Who are your local legislators in Harrisburg? What are they doing? You’ve probably heard their names, even if you don’t know who they are, but it’s likely their daily activities are a bit of a mystery. I thought we might shine some light on the legislation they’re working on right now so you can decide […]
Governor Wolf Allows Emergency School Funding and Essential Services
Governor Tom Wolf began a Tuesday press conference by calling the budget presented to him before Christmas “garbage,” while calling for spending increases as outlined in the $30.8 billion budget he prefers. He is allowing emergency funds to go out to schools and state agencies to keep them from closing. He called on the legislature […]
PA Budget Fight Raising State Borrowing Costs
The six month budget impasse is already costing residents of Pennsylvania because investors are demanding higher rates of return on PA debt that reflects the higher risk of those investments. The higher interest rate PA must pay for borrowing dollars means the state is spending more dollars without getting any more services in return. A […]
PA Senate Passes Budget to End Deadlock so Schools Can Stay Open
The PA Senate passed a $30.3 billion budget and sent it on to the Governor who has 10 days to sign it. No tax increase is required and if signed, state funding for schools and other services will become available. Republicans are generally in favor, Democrats generally less so, unfortunately, neither this $30.3 billion version […]
Ghost Voting in PA Legislature to Get Budget Deal
If you’re not following the day to day budget negotiations going on in Harrisburg, you might imagine there’s an orderly process of serious lawmakers discussing the intricacies of state finances, trying to do what’s right for you and me. Well, not a chance, not even close. Ghostly votes Yesterday, when a procedural vote was taken […]
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf Rated Most Liberal in the USA
Here’s an interesting study of state governors worth looking over as the budget crisis in Harrisburg drags on, Governor Tom Wolf was ranked, along with every other governor in the USA on an ideological scale of liberal to conservative based on a wide range of data points, and our governor ranks as the most liberal […]
PA Rules Citizens May Photo Public Records with Smartphone Without Fee
The PA Office of Open Records has ruled that citizens may photograph public records without being charged a fee. In a case in Reserve Township, near Pittburgh, a citizen wished to view certain expenses incurred by the township. He was told he could not take photos of the records with his smartphone , he could […]
Curt Sonney Direct to Home Wine Sales Bill Passes House 192-1
Pennsylvania House Bill 189, sponsored by Representative Curt Sonney, passed the house this week by a vote of 192 to 1. The bill allows a state resident to order wine and have it delivered direct to their home, but the winery must: Obtain a $100 “direct shipper” license from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Have […]