Wednesday, May 28, 2008
'How Pennsylvania Will Be Affected by the Lieberman-Warner Global Climate Change Legislation'
A must-read post at The Heritage Foundation Web site on "How Pennsylvania Will Be Affected by the Lieberman-Warner Global Climate Change Legislation"
You and your family will end up paying for Al Gore's fantasy about climate change. It could mean your job. It will mean higher taxes. Get on the phone to Bob Casey and Arlen Specter and tell them Pennsylvania isn't buying what Al Gore is selling.
For more on the global warming hysteria, click here.
You and your family will end up paying for Al Gore's fantasy about climate change. It could mean your job. It will mean higher taxes. Get on the phone to Bob Casey and Arlen Specter and tell them Pennsylvania isn't buying what Al Gore is selling.
For more on the global warming hysteria, click here.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
House Republicans push for tax cuts
State Rep. Tom Quigley, R-Montgomery, and the House Republican Policy Committee are hosting a public hearing on the Economic Stimulus Tax Cut proposal, which would roll back Pennsylvania's personal income tax (PIT) rate.The event, which starts at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, will be held in the community room of the Pottstown campus of Montgomery County Community College, 101 College Drive.
"This legislation takes a big step toward controlling government spending and our being better stewards of Pennsylvanians’ hard-earned money," Quigley said in a written release announcing the meeting. "Even more so during the difficult financial times we are experiencing, it is important to keep more of our citizens’ dollars in their own hands."
The bill reduces the PIT to 2.935 percent from the present 3.05 percent rate and will save Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $270 million annually.
"The state experienced a revenue surplus of $649 million last year, and the current fiscal year to date has been a good one," Quigley stated. "That sounds like over-taxation to me and should translate into revenue returned to our constituents."
The proposal also implements Compete PA business tax relief, which includes removing the cap on net operating losses and shifting from a 70 percent to a 100 percent sales factor for calculating the Corporate Net Income (CNI) tax, Quigley said. "In addition, House Bill 2270 reduces the consumer electric gross receipts tax by 50 percent, phasing in over five years."
"Gov. Rendell likes to talk surplus and the lack of need to raise taxes," Quigley added. "Those extra dollars belong in the wallets of the people who worked for them and with the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy, not as part of some pet project. Enacting this legislation means more money in the pockets of Pennsylvanians and makes for a better the business climate, a condition that has not existed during the Rendell administration."
Quigley is a member of the House Finance Committee.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Should Kanjorski resign for lying?
In light of U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski admitting that Democrats lied to the American people about the war in Iraq to gain control of Congress in 2006, Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Robert A. Gleason Jr. is asking for Kanjorski's resignation.
Gleason released the following statement:
You can watch video of Kanjorski at http://www.politickerpa.com/
Gleason released the following statement:
"In light of his admission that he and other members of the Democrat Party lied, I believe that Congressman Paul Kanjorski should do the honorable thing and resign immediately. He violated the trust of the people of his district and betrayed them through his purposefully deceitful remarks. I demand that other members of the Democrat delegation come clean as well and let the public know if they were part of this conspiracy.At a recent event, Congressman Kanjorski told a crowd the following about the Democrats 2006 election strategy:
"Paul Kanjorski said that the Democrats 'stretched the facts' for political reasons during the 2006 election cycle. As a veteran, I find Congressman Kanjorski's admission to lying about the facts of the War startling. The fact that Paul Kanjorski and the Democrats put their own political interests and thirst for power above the lives of the brave men and women fighting to protect our country sickens me. By misleading the nation and the world about the progress being made in Iraq, Kanjorski and the Democrats put the lives of our troops in danger, and they should be deeply ashamed of themselves. This is a sad day in American political history."
"I'll tell you my impression. We really in this last election, when I say we...the Democrats, I think pushed it as far as we can to the end of the fleet, didn't say it, but we implied it. That if we won the Congressional elections, we could stop the war. Now anybody was a good student of Government would know that wasn't true. But you know, the temptation to want to win back the Congress, we sort of stretched the facts...and people ate it up."Kanjorski's opponent in November is Lou Barletta, the crusading mayor of Hazleton, Pa.
You can watch video of Kanjorski at http://www.politickerpa.com/
Save Our Homes Rally on June 2
Bus transportation is being arranged by the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition to take residents to the Save Our Homes Rally at the State Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg on Monday, June 2. The rally starts at 11 AM. This could be the last chance this year to get the Legislature to act on property tax reform.From Pottstown Area:
Bus will be leaving from the Wal-Mart in the Pottstown Center on Shoemaker Road at 8:30 AM. Contact Gene Endress of the PCTA's Owen J. Roberts taxpayer group at gendre1@comcast.net
From Reading Area:
Bus will be leaving from the K-Mart at Rt. 222 and Rt. 724, Shillington, at 8:30 AM. Contact David Baldinger of the PTCC at taxrally@mail.com
From Lancaster County Area:
Bus for the Eastern Lancaster County/Western Chester County area will be leaving from the Christiana Fire House at 8:30 AM with a pickup stop in Lancaster city. Contact John McCartney of the PCTA's CLASTA group at johnjhere30@comcast.net
From York County Area:
Bus will leave from the Southeastern York County area (Delta, Fawn Grove, Peach Bottom) with a pickup stop near York City. Contact Margie Lavin of the PCTA's SETRC group at info@setrc.net or Warren Bulette of the PCTA's YCTC group at bulette@juno.com
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Pennsylvania courts step in it
For the latest on the lawsuit filed by the Pennsylvania League of Women Voters against the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, check out these posts:
"When Judges Are Accused of Breaking The Law" at TONY PHYRILLAS
"Cappy & Castille Confuse Courage & Cowardice" at POLICY BLOG
"When Judges Are Accused of Breaking The Law" at TONY PHYRILLAS
"Cappy & Castille Confuse Courage & Cowardice" at POLICY BLOG
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Columnist examines court's role in pay raise fiasco
Philadelphia Daily News columnist John Baer examines the allegations of collusion between the judicial and legislative branches of state government over the ill-fated July 2005 pay raise.
A lawsuit by the Pennsylvania League of Women voters has brought the controversy back in the news.
Baer writes:
A lawsuit by the Pennsylvania League of Women voters has brought the controversy back in the news.
Baer writes:
"If it's true, it means that the fix is in on stuff of statewide significance.Read the full column here.
If untrue, it still feeds the fears of those who think the fix is in.
Either way, it can't help the image of the state court system.
And the state court system is striking back, threatening retaliation.
Ah, Pennsylvania."
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Property Tax Elimination Rally!
From the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition:
Bus will be leaving from the Wal-Mart in the Pottstown Center on Shoemaker Road at 8:30 AM. Contact Gene Endress of the PCTA's Owen J. Roberts taxpayer group at gendre1@comcast.net
Reading Area:
Bus will be leaving from the K-Mart at Rt. 222 and Rt. 724, Shillington, at 8:30 AM. Contact David Baldinger of the PTCC at taxrally@mail.com
Lancaster County Area:
Bus for the Eastern Lancaster County/Western Chester County area will be leaving from the Christiana Fire House at 8:30 AM with a pickup stop in Lancaster city. Contact John McCartney of the PCTA's CLASTA group at johnjhere30@comcast.net
York County Area:
Bus will leave from the Southeastern York County area (Delta, Fawn Grove, Peach Bottom) with a pickup stop near York City. Contact Margie Lavin of the PCTA's SETRC group at info@setrc.net or Warren Bulette of the PCTA's YCTC group at bulette@juno.com
This is just a short note today to remind you about the school property tax elimination rally that will be held in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg on Monday, June 2, from 11:00 AM – Noon. This is a tremendous opportunity for us to take our demands to the unwilling politicians in their own house and to meet and show our support for those lawmakers who understand this vital issue and are who are working for us.Pottstown Area:
This is shaping up to be a terrific event with a number of great speakers and a lot of taxpayer participation. To make the greatest impression on reluctant lawmakers we need as many folks as possible to attend to voice their support for HB 1275, the School Property Tax Elimination Act.
Please do all that you can to join in this event and please help to spread the word to others who will be willing to attend. The time for action is NOW!
For those of you who might need transportation to the rally there are a number of bus trips planned in east and central Pennsylvania that still have seats available. This is a convenient way to get to the capitol and to establish camaraderie with others who are working for true education finance reform. A list of available buses and contact names are listed below my signature; all are $20 or less depending on location and will be reserved on a first-come basis.
I hope to meet all of you on June 2!
David Baldinger
PTCC Administrator
Bus will be leaving from the Wal-Mart in the Pottstown Center on Shoemaker Road at 8:30 AM. Contact Gene Endress of the PCTA's Owen J. Roberts taxpayer group at gendre1@comcast.net
Reading Area:
Bus will be leaving from the K-Mart at Rt. 222 and Rt. 724, Shillington, at 8:30 AM. Contact David Baldinger of the PTCC at taxrally@mail.com
Lancaster County Area:
Bus for the Eastern Lancaster County/Western Chester County area will be leaving from the Christiana Fire House at 8:30 AM with a pickup stop in Lancaster city. Contact John McCartney of the PCTA's CLASTA group at johnjhere30@comcast.net
York County Area:
Bus will leave from the Southeastern York County area (Delta, Fawn Grove, Peach Bottom) with a pickup stop near York City. Contact Margie Lavin of the PCTA's SETRC group at info@setrc.net or Warren Bulette of the PCTA's YCTC group at bulette@juno.com
Monday, May 19, 2008
Tax elimination momentum growing
The major criticism of state Rep. Sam Rohrer's House Bill 1275 mostly from Democrats who like the current system of forcing Pennsylvania out of their homes through high property taxes is that elimination of schools taxes won't leave enough money to fund public education.
They're not sure that will happen. They just think it might. So Democrats do what they've always done. Sit on their hands and do nothing.
The Mercury takes a look at HB 1275 and concludes:
"The plan has the potential to boost the economy of Pennsylvania, provide adequate funding for all schools regardless of district wealth, and relieve the tax burden for homeowners."
Read the full editorial here.
They're not sure that will happen. They just think it might. So Democrats do what they've always done. Sit on their hands and do nothing.
The Mercury takes a look at HB 1275 and concludes:
"The plan has the potential to boost the economy of Pennsylvania, provide adequate funding for all schools regardless of district wealth, and relieve the tax burden for homeowners."
Read the full editorial here.
National Schools of Character Winners Announced
Congratulations to Bower Hill Elementary School in Venetia, PA, for making the Top 10 list.
National Schools of Character Winners Announced: "Bower Hill Elementary School, Venetia, PA"
National Schools of Character Winners Announced: "Bower Hill Elementary School, Venetia, PA"
Saturday, May 17, 2008
2 more chances to catch Tony Phyrillas on TV Sunday
There will be two opportunities Sunday to watch Tony Phyrillas on "Journalists Roundtable."
The program will be shown at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. on the Pennsylvania Cable Network.
PCN is shown on Comcast Channel 78 in the Pottstown area, on Comcast Channel 98 in Berks County and on Service Electric Cable Channel 23 in Berks and Lehigh counties.
The one-hour program is hosted by Bill Bova. The other panelists this week are Chris Potter of the Pittsburgh City Paper and Dennis Roddy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Consult your cable guide for the Pennsylvania Cable Network channel in your area.
The program will be shown at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. on the Pennsylvania Cable Network.
PCN is shown on Comcast Channel 78 in the Pottstown area, on Comcast Channel 98 in Berks County and on Service Electric Cable Channel 23 in Berks and Lehigh counties.
The one-hour program is hosted by Bill Bova. The other panelists this week are Chris Potter of the Pittsburgh City Paper and Dennis Roddy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Consult your cable guide for the Pennsylvania Cable Network channel in your area.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Rohrer wants Rendell to curb state spending
State Rep. Sam Rohrer, R-Berks, writing an op-ed in The Philadelphia Inquirer, is urging Gov. Ed Rendell to curb his voracious appetite for increasing state spending and debt.
Rohrer writes: After increasing spending by more than $7 billion in only five years, the governor is once again clenching his fists and demanding that Pennsylvania taxpayers allow him another opportunity to "strategically invest" at least $2 billion more of our hard-earned money in order to "stimulate" the economy.Read the full column here.
If state government has failed to deliver a tangible rate of economic return for Pennsylvania's families in terms of property tax relief, job creation, improved roads and bridges, and reduced energy prices with $7 billion over five years, what reputable financial institution would hand over an additional $2 billion based on even more empty promises? How much spending is enough?
The struggle to pay school property taxes
Here's a sampling of the problems many Pennsylvania homeowners are having paying skyrocketing property taxes. For more, check out "In their own words: Real-life stories from Pennsylvania homeowners" at the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition Web site."My personal story! I am a senior female 77 years old. I lost my husband last September. When he died, he took half of our income with him. The property tax is $7600. I prepared years ago living on a budget, but always had enough to cover expenses. His death has been difficult for me. We were married 59 years. Our property tax will force me to leave my home. I do not believe this will ever be solved. Hope I am wrong."
– Fran, Boothwyn, Delaware County
"I cannot afford to retire in 2009 after 30 years of teaching in the public school system because my pension will not be sufficient to cover my house payment which includes my property taxes. The property taxes are greater than my principal, interest and homeowners insurance. I am 57 with health issues which require me to work until my SS kicks in which is at least 5 years away. I could work close to home and part time, but I can't afford to with not only the property taxes but all of the other problems with the economy. I can't afford to do simple home improvements like new sliders because the old ones are deteriorating. I will never own this home even when the mortgage is paid. I am only the grounds keeper for the state of Pennsylvania. I am not even a paid employee; I am a volunteer grounds keeper. If I for any good reason cannot pay my property taxes the state will fire me and take away my home. I am really considering selling when the economy improves and find a nice rental property and let someone else volunteer to work and pay to work to the state."
- Donna Alford, York County
"I have lived in York County for about a year and a half, prior to this, I lived in Montgomery County MD. This system of school districts is ridiculous to say the least. There should be only one school district per county with THE COUNTY controlling the schools like MD. There should be one school board made up on 7 or 9 members answerable to the COUNTY. This would allow one health plan for all school employees and there should be no right to strike. This fractured system of school districts results in higher taxes. My house in Montgomery County was assessed at $399,000 and my tax last year was a little over $4100.00 before the reductions that brought it down to $2900.00. This was THE TOTAL tax I had to pay. Here in York County, my house is assessed at $379,000 and the SCHOOL TAX alone was close to $6000.00. What is wrong with this picture?"
- Ben Mangus, Hanover, York County
"My husband & I are on Social Security now, & though we have some savings, it won't be long before we have to use it for the ever growing taxes that are due in Spring & Fall. The PA school tax is especially burdensome as you well know. We had hoped for a resolution to this long before now by the abolishment of that tax. If our savings are used up with those taxes, what will we use when an emergency comes along?? With the ever rising prices of gas & oil & food, the money we have to work with is getting less & less. We urge you to please put into law the END of the huge Property tax before ours & the savings of countless others is gone, homes lost, & hope erased. We have worked hard all our lives to maintain & keep our home, & now the resources we thought we had are like water sadly slipping through our hands."
- Richard & Joan Hornberger, Elverson, Chester County
"The past two years I have had to rely on my married daughter to help me pay my Octorara School Taxes, Chester County. My taxes went up $500 two years ago and $480 last year and they anticipate going up again this year. My school taxes are now $3200 and Borough/County taxes equal almost $900. (my home is a small rancher built in 1972) In order for me to stop depending on my children to help me pay, as my retirement and social security is only $1300/month, I am contemplating getting a reverse mortgage in order to stay in my home. My deceased husband and I worked hard for 20+ years to pay this house off and only when he passed away and the insurance paid it off, was it free and clear. Now I have to re-mortgage it to pay my taxes????? Please....something must be done to help the Pennsylvania taxpayer.
- Carol Moyer, Chester County
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tony Phyrillas on 'Journalists Roundtable' tonight
Tony Phyrillas is one of the panelists on this week's edition of "Journalists Roundtable" on the Pennsylvania Cable Network.In addition to Phyrillas, city editor and political columnist for The Mercury in Pottstown, Pa., the other panelists are Chris Potter of the Pittsburgh City Paper and Dennis Roddy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The one-hour program hosted by Bill Bova is shown Thursdays at 8 p.m. on cable systems throughout Pennsylvania. The program will repeat Sunday, May 18, at 5 p.m. and again at 11 p.m.
Consult your cable guide for the Pennsylvania Cable Network channel on your area.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Pro-Abortion group backs Obama
You know you're out of touch on the abortion issue when Nat Hentoff, one of the most far left columnist in the U.S., labels you an extremist. That's what Hentoff called Obama's stance on abortion.
So it's no surprise that one of the militant abortion-on-demand groups in the country would endorse Obama for president. He's their kind of man.
NARAL'S CHOICE: Is Anyone Surprised About Out-of-the-Mainstream NARAL's Choice of Barack Obama for President?
You can read more about Obama's long history of supporting the abortion industry at the Republican National Committee Web site.
So it's no surprise that one of the militant abortion-on-demand groups in the country would endorse Obama for president. He's their kind of man.
NARAL'S CHOICE: Is Anyone Surprised About Out-of-the-Mainstream NARAL's Choice of Barack Obama for President?
You can read more about Obama's long history of supporting the abortion industry at the Republican National Committee Web site.
Pension hike would negate property tax relief, group says
STOP PRIMARY RESIDENCE PROTECTION PLAN or STOP, a citizens group working to eliminate all property taxes in Pennsylvania, opposes a proposal to increase pensions for retired state workers and legislators.The group believes a pension increase would wipe out any potential savings from the elimination or reduction in property taxes, according to founder Bob Logue.
From a release issued by STOP:
The Pennsylvania House leadership is proposing increases in state employee pensions including retired legislators, teachers and other state workers. The issue of this letter is not whether the pension increases are merited, but instead where the money will come from to pay for the increases.
At least as far as the teachers and other school retirees are concerned, the increases will come from the school districts that employed them. As our school districts are required to replenish the pension fund to pay the proposed higher pensions, increases in property taxes — the major source of funding for school districts — will likely be forthcoming for homeowners and other property owners.
Any savings realized by property owners from the slot parlors could easily be wiped away by millage increases to help fund these pension increases. This is the perfect example of why I have repeatedly stated property tax reductions are only temporary, and are not true property tax reform.
When you see a few hundred dollars in property tax reductions on your school tax bill this year, enjoy it, but don't get used to it…because those reductions will not last. Reassessments that may soon be ordered by the PA Supreme Court as they rule on the constitutionality of the base year assessment system most counties use; or millage increases by your local school board to offset pension increases or other budgetary increases, will soon wipe away your property tax reductions.
The only real property tax reform is abolishment of all property taxes — school, county and municipal on primary residences. Replacement sales and income taxes and the economic boom such a plan would unleash will strengthen the economies of our counties, school districts and municipalities. Then homeowners would truly own their homes for the first time ever.
Contact your PA State Senator and encourage her or him to push for passage of HB 1947 (which passed the House 197-0) or SB 717. Both pieces of legislation are currently in the Senate Finance Committee. Both would amend the PA constitution to permit abolishment of all property taxes on primary residences. It is important the Senate act on either of these bills this year.
Howard Dean picks his 50 favorite state bloggers
More than 400 applications were received from bloggers across the United States for credential to the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. The DNC announced winners from each of the 50 states today.
DNC Chairman Governor Dean Announces Blogs Selected for 2008 Democratic National Convention 'State Blogger Corps'
DNC Chairman Governor Dean Announces Blogs Selected for 2008 Democratic National Convention 'State Blogger Corps'
Swim at your own risk
The Rendell Administration has eliminated lifeguards at 15 state parks this summer as a cost-savings measure. The move is expected to save the state $800,000.
How much do you think the state will end up paying if somebody drowns at one of the beaches in the 15 state parks?
PA Auditor General Jack Wagner Urges DCNR to Restore Lifeguard Protection at All State Park Beaches
How much do you think the state will end up paying if somebody drowns at one of the beaches in the 15 state parks?
PA Auditor General Jack Wagner Urges DCNR to Restore Lifeguard Protection at All State Park Beaches
Beginning of the end for Clinton campaign?
A joint fundraising agreement between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama? It sounds like part of a deal to allow Clinton to bow out of the 2008 presidential race.
DNC: Dean Announces Joint Fundraising Agreement with Clinton and Obama Campaigns
DNC: Dean Announces Joint Fundraising Agreement with Clinton and Obama Campaigns
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Catch Tony Phyrillas on PCN this week
Tony Phyrillas will be a panelist on the "Journalists Roundtable" program on the Pennsylvania Cable Network on Thursday, May 15.The one-hour program hosted by Bill Bova is shown Thursdays at 8 p.m. on cable systems throughout Pennsylvania. The program will repeat Sunday, May 18, at 5 p.m. and again at 11 p.m.
PCN is shown on Comcast Channel 98 in Berks County, Service Electric Cable Channel 23 in Berks/Lehigh counties and Comcast Channel 78 in the Pottstown area.
Consult your cable guide for the Pennsylvania Cable Network channel on your area.
Obama's questionable endorsements
It's bad enough that Jimmy Carter, John F. Kerry, Michael Moore and Hanoi Jane Fonda have endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president. Now we have the leader of the terrorist group Hammas rooting for Obama to win the White House.Interviewer of Hamas-Obama Endorsement Speaks Out
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