It’s easy to think the annual PA Farm Show is only a showcase for livestock.  But removed from the commotion of the show,  in conference rooms, you can find lawmakers and representatives of the farming community trying to work out government policy.  Their goal is to keep agriculture interests strong in Pennsylvania.  Wayne Campbell, President […]

Every year, the County Commissioners Association of PA makes a list of funding priorities for the consideration of lawmakers and the governor.  At the top of their list is more funding for mental health services, and emergency medical services.  The group also supports putting less reliance on property taxes when they need to pay for […]

Sales tax is set at 6 percent in most parts of Pennsylvania.  Rep. Russ Diamond would like to reduce it to 1.9 percent, and apply it to a broader range of goods and services.  He’s also working on bills that would abolish the property tax, and eliminate statewide elections for judges by replacing them with […]

Rep. Bryan Cutler gives viewers a preview of unfinished business at the capitol, and looks back on accomplishments during 2019.  Important changes to voting procedures, such as the elimination of straight party voting, a crime victims’ rights controversy at the polls, and his assessment of one year’s experience as majority leader are also addressed here.  […]

When you make an appointment with the doctor’s office, you may be given the choice of being seen by a nurse practitioner or a doctor.   Most patients have an understanding that the doctor supervises the nurse practitioner.  David Hebert, CEO of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, talks about legislation that allows an NP to […]

With only a few days left on the legislative session calendar, Senator Costa explains a broad range of priorities. Removing the statute of limitations for victims of sexual abuse, and opening a two-year window for victims to sue their abusers in cases where the statute has already expired, are being debated.   Senator Costa also explains […]

Vaping involves a device with a battery and a heating element that mimics smoking.  The resulting vapor is from nicotine or any other substance, liquid or solid.  Now the activity is being blamed for one death and numerous illnesses in Pennsylvania according to the PA Health Department.   Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski says candy-flavored vaping products, […]

A “heartbeat” bill bans abortion when a fetal heartbeat is detected.   The bill’s main sponsors, Senator Doug Mastriano and Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, say they’re taking on the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling of 1973,  Roe v. Wade, that legalized abortion.   Mastriano says, “We turn our backs on the most vulnerable … and let them be […]

Rep. Dan Miller says, “Athletes are forced to give up their rights and economic freedom while the colleges make hundreds of millions of dollars off of their talent and likeness.  This bill would help to balance the scales by allowing them to sign endorsements, earn compensation, and hire agents to represent their interests in exchange […]

Influenced by the results of a statewide tour to collect public opinion, Governor Tom Wolf supports the legalization of recreational marijuana.  But Senator  Jim Brewster’s not convinced the tour was the best way to collect a representative sample.   He wants to reach as many people as possible by putting the legalization question on the […]