Friday, December 31, 2010

Ezra Klein Laments 'Confusing' Nature of Our Old Constitution

WashPost's Ezra Klein Laments 'Confusing' Nature of Our Old Constitution

Olbermann Continues Losing Viewers

Open Thread: Olbermann Continues Losing Viewers

Aaron Sorkin: Palin is ‘Idiot’ and ‘Mean Woman,’Republicans ‘Have Moved into a Mental Institution’

Aaron Sorkin: Palin is ‘Idiot’ and ‘Mean Woman,’Republicans ‘Have Moved into a Mental Institution’

Rep. Vereb calls for jail time for Sunshine Act violators

Elected officials routinely thumb their nose at the Pennsylvania Sunshine Law and conduct the public's business behind closed doors because they know the only punishment is a slam on the wrist. A little jail time might get thim to think twice about breaking the law, especially you school board members out there.

Vereb calls for jail time for Sunshine Act violators - timesherald.com

Larry Elder: Who's blaming Obama for high gas prices?

Larry Elder: Who's blaming Obama for high gas prices? | Washington Examiner

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Bob Hope defines the Democrats

Time Mag Headline 'Holiday Blizzard: More Signs of Global Warming'

Time Mag Headline 'Holiday Blizzard: More Signs of Global Warming'

PennDOT Announces Year-End Contracting Results

PennDOT Announces Year-End Contracting Results

Senate Ethics Committee Will Not Punish Senator Dodd for Corrupt Real Estate Deal

Senate Ethics Committee Will Not Punish Senator Dodd for Corrupt Real Estate Deal; Dismisses Judicial Watch's Senate Ethics Complaint as Dodd's Term Ends

Obama's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year

Obama's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year - pottsmerc.com

Cleaning up Ed Rendell's mess

Amazing how much damage Ed Rendell has done to Pennsylvania over the past 8 years. Despite $8 billion in new spending and billions more in borrowing, Rendell failed to solve any of the state's major problems and is hading the mess to Gov.-elect Tom Corbett.

Rendell gives Corbett handbook of challenges ahead | PoconoRecord.com

Monday, December 27, 2010

Great Moments in Unintended Consequences

Sen. Roy Blunt: Obama chose 'ideology' over 'jobs'

Bureaucrats Secretly Implement ObamaCare

Government Death Panels will soon be deciding who lives and who dies as Obama's bureacrats begin to implement new Obamacare provisions starting Jan. 1

Bureaucrats Secretly Implement ObamaCare

Global Warming Buries New York Under Snow

Global Warming Buries New York Under Snow - HUMAN EVENTS

Why are teachers learning Spanish?

Teachers in the Reading School District are learning Spanish? Shouldn't the students be learning English?

City teachers learning Spanish

14 places to slash federal spending

Democrats and their big-government allies are always arguing there's nothing to cut from the bloated federal budget.

The folks at Reason magazine beg to differ, offering 14 specific programs or agencies that could be slashed to save taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars every year.

My favorite:

End (or at Least Audit) the Fed:
The Fed is the biggest bastion of central planning in the American economy, and eliminating it would both move us toward a freer market and remove history’s most powerful enabler of government waste. If that’s politically impossible, auditing the Fed would at least peel away the bank’s veneer of inscrutable wizardry to reveal the feckless dithering at the heart of U.S. monetary policy.
Read the full article, "How to Slash the State: 14 ways to dismantle a monstrous government, one program at a time," here.

State Police: Seven Killed, 264 Injured in Crashes During Holiday Travel Period

State Police: Seven Killed, 264 Injured in Crashes During Holiday Travel Period

Governor Rendell Orders Flags at Capitol, Berks County to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Sen. Michael A. O'Pake

Governor Rendell Orders Flags at Capitol, Berks County to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Sen. Michael A. O'Pake

Alarming Rise in 2010 Law Enforcement Officer Fatalities

Alarming Rise in 2010 Law Enforcement Officer Fatalities

The Obama Recession Continues

Two in Five Americans Feel Less Secure Financially Than One Year Ago

2010 Disaster Recap

State Sen. Mike Folmer closes Berks County office

No need to keep a Berks office (12/26/10)

Taxman spying from above

Pennsylvania State Rep.-elect Mark M. Gillen is troubled by the government's use of aerial reconnaissance to spy on property owners.

Young's column had powerful implications (12/26/10)

Saturday, December 25, 2010

The Festivus

Star Wars Christmas Special... That Everyone Really Wanted.

My All-Time Favorite Christmas Song



"If Every Day Was Like Christmas" by Elvis Presley

Linus Christmas Monologue from 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

Ronald Reagan Christmas address (12/23/81)

Christmas 1944: When U.S. Troops Said ‘Nuts!’ to the Enemy

Christmas 1944: When U.S. Troops Said ‘Nuts!’ to the Enemy | CNSnews.com

Santa's business is getting sleighed

Santa: I'm skipping that house

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

Bing Crosby & David Bowie - The Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth

'Hallelujah'

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Newspaper: PA Legislature should put teeth in the state Sunshine Act

Legislature should put teeth in the state Sunshine Act (12/22/10)

Pennsylvania Turnpike makes U-turn



Here's what we do know: Tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will go up Jan. 2, 2011.

Up until today, motorists who pay cash would not know how much the tolls would be because the bureaucrats at the Turnpike Commission decided to print tickets without prices on them.

That controversial (and stupid) decision has been overturned.

But tolls are still going up thanks to a plan pushed a couple of years ago by Gov. Ed Rendell and Democrats in the state Legislature.

Turnpike makes U-turn, decides to print tolls on tickets - pottsmerc.com

New Videos Highlight Human Impact of Lawsuit Abuse

New Videos Highlight Human Impact of Lawsuit Abuse

Center for Immigration Studies Analysis of the Census: Population Up 27 Million in Just 10 Years

Center for Immigration Studies Analysis of the Census: Population Up 27 Million in Just 10 Years

Mass Immigration Into U.S. Unsustainable, Warns FAIR

New Census Data Reveal Immigration is Fueling Runaway U.S. Population Growth

Judicial Watch Praises New 'Tea Party Congress' Move to Preserve Office of Congressional Ethics

Judicial Watch Praises New 'Tea Party Congress' Move to Preserve Office of Congressional Ethics

Monday, December 20, 2010

Newspaper: Kill The Lame Duck

From Investor's Business Daily:

Governance: It is an anachronism a constitutional amendment tried to kill. It lets defeated legislators wreak political and economic havoc without consequence. Like the dodo, the lame duck should be extinct.

Kill The Lame Duck - Investors.com

Top 10 Bad Developments For Global Warming Alarmists

Top 10 Bad Developments For Global Warming Alarmists - HUMAN EVENTS

'Study' Claiming Fox News Viewers 'Misinformed' Is Fraught With Errors

'Study' Claiming Fox News Viewers 'Misinformed' Is Fraught With Errors

65,000 unique visitors

My site counter has recorded 65,000 unique visitors to The Centrist. Thanks for checking out this blog ... and come back again.

The Lamest Duck

'Republicans prevented a massive, job-killing New Year's Day tax increase'

Friday, December 17, 2010

Is Obama Destined to be a Footnote in Presidential History?

Is Obama Destined to be a Footnote in Presidential History?

Obamacare for illegals

ICE will now provide heart surgery, biopsies and psychiatric care to detainees - National Immigration reform | Examiner.com

New Videos Highlight Human Impact of Lawsuit Abuse

New Videos Highlight Human Impact of Lawsuit Abuse

U.S. DOT Proposes Rule to Ban Hand-Held Cell Phone Use for Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers

U.S. DOT Proposes Rule to Ban Hand-Held Cell Phone Use for Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers

Ousted Lawmaker Energized By New Job

Hey, Pennsylvania taxpayers, your tax dollars will now go to ousted state Rep. David Kessler to study using algae as an alternative fuel. Pork-barrel spending at its worst.

Ousted Lawmaker Energized By New Job - Regional News - Berks Story - WFMZ Allentown

Krauthammer to headline Pennsylvania Leadership Conference

The 2011 PA Leadership Conference, featuring the largest gathering of conservatives in Pennsylvania, has lined up one of the sharpest conservative thinkers in the world for this year's event.

Charles Krauthammer, Pulitzer Prize winning columnist and a Fox News commentator, will be the dinner speaker at the 2011 Pennsylvania Leadership Conference to be held April 8-9 at the Radisson Penn Harris Convention Center in Camp Hill, Pa.

From a press release announcing Krauthammer's appearance:
"We are excited to have Dr. Krauthammer as the next in a long series of influential conservative speakers to address the annual Pennsylvania Leadership Conference," said Lowman Henry, President of the Pennsylvania Leadership Council which organizes the event. "In an era when many commentators offer only shop worn analysis, Dr. Krauthammer stands out as a thoughtful voice of reason who injects logic and perspective into the public debate."

The Pennsylvania Leadership Conference is the premiere annual gathering of public policy conservatives from through the commonwealth and beyond. The conference features well known national speakers, and a who's who of state-level government and policy leaders offering commentary and panel presentations.

Dr. Krauthammer was named by the Financial Times as the most influential commentator in America. Since 1985 he has written a syndicated column for the Washington Post, winning the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary in 1987. His column now appears in more than 250 newspapers worldwide.

A contributing editor to the Weekly Standard and to the New Republic, Dr. Krauthammer is a Fox News contributor appearing nightly on Fox's evening news program Special Report with Bret Baier. He is also a weekly panelist on Inside Washington.
Complete information and registration for the 2011 Pennsylvania Leadership Conference can be found at the conference's newly redesigned website, www.paleadershipconference.org

Newspaper: Repeal automatic COLA for politicians

From the editorial pages of The Pottstown Mercury:
THORNS to the state Legislature for continuing the practice of automatic cost-of-living adjustments even though many legislators give them back or donate the money to charity. We don't want our tax dollars going to the charity of choice for lawmakers; we want the money to stay in the state coffers. The Legislature, along with members of the executive branch, including the governor, and judges receive an automatic cost-of-living adjustment each year under a 1995 law. This year, the COLA for lawmakers kicked in Dec. 1, while the higher pay for judges begins Jan. 1. Pay for rank-and-file legislators increased from $78,315 to $79,623 on Dec. 1, while higher-ranking officials are paid more. Instead of legislators giving it back, the law should be repealed.
Roses for soliciting public input in schools' chief search - pottsmerc.com

Tax Deal Passes, GOP Wants Permanent Cuts

Take a look at the final votes to extend the Bush Tax Cuts - 277-148 in the House and 81-19 in the Senate, with solid Democratic majorities in both chambers. But this only a two-year extension. When more Republicans join Congress in January, let's push for a permanent extension to get the U.S. economy moving again.

Tax Deal Passes, GOP Wants Permanent Cuts - HUMAN EVENTS

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Poll Bob Casey's Job Approval Sinks

Casey's Job Approval Sinks, but He Is Polling Well for 2012 : Roll Call

Dems driving businesses under with high taxes

The United States leads the world in something - the highest corporate income tax. And Democrats wonder why we've had 10% unemployment for the past two years?

A Rate Which Lives In Infamy - Investors.com

Corbett Inaugural website launches

Gov.-elect Tom Corbett and Lt. Gov.-elect Jim Cawley's Inaugural website has launched at www.CorbettCawleyInaugural.com

The theme of the new Republican administration is "Rebuilding Pennsylvania," which is a big task after the disastrous eight years of the Rendell administration.

The website provides detailed information on the Inaugural activities. Pennsylvania residents can also find information on how to reserve and purchase tickets for Inaugural events.

The site will be updated right up until the January 18, 2011, Inauguration.

Gallup Poll: Obama loses some backing from liberals

Gallup Poll: Obama loses some backing from liberals - latimes.com

More than 1.4 Million Stranded Holiday Drivers Expected by AAA

More than 1.4 Million Stranded Holiday Drivers Expected by AAA

Seventh Annual Farmers Insurance Study Ranks the Most Secure Places to Live in the U.S.

Seventh Annual Farmers Insurance Study Ranks the Most Secure Places to Live in the U.S.

Cost of PA Legislature: $318M a year

It costs $318 million a year to operate the Pennsylvania Legislature. Anyone think they're getting their money's worth?

Commission: Legislature's spending fell last year - pottsmerc.com

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Survey: Most Pa. residents believe economy will improve

Survey: Most Pa. residents believe economy will improve - pottsmerc.com

The Obama Constitution

DCED Secretary Says Harrisburg is 'Financially Distressed' Under Act 47

Another U.S. city run into the ground by Democrats.

DCED Secretary Says Harrisburg is 'Financially Distressed' Under Act 47

FRC, Members of Congress, Governors, and Conservative Leaders Release Open Letter Calling for Civil Debate, End to Character Assassination

FRC, Members of Congress, Governors, and Conservative Leaders Release Open Letter Calling for Civil Debate, End to Character Assassination

First Annual 'Index of Family Belonging and Rejection' Finds Only 45 percent of American Children Growing Up In Intact Families

First Annual 'Index of Family Belonging and Rejection' Finds Only 45 percent of American Children Growing Up In Intact Families

Most Americans Will Still Consider Showing up to Work When Sick This Cold & Flu Season, National Survey Finds

Most Americans Will Still Consider Showing up to Work When Sick This Cold & Flu Season, National Survey Finds

2012 Presidential Election: 18 Republican Contenders and President Obama Ranked By Communications Skills

2012 Presidential Election: 18 Republican Contenders and President Obama Ranked By Communications Skills

TIME Names Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook Founder and CEO, The 2010 TIME Person of the Year

TIME Names Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook Founder and CEO, The 2010 TIME Person of the Year

Monday, December 13, 2010

Governor Christie: Telling it like it is; Getting things done

Vote for the Most Outrageous Liberal Media Quotes of 2010 at MRC.org

Vote for the Most Outrageous Liberal Media Quotes of 2010 at MRC.org

65,000 Visitors to The Centrist

My site counter has recorded 65,000 unique visitors to The Centrist. Thanks for check out the blog ... and come back again.

Newspaper: Solution to property taxes within Legislature's reach

Solution to property taxes within Legislature's reach (12/12/10)

Mark Levin: ABC Edited Out Palin's Mention Of My Book

'The American Dream' Trailer

The American Dream Trailer from American Dream on Vimeo.

Three Organizations Launch Comprehensive Earmark Request Database

Three Organizations Launch Comprehensive Earmark Request Database

Reid's Lame-Duck Lands Bill Threatens Border Security

Reid's Lame-Duck Lands Bill Threatens Border Security

Richard Viguerie: Cuccinelli Obamacare Court Victory is a Major Win for the Tea Party

Richard Viguerie: Cuccinelli Obamacare Court Victory is a Major Win for the Tea Party

Landmark Praises Court Ruling in VA 'Obamacare' Suit

Landmark Praises Court Ruling in VA 'Obamacare' Suit

Federal Judge Gets It Half Right in Striking Down Health Care Law

Federal Judge Gets It Half Right in Striking Down Health Care Law

Don't Forget to Report Deer Harvests

Don't Forget to Report Deer Harvests

You call this pension reform?

This is Ed Rendell's idea of pension reform. The bill, which was backed by the teachers union, was passed with the support of Rendell and the Democratic majority in the state Legislature.

From The Associated Press:
Structural changes passed last month in Pennsylvania's large pension plans for state government workers and school district employees will still leave taxpayers on the hook for billions of dollars in new costs in the coming years.

The cost to the state government and school districts will go from $1.25 billion this year to just under $2 billion next year, but the average annual price tag for the coming decade amounts to $5.3 billion.
Pension law leaves taxpayers with $5B annual cost - pottsmerc.com

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Newspaper: Bush job approval rating higher than Obama's

How the mighty have fallen. Americans are waking up from their Kool-Aid induced stupor and realizing what a huge mistake they made in electing Barack Obama president.

A new Gallup Poll shows the job approval rating for "The Anointed One" has dropped below that of President George W. Bush.

Check it out at the liberal New York Daily News and at Politico

Marion Nestle, Food Fascist

Marion Nestle, Food Fascist

Cognitive Dissonance On The Left

Cognitive Dissonance On The Left - HUMAN EVENTS

Is Hollywood mounting a war on Christmas?

Is Hollywood mounting a war on Christmas?

Pennsylvania State Police, National Group Urge Public to Join 'Project Blue Light' to Honor Fallen Officers

Pennsylvania State Police, National Group Urge Public to Join 'Project Blue Light' to Honor Fallen Officers

New Resources to Help Employees Keep More of Their Money at Tax Time

PA Office of Financial Education Offers Businesses New Resources to Help Employees Keep More of Their Money at Tax Time

Obama vs. The Left

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Let's Compromise

Liberalism in 120 Seconds: Global warming alarmists vs. sanity

Cuckoo In Cancun

The global warming crowd may be suffering from hypothermia.

From Investor's Business Daily:
Still think those who continue to push the idea of man-made climate change are well-grounded and rational? Think again.

Consider Christiana Figueres, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. She opened the U.N's global warming conference last week with a prayer to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon.

This mythological supreme being of fertility is supposed to be good for sending rain for crops. Maybe that's the sort of blessing Figueres had in mind when, from Cancun's — no joke — Moon Palace, she called Ixchel "the goddess of reason, creativity and weaving" and hoped delegates would be inspired by her.

And did we mention that the multitasking Ixchel is also some kind of jaguar? Given her many roles, is it really reasonable to ask her to also save the planet from global warming?

But then if she did that, the alarmists wouldn't have to take junkets to balmy resorts in December to save the world from mankind.
Read the full editorial at the link below:

Cuckoo In Cancun - Investors.com

National Inflation Association Addresses Bernanke's '60 Minutes' Interview

NIA Addresses Bernanke's '60 Minutes' Interview

Obama Unravels…

NRO's Jim Geraghty: "Watching Barack Obama in a press conference discussing the tax deal, it feels like we’re watching his presidency lose all coherence."

Obama Unravels… - By Jim Geraghty - The Campaign Spot - National Review Online

Offshore Drilling Ban Will Limit Job Growth and Raise Fuel Costs, Harming American Consumers and Economy

Offshore Drilling Ban Will Limit Job Growth and Raise Fuel Costs, Harming American Consumers and Economy

Concord Coalition Says Major Tax Reform Should Follow Two-Year Extension of Tax Cuts

Concord Coalition Says Major Tax Reform Should Follow Two-Year Extension of Tax Cuts

Timely Tips on Charitable Giving

Pennsylvania Department of State Provides Timely Tips on Charitable Giving

Public Invited to Visit the Governor's Residence during Holiday Season

Public Invited to Visit the Governor's Residence during Holiday Season

Governor Rendell Announces Appointments

Governor Rendell Announces Appointments

Governor Rendell Reminds Residents of Dec. 31 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline, Free Application Assistance Available

Governor Rendell Reminds Residents of Dec. 31 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline, Free Application Assistance Available

Obama's New Theme Song: 'Surrender'



A dedication to Barack Obama for caving in on the Bush Tax Cuts. Maybe we can repeal Obamacare while we're on a roll?

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Pearl Harbor Day

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Pearl Harbor Day

Saturday, December 04, 2010

Hold the Brownies! Bill Could Limit Bake Sales

Hold the Brownies! Bill Could Limit Bake Sales | CNSnews.com

Where Will Seniors Get Health Care?

Where Will Seniors Get Health Care?

Richard Viguerie: Senator DeMint Gives GOP Incumbents a Pass, But Other Conservatives Won't

Richard Viguerie: Senator DeMint Gives GOP Incumbents a Pass, But Other Conservatives Won't

STOP THE GROUND ZERO MOSQUE

Blue Collar Corner 'Move the GZ Mosque Campaign' Creates Tsunami through Social Media

Blue Collar Corner 'Move the GZ Mosque Campaign' Creates Tsunami through Social Media

Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) Delivers Weekly GOP Address

Obama: Fool Me Four Times

Friday, December 03, 2010

Newspaper: Thorns to greedy PA judges

From the editorial pages of The Pottstown Mercury:
THORNS to Pennsylvania judges for disregarding the tax burden on Pennsylvania residents by leasing luxury automobiles including Cadillacs, Mercedes and high-end SUVs. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Sunday that 25 jurists in the state lease cars under a provision that reimburses them up to $600 a month; 13 opt not to lease vehicles. The state began paying for cars for appellate judges in 1990, and the practice continues despite other elected and appointed state officials who use cheaper fleet vehicles to keep costs down. The state's top judges are among the nation's highest paid. Some make in excess of $175,000 a year, yet lease high-end vehicles at taxpayer expense. Among the judges' cars are $568 a month for a 2010 Cadillac driven by Chief Justice Ronald Castille and $450 a month for a 2010 Mercedes Benz driven by Superior Court Judge Sallie Updyke Mundy. Supreme Court Justice Max Baer leases a 2010 GMC Acadia from his brother's Washington dealership for $510 a month. One person quoted in the news article called it symbolic of a "culture of arrogance." Sound like Harrisburg?
Roses to state rep for helping remodel Boyertown office - pottsmerc.com

Bill O'Reilly to Jimmy Carter: Shut the hell up!

Bill O'Reilly: Bill's Column - Jimmy Carter Gone Wild

Unemployment Rate Climbs to 9.8%

The failure of Barack Obama's economic policies is complete. The U.S. unemployment rate for November rose to 9.8% - with the number of unemployed Americans climbing from 14.8 million to 15.1 million.

All this despite trillions of dollars in federal spending to "stimulate" the economy and reduce unemployment.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today:
"Today's jobs report showing unemployment jumping to 9.8 percent only confirms that President Obama's agenda of out-of-control spending, higher taxes, and bigger government has the economy moving in the wrong direction. Despite the clear message sent in last month's elections, Democrats continue to ignore the American people by remaining focused on enacting a host of liberal priorities that will do nothing to create jobs. All the while, they have left a massive job-killing tax increase hanging over the heads of every single American family and small business, prolonging the existing economic uncertainty that has kept employers from hiring. Instead of continuing the same wish-list mentality that pushed through big government Democrat programs in the face of high unemployment and record deficits, Democrats should work with Republicans to start putting the American people's priorities first – getting our country back on a path to economic prosperity and making sure no one sees a tax hike on January 1st."

Roses to State Rep. David Maloney for helping remodel Boyertown office

Republican David Maloney hasn't taken office yet in the PA Legislature, but he's already saving money for constituents in Berks County's 130th District.

Roses to state rep for helping remodel Boyertown office - pottsmerc.com

Nat Hentoff: Lame duck president clings to Obamacare

Lame duck president clings to Obamacare - pottsmerc.com

Editorial: Time to kill automatic political pay hikes

Editorial: Time to kill automatic political pay hikes - delcotimes.com

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Newspaper: Hands Off Our Net

Hands Off Our Net - Investors.com

Government Wasted $3.2 Million on Misleading Andy Griffith Obamacare Ads

YID With LID: Government Wasted $3.2 Million on Misleading Andy Griffith Obamacare Ads

PCCD Reminds Holiday Shoppers to Protect Against Identity Theft

PCCD Reminds Holiday Shoppers to Protect Against Identity Theft

Video: Real Airport Security

Pennsylvanians Reminded to Apply for 2011 Dog Licenses by Jan. 1

Pennsylvanians Reminded to Apply for 2011 Dog Licenses by Jan. 1

Death Panels? NYC Will Send Ambulances to Save Organs of People Deemed Likely to Die

Death Panels? NYC Will Send Ambulances to Save Organs of People Deemed Likely to Die | CNSnews.com

Does Pennsylvania Consider Actor Mark Ruffalo a Terrorist?

Another reminder of the disastrous Rendell Administration.

Does Pennsylvania Consider Actor Mark Ruffalo a Terrorist?

The Libertarian Youth Movement: Q&A with Michelle Fields of Students for...

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Rep.-elect David Maloney turns down pay raise

Republican David M. Maloney won't take office until January, but he's already paying dividends for constituents in the 130th State House District.

Maloney announced Tuesday he will not accept the automatic 1.7% cost-of-living adjustment increase that members of the Pennsylvania Legislature gave themselves.

The automatic COLA raise was enacted in 1995 and gives a yearly pay raise for state legislators, members of the executive branch, including the governor, state judges and other state officials. (Gov.-elect Tom Corbett has also announced he will not accept the raise.)

Maloney issued the following statement: "Taking the increase is simply not the right thing to do. I have met so many people in our district this year who are truly struggling to pay bills, taxes and keep their homes. With Pennsylvania's high unemployment at nearly 10% and many of those out of work will be seeing the end of their unemployment benefits soon and as the Social Security Administration said there will be no increase again for our seniors, this is not the time for a COLA increase."

Maloney said he will return the COLA to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania.

"It is the people's money. We also have a nearly $5 billion dollar hole in our budget coming next year so every belt needs tightening. The State Legislature needs to lead by example."

Maloney, a reform candidate who unseated Democratic incumbent Rep. David Kessler, represents the 130th district, which includes Boyertown, Birdsboro, Fleetwood and Earl, Douglass (Berks), Ruscombmanor, Amity, Rockland, Pike, Oley, Union and Colebrookdale townships and parts of Exeter Township.

The TSA's new theme song: Comply With Me

GOP Leadership Press Conference

Pennsylvania Department of State: Disciplinary Actions Taken Against 80 Licensed, Commissioned Professionals, Organizations

Pennsylvania Department of State: Disciplinary Actions Taken Against 80 Licensed, Commissioned Professionals, Organizations

Auditor General Jack Wagner Calls for Moratorium On Cost of Living Salary Increases for Public Officials

Auditor General Jack Wagner Calls for Moratorium On Cost of Living Salary Increases for Public Officials

Rep. Toepel District Office Moving to Red Hill

State Rep. Marcy Toepel, R-147th Dist., will move her district office from Schwenksville to Red Hill, effective Dec. 1.

The address of the new district office is 80 Gravel Pike, Unit A, Red Hill, PA 18076.

Toepel's district office phone and fax numbers will also change. The new phone number will be 215-679-3082. The new fax number will be 215-679-3156.

Office hours for the new district office will remain the same, opening Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Toepel's current district office located in Schwenksville is closed as of Nov. 30.

Toepel, who won a special election in May to fill the remainder of former state Rep. Bob Mensch's seat, won a full two-year term to the state House in November.

Sen. Lamar Alexander and Leading Conservative Commentators Examine Prospects for Limited Government in the 112th Congress

Sen. Lamar Alexander and Leading Conservative Commentators Examine Prospects for Limited Government in the 112th Congress

Ralph Peters: Obama Is "Gutless" For Not Taking Down Wikileaks

RealClearPolitics - Video - Ralph Peters: Obama Is "Gutless" For Not Taking Down Wikileaks

GOP Rep. Buyer Blasts Acting Dem Speaker: "This is why the People have T...

Democrat Response to the Elections: We Just Need More Illegal Voters

Democrat Response to the Elections: We Just Need More Illegal Voters

Monday, November 29, 2010

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

Largest Federal Employee Union Denounces Obama Administration Proposal to Freeze Pay

Largest Federal Employee Union Denounces Obama Administration Proposal to Freeze Pay

Rep.-elect David Maloney to relocate district offices

Here's one way to save taxpayers a few bucks: Do-it-yourself.

Newly-elected state Rep. David Maloney, a contractor by profession, will pitch in to re-do his two district offices in an effort to save his constituents some money.

In addition to relocating his two offices in the 130th House District, Maloney will pick up a hammer and nails and help with the interior refurbishing of the facilities.

Maloney, a Republican, ousted two-term Democratic incumbent David Kessler to represent the Eastern Berks County seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

From a press release issued by Maloney:
State Rep.-elect David Maloney says he will offer constituent services for residents of the 130th House District at two new offices.

The southern part of the district will be serviced at a new office at 515 Old Swede Road (Rt. 662) Douglassville in the Old Swede Office Complex.

"This office will allow easier access to the residents of Amity, Douglassville, Birdsboro, Exeter and Union townships," Maloney said.

The Boyertown office will move from South Warwick Street to 46 E. Philadelphia Ave., next to the landmark Bause’s Drug store.

"Rent and utilities for the two new locations will be less expensive than what was offered to us to stay at the old locations," Maloney said. "Neither of the old offices were wheelchair accessible. Now both offices will be."

Maloney, who has a background in construction, said he will help re-fit the Boyertown office space himself to save taxpayers some money.

Move-in dates for the Douglassville office will be Dec. 6 but phone and computer lines may not be in place by then.

"The Boyertown office phone number will remain the same as before, 610-369-3010 and we will do our best to retrieve messages and return calls until we are fully functioning at 46 E. Philadelphia Ave. We hope to have our Boyertown re-fit done by the end of December for sure. We will have a new phone number for Douglassville and new email addresses. Our offices will also have a new 130th District website that we will make public as soon a possible," Maloney explained.

Maloney does not take office until Jan. 4 when he takes his oath in a ceremony at the Capitol in Harrisburg.

Open House dates for both offices will be announced when they are both fully operational.

The Greecing of America, Simplified

'Harry Potter' and 'Tangled' top Thanksgiving week box office

FILM FANATIC: 'Harry Potter' and 'Tangled' top Thanksgiving week box office...

State Rep.-elect David Maloney announces new district office locations

State Rep.-elect Maloney announces new district office locations - pottsmerc.com

Hey Democrats: Don't ignore, distort facts

Don't ignore, distort facts (11/26/10)

Editorial: Just say no to automatic hike in pay for state officials

If your Pennsylvania legislator does not turn down the automatic pay raise coming their way on Dec. 1, you should vote them out of office next time around.

Just say no to automatic hike in pay for state officials (11/29/10)

'CD For the Troops IV' Featuring Matchbox 20, Wynona, Five For Fighting Available Now

'CD For the Troops IV' Featuring Matchbox 20, Wynona, Five For Fighting Available Now

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Empty Suit

America's Standard (Before Obamacare Ruins It)

From Investor's Business Daily:
Health Care: Those who wish to nationalize medicine point to America's low position in world health rankings. But when a rich Saudi who could go anywhere for treatment chose, where did he go? America, of course.

When King Abdullah flew out of Saudi Arabia Monday to be treated after a blood clot had complicated a slipped disc, he didn't choose France, Italy, Britain, Canada, Morocco, Oman or Cyprus, all nations that stand higher than the U.S. in the World Health Organization's ranking of health care systems.

Neither did he stay in Saudi Arabia, travel to relatively nearby Malta or Greece. He avoided Andorra, Spain, Monaco and the United Arab Emirates, again, all judged by WHO to have better health care than the U.S.
So why is Barack Obama trying to dismantle the best health-care system in the world? Read the full editorial at the link below:

America's Standard - Investors.com

Bill O'Reilly: The Borrowed Buck Stops Here

From Bill O'Reilly's latest column:
"It is one thing for a loopy newspaper columnist to demand socialist reform. It is quite another if a sitting president buys into it."
Read the full story at the link below:

Bill O'Reilly: Bill's Column - The Borrowed Buck Stops Here

The Day the Dollar Died

Turkey, the European Union, and Creeping Islam

Turkey, the European Union, and Creeping Islam

Friday, November 26, 2010

Two-Thirds Favor Cutting Federal Payroll by 10%

Two-Thirds Favor Cutting Federal Payroll by 10%

Nat Hentoff: Real death panels coming our way

Real death panels coming our way - pottsmerc.com

Many Say Government Now Operating Outside the Constitution

Many Say Government Now Operating Outside the Constitution

It May Be A Minor Cutback...But It's A Start

Economy Isn't The Key Factor In All Elections

Interesting column by Jeffrey H. Anderson on how The New York Times was so far off in predicting the outcome of the midterm elections.

Economy Isn't The Key Factor In All Elections - Investors.com

New Study Shows Older, Wealthier Voters Surged to the Polls in 2010

New Study Shows Older, Wealthier Voters Surged to the Polls in 2010

Reform Fails To Fix Uninsured Problem

Reform Fails To Fix Uninsured Problem - Investors.com

No Taxes For The Ground Zero Mosque

No Taxes For The Ground Zero Mosque - Investors.com

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving message from President Ronald Reagan

The real agenda…coming soon to a theatre near you…

The real agenda…coming soon to a theatre near you…

HELP YOU MAKE IT TO YOUR FLIGHT - Buck Howdy

Guest Column: Giving Thanks In America

Giving Thanks in America

By Congressman Joe Pitts

While we typically associate the Pilgrims in Massachusetts with the first American Thanksgiving, the first recorded day set aside for thanks was decreed in the Virginia colony in 1619. The settlers recognized the day their ship landed in the new world as an annual day of thanksgiving to God for a safe journey.

Two years later the settlers at Plymouth Colony would commemorate their first Thanksgiving. Our nation's early history is filled with religious and civil observances of thanks — from annual recognitions of a good harvest to General Washington’s declaration following the battle of Saratoga.

Our nation has always had so much to be grateful for. We have been blessed with a rich and beautiful country, with a government directed by the American people, and with courageous individuals who stand up and protect our liberty.

When the early English settlers first came to America, they hoped to find rich deposits of gold and silver to rival Spanish colonies. The original colonies were not rich with jewels and precious metals, but they were abundant in farmland, fish and game. These rich lands have made our nation the breadbasket to the world.

Later, our nation was able to take full advantage of the Industrial Revolution because of plentiful energy resources: coal, oil and natural gas. At the same time we appreciate the natural beauty of our forests, mountains, and wetlands. Today, we must concentrate on responsibly developing resources to protect the natural gifts given our nation.

Especially in an election year, we must give thanks for a constitutional government that is directed by the American people. It's easy to forget that fair and free elections are actually the exception and not the rule. In Burma, the ruling military junta recently held a sham election where it disqualified the political party of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Our recent election saw a number of incumbents defeated. Right now, these Members are moving out of their offices on Capitol Hill. Every single one of them is peacefully transitioning to their political opponent. Come January, Speaker Nancy Pelosi will hand the Speaker's gavel over to Republican Leader John Boehner. Just a few years ago, it was Boehner who was handing it to Pelosi.

We should be grateful that our country settles differences at the ballot box. For all the harsh words spoken before elections, we share a common recognition that power should not be achieved or maintained through violence. Sadly, this does not hold true in many nations.

Because there are enemies of freedom who seek to settle arguments with violence and terrorism, we need brave young men and women to take up arms in defense. We are grateful for our service members and veterans, especially those who are serving far away this Thanksgiving.

The recent Medal of Honor ceremony reminded us all about the sacrifices being made in Afghanistan right now. Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta was honored for the incredible bravery he showed when his squad came under attack from the Taliban.

Giunta acted quickly to help two wounded teammates and then ran into enemy fire to rescue another wounded colleague who was being dragged away by two insurgents. At the White House ceremony awarding him the decoration, Giunta accepted the award with the utmost humility, recognizing the efforts of his squadmates and the families of those who didn't survive the battle.

Because of brave military personnel working around the globe, we are able to enjoy liberty and prosperity. We must be thankful for those willing to put their life on the line to defend our nation.

God has granted us many good gifts here in the United States: a bountiful and beautiful country, a democratic and peaceful government, and individuals serving to protect our nation. It is only proper that we express our gratitude as we gather with family members over the holiday.

U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District, which includes portions of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Columnist: Living in Reading a pricey choice

Here's something you don't see every day in a left-leaning newspaper: A scathing indictment of the Democratic administration that ran the City of Reading into the ground.

Don Spatz: Living in Reading a pricey choice

David McCullough Tells a World War II Christmas Story



David McCullough Tells a World War II Christmas Story

U.S. State Department Cites Japan on Forced Religious Conversions

U.S. State Department Cites Japan on Forced Religious Conversions

Governor Rendell Orders Flags at Capitol and in Berks County to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery

Governor Rendell Orders Flags at Capitol and in Berks County to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery

California's 'Embryonic Boom' Goes Bust

California's 'Embryonic Boom' Goes Bust

PennDOT to Partner with Police for 'Operation Safe Holiday'

PennDOT to Partner with Police for 'Operation Safe Holiday'

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Rep. Turzai Dispels LCB Revenue Myth

PA House Republican Caucus - Turzai Dispels LCB Revenue Myth

Searching for Christmas, and the Missing Layoff Stories

Searching for Christmas, and the Missing Layoff Stories

Dem Ed Rendell on PA Losses: 'Voters Don’t Always Vote On Logical Reasons'

Dem Ed Rendell on PA Losses: 'Voters Don’t Always Vote On Logical Reasons'

Survey: Pennsylvania Motorists Believe They Are Safe Drivers

Survey: Pennsylvania Motorists Believe They Are Safe Drivers

U.S. House Speaker-Elect Boehner Joins Visible Vote

U.S. House Speaker-Elect Boehner Joins Visible Vote

NJ Gun Group Sues State to Restore Citizens' Self Defense Rights!

NJ Gun Group Sues State to Restore Citizens' Self Defense Rights!

Nationwide Poll of Conservative Voters Finds Big Business Should Fear Tea Party Activists

Nationwide Poll of Conservative Voters Finds Big Business Should Fear Tea Party Activists

Soldiers' Angels Continues Growth in Supporting Troops

Soldiers' Angels Continues Growth in Supporting Troops

GOP Makes Big Gains Among Hispanics

GOP Makes Big Gains Among Hispanics

Study: Obama Beats Elder Bush's Record to Become Most-Traveled President in First Two Years of Term

Study: Obama Beats Elder Bush's Record to Become Most-Traveled President in First Two Years of Term

Video - Woman Who Was 'Exhausted Of Defending' Obama Loses Her Job

RealClearPolitics - Video - Woman Who Was "Exhausted Of Defending" Obama Loses Her Job

Ground Zero Mosque Seeks Money From 9/11 Fund

Ground Zero Mosque Seeks Money From 9/11 Fund - HUMAN EVENTS

Pardon Yourself

Local lawmakers talk about pay raise coming their way

Tom Caltagirone and Dante Santoni, the last two Democratic state House members left in Berks County, do not appear to have a problem with taking a pay raise while their constituents suffer.

Local lawmakers talk about pay raise coming their way

NJ lawmakers approve tough law to fight bullying

NJ lawmakers approve tough law to fight bullying - trentonian.com

NJ lawmakers pass bill regulating overpaid school superintendents' contracts

NJ lawmakers pass bill regulating overpaid school superintendents' contracts - trentonian.com

Corbett inherits staggering fiscal mess

Corbett inherits staggering fiscal mess - pottsmerc.com

Harrisburg payjackers strike again

Top Pa. officials to get 1.7 percent pay raise - pottsmerc.com

Monday, November 22, 2010

Pay raise for PA politicians kicks in Dec. 1

Christmas comes early for members of the Pennsylvania Legislature, already among the highest paid "public servants" in the United States.

An annual automatic cost-of-living increase kicks in Dec. 1 for state lawmakers, judges and other elected officials.

From The Associated Press:
Pennsylvania's legislators, judges and top state officials are about to get automatic pay raises of 1.7 percent. Newly elected and returning legislators will get their raises starting Dec. 1, officials said Monday.

The annual salaries for rank-and-file legislators will increase from $78,315 to $79,623. Salaries for legislative floor leaders will rise from $113,468 to $115,364.
Read the full story here.

Mutiny on the Goodship Obama?

Mutiny on the Goodship Obama? - HUMAN EVENTS

Teach Your Kid How to Sense BS

Friday, November 19, 2010

Six Movies I Never Want To See Again

By Tony Phyrillas

I will sit though just about anything, but if you're thinking of renting on of these films, take my word for it and pick something else.

Robin Hood (2010) - How could Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe, who gave us "Gladiator" in 2000 sink to this level in just 10 years? The absolute worst re-telling of the Robin Hood legend since Mel Brooks' "Robin Hood: Men In Tights." Crowe looks bored throughout this insufferably long and dark movie. He has no chemistry with Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian and there are so many bad actors with bad accents impersonating French and British noblemen that you have no idea who anybody is or how they fit into the plot. Paging Kevin Costner.

Date Night - Steve Carell and Tina Fey are best enjoyed in small doses on TV screens. Neither can carry a film, especially this cliche-filled remake of "The Out-of-Towners" about a suburban couple getting into misadventures in New York City. There's a scene where Carell and Fey attempt to entertain a mobster in a strip club that is so painful to watch, you have to cover your eyes. The only mildly-amusing part of this 1 hour, 28-minute snooze-fest is a cameo by Mark Wahlberg. Go out on a real date instead of wasting time with this awful movie.

Hot Tub Time Machine - It's as dumb as the title, but not in a good way. I did not laugh once during this 1 hour, 40 minute disaster of a movie that is so desperate for laughs it keeps bringing in Chevy Chase, who hasn't made anyone laugh in 20 years. Nothing works in this "Back To The Future" for slobs rip-off. And what is John Cusak doing in this movie? He should fire his agent.

Repo Men - An interesting premise that falls apart quickly in this disappointing sci-fi/action film starring Jude Law and Forest Whitaker as futuristic "repo men" who take back internal organs from people who can no longer afford to keep up with their payments for life-saving medical treatments. This might be a sneak-peek at ObamaCare, but I'd rather watch Nancy Pelosi reading the 2,000-page bill than sit through this clunker again.

Harry Brown - I wonder which studio executives green-lighted this project: Let's remake "Death Wish" with an geriatric British cast headed by 77-year-old Michael Caine playing the part of Charles Bronson. That's "Harry Brown" in a nutshell. You worry throughout the movie that one of the cast members will break a hip. In one scene, Caine collapses on the sidewalk with shortness of breath as he chases after a young punk. I kid you not. This might play well in a retirement home, but it will put everyone else to sleep.

Valentine's Day - An all-star cast (Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifah) phoning in their performances in a movie that will swear you off romance for good. Nothing funny, nothing romantic, nothing you haven't seen before. Just a stale box of assorted chocolates.

For more movie-related news and reviews, check out my latest blog, Film Fanatic

Don't Touch My Junk

The worst attorney general ever

Michael Gerson on Eric Holder:

When Failure is a Habit

Berks County Patriots urged to keep up political pressure

Sound advice from Nathan Benefield to the Berks County Patriots: "In the November 2nd election we sent a message. That's only the beginning. We need to be vigilant and make sure Governor-elect (Tom) Corbett keeps the promises he made in the campaign."

Berks County Patriots urged to keep up political pressure

Third National Poll Confirms: Americans' Concern About Nasty Politics Continues to Climb

Third National Poll Confirms: Americans' Concern About Nasty Politics Continues to Climb

Newspaper: Fire Eric Holder

From Investor's Business Daily:
The acquittal of a Gitmo detainee of the murder of 224 people shows the stupidity of civilian trials for those at war with us and the blind incompetence of an administration that believes in them.

Attorney General Eric Holder should be fired. Failing that, he should have the decency to submit his resignation, which should be promptly accepted. He is the architect of a policy that treats mass murder like a bank robbery and gives perpetrators the functional equivalent of a slap on the wrist.
Read the full editorial at the link below:

Fire Eric Holder - Investors.com

Thursday, November 18, 2010

UN IPCC Official Admits 'We Redistribute World's Wealth By Climate Policy'

BREAKING: UN IPCC Official Admits 'We Redistribute World's Wealth By Climate Policy'

'Veterans Paid the Price, Cut Debt Elsewhere,' Says The American Legion

'Veterans Paid the Price, Cut Debt Elsewhere,' Says The American Legion

Richard Viguerie: 56 Conservative Leaders Rally Behind Senator Jim DeMint

Richard Viguerie: 56 Conservative Leaders Rally Behind Senator Jim DeMint

Texas Public Policy Foundation Report Gives States Options for Pushing Back on Federal Overreach

Texas Public Policy Foundation Report Gives States Options for Pushing Back on Federal Overreach

S&P: US Healthcare Costs Rise 7.08% Over the 12-Months Ending September 2010

S&P: US Healthcare Costs Rise 7.08% Over the 12-Months Ending September 2010

Democratic state lawmaker busted on marijuana charge

On the same day most Pennsylvania newspapers ran a story from The Associated Press that revealed that 19 members of the state Legislature had criminal records, a Democratic state representative was busted for allegedly smoking marijuana at a tailgate gathering at a Pittsburgh Steelers game.

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
State Rep. Paul Costa faces a court hearing on a citation accusing him of smoking marijuana during a tailgate party outside a Pittsburgh Steelers game, his lawyer said Tuesday.

Undercover Pittsburgh police Officer Alex Lee Myers was patrolling the parking lots outside the Oct. 3 game at Heinz Field, which the Steelers lost to the Baltimore Ravens, and said he saw Costa, 51, a Democrat from Wilkins, sharing a joint with another man.

"He adamantly denies that he smoked any marijuana," said Costa's attorney, Phil DiLucente. "No narcotics of any kind were found on him. In fact, he detests marijuana."
Rep. Costa has represented the 34th House District since 1999. He ran unopposed for re-election to a new term on Nov. 2.

Read the full story at the newspaper's website.

Krauthammer to headline Pennsylvania Leadership Conference

The 2011 PA Leadership Conference, featuring the largest gathering of conservatives in Pennsylvania, has lined up one of the sharpest conservative thinkers in the world for this year's event.

Charles Krauthammer, Pulitzer Prize winning columnist and a Fox News commentator, will be the dinner speaker at the 2011 Pennsylvania Leadership Conference to be held April 8-9 at the Radisson Penn Harris Convention Center in Camp Hill, Pa.

From a press release announcing Krauthammer's appearance:
"We are excited to have Dr. Krauthammer as the next in a long series of influential conservative speakers to address the annual Pennsylvania Leadership Conference," said Lowman Henry, President of the Pennsylvania Leadership Council which organizes the event. "In an era when many commentators offer only shop worn analysis, Dr. Krauthammer stands out as a thoughtful voice of reason who injects logic and perspective into the public debate."

The Pennsylvania Leadership Conference is the premiere annual gathering of public policy conservatives from through the commonwealth and beyond. The conference features well known national speakers, and a who's who of state-level government and policy leaders offering commentary and panel presentations.

Dr. Krauthammer was named by the Financial Times as the most influential commentator in America. Since 1985 he has written a syndicated column for the Washington Post, winning the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary in 1987. His column now appears in more than 250 newspapers worldwide.

A contributing editor to the Weekly Standard and to the New Republic, Dr. Krauthammer is a Fox News contributor appearing nightly on Fox's evening news program Special Report with Bret Baier. He is also a weekly panelist on Inside Washington.
Complete information and registration for the 2011 Pennsylvania Leadership Conference can be found at the conference's newly redesigned website, www.paleadershipconference.org

Newspaper: Time for PA to make teacher strikes illegal

Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in teacher strikes. Thirty-seven other states have banned teacher strikes. It's time for Pennsylvania to do the same.

Time for state to make teacher strikes illegal - pottsmerc.com

GOP to force vote on NPR defunding

GOP to force vote on NPR defunding - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Psst! Housing Market News Was Really Bad Wednesday; To AP, That Means It Was Really Good

Psst! Housing Market News Was Really Bad Wednesday; To AP, That Means It Was Really Good

I LOVE THIS COMMERCIAL

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Rallying Around Pelosi

Video: Wait and See

United States Mint to Introduce Abraham Lincoln Presidential $1 Coin on 147th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address

United States Mint to Introduce Abraham Lincoln Presidential $1 Coin on 147th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address

Federalist Society Prompts Debate About Constitutionality of Dodd-Frank Financial Services Reform

Federalist Society Prompts Debate About Constitutionality of Dodd-Frank Financial Services Reform

Pennsylvania Game Commission Offers Free Tools to Estimate Deer Age and Weight

Pennsylvania Game Commission Offers Free Tools to Estimate Deer Age and Weight

Pennsylvania Health Department Urges Smokers to Quit During 35th Annual 'Great American Smokeout' on Nov. 18

Pennsylvania Health Department Urges Smokers to Quit During 35th Annual 'Great American Smokeout' on Nov. 18

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Union Members: Where Do Your Dues Go?

Special AP report: 19 lawmakers in Pa. have arrest records

Drug offenses, gun charges, theft and drunken driving turned up in the backgrounds of some state lawmakers when the entire Pennsylvania General Assembly was checked against public records, news accounts and other sources, according to reporter Mark Scolforo.

Special AP report: 19 lawmakers in Pa. have arrest records - pottsmerc.com

Richard Viguerie: Conservatives Rejoice Over 'Prodigal Son' Republicans - No Earmarks

Richard Viguerie: Conservatives Rejoice Over 'Prodigal Son' Republicans -No Earmarks

Government Employees Owe Billions in Delinquent Taxes

Government Employees Owe Billions in Delinquent Taxes - CNBC

New Documentary Exposes the threats to American Parental Rights



New Documentary Exposes the Threats to American Parental Rights

Pa. workplace fatalities down in 2009

At last, we can thank Barack Obama and Ed Rendell for something.

According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, Pennsylvania had 166 workplace fatalities in 2009, down from 241 in 2008.

I'm guessing the reason workplace fatalities in Pennsylvania were down last year is the fact that hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians lost their jobs and had no workplace to go to thanks to the failed policies of Ed Rendell and Barack Obama.

Read more: Pa. workplace fatalities down in 2009 at the Philadelphia Business Journal website.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Union pension bailout bill awaits Rendell signature

The Pennsylvania House overwhelmingly passed a flawed pension "reform" bill Monday that does little to reform the golden pension plans enjoyed by government workers and teachers and will end up costing Pennsylvania taxpayers billions of dollars.

A number of Republicans joined the lame duck Democrats in pushing the bill through.

The Commonwealth Foundation, an independent, non-profit public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg, offers some insight into HB 2497:
HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation expressed disappointment with today's passage of House Bill 2497, which defers significant pension costs on to future generations while failing to adequately reform the state's largest defined benefit pension systems.

"We attempted to bring fiscal sanity to the pension discussion, but the reality was that self-interested unions were successful in drowning out the voice of the taxpayers," said Matthew J. Brouillette, president and CEO of the Commonwealth Foundation. "Despite arguments to the contrary, this bill didn't 'save' the taxpayers any money. Taxes will still be going up with this 'reform' next year — $646M more just to pay for PSERS and SERS — and every year thereafter. But it did prevent moving new employees into a Defined Contribution plan — a major victory for labor unions like PSEA, AFSCME and SEIU."

"Yet we remain hopeful that a new administration and new legislature will begin the process of fully reforming Harrisburg to protect the taxpayers in the future," said Brouillette. "Many lawmakers voted for HB 2497 as the 'first step' to pension reform. We look forward to working with lawmakers who understand this cannot be the final action, and with new leaders who understand the need for real pension reform and controlled spending."
The only silver lining on this cloudy day is the fact that the Legislature can revisit the pension fiasco in 2011 when both chambers will be controlled by Republicans and Gov.-elect Tom Corbett will take office.

The Commonwealth Foundation has posted a complete roll call of how the House voted here.