Hold the line on taxes
I would ask that we do not raise taxes.
Gov. Wolf is an experienced business person and we have many qualified representatives in Pennsylvania government that I’m sure if they worked together they could find many things that could be done to operate the state government more efficiently. Pennsylvania already has the 10th-highest tax burden in the country. We don’t need more taxes. We need better efficiency.
I’m sure Gov. Wolf would not have wanted the government to compete with his family’s business. That being said, the government operating a liquor business would have unfairly driven out business owners like Mr. Wolf’s.
Not addressing reforming pensions, when the inevitable compounding of interest will force taxes to go up under some administration, is irresponsible. Using the taxpayer for the collection of government union campaign money should be illegal. Please make the right decision for the taxpayers of Pennsylvania.
Greg Johnson
Mechanicsburg
Compromise is needed
In Harrisburg, while the Republican Party struggles to make a deal with itself, the rot goes on unchecked. Counties, school districts and nonprofits struggle to meet their financial obligations and sink deeper into debt during a seemingly endless budget standoff. Even the party’s leaders are starting to question their membership’s stubborn refusal to make a deal.
“People who aren’t willing to solve problems shouldn’t be in this business,” said state Rep. John Taylor in an interview with the Philadelphia Public Record. More recently, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman was quoted by the Philadelphia Inquirer, “Eventually, we are judged by our results. It’s nice to be for something, but if you never get anything passed and signed, what good are you?”
Gentlemen, I couldn’t agree more.
After months of following these budget negotiations, I’m left wondering if the Republican Caucus simply wants a state government just big enough to continue paying their salaries, pensions and per diem expenses. When it comes to infrastructure, public education and the myriad of other responsibilities that fall on the commonwealth, they seem to be the party of “fend for yourselves.”
Matthew J. Darragh
Parkwood
We should buy Pennsylvanian
Holiday shopping season is upon us, and I am encouraging my fellow Pennsylvanians to buy Pennsylvania-made products when possible. By doing so, we can help our economy.
I am hopeful that we will soon have a program in place that will make it easier to identify products made here. The House Commerce Committee has voted out my legislation, House Bill 180, that would establish a “Made in PA” program. I am working to secure a vote on my bill by the full House of Representatives.
“Made in PA” would build on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s successful PA Preferred program that promotes food and agricultural products grown, produced or processed in the state. It would establish a new “Made in PA” logo to include a broader range of products made in Pennsylvania that are not covered by the blue-and-gold PA Preferred label.
The bill also would establish a database on the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website to help buyers identify products, locations and sources of made-in-Pennsylvania products.
I firmly believe this program can help our state.
Finally, I would like to wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous holiday season.
State Rep. Neal P. Goodman
123rd Legislative District
Stop stealing!
I would like to know why would anyone steal a big, heavy planter with a small tree in it. It was in front of my friend’s garage.
You have a lot of nerve taking something that means a lot to her. It was a gift from her husband, who is now deceased.
Go buy your own, you scum. You don’t have a heart. Leave our stuff alone.
Andrea DeBerardinis
Rhwnhurst
