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Rep. Bryan Cutler’s (R-Lancaster) ice bucket challenge for ALS research may be the most heartfelt in the nation. Both his parents developed the rare and deadly disease while he and his sister were still in their early teens. He credits his “normal” childhood, in the face of the tragedies, to the involvement of his church, ...

Warren Kampf Brings Passion for Job Growth, Education to State House Rep. Warren Kampf (R-157) had a “real eye opener” when, as a freshman House member in 2011, he witnessed firsthand the excessive clout organized labor wields in Harrisburg.  “If they (labor) oppose a bill it doesn’t go through. That’s all there is to it,” ...

The People’s Liberation Army isn’t going to hand over five of their officers who were recently indicted by the U.S. Attorney General for cyber stealing the secrets of five Pittsburgh-based companies and one labor union. And the United States will not be going into China to bring the five back to face trial. Cybersecurity and ...

State lawmakers and Attorney General Kathleen Kane had distinct and telling responses to a Philadelphia Inquirer report that four House members accepted cash gifts in a sting operation. The House and Senate acted quickly to police their own, passing legislation prohibiting lawmakers from taking cash gifts. Attorney General Kane chose not to prosecute the four legislators, despite ...

Back on Track: Benefits of Dedicated Multi-Modal Funding The January 20 derailment of five rail cars carrying crude oil through Philadelphia turned out to be a minor blip in media reports. Thanks to safety procedures of CSX railroad, the oil was contained and no one was injured. Accidents involving transportation of crude oil and natural ...

Prosperity and Security: Canada/US Relationship is Unique in World History The War of 1812 was more than just a punctuation of our independence from England. The war led to the blossoming of an extraordinary economic and diplomatic relationship with Canada the world has never before witnessed. “We are the model countries for the world,” said ...

PMA Praises Governor Corbett, General Assembly for Funding Roads and Bridges The ability to safely, effectively, and efficiently move goods and people throughout our commonwealth is a core function of state government. The $2.4 billion that will eventually be raised annually under the new transportation funding law is a sound investment in both safety and ...

General Assembly Lowers State Borrowing Limit While National Debt Keeps Climbing The General Assembly trimmed the debt ceiling of a capital building program that had become one of the worst-kept secrets in Harrisburg as a funding source for pet projects. Merely reducing the debt in the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) would be reason enough ...

Champion of Reform Targets More Than Legislative Perks State Senator Randy Vulakovich (R-Allegheny) never saw a legislative perk he liked. During his six years in the House, he led the charge to end car leases and pushed to restrict other legislative comforts that didn’t “pass the smell test.” The retired police officer now carries the ...

Jim DeMint, Steve Hayes Headline Annual Conservative Conference “The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.”William F. Buckley, Jr. Steve Hayes of Fox News/The Weekly Standard is the featured speaker at the Friday, April 19 dinner of the annual Pennsylvania Leadership Conference (PLC) in Harrisburg.   The conference, which runs through Saturday, April 20, ...