Office of Inspector General Announces February Welfare Fraud Adjudications

Modest efforts by Republicans to curb runaway federal spending will lead to mass starvation, according to a New York Times writer, who appears to have overdosed on Kool-Aid.

MRC.org - Media Research Center: NYT Food Writer Mark Bittman: People Will 'Starve to Death' Under House Budget

What is getting lost in the uproar about cutting back state subsidies for public education in Pennsylvania is the fact that nearly every school district in the state was planning to raise property taxes before Gov. Corbett announced his 2011-12 budget.

The beef taxpayers have is with their local school districts, which raise taxes every year. School boards have done a terrible job of balancing their budgets over the years.

Do school districts have to raise property taxes? - pottsmerc.com

Pennsylvania Department of State: Disciplinary Actions Taken Against 116 Licensed, Commissioned Professionals, Organizations

A Chester County resident is Gov. Tom Corbett's pick to become Pennsylvania's next Secretary of Labor.

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Completes Cabinet by Naming Julia Hearthway to Lead Department of Labor and Industry

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Tours Berks County Tubing Manufacturing Plant

A tour bus used by former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell to push his big government agenda - at taxpayer expense - will be sold, Gov. Tom Corbett announced Wednesday.

Corbett called the bus a "white elephant" that cost Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $66,000 for maintenance "despite it being driven less than 26,000 miles in eight years."

It appears Rendell shot the transmission on the bus, leaving behind an anticipated repair bill of at least $5,000.

"My administration is committed to refocusing state spending on the core functions of government and that does not include maintaining a 41-foot motor coach that has largely sat in the garage," Corbett said in a press release. "This fiscal year alone taxpayers have paid for batteries, towing and window tinting. As of today, we will not ask taxpayers to put one more cent into the upkeep of this vehicle."

On a more serious note, Corbett has commissioned a review of the state's massive vehicle fleet to determine if the state can save money by reducing the number of vehicles it owns.

Read the full release at the link below:

Governor Corbett Sends Defunct Tour Bus to the Auction Block

The election isn't until 2012, but a Scranton-area prosecutor is the first candidate to announce for Pennsylvania Attorney General.

Tom Corbett resigned as Attorney General when he was sworn in as governor on Jan. 18.

Corbett nominated Pittsburgh federal prosecutor Linda L. Kelly to succeed him as Attorney General on Feb. 8 but Kelly has not been confirmed yet by the State Senate.

William H. Ryan Jr. is currently serving as Acting Attorney General.

Kathleen Granahan Kane Announces Candidacy for Pennsylvania Attorney General

Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16) released the following statement after a Congressional briefing on the Obama Administration's military mission in Libya:

"Today, my colleagues and I were briefed on the Libyan engagement by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen. Unfortunately, many of our questions remain unanswered.

"My first concern is that we are refusing to admit that this is a war. If anybody fired 160 missiles at us, flew bombing missions and sent in attack gunships, we would call that an act of war. This engagement and our involvement in it are both ill defined.

"Even after today's briefing, it is obvious that we do not have a clear picture of the Libyan rebels. In fact, there are reports that Al Qaeda militants are involved in the fight against Qaddafi. When we engage American forces, we must have clear goals and a strategy to accomplish these goals.

"As a young man, I fought in the Vietnam War, another engagement with unclear objectives and uncertainties about our allies. I know that the men and women of our armed forces are conducting this engagement with dedication and professionalism. The President should first seek direction from Congress, which has the constitutional power to declare war. Then he has a responsibility to give our troops the tools and direction to achieve the mission he has laid out for them.

"We shouldn't be half-way at war."

After eight years of neglect by Gov. Ed Rendell, it's a wonder none of Pennsylvania's deteriorating bridges have yet to collapse.

From a new report, "The Fix We're In For: The State of the Nation's Bridges," which ranks states in terms of the overall condition of the state's bridges:

The five states with the worst bridge conditions have over 20 percent structurally deficient bridges: Pennsylvania has the largest share of deteriorating bridges at 26.5 percent, followed by Oklahoma (22.0%), Iowa (21.7%), Rhode Island (21.6%), and South Dakota (20.3%).

New Report Highlights Mounting Challenge of Aging Bridges

NPRA Response to President Obama's Energy Speech

Rep. Doug Reichley (R-Berks/Lehigh) will hold three town meetings for residents of Pennsylvania's 134th Legislative District on April 6, 9 and 16.

From a Reichley press release:

"I know many of you have questions about some of the proposals in Governor Tom Corbett's state budget recommendations," said Reichley. "Check for a town meeting time and location that suits your schedule. I hope to see you there and await your questions."

Three town meetings are scheduled on the following dates at three locations:

Wednesday, April 6
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cetronia Fire Company
18 South Scenic St., Allentown

Saturday, April 9
8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Lehigh Lodge
2120 Route 100 South, Macungie
Route 100 Macungie

Saturday, April 16
8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Bally Senior Center
425 Chestnut St., Bally

For more information, or to RSVP, contact Reichley's district office at 1245 Chestnut St., Unit No. 5, Emmaus. The phone number is (610) 965-9933. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Rudy Giuliani Only One of 11 Possible Republican Candidates Who Could Beat President Obama

Obama Still Murky on Libya - By Victor Davis Hanson - The Corner - National Review Online

State Police: 162 Trucks Placed Out of Service During Operation SAFE

FRC Action's New Super PAC Launches Radio Ad Campaign In Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Another example of lawmakers who consider themselves above the law.

From Roll Call, a newspaper that covers Congress:

According to a Roll Call survey of vehicles parked on Capitol Hill and at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, as of mid-March, lawmakers were carrying at least $15,000 in outstanding tickets — ranging from expired meters to speeding camera violations — and potentially thousands of dollars more.

Members Collect Many Unpaid Tickets : Roll Call News

Democrat Jack Wagner raises good points about diverting the tobacco settlement money, but where was he during the eight years of Gov. Ed Rendell's tenure, including the last four years when Democrats also had a majority in the state House?

The money was diverted by Rendell and the Democrats but Wagner didn't seem to have a problem with it then.

Auditor General Jack Wagner Calls for Hearings on Reallocation of $370 Million in Tobacco Settlement Funds

Obama Administration Should Halt Health Reform Waivers, Says Consumer Watchdog

The price of regular unleaded when Obama took office: $1.83 per gallon. The price of unleaded regular today: $3.59 per gallon. Heckavu job, Barack.

How come it's the custodians and aides who get cut first? Why is it always the lowest paid people who have to suffer? How many of these jobs can be saved by getting rid of a couple of administrators who are making six-figure salaries?

Also, school board members have to provide better answers about why their districts are in such bad financial shape other than blaming Tom Corbett.

If these school districts were run like a business, they'd be in bankruptcy. Schools boards have been giving away the store for years with generous contracts to teachers and administrators and construction of Taj Mahals.

Spring-Ford residents speak out about budget cuts (video) - pottsmerc.com

This is what happens when organized labor gets too big. This explains the taxpayer backlash against unions.

Few employees denied step increases for poor performance - FederalTimes.com

Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats keep trying to find new ways to take more of your money. The latest scheme is a vehicle-mile tax.

From an editorial in The Washington Times on why this new tax would hurt everyone

There's no such thing as a "nonuser" of the road network. America has 208 million licensed drivers out of a population of 240 million of driving age. Only a handful of people depend on the bicycles, buses and trolleys that meet with liberal approval. Everyone benefits from having food and other goods delivered by truck. Motorists are one of the most overtaxed groups in America, and the automobile has done more to enable this country's economic success than any other invention.

EDITORIAL: CBO's toll-road fib - Washington Times

School Districts Cutting Jobs Instead of Costs

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Pennsylvania

Governor Corbett Says Public Water Supply Testing Finds No Risk to Public From Radioactivity Found in Rainwater

Provocative Web Video Series Debuts Contrasting Presidents Obama and Reagan

Judicial Watch Sues Justice Department for Records Detailing Contacts with NAACP over Decision to Dismiss New Black Panther Party Voter Intimidation Lawsuit

How many different ways can this guy find to waste our money?

On the heels of 'ObamaCare' conservatives target 'ObamaRail' - The Hill's Transportation Report

Tom Corbett would have much better success in bringing fiscal sanity back to Pennsylvania after eight years of insanity under Ed Rendell had he recommended that all elected and appointed state officials would take pay cuts along with his proposal to slash state spending. Shared sacrifice means everyone, not just unionized state workers and teachers.

Group: Lawmakers Not Asked To Sacrifice In Corbett’s Budget « CBS Pittsburgh

'The Party of No' is trying to stop Republicans from cutting federal spending.

Top 10 Spending Cuts Thwarted by Democrats - HUMAN EVENTS

Billboards Spread the Message: Learn How to Protect Children from Child Abuse

Columnist Lowman Henry examines the out-of-control behavior or labor unions:

Wisconsin is not the only state where leftist thugs have behaved inappropriately. In Idaho an education reform bill that would have eliminated tenure and seniority and allowed more charter schools to be established drew the ire of unions. The superintendent of Idaho's public schools, Tom Luna, who championed the reform plan, had his car vandalized. One protestor even showed up at the home of Luna's mother.Read the full column at the link below:

Uncivil unions: Big labor its own worst enemy - pottsmerc.com

For those who say I never have anything nice to say about Barack Obama, I'm glad he's taking time out to recognize Greek Independence Day, which is today, March 25.

Greece declared its independence from the Ottoman Turks on this day in 1821. The struggle lasted until 1832 when the Greeks finally drove the Turks out, ending 400 years of occupation.

"Zito H Ellas"

Obama to celebrate Greek Independence Day - San Jose Mercury News

2011 Greek Independence Day Parade on New York's Fifth Avenue Dedicated to "Visit Greece"

Randy Bish, who I consider to be the best editorial cartoonist in Pennsylvania, does a wonderful job with this tribute to Elizabeth Taylor, from today's edition of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Check out more of Bish's cartoons at the newspaper's website.

Judicial Watch Sues Obama HHS for Records Related to Obamacare Propaganda Campaign

Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission to Hold Inaugural Meeting

MADD and Archie Comics Team Up to Prevent Underage Drinking

Gov. Tom Corbett has put the brakes on a $400 million expansion of Graterford Prison in Montgomery County. The project was approved by Gov. Ed Rendell, but Corbett thinks he can save the state millions by redesigning and re-bidding the work.

"This, by no means, is a failure in design – it's an opportunity for us to improve upon the design," acting Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said. "Before we spend millions of dollars building a new prison, we need to ensure the money is being spent in an appropriate manner and that the prison design is in line with our department's mission."

Read the full release from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at the link below:

Corbett Administration Redefines Focus of SCI-Graterford Construction Project

Governor Corbett Testifies on Federal Health Care Law

Americans Fear Loss of Freedom on Anniversary of Health Care Reform Law

As we approach the one-year anniversary of President Obama signing into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Peter Ferrara, senior fellow for health care policy at The Heartland Institute and author of "The Obamacare Disaster," has this to say about the ill-conceived government takeover of the nation's health care system:

"Obamacare is a disaster. Rather than liberate the American health care system from bureaucracy and waste, it blankets it with more of both, suffocating innovation and destroying freedom. The result is a system that is inconsistent with the freedom, prosperity, high living standards, and traditions of the American people."

Read more of what Ferrara has to say about the centerpiece of the failed Obama presidency at the link below:

The Obamacare Disaster - by Peter Ferrara - Policy Studies

Groups Join Together in Backing PA Education Legislation

Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Pitts marks the one-year anniversary of the disaster known as Obamacare.

Obamacare: One year of broken promises - pottsmerc.com

Learn more about the effort to pass a School Choice law in Pennsylvania here.

A Pennsylvania lawmaker wants to know why Philadelphia will not be sharing the burden of Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed cuts in education funding?

PA State Rep. Scott Petri - Petri Calls for Investigation into School Funding Irregularities

Eric O'Keefe, chairman of the Health Care Compact Alliance, released the following statement to mark the anniversary of the President Obama's signing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:

"It is clear that the President was right about one thing: The American health care system was financially unsustainable.

Proponents claimed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act would address the symptoms. But the early evidence is that it limits freedom and increases costs. This is evidenced by the 1,040 waivers granted to states and organizations that sought exemptions from new regulations.

Our health care system is too large and too complex to manage at the federal level -- and too important to be debated outside the earshot of citizens. The Health Care Compact enables citizens to engage in the policy process at the state level, and to prescribe laws that match the needs of their communities."

Concord Coalition Supports Senators' Call for Comprehensive Deficit Reduction and Asks House To Make A Similar Commitment

Coalition of Economic Groups Demand Spending Cuts

Do the people who voted in this poll realize the Phillies may be without Chase Utley for the entire year?

Phillies the Favorite to Win 2011 World Series

Pennsylvania Kids 'Kick Butts' on March 23

Only One-Third of Americans Give President Obama Positive Marks on Economy

Who hasn't made a math error when balancing their checkbook or filling out tax forms? But in Obama's case, the error adds up to $2.3 Tillion. That's how much Obama has underestimated his astronomical budget deficits.

CBO: Obama budget worse than projected on 10-year deficit - The Hill's On The Money

Barack Obama and the Democrats have drained the life out of this nation, according to a new Rasmussen poll that shows two-thirds of Americans think the country's best days are behind it.

America's Best Days

Rasmussen: Just 31% Now Give Obama Positive Marks for the Economy

The liberal propaganda machine exposed ... from an insider.

Lefty Blogger Exposes How Political Lies Are Spread Over Liberal Blogosphere

Pennsylvania Democrats and their liberal media allies are making way too much out of a special election for a vacant state Senate seat in which 8 out of 10 registered voters didn't even bother to show up at the polls.

Don't read too much into special election - pottsmerc.com

PennDOT Driver License Centers to Offer Limited Services on March 26

Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: February 2011

President Obama reassured the nation Thursday that radiation from the crippled Japanese nuclear reactors will not reach the U.S.

Isn't this the same guy who reassured us that unemployment would not rise above 8% if Congress passed his $787 billion stimulus package in 2009?

Isn't this the same guy who assured us he would end the war in Afghanistan?

Isn't this the same guy who promised transparency and accountability in government?

You have to wonder about the people Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has surrounded himself with in his fledgling administration. He's stepped on one land mine after another over the past two months.

From the editorial page of The Pottstown Mercury:

THORNS to Gov. Tom Corbett for reneging on his campaign pledge to end legislative grants known as WAMs and approving more than $48 million in pet-project grants. The requests had been submitted during the administration of former Gov. Ed Rendell, and a Corbett spokesman said the new administration felt an obligation to honor them. Tell that to local school districts, who feel there should be an obligation to support public education. Or, to taxpayers who believe Corbett has an obligation to clean up Pennsylvania's legislative spending practices. All told, the Corbett administration provided a list of more than 1,200 grant applications it was approving from programs previously submitted. The biggest grant was for $5 million for a nonprofit-run statewide program called the Fresh Food Financing Initiative. WAMs, state grants known as "walking around money," are requested by legislators to court favor in their home districts. In his successful campaign for governor, Corbett aired a TV ad attacking WAMs, in which he said, "The first thing we're going to do is put a stake in the heart of the WAMs program. Millions of dollars spent on legislative pet projects with little oversight." Maybe it could be the second or third thing he does.

Nuclear crisis in Japan. Battles erupt throughout the Middle East. 15 million Americans out of work. Food prices on the rise. Gas nears $4 per gallon.

So what does Barack Obama do? He's off to Chicago to raise money for his 2012 re-election. The man knows his priorities.

Obama to headline Chicago reelection fundraiser - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 228-192 today to end taxpayer subsidies for National Public Radio, a far-left propaganda operation.

If liberal elites want their own radio network, let them pay for it.

Media Research Center President Brent Bozell issued the following statement:

Republicans said today that the arrogant liberal sneers at taxpayers in Flyover Country deserve to be met by NPR raising its own money in its own fancy cafes. And an organization that admits catering to a "core audience that is predominately white, liberal, highly educated, elite" is among the last that should survive budget cuts if legislators are serious about cutting unnecessary spending.

We applaud the 228 Representatives who stepped up to say so with their votes in the House today. If the Senate and President Obama really care about reckless spending, they'll pony up and do the same. The time is now to stop wasting taxpayer dollars on funding NPR.

House approves GOP bill to defund NPR - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

PA Gaming Control Board Releases Table Game Revenue Figures for February

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Approves 13 New Historical Markers

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Japan's Nuke Plant Crisis Poses No Present Risk to Pennsylvania Residents

Ed Rendell may be gone but the aftermath of his disastrous tenure as governor of Pennsylvania are still being felt today.

A new Franklin & Marshall College Poll of Pennsylvania voters released today shows that most Pennsylvania residents don't believe the state has recovered from Rendell's fiscal mismanagement.

Here are the poll highlights from Terry Madonna, director of the F&M Center for Politics and Public Affairs::

1) Most (53%) Pennsylvania adults believe the state is headed in the wrong direction, and most say they are worse off (31%) or the same (57%) financially as they were last year. Equal proportions of adults believe they will be better off financially (27%) as believe they will be worse off financially (26%) in the coming year. Pennsylvanians feel no better about their financial conditions than they did last fall.

2) Most state residents believe the state's financial condition is bad (47%) or very bad (31%), although only one in five (20%) believes Pennsylvania is in worse fiscal condition than most other states. Residents generally have confidence in Governor Corbett's ability to handle the state’s budget problems, as 53 percent express confidence (8% very, 45% somewhat) while 39 percent lack confidence in the governor, (23% not very, 16% not at all)

3) There remains strong opposition to increasing the state income and sales tax—only one in four (27%) residents supports increasing the income tax and only one in three (36%) favors increasing the sales tax. There is strong support for taxing the companies that extract and sell natural gas (62 percent favor while 30 percent oppose) and an even larger percentage of residents favor taxing smokeless tobacco and cigars (72 percent favor while 26 percent oppose).

4) Pennsylvanians are not in favor of the education cuts proposed by the Corbett Administration. Funding cuts to school districts are opposed by 78 percent of respondents while cutting funding to public universities in the state is opposed by 67 percent of respondents. Cuts to Medicaid do not draw much support either (70 percent of Pennsylvanians oppose these cuts).

5) Two in three (64%) Pennsylvanians favor selling the state liquor stores.

6) Respondents were divided about reducing the pay and benefits of state employees (47 percent opposed while 45 percent favored the reductions) although three in five (60%) support reducing the number of state employees.

7) Pennsylvanians are divided in their opinion about how to handle the state's fiscal situation. Two in five (39%) state residents believe the state should balance its budget through program and service cuts while a similar proportion (38%) believes the state should both cut spending and increase taxes to balance the budget. Few (6%) believe that tax increases alone are the way to solve the state's budget problems.

Complete results can be found in the attachment or at http://politics.fandm.edu

Daniel Kish on Obama's failed energy policies and the resulting higher gas prices.

Obama Boldly Continues his Energy Deception - HUMAN EVENTS

U.S. News Media Group Announces the 2012 Best Law Schools

State Sen. David Argall, R-29th, is the latest member of the Pennsylvania Legislature to jump on the "cut the size of the Legislature" bandwagon.

"The General Assembly cannot continue to ask state agencies to continue to cut costs unless we are also willing to lead by example," Argall writes in a recent op-ed.

Time is right to reduce size of Pa. Legislature - pottsmerc.com

Consumer Groups Warn Obama Privacy Law Could Be Dominated by Industry

U.S. News Media Group Announces the 2012 Best Graduate Schools

Department of Health: Illegal Sales of Tobacco Products to Minors Drop for Seventh Consecutive Year

Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees.

The pundits are trying to make a big deal about a Democrat winning an election in legislative district where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 2-1 margin.

A little perspective is in order on the Judy Schwank-Larry Medaglia race to fill the seat of the late Sen. Mike O'Pake.

Republicans held 30 of the 50 seats in the Pennsylvania Senate before the election. Republicans will hold 30 of the 50 seats after the election.

O'Pake was the No. 2 ranking Democrats in the Senate after spending nearly 40 years in the chamber.

Schwank will be the No. 20 ranking Democrat and the lawmaker with the least seniority in the minority party until her term ends at the end of 2012.

Nothing changed for residents of the 11th Senate District other than losing what little clout O'Pake had.

PoliticsPA Editorial: Why SD-11 Was a Big Win for Democrats

There's a reason Pennsylvania's 11th State Senate District has been represented by a Democrat since it was created in 1961.

It's one of the most heavily Democratic legislative districts in Pennsylvania. The 11th District includes the City of Reading, where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 5-1 margin.

The most recent voter registration numbers show 82,727 registered Democrats to 48,674 Republicans in the 11th District.

Democratic Sen. Mike O'Pake first won the Senate seat in 1972 and had two more years left in his current term when he died Dec. 27 at age 70 from complications following heart surgery.

Democrat Judy Schwank, a former two-term Berks County commissioner, won the special election Tuesday to finish O'Pake's term, with 20,124 votes to Republican challenger Larry Medaglia's 14,794.

Even with Schwank's victory, Republicans hold a 30-20 majority in the state Senate. Republicans also control the state House and the governor's mansion.

With 95 out of 128 precincts reporting, Democrat Judy Schwank continues to hold a 4,000+ vote lead against Republican Larry Medaglia in the race for the vacant 11th Senate District seat.

With 59 of 128 precincts reporting, Democrat Judy Schwank leads Republican Larry Medaglia in the special election for Pennsylvania's 11th State Senate District.

Schwank has 9,026 votes to Medaglia's 5,641 ... but of the votes counted so far, 32 of the 59 districts are in the City of Reading, where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 5-1 margin.

The eastern Berks County precincts, where Republicans hold the majority, still have not reported.

Schwank should have built up a much bigger lead over Medaglia in the Democratic-rich precincts in Reading and its immediate suburbs.

U.S. News Media Group Announces the 2012 Edition of Best Business Schools

DCNR Offers Federal Grants to Help Volunteer Firefighters

American Red Cross Contributes an Initial $10 Million to Assist Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami Survivors

State Rep. Warren Kampf (R-Chester/Montgomery) has announced that the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has authorized a Summer Turnpike Program for college students.

From a press release issued by Kampf's office:

Several positions are available, including toll, maintenance and clerical. Candidates applying for toll collector positions must be available to work any of the three shifts over a 24-hour period, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. All positions reflect a 40-hour work week and run from May 1 to Sept. 30, is limited to 16 weeks per employee.

The application is available online at http://www.paturnpike.com/pdf/SummerApp.pdf. All applications must be submitted to Representative Kampf's Harrisburg office at 429 Irvis Building, PO Box 202157, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2157.

Governor Corbett: Berks County High School Senior is 'Poetry Out Loud' State Champion

Erick Erickson: Gas Prices Are High Because of Democrats - HUMAN EVENTS

CCRKBA: 'President Can't Tell Gun 'Safety' Advocates from Prohibitionists'

Governor Corbett Signs Two Execution Warrants

Corbett Administration Extends Home Heating Help for Low-Income Families

Newspapers continue to look out for taxpayers.

Sunshine Week is reminder to protect Right-to-Know law - pottsmerc.com

Improved Unemployment Rate Brings Six-Week Reduction in Benefits

Obama leery of tapping oil reserve - Washington Times

Larry Medaglia makes a pretty strong argument about why Berks County voters should elect him Tuesday. He would be part of a GOP majority for the next two years. 11th District residents would have a seat at the table. His opponent would have the least seniority in the minority party.

Berks special election: Medaglia believes his GOP affiliation will help constituents - pottsmerc.com

There's lots of money to be made by scamming the public with global warming. Just look at how rich Al Gore has gotten.

All Aboard the Climate Gravy Train - Iain Murray - National Review Online

Charles Krauthammer: Obama's Social Security Hoax - HUMAN EVENTS

PA Insurance Commissioner: Winter-Related Damage to Vehicles Can Lead to Auto Insurance Questions

Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner: Remember to Change Batteries in Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Alarms When Changing Clocks this Weekend

National Poll Shows Support for Wisconsin Governor

Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) will host a town hall meeting via telephone for residents of the 146th District at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 14.

From a press release issued by Rep. Quigley:

"In light of the recent budget proposal from Gov. Tom Corbett, I am interested to hear what people have to say," Quigley said. "I am hosting this town hall-style conference call to give everyone I represent the opportunity to find out what is going on in Harrisburg and our community and also ask questions without having to leave their home."

At approximately 7 p.m. on March 14, automated calls will be placed to residents of the 146th District inviting them to participate in the hour-long call. Quigley stressed that at any point during the phone call, people will be given the chance to ask questions by pressing *3, and he will try to get to everyone's inquires during the allotted hour.

No wonder it costs $300 million a year to run the Pennsylvania Legislature. Click on the link below to watch an investigative story about how lawmakers spend your money.

Team 4: Thousands Spent On Bibles, Flags Unnecessary For State Lawmakers? - Video - WTAE Pittsburgh

A new website reminding Berks County voters of Democrat Judy Schwank's record of raising taxes has been launched.

The site - 52% Judy Schwank - takes its name from the fact that Schwank voted to raise property taxes by a total of 52% when she was a Berks County Commissioner.

"Judy Schwank Has Experience: She Knows How to Raise Our Taxes" states the website.

In addition to her record of raising taxes, the site also has information about a campaign contribution Schwank took in 2003 from former state Sen. Vince Fumo, who is now serving a federal prison sentence after he was convicted of corruption charges last year.

The site also disputes Schwank's claims of creating jobs while she was a county official.

The Republican candidate for the special election in the 11th Senatorial District (which was held by the late Sen. Mike O'Pake and covers most of Berks County) is Larry Medaglia, the current Register of Wills in Berks County.

The special election will be held Tuesday, March 15.

Check out 52% Judy Schwank here.

From Investor's Business Daily:

More than one-third of all wages and salaries in this country are actually government handouts. We should be alarmed that we've become a nation of dependents.

Editorial: Is America Becoming A Welfare Nation? - Investors.com

Dick Morris has a quick way to bring down gas prices. Suspend the federal tax on a gallon of gas.

Suspend the gas tax - TheHill.com

Pennsylvania Game Commission Releases 2010-11 Deer Harvest Estimates

Another sharp contrast between Ed Rendell and Tom Corbett.

Last year, Gov. Ed Rendell and Democratic lawmakers pushed for a plan to impose the highest severance tax in the nation on Marcellus Shale extraction in Pennsylvania.

The plan was defeated in the Legislature, primarily by Republican lawmakers.

Despite losing the governor's mansion and the majority in the House, Democrats are back again pushing for a tax on Marcellus Shale.

Instead of rushing into a quick decision, Gov. Tom Corbett has appointed a commission headed by Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley to study how Pennsylvania can best protect its natural resources while benefiting from a potential windfall.

From Corbett's Tuesday budget address:

But government is not meant to be the answer for jobs. The private sector is. The Marcellus Shale discovery, a natural resource deposit that rivals the ages of coal and oil, is a great example.

Limited government means not mistaking someone else's property for your own. There has been much pressure to tax the gas being drawn from the Marcellus Shale. The Marcellus is a resource, a source of potential wealth, the foundation of a new economy. Not just something new to tax.

Pennsylvania can become a center not just of resources but a center of the industry that backs up those resources. For every pipe running a mile underground we should have jobs at distribution centers, at refineries, at shipping ports, and the offices and companies that run them.

These resources, by the way, belong to the people who own the mineral rights. Those people are getting their fair share by working out their own leases with the companies doing the drilling. That's how it should be. That's the American way. What Pennsylvanians will gain is the jobs, the spinoffs, and if we don't scare these industries off with new taxes, the follow-up that comes along. You see underneath the Marcellus Shale is another bonanza. It's called the Utica Shale. And where Marcellus promises 50 years of energy the Utica promises riches going into the next century. Let's make Pennsylvania the hub of this boom. Just as the oil companies decided to headquarter in one of a dozen states with oil ... let's make Pennsylvania the Texas of the natural gas boom. I'm determined that Pennsylvania not lose this moment. We have the chance to get it right the first time, the chance to grow our way out of hard days.

Governor Corbett Announces Formation of Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission

Tough Mudder: Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet, Coming to Pennsylvania on April 9 & 10, 2011

New Study Shows Beer Industry Contributes $6.9 Billion Annually to Pennsylvania Economy

PA Supreme Court Upholds PGCB Casino Licensing Decision for Valley Forge Convention Center

Bet you didn't know Pennsylvania had an official state bookstore. Well, it doesn't really matter. It's closing later this month.

PA State Bookstore to Close, Online-Only Sales Planned

Tom Corbett will never be mistaken for Ed Rendell.

His first budget address, delivered Tuesday, was as sharp a contrast as you will get between the slick, polished, media-savvy Ed Rendell and Tom Corbett, a prosecutor who still doesn't feel comfortable in front of large crowds, even after being elected governor of one of the nation's largest states.

Corbett was all business Tuesday as he addressed a joint session of the Pennsylvania Legislature. The subject, digging out of the fiscal mess left behind by Ed Rendell, was a sobering topic.

Corbett tried a couple of funny lines, but his delivery was off. If you're looking for charisma, start changing the channel until you find Charlie Sheen.

Corbett is at his best when he talks straight to fellow Pennsylvanias. It's a refreshing change from "Fast Eddie" Rendell, who had trouble telling the truth.

The Commonwealth Foundation gave Corbett a solid "B" for his message. That's a big improvement considering the same group gave Ed Rendell eight straight "F" grades on his budget addresses.

Here's the CF press release analyzing Corbett's speech:

The Commonwealth Foundation graded Gov. Tom Corbett's budget address a solid B today in its call to end the tax-borrow-and-spend approach to budgeting that placed Pennsylvanian in the present fiscal crisis.

"Unlike the past eight years that earned a fiscal grade of F, this budget puts the taxpayers first and deserves a solid B for not increasing taxes, reducing expenditures, and putting the taxpayers' interests first," said Commonwealth Foundation President and CEO Matthew J. Brouillette. "But much more can be done to limit state government to its core functions and begin reducing Pennsylvania's ranking as the 10th highest tax burden in the nation."

Brouillette praised the governor's call to give taxpayers greater control over school property tax increases above the rate of inflation, but encouraged him to go further. "Act 1 of 2006 failed to control property tax increases, and homeowners are paying for that legislative failure today," said Brouillette. "But we should give taxpayers a say over any and all tax increases. These are the taxpayers' schools and they should decide if they want to pay a penny more for them."

The governor also called for wage rollbacks and salary freezes for state workers who received pay increases while the private sector lost jobs. "Gov. Corbett gave great hope that Pennsylvania can end the inequity between private-sector taxpayers and government employees who enjoys better health care benefits, better pensions, better job security, and an earlier retirement," said Brouillette.

"In calling for ‘collective sacrifices' in the union bargaining process, Gov. Corbett asked state government workers to share in the same economic reality and burdens the taxpayers have every day," said Brouillette. "With 17 of 19 state union contracts set to expire in June, this is a reasonable approach to restoring the balance of power back to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania."

Setting the agenda for greater school choice and expanded privatization to include ending the state monopoly over liquor, Gov. Corbett called for "reality-based budgeting" by changing the budget focus from inputs to outcomes and having government prioritize spending based on well-defined core functions.

"This is a big step in the right direction, but it only slows the runaway tax-borrow-and-spend train that is state government," said Brouillette. "Pennsylvania still has a lot of work to be done, but we are hopeful this governor and this General Assembly will keep the promises they have made to the taxpayers."

To earn an A+, the Commonwealth Foundation recommends the complete elimination of "corporate welfare" programs; a more fiscally conservative revenue projection; reducing welfare fraud and abuse; and better financial planning for the coming pension, retiree health care, and Medicaid funding crises.

From a new column by economist Thomas Sowell exposing some of the biggest myths about today's labor unions:

The biggest myth about labor unions is that unions are for the workers. Unions are for unions, just as corporations are for corporations and politicians are for politicians.

Nothing shows the utter cynicism of the unions and the politicians who do their bidding like the so-called "Employee Free Choice Act" that the Obama administration tried to push through Congress. Employees' free choice as to whether or not to join a union is precisely what that legislation would destroy.

Workers already have a free choice in secret-ballot elections conducted under existing laws. As more and more workers in the private sector have voted to reject having a union represent them, the unions' answer has been to take away secret-ballot elections.

Read the full column at the link below:

Union Myths - HUMAN EVENTS

Remember all that stuff Obama told you he was going to do if you elected him president? Never mind. He didn't really mean any of it. Sucker!

Obama restarts Guantanamo trials | The Daily Caller

Despite efforts by Republicans to curb federal spending, Obama and Congressional Democrats keep on spending money they don't have.

For February, Obama & Co. spend $223 billion more than the the government took in, adding to the astronomical national debt, which now tops $14 trillion.

Biggest Monthly Deficit Ever…

A majority of Americans want to pull the plug on Obamacare, according to a new Rasmussen Reports poll. Just 39% oppose repeal of the law.

Health Care Law: 54% Favor Repeal of Health Care Bill

Rep. Alcee Hastings Sued by Employee for Sexual Harassment: 'Unwelcome Sexual Advances' and 'Unwelcome Touching'

CCRKBA Visiting Miami to Say 'Guns Save Lives'

REAL ID Law Now Delayed a Third Time

Gas price increases are intentional move by Obama - HUMAN EVENTS

State Budget Battles | Democrats Unions Set To Lose If Governors Win | The Daily Caller

Top 10 Public Employee Scandals - HUMAN EVENTS

The Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition, a statewide education finance reform alliance, has endorsed Republican Larry Medaglia in the March 15 special election for the 11th Senatorial District.

In making its endorsement, the PTCC pointed to Medaglia's "unequivocal support for the principles embodied in the previously introduced School Property Tax Elimination Act legislation that will abolish school property taxes for all Pennsylvania homeowners and restructure a crumbling, antiquated education finance system."

Medaglia has pledged to support renewed efforts to eliminate school property taxes if he is elected to the Legislature, the PTCC noted.

"For 30 years, the homeowners of Pennsylvania have been deceived time and time again by phony, unsound property tax relief schemes and false promises of property tax reform," said David Baldinger, spokesman for the PTCC. "Larry Medaglia has taken a definite stance on this vital issue with his pledge to work for the passage of legislation supported by the PTCC that will at last give legitimate, sustainable relief to the homeowners of Pennsylvania through total school property tax elimination."

The PTCC is a member of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations, an alliance of 50 grassroots taxpayer advocacy groups across Pennsylvania dedicated to the equitable education funding reform through the principles and mechanism of the School Property Tax Elimination Act.

For more about the PTCC, visit the group's website.

The people surrounding Gov. Tom Corbett are doing him a disservice by shielding him from the press. Why is he paying a press spokesman who refuses to even return phone calls to the press?

Corbett's staff gets thorn for blocking access to governor - pottsmerc.com

Jim DeMint: Lavish PBS Salaries Means Taxpayer Help Isn't Needed

A really dumb move by Corbett's staff. This was a campaign rally to help a Republican win office. Instead the focus is on Corbett's secrecy and downright rudeness. Sneaking out a backdoor? The local TV station gave the event 15 seconds on the air since Corbett pulled the plug on coverage. The KGB-style actions of Corbett's staff ruined it for all.

Corbett shuts out media; Candidate embarrassed by governor's staff's actions (video) - pottsmerc.com

FRC Praises House Judiciary Committee for Passing the 'No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act'

Libya, Gas Prices, Ken Salazar, and You - HUMAN EVENTS

Whether it's domestic issues or foreign policy, Barack Obama can't get anything right, according to a new Harris Poll.

Americans Give President Obama Negative Ratings on Jobs, Economy, Healthcare, Education and His Handling of the Unrest in the Middle East

Pennsylvania Youths Named National Epilepsy Spokespersons

Legion Laments Supreme Court Ruling on Westboro Protests

19 Percent of Drivers Say They Use the Internet While Driving

Larry Medaglia, the Republican candidate for the vacant 11th State Senate District seat, will be interviewed live online by me at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Go to The Mercury's website and watch the interview to learn more about Medaglia and the issues facing Berks County voters in the March 15 special election.

If you can't watch the interview live, it will be posted on The Mercury's website through March 15 so you can watch it any time.

The Democratic candidate, Judy Schwank, will be interviewed Thursday at 3 p.m.

From a recent op-ed by Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey:

In only the last decade — since 2000 — total federal spending has doubled. Last year's level reached 25 percent of our nation's economy — a post-World War II record and far higher than recent years have averaged. This spending surge has resulted in massive, record-breaking deficits. As recently as 2007, our deficit was only 1.2 percent of our gross domestic product. This year it is more than 10 percent, or $1.6 trillion. Our government is borrowing about 40 cents of every dollar it spends.

Read the full column at the link below:

Congress cannot ignore debt crisis - pottsmerc.com

Sen. John Barrasso: Time to Put Brakes on EPA's Runaway Bureaucrats - HUMAN EVENTS

Governor Corbett Replaces Six Pennsylvania Members Of The Delaware River Port Authority - CBS Philly

Keep in mind we're still operating under Gov. Ed Rendell's budget so Pennsylvania finances are still in the red. The new fiscal year, the first under Republican Gov. Tom Corbett, starts July 1.

Pennsylvania Revenue Department Releases February Collections

'Individual Mandate' in Health Care Reform Law Still Widely Unpopular: Poll

Department of State: Disciplinary Actions Taken Against 40 Licensed, Commissioned Professionals, Organizations

FRC and 60 Pro-Life Groups Send Letters Thanking House of Representatives for Defunding Planned Parenthood

Governor Corbett Appoints New Members to Delaware River Port Authority