Op-ed
When It Comes To Energy Policy, Pennsylvania Needs a Reset
Op-ed by Senator Lisa Boscola
PJM is America’s largest transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity across 13 states, of which Pennsylvania is one. At its most recent wholesale capacity auction the cost of electricity went up 700%. Prices jumped from $29 to $270 per megawatt-day across the region. The size of the increase sent shockwaves across the market and should concern us all because the bottom line is we will all pay more.
All Eyes On PA: Sen. Collett Urges Voters To Make Their Voices Heard On Nov. 5
Op-ed by Senator Maria Collett
With just days until Election Day, all eyes are on swing states like Pennsylvania.
Here, every vote is an opportunity to make a difference and fight for your values, both at the presidential level and in hotly contested state legislative races. In 2022, the closest state House race was decided by only 63 votes. Today, the state House is narrowly controlled by Democrats, 102-101, while the Senate is controlled by Republicans, 28-22.
Celebrating Cheyney University’s Reaffirmed Accreditation
Op-Ed By Senator John Kane
Great news has come our way! Cheyney University, the first HBCU on our Country, our historic and beloved state school, has had its accreditation reaffirmed, lifting it off probation. This isn’t just a win for the university; it’s a victory for our entire district and community. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Cheyney’s accrediting body, made this announcement earlier this week, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
The Plumbers Perspective: Shapiro Administration Announces $5 Million in Grant Funding Available to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs Across PA
Op-Ed By Senator John Kane Governor Josh Shapiro just announced $5 million in grant funding to expand registered apprenticeship programs across our Commonwealth. This is a major WIN for the trades and our future generations! This initiative is right up my alley, being...
Pa Must Move Forward on Climate Change
Op-Ed By Senator Carolyn Comitta
I ran for office because of climate change. Leaving a cleaner, safer world for my children and grandchildren has always been a driving force behind my passion for public service. When I look into their eyes, I want to tell them I’m doing everything I can to save our planet – to protect our environment, cut pollution, and invest in a clean energy economy.
A Check-In After Sen. Miller’s First Nine Months in Office
Op-Ed By Senator Nick Miller
The Lehigh Valley is stronger when we work together. By building consensus, we collaborate to make strategies that lead the community to continued success. As your state senator, I am committed to doing that, prioritizing investing in education, economic development, and community safety.
Pennsylvania Budget Fails to Help Hard Working Homeowners
Op-Ed By Senator Lisa Boscola
The recently signed state budget fails to address Pennsylvania’s most pressing issue, reducing our reliance on local property taxes as the primary source for funding public education. Pennsylvania homeowners remain overtaxed and too many school districts are short- changed by our continued use of this antiquated, unfair, and unconstitutional system.
The Plumber’s Perspective
Op-ed By Senator John Kane
Senator John I. Kane shares his thoughts on Governor Shapiros Proposed Budget and its impact on District 9.
Folks, let me tell you something: if being a plumber and union business manager has taught me anything, it taught me about being responsible for the finances of others. It taught me to invest in yourself, your trade, your people, and your community. Every year, Pennsylvania’s budget is a statement of who we are and what we want to be. Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal is exactly what our 9th Senate District needs to keep moving forward.
Protecting the People Who Protect Pennsylvania
Op-ed by Senator Amanda Cappelletti
With the recent rise of oil and gas prices, we have heard a lot about how Pennsylvania should be an energy leader. We can be. We should be. And it should be clean energy – a move that increases job opportunities, economic development, and places us at the forefront of addressing the climate crisis.
Report after report illustrates the dire state of our environment. This year’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report made it clear – we must act now to avoid the very worst impacts of climate change.
Harrisburg Needs to End Reliance on School Property Taxes
Op-ed by Senator Lisa Boscola, 18th Senatorial District
Breaking News… The way Pennsylvania funds its public school system is wildly unfair. It should not have taken a public interest lawsuit to confirm to the General Assembly what I and many others have been saying for a few decades now… homeowners, school districts, teachers and most important students do not win with the way Pennsylvania pays for its public schools.
Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Didn’t Cease when Bethlehem Steel Closed. It’s thriving
Op-ed By Lisa Boscola
In the Lehigh Valley, we had much to celebrate during “Manufacturing Week” in Pennsylvania from Oct. 7-14. Too many people still think that our manufacturing economy ceased when the Bethlehem Steel smokestacks stopped billowing. As the daughter of a steelworker, I am happy to report that manufacturing is alive and well here. We are home to well-known manufacturers: Mack Trucks, Lutron Electronics, Bosch Rexroth, Victaulic, and Lehigh Valley Heavy Forge.
Building a Better Student-to-Teacher Pipeline Can Ease Staffing Crisis
Op-ed By Senator Vincent Hughes and Sharif El-Mekki
A decade ago, Pennsylvania certified 20,000 new teachers. Last year, that number was down to 6,000. Chronic understaffing, along with underfunding, is driving increased burnout and shorter teaching careers.
That loss of teachers is particularly concerning among communities of color which make up 37 percent of the student body, but only 7 percent of teachers.
Simply put, Pennsylvania’s teacher workforce is not keeping up with a rapidly diversifying student body, leading to a classroom experience that is less than ideal for both the teacher and the student.
Dillon Focuses on Quality of Life
Op-ed by Senator Jimmy Dillon
As a recent candidate for public office and a new member of the State Senate I’ve learned quality of life is still the driving force in local politics. The things that make a difference in the day-to-day lives of the people I serve are usually far less dramatic than the hot button topics in Harrisburg or Washington.
PLCB: A Profitable Business Model Serving Rural and Urban Areas Under Assault Once Again
Op-ed by Senator Jim Brewster
It’s not really surprising that the highly profitable Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) -which not only serves urban and suburban customers, but also reaches deep into sparse rural regions – has faced constant attacks over the years by profiteers and their loyal allies in the General Assembly.
Senator Marty Flynn Issues Response to Supreme Court Ruling on Abortion
Op-ed by Senator Marty Flynn
I was very disheartened on Friday when six Supreme Court Justices disregarded 50 years of precedent and overturned Roe v. Wade. While a majority of Americans support a woman’s right to choose, this is still a very divisive issue, and over the years I’ve spoken with constituents from all walks of life to get a sense of how they feel about it and why. Most people feel women should be able to make this decision for themselves, but when speaking with constituents who agree with the Supreme Court’s ruling, the answer I hear most often is “I’m pro-life.”
When Will Leaders Act on Guns?
Op-ed by Senator Wayne Fontana
This weekend, our country will be “celebrating” Memorial Day. A day to honor those who have died in our nation’s wars. At the same time, our country will also be mourning the innocent young lives lost because they were ruthlessly gun down by an 18-year-old mad man in Uvalde, Texas. When and why has the United States become so tolerant of this sickening violence?