News
Pennsylvania House Passes $27.3 Billion Budget
Over Democrat objections, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has given it’s approval to a $27.3 billion, no-tax increase state budget that restores some proposed cuts in education. The House vote was 109-92 and the action leaves 37 days for the House and Senate to work out any differences before sending a final budget to Governor Tom Corbett’s desk. […]
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Remove Ban on Teachers Wearing Religious Garb, Symbols in the Classroom.
Pennsylvania is one of only two states that still ban teachers from wearing any type of religious garb or symbol. A bipartisan effort is underway to lift that ban. Representative Eugene DePasquale, a York Democrat, says it’s about ending religious discrimination in the public. He says statutes banning teachers from wearing any religious garb or […]
Grand Jury Report Criticizes Gaming Control Board
The 102-page document compiled by the 31st Statewide Investigating Grand Jury paints an unflattering picture of the state’s gaming regulators. It cites a political process that neglected or ignored its policy objectives, failed to protect the public from unlawful gaming practices, and avoided transparency. The report includes 21-recommendations ranging from a new venue for the […]
Teen “Sexting” Bill Passes PA House
The State House voted overwhelmingly in favor of legislation that creates the offense of teen “sexting.” The bill would apply to nude photographs distributed among teenagers, via cell phones and even computers. The prime sponsor is State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), who says the legislation will make teens think before they “sext.” At the same […]
Linda Kelly Confirmed as Pennsylvania Attorney General
The state Senate voted to confirm several appointees on Monday, most notably giving a positive nod to Governor Tom Corbett’s choice to replace him as Pennsylvania Attorney General. Linda Kelly was confirmed on a unanimous 50-0 vote and will finish out the remaining 20 months of the term. The office became vacant when former Attorney […]
Final House Budget Vote Possible Today
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is poised to give its final approval to a $27.3 billion budget plan. The House voted 110-89 to advance the bill on Monday, setting up the final vote which could come as early as today. The spending plan stays true to Governor Tom Corbett’s overall spend figure, while supporters […]
More Severe Storms, Possible Tornadoes
Another strong storm front moved through central and eastern Pennsylvania late Monday, triggering tornado warnings in multiple counties. Some of the heaviest damage is reported in Juniata County, where barns, homes and other structures were subjected to high winds. No deaths or serious injuries have been reported, but barn roof collapses contributed to some loss […]
Bikers: Let Freedom Ride
On the same day that one state lawmaker reintroduced a bill to once again make motorcycle helmets mandatory, more than one hundred bikers rode to the state capitol for their annual motorcyclists’ rights rally. It was no coincidence, according to Charles Umbenhauer with ABATE of PA. “It’s probably a good idea to air both sides […]
Lawmaker wants to Reinstate Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Helmet Law
A state lawmaker is introducing three motorcycle safety bills, including one to reinstate the helmet law for all riders. Representative Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) says since the motorcycle helmet law was repealed in 2003, there have been an increase in deaths and injuries and a decrease in the number of riders wearing helmets, including those […]
Study Projects Economic Impact of Marcellus Shale Tax, Fee Proposals
A new study from Penn State’s Institute for Research in Training & Development treated the Marcellus Shale severance tax and impact fee proposals as added production costs to the gas producers. Professor David Passmore says the four proposals they considered differed based on how they handle exemptions, and how high the tax rate is over […]