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
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Poll: Obama Out of Touch With Most Americans
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.You can review the full poll findings here.
· 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· Two in five (44%) respondents believe the health care law should be repealed.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.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
PA Senate confirms Behr as Montgomery County Sheriff
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. She faces fellow Republican Robert J. Durante, 58, of Norristown, a retired 33-year veteran of the sheriff's department, for the GOP nomination in the primary contest. (Durante is no relation to the late Sheriff Durante).
The winner of the GOP nomination will face 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 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. That's why we hold elections and a Republican governor can appoint anyone he wants.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The man who invented Barack Obama has died
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.
A Petition for Equal Time On Facebook
Why is Facebook working so hard to get Barack Obama re-elected? Will Facebook give Republican challengers equal access to its users?
A Petition for Equal Time On Facebook - HUMAN EVENTS
A Petition for Equal Time On Facebook - HUMAN EVENTS
It's Hard Out Here For A Pump
Obama will not be satisfied until American consumers are paying $6-$7 for a gallon of gas, just like his friends in Europe.
It's Hard Out Here For A Pump - By Mark Steyn - The Corner - National Review Online
It's Hard Out Here For A Pump - By Mark Steyn - The Corner - National Review Online
Monday, April 25, 2011
Obama White House Ignores Easter
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
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
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Rep. Maloney: 'Why We Were Elected'
"Why We Were Elected"By Rep. David M. Maloney
While I campaigned last summer and fall for the State House of Representative, by far the thing people told me about the most was their struggles with paying school property taxes. I went to thousands of homes personally, and I listened to people tell me their own stories or the story of a friend, co-worker or relative who was fighting to stay above water financially, pay mortgages, pay taxes, bills and just buying food. These are extraordinarily difficult economic times and I don't know anyone who is not somehow affected by either job reductions or layoffs. I know we all feel the pain of nearly $4.00 a gallon gasoline.
I am a believer in school property tax elimination. Berks County has long been the center of the struggle for change. I have great respect for the work former State Representative Dennis Leh did to advance the cause and recently former State Representative Sam Rohrer who kept the fight going. At the state capitol, I am part of several caucuses to do the same.
I am convinced that our public school funding formula is inequitable and outdated. This has created hot spots in Pennsylvania where some homeowners pay much higher school property taxes than in other parts of the state. The sooner the rest of the legislators in Harrisburg are convinced of the problem, the faster we move forward. The good news is there are more legislators now than in the last session from both sides in the State House, who ran on the commitment to eliminate school property taxes, and more Republicans like me who ran on a slate of conservative issues that we have made great progress on so far.
Last November, I was part of the new group of legislators who were elected to face Pennsylvania's problems and not kick issues down the road to deal with years from now. It's not popular work and some issues like education spending have many people concerned, but we have grabbed the bull by the horns for the sake of Pennsylvania's future.
State House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) said the House this session has "completed the most productive first four months in recent legislative sessions as the House Republican Caucus works to fulfill the agenda it was elected to complete." It's true and I was part of it.
Our agenda in the State House is to: rein in spending – enacting a $27.3 billion budget, on time with no tax increases. We are working to pass a jobs package which includes: Unemployment Compensation reform, welfare reform to eliminate fraud and to ensure that only those truly eligible will receive the help they need. Wine and spirit sales privatization is on the table. Sprinkler mandate elimination, House Bill 377 was already sent to the governor to sign. Part of our mission is to eliminate the barriers that keep businesses away from Pennsylvania.
This session, we Republicans led in the House with series of bills to deal with protecting children and rebuilding the people's trust in state government. During the first legislative week a package of bills was moved to close loopholes in the state's Megan's Law. Also considered and passed were Gaming reforms to ensure integrity throughout the gaming license and regulatory process. Last week, the House passed HB1, commonsense lawsuit abuse reform or the "fair share" act.
We know we have much more work to do with the Basic Education Funding formula. I have been listening to the concerns of student and teachers in my district. I admire school teacher unions and school administrators who thoughtfully agreed to take pay freezes. In the House we will work to ensure a fair expenditure, and provide mandate relief so school districts can make their own decisions to help them control their own spending.
An amazing statistic was brought to our attention in the State House. In the last session, 2009-10, only 10 bills were sent to the Senate during the same time period, and in the 2007-08 session, no bills were sent to the Senate for its consideration. So far this session we have moved over 50 bills with help from both sides of the political aisle.
My intent here is to let readers know that we are making progress in Harrisburg, and we know we have much more work to do. We also know we are accountable to the voters.
Rep. David M. Maloney is a Republican who represents the 130th State House District in Eastern Berks County.
Poll: Obama at 46 percent to Romney's 45
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
Poll: Obama at 46 percent to Romney's 45 - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Planned Parenthood ads target lawmakers over defunding votes
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
Planned Parenthood ads target lawmakers over defunding votes - The Hill's Healthwatch
Watchdog group: Obama lies about GOP debt reduction plan
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
FactChecking Obama's Budget Speech
Few 'taxpayer friends' from Pennsylvania in Congress
By Tony PhyrillasThe National Taxpayers Union, a 362,000-member fiscal watchdog group, has released its annual report card on members of Congress.
For the past 32 years, the Washington, D.C.-based group has issued a scorecard for each member of Congress based on his or her voting record to determine how "friendly" or "unfriendly" they are to overburdened taxpayers.
In addition to handing out letter grades — A through F — the group divides lawmakers into two groups: "Taxpayers' Friends" and "Big Spenders."
The grades are for 2010 members of Congress, many of whom have already been tossed out of office by angry voters last November.
It's no surprise that so many incumbents lost in 2010 if you follow the NTU rankings over the past three decades.
"2010 saw some of the most polarizing fiscal issues in the history of Congress, and NTU's Rating depicted the trend in stark detail," said NTU President Duane Parde. "Although an increasing number of lawmakers voted with taxpayers' interests, more than three times as many sided with special interests instead. With this lopsided tug-of-war among Members of Congress, it is no wonder the nation’s finances were dragged into a quagmire last year."
Pennsylvania voters were particularly agitated with members of Congress, tossing out five incumbent Democrats who represented Pennsylvania Congressional seats, as well as Sen. Arlen Specter.
While other watchdog groups tabulate ratings based on selected votes, NTU considers every vote taken by every member of Congress during each session. For 2010, the NTU rankings are based on 165 House and 142 Senate votes.
Some 79 lawmakers attained an "A" grade (at least 90 percent in the House and a 95 percent the Senate), which makes them eligible for the NTU's "Taxpayers' Friend Award" — an increase from the 55 who earned top grades in 2009, Parde notes.
At least half the members of Congress flunked the NTU grading system, with 264 Senators and Representatives earning the title of "Big Spender" for posting "F" grades (20 percent or less in the House and 18 percent or less in the Senate), Parde says.
A familiar name finished at the head of the class among all members of Congress.
For the eighth consecutive year, Rep. Jeff Flake, a Republican from Arizona, earned top honors in the House with a 97 percent rating.
In the Senate, NTU recognized Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) who earned a 99.5 percent, breaking the 99 percent mark that Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) earned in 1983. Right behind McCain was Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS), whose score was rounded to 99.5 percent.
The top scorers from Pennsylvania are Rep. Joe Pitts, a Republican who represents the 16th District in parts of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties, and Rep. Bill Shuster, who represents the 9th District in Western Pennsylvania. Both earned a B+ in the report card.
Pennsylvania Reps. Paul Kanjorski, Allyson Schwartz and Joe Sestak earned the lowest House scores.
Unfortunately for Pennsylvania taxpayers, far too many of the lawmakers who represent the state earned "F" grades from the NTU, qualifying for the group's "Big Spender" category.
Here's a look at how Pennsylvania members of Congress did on the taxpayer report card:
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. Kathy Dahlkemper — F; Rep. Charlie Dent — C+; Rep. Mike Doyle — F; Rep. Chaka Fattah — F; Rep. Jim Gerlach — C+; Rep. Tim Holden — D; Rep. Paul Kanjorski — F; Rep. Patrick Murphy — F; Rep. Tim Murphy — C+; Rep. Joe Pitts — B+; Rep. Todd Platts — C+; Rep. Allyson Schwartz — F; Rep. Joe Sestak — F; Rep. Bill Shuster — B+; Rep. Glenn Thompson — B
In the Senate, Specter and Casey are both Democrats. In the House, all of the Democrats from Pennsylvania received "F" grades except Reps. Altmire and Holden, who each earned a "D" grade.
Carney, Dahlkemper, Kanjorski and Patrick Murphy were ousted by voters last November while Sestak gave up his House seat for an unsuccessful run for the U.S. Senate. Sestak's seat was won by Republican Pat Meehan. Specter failed to win another term in the Senate, losing to Republican Pat Toomey.
What lesson should politicians have learned after the "shellacking" tax-and-spend Democrats took in the midterm elections?
"Given the multi-trillion-dollar surge in the national debt during 2009 and 2010, taxpayers are now hoping for a different kind of surge — one that will take scores for both parties on NTU's next Rating of Congress to new and fitting heights," Parde said. "Time will tell if lawmakers translate their words on behalf of limited government to deeds that will show up on our scorecard — and in taxpayers' wallets."
To review the process NTU uses to determine its grades or the actual votes taken on specific bills, visit the group's Web site at www.ntu.org
Tony Phyrillas, who writes about politics for The Mercury, won a first place award for column writing in 2010 from the Pennsylvania Associated Press Managing Editors. He blogs daily at www.pottsmerc.com E-mail him at tphyrillas@pottsmerc.com
Big Labor is killing U.S. jobs
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
Check out this post at RedState.com - One Year's Worth Of Union Dues Could Support 265,447 U.S. Workers For A Year
College presidents line their own pockets first
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
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
Monday, April 18, 2011
Statement by Richard Viguerie on the Death of Bill Rusher
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
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
Standard & Poor's lowers U.S. debt rating to negative
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.
TheStar Standard & Poor's lowers U.S. debt rating to negative
TheStar Standard & Poor's lowers U.S. debt rating to negative
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
You call this property tax relief?
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 is expected to be about $200 this year. You call that property tax relief?
Budget Secretary Certifies $776.2 Million for Statewide Property Tax Relief
The average statewide property tax reduction for each Pennsylvania household is expected to be about $200 this year. You call that property tax relief?
Budget Secretary Certifies $776.2 Million for Statewide Property Tax Relief
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
If you want to pay higher taxes, nobody is stopping you
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
More Americans leaving workforce
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
More Americans leaving workforce - USATODAY.com
More Americans leaving workforce
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
More Americans leaving workforce - USATODAY.com
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Meet Tony Phyrillas at Montgomery County Community College on April 15
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.
Poll: Obama losing ground in Pennsylvania
Laura Vecsey, writing in The Patriot-News, says Barack Obama's fortunes have changed in the Keystone State:
Pennsylvania's looking like it could be a very tough state for Obama in 2012, says Public Policy Polling. Obama's approval rating in PA is only 42 percent, with 52 percent of voters disapproving of him.Read the full story, "Obama's 2012 chances of winning Pennsylvania not so hot, new poll shows," at the newspaper's website.
No relief in sight for gas prices
The average price per gallon of regular gas when George W. Bush left office was $1.83. The average price per gallon of regular gas today under Barack Obama is $3.79.
No relief in sight for gas prices - pottsmerc.com
No relief in sight for gas prices - pottsmerc.com
PA GOP: President Obama Wants a Budget Do-Over to Raise Your Taxes
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."
Montco D.A. Risa Ferman Writes Children's Book on Online Safety
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
Corbett nominates Eileen Behr for Montco Sheriff
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 of 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 of 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.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Tea Party Rally in Phoenixville on April 15
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.
"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.
Rep. Quigley's Benefit Shopping Bill Passes House
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."More information about Quigley and the WelFAIR package are available at RepQuigley.com
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."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 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.
House Bill 1261 will now go to the Senate for consideration. The House also approved House Bills 960 and 1251.
GE not alone: 10 companies that pay the least in taxes
Barack Obama is owned by corporate America, so stop buying that bullshit about how he's working for the middle class.
GE not alone: 10 companies that pay the least in taxes - pottsmerc.com
GE not alone: 10 companies that pay the least in taxes - pottsmerc.com
Are welfare cuts next for Pennsylvania?
The biggest mystery in Harrisburg - Why won't Gov. Tom Corbett cut the $11 Billion spent each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare?
Are welfare cuts next for Pennsylvania? - pottsmerc.com
Are welfare cuts next for Pennsylvania? - pottsmerc.com
Monday, April 11, 2011
PA Houses Passes 'Fair Share Act'
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."
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
Obama 'regrets' 2006 vote against raising debt ceiling
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.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Are taxpayers getting their money's worth?
From an Associated Press investigative report on the Pennsylvania Legislature, which costs taxpayers $300 million a year:
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).Pa. legislative staff size makes for budget target - pottsmerc.com
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. has few taxpayer friends in Congress
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
Pa. has few taxpayer friends in Congress - pottsmerc.com
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Friday, April 08, 2011
Planned Parenthood Offers Flu Shots!?!
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.
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.
Bill O'Reilly: Beck Gets Last Laugh
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
Thursday, April 07, 2011
'You Don't Need a Nobel Prize to Know Less Oil Means Higher Prices'
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.You Don't Need a Nobel Prize to Know Less Oil Means Higher Prices
"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.
Video: Obama on Rising Gas Prices
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.)
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Bad Medicine: Obamacare
The Cato Institute has released a comprehensive look at the many ills of Obamacare: "Bad Medicine: A Guide to the Real Costs and Consequences of the New Health Care Law"
Bad Medicine: A Guide to the Real Costs and Consequences of the New Health Care Law | Michael D. Tanner | Cato Institute: White Paper
Bad Medicine: A Guide to the Real Costs and Consequences of the New Health Care Law | Michael D. Tanner | Cato Institute: White Paper
Alternative Energy & Environmental Expo on April 10
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:
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.
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
PA GOP: Pennsylvania Families Can't Afford 4 More Years Of Obama
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."
Monday, April 04, 2011
Group Lists 'Taxpayers' Friends' in Congress
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.
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.The 2010 Rating and a searchable Rating database dating back to 1992 is available at www.ntu.org
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.
Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 44%, Democrats 39%
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
Generic Congressional Ballot
Hope Isn't Hiring @ HopeIsntHiring.com
Obama makes his case for another four years:
* 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
60% of U.S. Military Deaths in Afghanistan Have Occurred Since Obama Was Inaugurated in 2009
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
60% of U.S. Military Deaths in Afghanistan Have Occurred Since Obama Was Inaugurated in 2009 | CNSnews.com
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Newspaper: Time to cut PA Legislature
From an editorial in Sunday'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.Read the full editorial here.
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.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Revenue Department Releases March Collections
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.
Revenue Department Releases March Collections
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.
Revenue Department Releases March Collections
Mexican man entered U.S. illegally 10 times
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
Mexican man entered U.S. illegally 10 times - timesherald.com
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