Only 40% of Americans approve of President Obama's handling of the economy, according to a new poll.

Economy puts crimp on Obama - TheHill.com

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Praises Chester Community Charter School

Why we were elected to Pa. Legislature - pottsmerc.com

Pennsylvania Department of State: Disciplinary Actions Taken Against 131 Licensed, Commissioned Professionals, Organizations

A Fifth of the Population Went From Being Taxpayers to Tax Recipients | The Weekly Standard

Governor Corbett Announces 2011 Environmental Excellence Awards Winners

The latest Franklin & Marshall College National Poll, produced at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA in partnership with Hearst Television Inc., finds nothing but bad news for Barack Obama, especially his signature legislation, ObamaCare.

Here are key findings courtesy of poll director Dr. Terry Madonna:

· Americans are generally satisfied with how well the current healthcare system meets their needs. More than one in three (36%) says the system meets their needs very well, and another two in five (43%) say it meets their needs pretty well, leaving about one in five (20%) Americans who feel the system is not serving their personal needs. These proportions have not changed since the health care reform law was passed.

· Americans are still divided about reforming the country’s health care system. About half (46%) of adults believe the system works well and needs only minor changes while about the same proportion (45%) believes the system needs a complete overhaul.

· Nearly nine in ten (85%) respondents report the health care they receive is about the same as it was before the health care reform law passed, and three in four (74%) say the reform law has had no effect on them personally.

· More people believe the health care reform law will make the health care system worse (42%) than better (32%) and fewer than one in three (30%) believes the law will bring down the long-run costs of health care.

· Two in five (44%) respondents believe the health care law should be repealed.

· More registered voters say that President Obama is doing only a fair (29%) or poor (29%) job as president than say he is doing an excellent (9%) or good (32%) job.

· More voters disapprove than approve of how President Obama has handled the economy (43% approve, 50% disapprove) and the situation in Libya (39% approve, 43% disapprove).

· More registered voters believe program cuts (30%) rather than tax increases (11%) should be used to balance the budget, but nearly half (46%) of voters believes that both spending cuts and tax increases should be used to balance the budget.

· Registered voters have more confidence in the president's ability to handle the federal budget (54% express confidence) than in Congress’s ability to do so (41% express confidence).

· A majority (54%) of Americans approve of using nuclear power to produce energy, while one third (33%) oppose the use; however, half (50%) oppose building more nuclear power plants, while two in five (42%) would favor doing so.

You can review the full poll findings here.

Three reasons why President Obama finally released his birth certificate

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Names Larry Wittig as Chairman of State Board of Education

NY Times Flubs Timeline of 'Birther' Myth: First Spread by Hillary Clinton Supporters in 2008

A new poll finds 57% of registered voters disapprove of Barack Obama's handling of economy ... and it's getting harder for Obama to keep blaming George W. Bush three years after moving into the White House.

Four in 10 approve of Obama's handling of economy; marks all-time low - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Where is Barack Obama getting his information? From MSNBC?

Factchecking Obama: Birther controversy was 4% of newshole, not 'dominant' story | Poynter

While Democrats and their Big Labor allies continue to insist that throwing more money at the problem is the best way to fix America's failing public education system, the vast majority of Americans disagree.

From a new Rasmussen poll:

Voters overwhelmingly believe that taxpayers are not getting a good return on what they spend on public education, and just one-in-three voters think spending more will make a difference.

Read the full poll results at the link below:

72% Say Taxpayers Not Getting Their Money’s Worth from Public Schools

Governor Corbett Announces Confirmations

State Police: Unwanted Prescription Drugs to Be Collected April 30

So what took him so long?

Obama Trumped, Birth Certificate Released - HUMAN EVENTS

Reporter Carl Hessler Jr. of The Mercury is reporting that retired Whitemarsh Police Chief Eileen W. Behr has been confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate as the new Montgomery County sheriff.

The Republican-controlled Senate voted along party lines (30-20) on Tuesday to confirm Behr's nomination to fill the unexpired term of the late Sheriff John P. Durante, 60, of Conshohocken, who died of a heart attack while in office on Feb. 10, 2010, according to Montgomery County Republican Committee Executive Director Brittany Tressler.

Behr will serve as sheriff for the remainder of 2011. She is the first woman to hold the position.

Behr, 54, of Lafayette Hill, is the endorsed GOP candidate in the May 17 primary. Her opponent for the Republican primary nomination is Robert J. Durante, 58, of Norristown, a retired 33-year veteran of the sheriff's department. (Durante is no relation to the late Sheriff Durante).

The winner of the GOP nomination will face Democrat William A. Holt Jr., 65, a retired detective sergeant with the Abington Police Department. He is the only Democrat running for sheriff.

Democratic Party bosses have been whining that Behr now has an unfair advantage because she will hold the office of sheriff for the rest of the year. The very same party bosses had no problems when Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell appointed Democrats to fill vacancies over the past eight years.

A sad day for Barack Obama ... Hubert "Hub" Schlafly, the man credited with inventing the teleprompter, has died at age 91. You could argue there would never have been a President Obama without the invention of the teleprompter.

Why is Facebook working so hard to get Barack Obama re-elected? Will Facebook give Republican candidates equal access to its users?

A Petition for Equal Time On Facebook - HUMAN EVENTS

Barack Obama wants American consumers to pay $6-$7 for a gallon of gas just like his socialist friends in Europe now do.

It’s Hard Out Here For A Pump - By Mark Steyn - The Corner - National Review Online

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has signed his first bill into law - the repeal of the Nanny State requirement for sprinklers in all new residential construction in Pennsylvania.

The repeal should help the state's struggling construction industry.

Corbett Signs Bill Repealing Sprinkler Mandate

Governor Corbett Announces Distribution of Red Light Enforcement Grants for Transportation Projects

FDA Seeks Permanent Injunction Against Pennsylvania Dairy Over Sale of Raw Milk

The Embarrassed Superpower - Rich Lowry - National Review Online

Presidential Proclamations are issued for all sorts of events, so you'd think acknowledging the most important holiday on the Christian calendar would be a no-brainer.

But this is the Obama White House we're dealing with here.

Somewhere between issuing proclamations for "Cesar Chavez Day" and "Earth Day," the Obama White House failed to recognize Easter.

Easter | White House | Proclamation | The Daily Caller

Pennsylvania State Police: Two Killed, 196 Injured in Easter Driving Period Crashes

CCRKBA 'Guns Save Lives' Billboard Truck to Be in Pittsburgh

You'd be unhappy, too, if you were Barack Obama and had to run for re-election after your dismal record as president.

The Unhappy President

It's us agains them - taxpayers vs. public sector unions - and the Big Labor will stop at nothing to continue fleecing taxpayers.

From an editorial in The Pittsburgh Tritube-Review:

Big Labor's incessant bellyaching over having to give up anything -- while cash-strapped state governments have nothing left to give -- has reached a retching new low: a threat from a Michigan union honcho to weaponize government jobs.

Read the full editorial - "Weaponizing' public service: Big labor's threat" - at the newspaper's website.

The First Adult -- AWOL

See if you can guess how many times Al Gore made the list.

Top 10 Environmental Scams - HUMAN EVENTS

This might offend anyone on the far let, but Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Deal with it.

Easter Bunny, events renamed 'spring' to avoid offending anyone

What did Barack Obama do on the one-year anniversary of his administration's biggest environmental disaster? Ignore it, of course.

Republican rips Obama for visiting Facebook but not the Gulf Coast - The Hill's Floor Action

Pat Buchanan says Barack Obama reminds him a lot of Herbert Hoover, the president who sat back and watched the Great Depression strike because he couldn't take action.

Barack Hussein Hoover? - HUMAN EVENTS

State Board Preserves Additional 2,069 Acres of Prime Farmland

Negative Job Ratings for President Obama and Congress

Pennsylvania State Police Make Record Number of DUI Arrests in 2010

Pennsylvania State Police Make Arrests, Capture Fugitives in Four-Day Crackdown

Pretty bad for Democrats when someone as bland as Mitt Romney is tied with Obama going into the 2012 presidential election.

Poll: Obama at 46 percent to Romney's 45 - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Governor Corbett Announces $134 Million Investment in Water Infrastructure Projects in 21 Counties

Pennsylvania State Police Teams Inspect Trucks on Rural, Non-Interstate Roads

The Obama State-Run Media Just Doing Its Job Of Protecting Their Fearless Leader.

CONFIRMED: CBS Editors Refuse To Release Full Audio Of Obama Hot Mic Recording!

I wonder if Planned Parenthood is using tax dollars to run its campaign to oust members of Congress who want to cut taxpayer funding for the nation's largest abortion provider.

Planned Parenthood ads target lawmakers over defunding votes - The Hill's Healthwatch

The non-partisan FactCheck.org says Barack Obama has been lying about the Republican plan to reduce the federal deficit.

FactChecking Obama's Budget Speech

Unions collected over $8.8 billion in dues last year. Most of it went to union bosses and Democratic politicians instead of helping workers.

Check out this post at RedState.com - One Year's Worth Of Union Dues Could Support 265,447 U.S. Workers For A Year

Despite a massive propaganda campaign by the education establishment and its Democratic allies in the state Legislature, the majority of Pennsylvania residents support school choice.

New Poll Shows Strong Statewide Support for School Choice Legislation

Pennsylvania DEP Calls on Natural Gas Drillers to Stop Giving Treatment Facilities Wastewater

Trump Versus the Club for Growth - HUMAN EVENTS

The chancellor of Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities is OK with pay raises for 1,500 nonunion administrators, including himself, despite threats by university presidents to raise tuition dramatically or cut back programs.

Let this be a lesson to you college kids: When it comes to lining their own pockets, the folks living in the Ivory Towers come first.

Daily Journal - Pa. university system chancellor defends administrators' raises, despite looming deficit

William A. Rusher, a leading voice of the conservative movement for more than 50 years, has died at age 87.

Rusher spent 31 years as publisher of National Review, and wrote a syndicated column that was published in hundreds of newspapers, including The Mercury.

Statement by Richard Viguerie on the Death of Bill Rusher

Citizen Group: Tax Day a Time for Congress to Stay Focused on Cutting Spending

CBS Rues Unfairness of Rich Not Paying Enough Without Noting More Than a Third of Americans Pay Nothing

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Releases Table Game Revenue Figures For March

School notices plan: Curbing right to know in the guise of thrift - pottsmerc.com

Congressman Jim Gerlach Joins United Sports to Unveil Expansive Solar and Hydro Energy Project

After three years of Obamanomics, the day of reckoning is approaching. There are consequences when you raise the national debt by $4 trillion in less than three years.

Standard & Poor's lowers U.S. debt rating to negative

Pennsylvania residents are still waiting to see the "substantial property tax relief" promised by former Gov. Ed Rendell when he signed the bill in 2005 to bring casino gambling to the Keystone State.

The average statewide property tax reduction for each Pennsylvania household in 2011 is expected to be about $200. You call that property tax relief?

Budget Secretary Certifies $776.2 Million for Statewide Property Tax Relief

The government will soon decide what your child eats. It's starting in Chicago but will spread across the entire nation. Michelle Obama will soon become the nation's Lunch Lady.

Bill O'Reilly: School Lunch Madness

A new survey has found that Democratic politicians are far more likely to cheat on their taxes.

America's Tax Cheating Politicians

Obama: Tax cuts offset gas-price pinch - The Hill's E2-Wire

John Hayward is waiting for liberal elites to put their money where they mouths are:

The great attraction of liberalism is the sanctimony it supplies to true believers. It lets them feel like they're better people, by imposing their morality on lesser beings through compulsive force. This is built right into the name of the "Patriotic Millionaires," which implies that any wealthy person who opposes higher taxes is unpatriotic. Making other people struggle with higher taxes is worth whatever they would have to pay their accountants to dodge the tax increases they advocate. Of course, since a lot of these liberal millionaires have their wealth tucked into assets that would not be taxed, and report relatively little taxable income, they're automatically protected from the burdens they demand on high income.

The Government Owns Your Prosperity - HUMAN EVENTS

A reality check for Barack Obama and the "tax the rich" crowd. The richest Americans are paying more than their share.

Tax Burden of Top 1% Now Exceeds That of Bottom 95%

FRC Praises the House for Defunding Planned Parenthood and Obama Health Law

I'm tired of rich liberals saying I should pay more taxes so Barack Obama has more money to spend. If they feel so strongly about giving more of their income to the government, there's nothing stopping them from doing it other than their own hypocrisy. Put your money where your mouth is.

From the Treasury Department website:

How do I make a contribution to the U.S. government?

Citizens who wish to make a general donation to the U.S. government may send contributions to a specific account called "Gifts to the United States." This account was established in 1843 to accept gifts, such as bequests, from individuals wishing to express their patriotism to the United States. Money deposited into this account is for general use by the federal government and can be available for budget needs. These contributions are considered an unconditional gift to the government. Financial gifts can be made by check or money order payable to the United States Treasury and mailed to the address below.

Gifts to the United States
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Credit Accounting Branch
3700 East-West Highway, Room 622D
Hyattsville, MD 20782

You see what happens when you put Republicans in charge? Pennsylvania's economy is rebounding after eight disastrous years under Gov. Ed Rendell.

Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: March 2011

Proposed Gettysburg Casino Location Rejected by Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

Governor Corbett Announces Recent Nominations, Appointments

FRC Commends 7th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling On National Day of Prayer

Tony Phyrillas, The Mercury's award-winning political columnist and blogger, will be the featured speaker at the Sixth Annual Healthy Lifestyles Expo Friday, April 15, at Montgomery County Community College, 101 College Drive, in Pottstown.

Phyrillas, pictured here with state Rep. Tom Quigley, R-Montgomery, will be taking part in a Q-and-A from 11 a.m.-11.:45 a.m., followed immediately by a free lunch. (Get there early for a seat; last year, 570 lunches were served.)

The Expo, co-sponsored by state Rep. Quigley, Montgomery County Community College, the TriCounty Community Network and The Mercury, runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Other Expo highlights include caricatures by Alan MacBain, musical performances by the Pottstown Middle School Woodwinds Ensemble and Pottstown High School Show Choir, as well as five cash drawings for $100 each.

Dozens of vendors will have services and equipment on display. All programs, health screenings, demonstrations and entertainment are free to the public.

The results of Barack Obama's economic policies: A nation dependent on government handouts.

From USA Today: Only 45.4% of Americans had jobs in 2010, the lowest rate since 1983 and down from a peak of 49.3% in 2000. Last year, just 66.8% of men had jobs, the lowest on record.

More Americans leaving workforce - USATODAY.com

Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason released the following statement today in response to President Obama's budget address:

"Last year, Democrats controlled the White House, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House, and they still couldn't pass a budget on time. Now, President Obama wants a budget do-over, filled with tax hikes and more spending. It has become clear that what we really need is an election do-over to get a real, fiscally responsible leader in the White House. Pennsylvanians are not only fed up with government spending, we are tired of having a President who hides from tackling tough issues for months on end, and in the final hour swoops in with a pretty speech. We don't need rhetoric, we need leadership," Gleason said.

"It's clear to everyone except the President that our country doesn't have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem. Republicans have stepped up to fill the leadership void by offering solutions to shrink the deficit without succumbing to tax hikes, which will only fuel our addiction to Washington's spending problem rather than helping curb it. In Gov. Tom Corbett, we now have this type of courageous leadership in Harrisburg, and we now need the same from Washington."

Governor Corbett Announces Confirmations

Add children's book author to Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman's extensive resume.

"The Mouse Who Went Surfing Alone" is designed to help educate children (and parents) about the dangers of browsing online.

All proceeds of the book will benefit Mission Kids, a local non-profit organization aimed at easing the criminal justice process for abused children.

The book will debut at Mission Kid's annual fundraising event, Mission Possible, held at the Merion Tribute House on April 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. People can purchase the book at the event or online at www.missionkidscac.org

Pennsylvania District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman Writes Children's Book To Help Parents Discuss Online Safety

PennDOT Secretary Urges Motorists to Focus on Driving, Avoid Distractions

Typical move by Barack Obama. Planned Parenthood is an activist organization that helps elect Democratic candidates (in addition to pushing abortion.)

Planned Parenthood | Obama cuts $600 million from Community Health Centers while protecting Planned Parenthood | The Daily Caller

Americans and their Families Need Simpler Tax Laws, AICPA Tells Congress

The first female police chief in Montgomery County history could soon make more history as the county's first female Sheriff.

Gov. Tom Corbett has nominated Eileen Whalon Behr, retired Whitemarsh Police Chief, to serve as Montgomery County Sheriff for the remainder of 2011.

If confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate, Behr will fill the office of the late Sheriff John P. Durante, who passed away in February 2010.

Behr will also receive a tremendous boost toward a full four-year term as Sheriff. She is one of two Republicans seeking the party's nomination to run for Sheriff in November.

The other GOP candidate is Robert J. Durante, who is no relation to the late Sheriff Durante, but should receive a lot of support because of confusion over the name. The Democratic candidate, William A. Holt Jr., is running unopposed in the primary.

Behr is the endorsed candidate of the Montgomery County Republican Committee.

"Chief Behr has dedicated her life to public service. During her tenure as Chief of Police in the Whitemarsh Police Department, she has made it one of the premiere departments in the County," Montgomery County Republican Committee Chairman Bob Kerns said. "She has distinguished herself in the field of law enforcement, as well as in the community."

Behr began her career as a police dispatcher with the Whitemarsh Police Department at the age of 19, and has held several positions within the department over the past 35 years – patrol, traffic safety and accident investigation, juvenile detective, detective sergeant, and chief of police, the first female chief in Montgomery County.

Game Commissioners Adopt 2011-12 Seasons and Bag Limits

Obamacare's $200 million propaganda campaign revealed | Conn Carroll | Beltway Confidential | Washington Examiner

The Valley Forge Patriots is sponsoring a Tax Day Tea Party Rally in Phoenixville, from 5 to 7 PM on Friday, April 15, at the corner of Bridge and Main Streets.

"We are urging folks to come out and join us," said Betty Dunkel of the Valley Forge Patriots. "We need to let our legislators know that we are Taxed Enough Already and they need to reduce taxes and cut spending."

The Valley Forge Patriots are a conservative political education and action group that meets the second Friday of every month at PJ Ryans in Phoenixville. The group welcomes new members who are interested in learning the Constitution, holding elected officials accountable, and believe in smaller government and personal responsibility.

Contact Betty Dunkel at 610 933-2015 or go to our MeetUp site at www.meetup.com/vfp-teaparty09/ for more information.

A Tea Party Rally sponsored by the Chester County Liberty Alliance will take place on Saturday, April 16, at 3 PM on the Courthouse steps in West Chester.

Pennsylvania State Archives to Host Open House on April 18

The reason the national debt is $14 Trillion - and counting - is because you're not paying enough taxes, according to this liberal commentator.

CNBC's Erin Burnett on National Debt: 'The Problem is Our Revenue'

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Tuesday approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) to limit the ability of welfare applicants to shop for higher benefit amounts in neighboring counties.

The legislation would require the Department of Public Welfare to base benefit amounts on an applicant's county of permanent legal residence, according to Quigley.

From a Quigley press release:

"For the past eight years our welfare system has been a leaky faucet, but House Republicans are getting out the wrench and turning off the tap," said Quigley. "Our taxpayers could never afford this lack of oversight into state funds, but especially during this budget crisis, it is imperative that we account for every single dollar the hard-working citizens of this Commonwealth send to state government."

Quigley's House Bill 1261 was introduced as part of the House Republican's WelFAIR package, which will restore fairness, accountability, integrity and responsibility to welfare programs. Other bills in the package include:

· House Bill 1297, which would institute drug testing for applicants convicted of a drug felony within the past five years.

· House Bill 1251, which would increase penalties for welfare fraud.

· House Bill 1254, which would prohibit the purchase of tobacco products with Access cards.

· House Bill 392, which would require photo identification on welfare benefit cards.

· House Bill 960, which would create an Income Eligibility Verification System.

· House Bill 1301, which would implement new guidelines and restrictions on the existing Medical Assistance Transportation Program.

· House Bill 1312, which would assist people in moving from welfare to work with job transition loans, rather than the current grant program.

"Public funds should be held to the highest scrutiny and strictest standards – that is what our taxpayers deserve," said Quigley. "We must ensure that the people using Access cards are those for whom benefits are intended, that the people receiving assistance meet all eligibility requirements and that taxpayer dollars are not being spent to purchase drugs or tobacco. I am proud to be a part of this effort, and I am hopeful these bills will make their way to the governor's desk soon."

House Bill 1261 will now go to the Senate for consideration. The House also approved House Bills 960 and 1251.

More information about Quigley and the WelFAIR package are available at RepQuigley.com

API Responds to Bunk Study on Natural Gas

New York City Ranks Top in the First Ever "American Cities of the Future" Ranking

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Commends Lawmakers Efforts to End Lawsuit Abuse

Why Illegal Immigrants' Favorite Day is April 15

A major reform to Pennsylvania's legal system has been approved by the state House by a 112-88 vote.

House Bill 1, also known as the "Fair Share Act," ensures that defendants in lawsuits pay their fair share of monetary damages instead of the entire award of damages. Pennsylvania is one of only nine states without a "Fair Share Act" on the books.

"This simple, reasonable and responsible lawsuit abuse reform will help put an end to deep pocket frivolous lawsuits and is a necessity if we want to improve Pennsylvania's economic and health care climate," said House Majority Leader Mike Turzai. "The current system is susceptible to abuse by plaintiff lawyers seeking co-defendants with deep pockets such as large employers, hospitals or state and local governments."

The Fair Share Act eliminates joint liability for defendants in civil cases found to be less than 60 percent liable and implements a system of comparative responsibility in which a defendant is responsible for paying only his fair share of the damages, according to Turzai.

"That means if a party is responsible for 10 percent of the fault, that party would be accountable for paying only 10 percent of the total award. Under current law, the doctrine of joint and several liability establishes that a defendant in a multi-defendant civil case may be required to pay damages associated with the actions of its co-defendants."

All but three of the 112 Republicans in the House voted yes on HB 1 and they were joined by three Democrats to pass it.

HB 1, sponsored by Rep. Curt Schroder of Chester County now goes to the Senate for approval. Gov. Tom Corbett promised while campaigning last year to sign a lawsuit abuse reform bill if the Legislature sends it to him.

PA State Rep. Curt Schroder - Schroder's Fair Share Act Wins House Approval

See related editorial at The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review website.

Federal Budget Debates Should Never Affect Troops' Paychecks

April 18 Is Deadline to Register to Vote in Pennsylvania's May Primary

Sen. Obama voted against raising the debt limit in 2006. President Obama wants Congress to raise the debt limit so he can spend more money.

500 Civil War Soldiers and Civilians March in Philadelphia to Commemorate 150th Anniversary of the War

From The Associated Press investigative report on the Pennsylvania Legislature:

By any measure, it is one of the largest in the nation. A 2009 study by the National Conference of State Legislatures ranked Pennsylvania’s legislative branch second in total spending (behind California), second in per capita spending (Alaska), and second in spending as a percentage of general government operations (Nevada).

The NCSL said Pennsylvania employs about one of every 11 state legislative employees in the nation, with barely 4 percent of the country’s population.

Pa. legislative staff size makes for budget target - pottsmerc.com

Most of the members of Congress from Pennsylvania earned "F" grades from the National Taxpayers Union for their 2010 votes.

Pa. has few taxpayer friends in Congress - pottsmerc.com

Top 10 Reasons Eric Holder Should Not Be Attorney General - HUMAN EVENTS

Some of the more conservative members of Congress don't think the budget deal is good enough. Cutting $39 billion from Obama's current spending plan is a drop in the bucket when the projected budget deficit this year is $1.5 trillion.

Rep. Allen West will vote no on budget deal - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Liberals are on the attack against another Christian holiday.

Seattle School Renames Easter Eggs as 'Spring Spheres'

Republican Congressman Jim Gerlach (PA-6th District) issued the following statement Saturday after an agreement was announced on cutting spending by $38.5 billion over the next six months:

"Eliminating wasteful Washington spending and erasing crippling budget deficits are critical to creating jobs and getting our country moving forward. The historic spending cuts contained in this agreement represent a responsible first step toward ending the borrowing and spending binge of the last two years. This agreement also means that our brave men and women in the military who are getting their jobs done in Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world will not miss a paycheck. Our work is not finished. I look forward to enacting real solutions for eliminating unnecessary spending and creating an environment where job creators here in the 6th District can hire workers and thrive."

Republican Congressman Joe Pitts (R-16th) released the following statement late Friday after a budget deal to keep the government open was struck.

"While I'm disappointed that this was so difficult, I am glad that the House and Senate have reached an agreement to keep the government open. Our troops will be funded for the rest of the year, and there will not be a lapse in important services. We have made real cuts to the federal budget, but we will have to work harder still to get our budget under control."

Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement late Friday on Senate passage of legislation averting a government shutdown:

"I supported this short-term spending bill because Congress has finally acknowledged that it can no longer keep kicking the can down the road and a compromise has been reached for fiscal year 2011 funding. I am pleased that a government shutdown has been averted tonight and look forward to carefully reviewing the fiscal year 2011 spending bill when it arrives in the Senate. Hopefully, we can soon get back to addressing the nation’s pressing issues such as private sector job creation, gas prices, the debt limit, and a fiscally responsible budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

I received a press release Friday from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee saying Republican are pushing their "radical social agenda" by pulling federal funding from Planned Parenthood, which provides "a variety of health care services," including flu vaccines and cholesterol screening.

How stupid do Democrats think the American people are?

When was the last time anyone went to Planned Parenthood for a flu shot?

Planned Parenthood is the biggest provider of taxpayer-funded abortions in the United States. End of discussion.

The far left is taking credit for driving Glenn beck from his daily one-hour program on FOX, but Bill O'Reilly sees things differently:

"But it is Glenn Beck who will have the last laugh. His media empire is now so expansive, he doesn't need the daily grind of TV news analysis. The guy has a hot website, The Blaze, has a syndicated radio program, even has an imprint at a prestigious publishing house. Plus, his speaking fees could considerably reduce the national debt."

Bill O'Reilly: Bill's Column - The Beck Factor

The reason we are facing a budget shutdown today is because the cowardly Democrats who controlled both chambers of Congress in 2010 refused to adopt a federal budget because they were afraid of the consequences of taking the U.S. deeper into debt. They lost the House and dropped six Senate seats anyway in November.

Paul Ryan Says Democrats Flee 'Adult Conversation' on Budget - HUMAN EVENTS

PA Sate Rep. Richard Saccone:

"Let's stop demagoguing potential tuition hikes and consider addressing the real culprit: salaries, benefits and the sheer numbers of faculty and administration needed to run our state-related universities."

Real culprit in rising higher education costs - pottsmerc.com

Gasoline prices have doubled since Barack Obama took office. Imagine the outcry from the libeal media if George W. Bush was in the White House.

Gasoline up 100% under Obama - Washington Times

Barack Obama is losing support among his base as his disastrous policies of the past two years continue to take their toll on the middle class.

Gallup: Obama Approval Slips Among Blacks, Hispanics in March

The Decline of Western Civilization Continues. An entire generation has these three idiots as role models.

MTV Announces Two 'Jersey Shore' Spinoffs Featuring Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi, Paul 'DJ Pauly D' Delvecchio and Jenni 'JWoww' Farley

Jim Adams, president of the Offshore Marine Service Association, has a message for Barack Obama, whose failed energy policies have driven gas prices to record levels across the United States:

"President Obama has long since forgotten Gulf workers, who are suffering as his administration chokes off new permits for offshore drilling. Now other Americans can rightly wonder whether he has forgotten about them too. Maybe if President Obama had to fill his car each week he'd understand the pain that all Americans are feeling now.

"It doesn't take a Nobel Prize winner to understand that when you don't permit new drilling, you're going to find less oil and prices will rise. It's time for President Obama to level with the American people and admit that his policies are designed to increase prices for oil so demand will decline.

You Don't Need a Nobel Prize to Know Less Oil Means Higher Prices

From a Rasmussen Reports poll: 72% of voters now say the country is heading down the wrong track, tying the highest level measured since early January 2009.

Read the full poll results here.

Lt. Governor Cawley Announces Marcellus Shale Work Group Meetings

Check out Obama's rambling, incoherent talk about rising gas prices (which are not his fault, by the way). The solution is to switch to electric cars and natural gas cars, he says.)

When Obama says something stupid, the state-run media tends to downplay it. Imagine if George W. Bush had said the same thing during a speech.

The Associated Press covers up yet another Obama gaffe | The Daily Caller

If unions no longer work to improve the lives of their members, why do they exist?

Ann Coulter has the answer:

Ann Coulter on the vicious cycle: "The high salaries and magnificent benefits paid to government employees are used to fund the public sector unions, which then funnel a portion of that money back to the Democrats, who vote for the pay packages of government workers. The unions function as a pass-through from the taxpayers straight to Democrats running for re-election."

Thanks For Raising My Taxes - What Else Can I Do For You? - HUMAN EVENTS

The third annual Environment Awareness and Resource Expo is coming to Limerick Township Community Park, Swamp Pike and Ziegler Road, Limerick, on Sunday, April 10.

Sponsored by Sen. John C. Rafferty Jr., R-44th, Rep. Mike Vereb, R-150th, and Limerick Township, the Expo will feature a diverse group of organizations, ranging from national, state and local environmental groups, state agencies and energy producers to auto dealers, organic farmers and others, who have made a commitment to encourage a positive environmental stewardship through action and community interaction.

From a press release issued by Rafferty's office:

Sen. Rafferty and Karen Hegedus, Limerick's director of parks and recreation, encourage both township residents and any resident of the 44th Senatorial District, to attend and learn more about how to help preserve our natural resourced and in the process save money.

"We have a diverse group of vendors, service providers, community organizations and entertainers who have expressed a willingness to participate either as an exhibitor or a sponsor of the event," Sen. Rafferty said. "Each has made a commitment to encourage a positive environmental stewardship."

"This expo is a wonderful opportunity for residents to learn more about alternative energy options and ways we can all be more environmentally friendly in our daily lives," Rep. Vereb said.

The event, which will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., is free to the public, and is expected to feature more than 40 vendors and attract a diverse group of people, from families to students and environmental clubs, educating guests on how individuals and communities can positively impact the environment.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden think you should pay more in taxes. After all, who knows better about whether you can afford to keep funding their massive growth of the federal government?

64% Say Americans Are Overtaxed, Political Class Disagrees

Having trouble paying $4 for a gallon of gas thanks to Obama's refusal to allow drilling for more oil in the U.S.? Too bad.

Obama in Bucks County: Little short-term help for gas prices - delcotimes.com

State Rep. David M. Maloney, R-130th Dist., will open his Boyertown district office on Saturday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of the Building a Better Boyertown "Coming out of Hibernation Celebration" held on East Philadelphia Avenue between Chestnut and Washington streets.

The annual spring event offers the public a variety of sports-themed games, a moon bounce for younger children, a chili cook-off and more.

As part of the occasion, Rep. Maloney's office will be open to constituents for information and to speak with him about state government issues.

"This is a great event and has become a tradition in Boyertown just like the Sidewalk Sale is in June." Maloney said. "Our office is in the middle of Boyertown so we can be part of the community and events like these help us to be accessible to people."

Maloney’s office is located at 46 E. Philadelphia Ave. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

AT&T Expands Mobile Broadband Coverage at Pottstown Limerick Airport

State Police Issue 790 Citations to Trucks Carrying Hazardous Materials

An outfit called the Institute for Economics and Peace has released the inaugural United States Peace Index, ranking the 50 states based on their levels of peace.

The U.S. Peace Index shows Maine is the most peaceful U.S. state, while Louisiana is ranked the least peaceful.

New York, California and Texas recorded the highest increases in peace since 1991, while North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana saw the largest declines, according to the report.

Pennsylvania ranked in the middle, finishing 21st on the Peace Index.

United States Peace Index: Maine Most Peaceful, Louisiana Least Peaceful State in the Nation

Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason released the following statement regarding the announcement of Barack Obama's re-election campaign:

"With the launch of what may be the first billion dollar campaign in history, Barack Obama is stocking his campaign coffers while Pennsylvania families are forced to fund his massive liberal tax and spend agenda. All the while, his big government policies have failed to jumpstart our economy and thousands of hardworking Pennsylvanians are still looking for work. After a first term defined by prolonged joblessness and record setting debt, Obama's promise of 'hope' and 'change' have only resulted in people 'hoping' to get a job and clinging to the 'change' left in their pockets.

"There is no doubt that Pennsylvania will be the eye of the storm for the 2012 Presidential election. Barack Obama is not popular with Pennsylvania voters who are disenchanted with his agenda, know the federal stimulus failed and believe Obamacare is the worst piece of legislation to ever make its way out of Washington, D.C. The Republican Party of Pennsylvania is committed to delivering Pennsylvania’s 20 electoral votes to our Republican presidential nominee next year."

NSBA Applauds Passage of 1099 Repeal, Urges President to Sign Bill

From a new study by the Center for Immigration Studies:

The states where overall welfare use by immigrant households with children (legal and illegal) have the highest welfare use rates are Arizona (62 percent); Texas, California, and New York (61 percent); Pennsylvania (59 percent); Minnesota and Oregon (56 percent); and Colorado (55 percent).

Study Finds High Welfare Use by Immigrants

Who would you rather see in the White House after 2012? Tired Washington insiders Barack Obama and Joe Biden or two of the smartest young political figures in the nation in Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio?

Ryan-Rubio 2012 | The Weekly Standard

Public Employees Double Dip in Retirement

In about-face, mastermind of 9/11 attacks to face military tribunal - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Family Research Council Praises U.S. Supreme Court for Upholding Parents' Rights, Religious Liberty in Education

The National Taxpayers Union has released its 32nd annual Rating of Congress, which grades lawmakers on every roll call vote affecting fiscal policy to determine which members of Congress are "Taxpayers' Friends" and which ones are "Big Spenders."

The 2010 rankings are based on 165 House and 142 Senate votes, according to the 362,000-member NTU, a nonpartisan, nonprofit citizens group that promotes lower taxes and smaller government.

Here are the grades issued to Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation:

Democrats
Sen. Bob Casey Jr. - F
Sen. Arlen Specter - F
Rep. Jason Altmire - D
Rep. Bob Brady - F
Rep. Chris Carney - F
Rep. Mark Critz - F
Rep. Chaka Fattah - F
Rep. Tim Holden - D
Rep. Paul Kanjorksi - F
Rep. Patrick Murphy - F
Rep. Allyson Schwartz - F
Rep. Joe Sestak - F
Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper - F
Rep. Mike Doyle - F

Republicans
Rep. Glenn Thompson - B
Rep. Jim Gerlach - C+
Rep. Tim Murphy - C+
Rep. Todd Platts - C+
Rep. Joe Pitts - B+
Rep. Bill Schuster - B+
Rep. Charlie Dent - C+

From a press releases issued by NTU:

Between 2009 and 2010, the average "Taxpayer Score" in the House rose from 38 percent to 42 percent. The Senate's average increased from 39 percent to 45 percent. The Senate had an all-time low of 28 percent in 1988 (the House hit bottom that same year, at 27 percent). The highest marks were reached in 1995, when House and Senate averages were 58 percent and 57 percent, respectively.

In 2010, 79 lawmakers attained scores sufficient for an "A" grade and hence were eligible for the "Taxpayers' Friend Award" – an increase from the 55 who earned top grades in 2009. Meanwhile, 264 Senators and Representatives captured the title of "Big Spender" for posting "F" grades – just three shy of the 2009 record.

Rep. Jeff Flake continued his record streak as "Taxpayers' Best Friend" in the House (scoring 97 percent), holding on to that distinction for an eighth consecutive year. Not to be out-done, Sens. John McCain and Sam Brownback posted the highest score NTU has ever recorded coming in at 99.5 percent.

On the other end of the scale, five lawmakers had scores that rounded to a rock-bottom 2 percent: Reps. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), and Gary Ackerman (D-NY) in the House; and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Carl Levin (D-MI) in the Senate.

The 2010 Rating and a searchable Rating database dating back to 1992 is available at www.ntu.org

Pennsylvania slot machine revenues was up 7% in March compared to the same time last year.

Pennsylvania Slots Revenue Figures Released for March

Governor Corbett Announces Pennsylvania to Receive $105 Million to Help Homeowners Facing Threat of Foreclosure

Corbett budget offers a new path for Pa. - pottsmerc.com

Family Research Council Praises U.S. Supreme Court for Upholding Parents' Rights, Religious Liberty in Education

Pennsylvania Revenue Department Extends Hours to Help Late-Season Tax Filers

George Soros is a shadowy billionaire who funds the Democratic Party and its liberal media allies. He is a socialist who wants to transform America.

Top 10 Reasons George Soros Is Dangerous - HUMAN EVENTS

Democrats still haven't figured out that voters sent a message last November. A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters nationwide say they would vote for their district's Republican congressional candidate, while 39% would choose the Democrat instead.

Generic Congressional Ballot

New Poll: Who Gets Blamed if the Government Shuts Down?

A fact the liberal media won't report about our Nobel Peace Prize-winning president: 858 U.S. Soldiers killed in Afghan War Since Obama Took Office

60% of U.S. Military Deaths in Afghanistan Have Occurred Since Obama Was Inaugurated in 2009 | CNSnews.com

Obama's Record So Far:

* 26 Months Straight Of High Unemployment Above 8 Percent
* Nearly 1 In 7 Americans Are Living Below The Poverty Line
* Over 43 Million Americans Are On Food Stamps
* One-Third Of Income In America Comes From Welfare
* Record Number Of Home Foreclosures

From an editorial in today's edition of The Mercury calling for a reduction in the size of the Pennsylvania Legislature:

Pennsylvania's Legislature became large as a result of movement to prevent corruption by business interests. Over the years, the corruption has come from within.

The time has come to clean up Harrisburg, starting with downsizing the Legislature. Cuts are coming down across the board in Pennsylvania — they should come at the top as well.

Read the full editorial here.

Pennsylvania spent more than it took in during the month of March, adding to the budget deficit for the current fiscal year, which runs until June 30.

The state has spent $233 million more than it has taken in since the fiscal year began last July 1.

Keep in mind that the current budget is the one signed by former Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell.

Republican Tom Corbett inherited Rendell's mess, but Corbett needs to do more to stop the bleeding.

Revenue Department Releases March Collections

FRC Praises Ways and Means Committee for Passing 'No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act,' Urges Quick Floor Action

A Jobless Recovery: For Those in the Construction Industry, Depression-Like Conditions Remain

Governor Corbett Praises New Troopers at State Police Graduation Event

Next time Barack Obama or one of his minions says there's no problem with border security between Mexico and the U.S., show them this story.

Mexican man entered U.S. illegally 10 times - timesherald.com