Wednesday, May 16, 2012
State lawmakers might raise the Pennsylvania Turnpike speed limit to 70 miles per hour. Do you support the move?
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the Turnpike Commission to raise the Pennsylvania Turnpike speed limit to 70 miles per hour. The House Transportation Committee recently approved the measure, which would affect sections of both the Northeast Extension and the rest of the turnpike. Supporters of the measure say the change makes sense because vehicles are safer and the turnpike is wider, flatter and straighter thanks to road improvements. There is no timetable for when - or if - the bill will come to a vote. Turnpike officials say the speed limit change would not be made without additional study and would apply only to some portions of the road. Because the highway runs right through Bensalem, we thought you would …
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Berks County state Rep. Jim Cox's bill would fund school districts with earned income and sales tax increases and new taxes on food, clothing, TV and air transportation.
Several media outlets are reporting on state Rep. Jim Cox (R-129th District – Berks County) and his HB 1776 – the "Property Tax Independence Act." Hundreds of supporters of the proposed bill descended on Harrisburg last Monday to rally "for change to keep the American dream alive across the commonwealth," attendees told WFMZ TV in Allentown. Cox recently visited The Times Herald to talk about the bill which he says will raise $5 billion by increasing the earned income tax from 3.07% to 4% and the state sales tax to 7%. He said the state would bring in an additional $4.6 billion by adding new taxes on food, clothing, TV and air transportation. Pennsylvania allocated over $10 billion for education in the 2010-2011 budget. "We’re well on our…
Monday, May 14, 2012
County Line Road to be closed beginning in October.
The protest in Doylestown at the Bucks County courthouse hoped to raise awareness of the implications of state budget cuts.
- GOVERNMENT
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Monday, May 14
Hundreds of people gathered in Doylestown on Saturday to protest funding cuts for programs that help disabled Pennsylvanians. They protested at the Bucks County courthouse "to speak out for those who can’t speak out for themselves." Organized by The Arc Alliance, the protest was designed to raise awareness for what the state budget crisis means for Pennsylvanians with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and stand up for those who suffer most from these cuts. "Governor Corbett’s budget affects our most vulnerable citizens – children and adults with intellectual disabilities – by cutting over $146 million in support and services for families," the group said in a statement. "Even though he calls for a 3.9% increase in funds for …
Saturday, May 12, 2012
The proposed law would penalize drivers who ignore barricades during and after floods.
The House of Representatives this week unanimously approved a bill that would levy fines and points on driver’s licenses for those who ignore barricades during floods. Introduced by State Rep. Todd Stephens (R-151) of Horsham, following the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, the proposed legislation, dubbed "Turn Around, Don't Drown," would penalize motorists who drive through temporary police barricades during and after storms. During Hurricane Irene last year, first responders in Hatboro and Horsham put their lives at risk rescuing people who ignored raging floodwaters outside of their homes and, in more instances, barricaded roads. At least six people in Horsham failed to heed Horsham Emergency Management Coordinator …
Thursday, May 10, 2012
President Obama made his historic pronouncement during an interview with ABC News.
President Barack Obama has publicly come out in support of gay marriage, the first time in history that a sitting U.S. President has ever done so. Obama, who during the last presidential election stated that he opposed gay marriage, gave the news to ABC News' Robin Roberts in an interview that will air on ABC's “Good Morning America" on Thursday. "I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, …
Lawmakers discuss vote.
Restoring $500 million to the proposed state budget, the Pennsylvania State Senate approved a $27.6 billion state budget in a 39-8 vote Wednesday. The Republican-penned bill restored funding to basic and higher education, human services programs, hospitals, nursing homes and services for individuals with disabilities—winning the approval of many Democrats, as well. In news releases from Democrats and Republicans alike, lawmakers called the vote a positive first step in the budget process and an attempt to provide Pennsylvanians services that they felt Gov. Tom Corbett's budget initially shortchanged. "Senate Bill 1466 will provide substantial restorations to certain areas of the Governor's proposed budget that reflect the fiscal realities …
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Visit Bucks County celebrates National Tourism Day.
Visit Bucks County, the county’s official tourism promotion agency, celebrated National Tourism Day on May 8 by giving away awards and money. Tourism officials and business partners met at the Bucks County Visitor Center on Street Road near Parx Casino in Bensalem. The event was one of 75 similar ones nationwide celebrating the industry for Tourism Day. Visit Bucks Executive Director Jerry Lepping noted that “tourism in Bucks County supports 11,000 jobs and generates $814 million in the local economy.” In honor of National Tourism Day, Lepping spoke of the group’s participation in a national tourism effort and its specific marketing campaign in New York and North Jersey promoting tourism in Bucks County. Celebrating the special occasion, …
Monday, May 7, 2012
The state House returns to session on Monday, May 7, to debate and vote on various issues.
Here's this week's schedule for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Information has been supplied by Rep. Mike Turzai, Republican Majority Leader. Following up on last week’s business tax reform and property tax reform votes, the House will come back this week to consider the Inheritance Tax and Sales and Use Tax filing options. House Bill 1780, (Rep. Carl Metzger, R-Somerset/Bedford Counties) would effectively eliminate the inheritance tax when property is transferred from a legal parent to or for the use by a child 21 years old or younger. Under current law, the Inheritance Tax would be at a rate of 4.5 percent. Helping small employers by giving them a Sales and Use Tax (SUT) option to remit their taxes is the idea behind …
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
He blasts Democrats on energy, healthcare and the budget, claiming the upcoming season will be a “Summer of Uncertainty.”
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Wednesday, May 2
U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8th) made the following statement regarding his commitment to visit ‘100 Businesses in 100 Days’: “I am visiting ‘100 Businesses in 100 Days’ because I truly believe that the next three months may be one of the most critical stretches of time to get our economy moving again. Much of the uncertainty plaguing business owners across the district and the nation will come to a head. With the coming travel and vacation seasons, fuel prices are expected to rise through Memorial Day and through the summer as this Administration has failed to present a comprehensive energy plan. In June, the Supreme Court will determine the constitutionality of this Administration’s misguided Obamacare legislation. By August, the …
Kevin Quinn
9:18 am on Friday, May 18, 2012
I probably log more miles on the turnpike and on highways in general that most that will read this. As an outside salesmen covering 6 states I log over 30k a year. The average speed on the turnpike outside of the Philly area is already about 75mph. I agree that I would love to see left lane enforcement. I usually drive along at 72-75 as I cannot afford to get fired for speeding. more ›