Will Corbett stand up to the legislature on pensions?
How the governor plays this issue could decide the Nov. elections
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
A wise attorney once told me, “never ask a question in court if you don’t know what the answer will be.”
It appears that Gov. Tom Corbett failed to adhere to that maxim when he hinted he would not sign the new $29.1 billion state budget passed by both houses of the legislature — unless the legislature...
Bad state budget could wipe out Corbett and local legislators
If House plan is the final budget, GOP could face electoral doom in November
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
It looks like Gov. Tom Corbett could be winning his budget battle, but could be losing the war — and maybe a handful of state legislative seats in Chester County. We may have a better sense how bad the mess will be once a state budget is passed, maybe even by Monday.
The House of Representatives...
Op/Ed: All budgets reflect values
By Susan Rzucidlo, Candidate, State Representative, 158th District
Susan Rzucidlo
Budget season in Harrisburg is in full swing. Mark Kennedy Shriver, (Former Maryland Representative and now with Save the Children), once said, “All budgets reflect values.” This is a statement with which I agree. What values does this year’s budget reflect?
As we face a $1.2 billion dollar deficit, Gov. Tom...
Primary aftermath: Dinniman comes out the big winner
The state senator was not on the ballots, but he emerged as county’s top Democrat
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
While most primary elections in non-presidential years are kind of ho-hum events, Tuesday’s elections turned out to be more revealing than expected, and at minimum give us some hint of what is to come in November.
Not shockingly, turnout was lousy, especially on the Republican...
State seeking watershed grant applicants
Funds available through Growing Greener program
HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Corbett announced on Tuesday, May 13, that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting applications for the Growing Greener Grant Program for watershed protection. Local governments, non-profits, schools, municipal authorities and watershed associations are eligible to apply.
“Each year, these grants are...
Spring brings out the senseless in politics
May brings flowers and Silly Season, Part I
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Ah yes, it’s May. The blooms are on the trees, warm sunshine is here (that is when we don’t get washed away by five inches of rain), the birds are singing and Spring is in the air.
Oh, and the crazy is really ramped up in the political world. From the 158th state house district to Gov. Tom Corbett, the red mist has fully...
County announces low-interest disaster loans
SBA program is for qualifying businesses, nonprofits impacted by Feb. storms
WEST CHESTER – The Chester County Board of Commissioners announced Friday, April 4, the availability of low-interest economic injury disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), for small businesses affected by the severe winter storms which occurred from Feb. 3-28.
An economic injury disaster loan...
Do petition numbers really matter?
As campaigns trumpet numbers, do they tell us anything?
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Well, they’re everywhere. Media announcements about the number of signatures a given candidate has gotten to get on the ballot as if it means something.
For those who don’t know, political candidates must collect signatures from registered voters in their district — they must be of the same political...
Veterans’ driver’s licenses to show special designation
Governor kicks off initiative to recognize past military service
U.S. military veterans will now be recognized on Pennsylvania drivers’ licenses.
Veterans will now have the opportunity to honor their military service on their driver’s license, according to the governor’s office.
Surrounded by veterans and members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Gov. Tom Corbett kicked off the new Veterans...
Corbett faces trouble from his own party