09/08/2010
First, it was the middle of the night pay raise. Then it was “Bonusgate.” And just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, other scandals surface. No wonder the public is so distrustful of the General Assembly and those in state government.
04/12/2010
Ah, it is budget time again in Harrisburg. And like in previous years, the story line is basically the same. What we are proposing to spend far exceeds our actual and projected revenue numbers (our ability to pay), and we continue to kick the can of structural deficits down the road for the next administration.
02/22/2010
No doubt these are difficult times. And we are now beginning what I hope is not another prolonged budget dispute. With less than a year before we elect a new governor, we need to do all we can to cut costs and minimize the state’s financial woes. This includes cutting the cost of publicly funded construction projects.
01/29/2010
Boy, it is amazing how time flies! A little over three years ago, it was in this newspaper that I was first able to introduce myself to you as your new State Representative. And while many of you were probably not too familiar with me initially, we did share a common bond – a desire for open and honest government, and legislators who challenge the status quo and not become part of it.
09/29/2009
No doubt these are difficult times. And while we are still in the throes of an ugly budget dispute, this month I would like to take a moment to thank a few of our true unsung heroes who have either stepped-up in people’s time of need, served as an inspiration, or dedicated their existence to the enrichment of our children.
08/31/2009
Enough already! I don’t know about you, but I am fed up with this budget feud and the ongoing blame game. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be able to reach a budget agreement and get it done before the Labor Day weekend! Regardless of one’s political philosophy, this should be a no-brainer. Here are the facts.
06/29/2009
It’s budget time in Harrisburg and once again we are at our typical end of June stalemate. However, this year is a little different. Instead of running a budget surplus, we have a $3.2 billion deficit. This means we are fighting two battles, how much to spend and how to pay for it.
10/30/2008
With this presidential election, a lot of folks have been talking about a need for new leadership and moving beyond the status quo. Well, having completed my first term serving as your state representative, I agree there is a serious lack of direction and thoughtfulness in both the federal and state levels of government and within the Republican and Democratic parties. Stating otherwise is simply being in denial.
08/28/2008
With summer coming to an end, it is time to focus on what promises to be an exciting fall. However, much of the excitement will probably be coming from Washington and the presidential campaign, and not Harrisburg. Given the level of dysfunction with some of our leaders and the ongoing “Bonusgate” investigation, that might not be such a bad thing.
07/30/2008
Every year America celebrates its birthday on July 4th, Independence Day. Well, this year the date is significant for another reason. It was the day that the 2008 state budget was passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor.
06/30/2008
Well, it is June 29th and we still do not have a budget. No big surprise there. Not once during this administration’s tenure have we been on time, six years and counting. But the strategy has always been, wait to the last minute, create a crisis, and pressure the legislature into passing items they might not otherwise agree to. Sadly, this year appears to be no different.
05/05/2008
Last week, the governor accepted a winning bid of $12.8 billion from Abertis/Citigroup Infrastructure Investments (CII), a.k.a., the “Pennsylvania Transportation Partnership,” for a 75-year lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. And much like the 1993 movie, “Indecent Proposal” in which a billionaire offers an inordinate amount of money for an obscene request, some view the proposal to liquidate a long-standing public resource to be equally as pungent, at least at first glance.
04/02/2008
Thank you for your continued support and sharing of ideas. Through your input, you have helped me set an aggressive legislative agenda. This month, I want to highlight a series of events meant to honor those who have done so much for us – the men and women of our armed services.
03/03/2008
I am fortunate to have one of the best legislative districts in the Commonwealth. Our citizens are dynamic, engaged, and not afraid to voice their opinions or tackle tough issues. Through your e-mails, phone calls and your participation in my town hall meetings and first ever “Talk Back” event last November, you have helped me set an aggressive legislative agenda for the remainder of the year and beyond. This month I want to highlight some of the key areas on which I will be working in the coming months.
02/28/2008
Well, it is budget time again in Harrisburg. And that means we are in the process of working on the single most important policy document we take up every year – our annual budget. And every year, there are winners and losers and significant debate about where your tax dollars are being spent. This year is no different.