the tax because of their relationships with energy companies.
Scarnati talked about that on his last visit to the LiveLine.
He said in his position as President Pro Tempore of the Senate one of his jobs is to keep the Republicans in the majority. He raises money for the Republican caucus to help fund campaigns of members who are in races.
He raised more than $100,000 through various Marcellus Shale companies across the state, and that is disclosed on finance reports. But he added that he raised close to $1.5 million all together.
“To raise $100,000-some from that industry isn’t influencing me,” Scarnati said, “and I’m insulted that (Rendell) would say that I’m influenced by that because I’ve never been.”
He noted that the drilling industry itself was split on whether there should be a tax, so he said, “We are going to see what we can do here to make sure there’s a balance and we get everything right.”
“When everybody’s a little bid mad at you I think you’re finding a solution,” he said. “You give a little bit; you lose a little bit. But to say that I’m influenced by any contributor whatsoever is nonsense.”
On his Facebook page, Scarnati says he will fully reimburse Consol for Super Bowl expenses. He said he was planning to from the start, but doesn’t have the paperwork yet.
Drew Crompton, Scarnati's legal counsel and chief of staff, says accepting the trip is permitted under Pennsylvania’s ethics rules.
Scarnati and other Senate Republicans leaders were criticized by former Governor Ed Rendell and environmentalists for blocking an extraction tax on Marcellus Shale drilling. The critics say Scarnati and the other blocked legislation on the tax because of their relationships with energy companies.
Scarnati talked about that on his last visit to the LiveLine.
He said in his position as President Pro Tempore of the Senate one of his jobs is to keep the Republicans in the majority. He raises money for the Republican caucus to help fund campaigns of members who are in races.
He raised more than $100,000 through various Marcellus Shale companies across the state, and that is disclosed on finance reports. But he added that he raised close to $1.5 million all together.
“To raise $100,000-some from that industry isn’t influencing me,” Scarnati said, “and I’m insulted that (Rendell) would say that I’m influenced by that because I’ve never been.”
He noted that the drilling industry itself was split on whether there should be a tax, so he said, “We are going to see what we can do here to make sure there’s a balance and we get everything right.”
“When everybody’s a little bid mad at you I think you’re finding a solution,” he said. “You give a little bit; you lose a little bit. But to say that I’m influenced by any contributor whatsoever is nonsense.”
On his Facebook page, Scarnati says he will fully reimburse Consol for Super Bowl expenses. He said he was planning to from the start, but doesn’t have the paperwork yet.
Drew Crompton, Scarnati's legal counsel and chief of staff, says accepting the trip is permitted under Pennsylvania’s ethics rules.
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Comments
Thanks again! Thanks for letting your true colors shine through.