News
Expanded Castle Doctrine Becomes Law
Law abiding gun owners’ rights to self defense just got stronger in Pennsylvania. Governor Tom Corbett signed the expanded “Castle Doctrine” privately on Tuesday. “It codifies existing law… it codifies the self defense law under common law,” Corbett said in response to questions at an unrelated news conference. “If you believe that your home is […]
Web Based Anti-bullying Program Being Introduced in Time for the new School Year
A new web-based program aimed at bullying is ready for the new school year– free of charge. “The Bullying Academy” was being introduced this week at the International Society for Technology in Education Conference in Philadelphia . It’s a project of the Students in the Know Foundation. Executive Director Tommy Walser says the program goes […]
Firefighter Cancer Presumption Legislation Heads to Governor
The state Senate has given approval to the Firefighter Cancer Presumption legislation and it’s heading to the Governor for his signature. House bill 797 won unanimous approval from the state Senate on Monday. It would cover firefighters who contract cancer on the job under the state’s Workers Compensation Act. State Senator John Gordner (R-Columbia), […]
Democrats Take Their Swing
Outnumbered in both the House and Senate, Democrats in Harrisburg have just one bullet in their gun, and on Monday they pulled the trigger. In both the House and Senate, Democrats blocked passage of several non-preferred spending bills associated with the state-related universities, which include Penn State, Pitt, Temple, Lincoln and the University […]
Amended Budget Goes to Full Senate
Senate Republicans unveiled the latest version of the FY2012 state budget late Monday during a Senate Appropriations Committee meeting in Harrisburg. The measure passed 16-10 along party lines. The $27.148 billion spending plan also has the approval of Governor Tom Corbett and House Republicans, who signed off on it during closed-door budget talks. […]
“Fair Share Act” Goes to Governor Tom Corbett’s Desk
The state House of Representatives has given final approval to a Senate bill known as the “Fair Share Act.” The legislation was one of the top priorities of Governor Tom Corbett and it is now on its way to his desk for signature. The bill addresses percentages in civil lawsuit awards to ensure that the […]
Final Days of the State Budget Process Are Here
Both the state House of Representatives and state Senate gaveled in rare Sunday voting sessions over the weekend, as the two chambers brace for the final flurry of legislative activity expected this week before the summer break. Thursday is the deadline for the state budget, and despite some minor delays in the Senate over […]
Survey Shows Social Media Being Used More Often When Disaster Strikes
A new survey shows Americans are relying more on social media and texting when disaster strikes. “Get Ready, America!, the National Hurricane Survival Initiative, has released a survey that shows social media and texting are becoming the leading ways people will communicate in a disaster. The Sachs/Mason-Dixon commissioned poll found 72% of Americans are members of […]
Voter ID Bill Clears State House
A bill that would require voters to present a photo ID every time they cast a ballot passed the state House of Representatives Thursday after weeks of debate and political wrangling. The measure received a mostly partisan 108-88 vote in the Republican-controlled House. Critics say the bill will suppress turnout among the elderly […]
Corbett Administration Comes to Terms with Another State Employee Union
It took 10 meetings spread out over weeks of talks, but the Corbett Administration and the Service Employees International Union have reportedly come to a tentative agreement on a new contract for about 10,000 state employees. It’s the 2nd consecutive day that the state has come to terms with a major state employee union. […]