Globe Trotter and Multi-Mansion Dweller Leo DiCaprio Warns 'Climate Change is Real':
When accepting the best actor award for his lead role in The Revenant during Sunday's 88th Academy Awards, Leonardo DiCaprio used his time to give an impassioned speech on climate change and the urgent need to face the biggest 'threat' to humanity. Looking on in approval was Vice President Joe Biden who joined in the applause for DiCaprio's first-ever Oscar win.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Hillary Clinton Blocks Reporters From Asking Questions
Clinton Blocks Reporters From Asking Questions:
It has been almost three months since reporters traveling with Hillary Clinton have been allowed to ask the would-be president a question. According to NBC News, Clinton has not taken a single question from the traveling press corps in 87 days.
It has been almost three months since reporters traveling with Hillary Clinton have been allowed to ask the would-be president a question. According to NBC News, Clinton has not taken a single question from the traveling press corps in 87 days.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Friday, February 26, 2016
F&M Poll: Wolf Approval Rating Slipping
When will liberal Democrat Tom Wolf get the message that Pennsylvania residents already pay enough in taxes? From his first day in office, all he's wanted to do is spend billions more and tax everything that moves in Pennsylvania. The result? His job approval numbers continue to slip.
PA-Gov: F&M Poll: Wolf Approval Rating Slipping
PA-Gov: F&M Poll: Wolf Approval Rating Slipping
Poll: Pa.'s biggest problem is government and politicians
We have met the enemy: The permanent political class in Harrisburg.
Poll: State government dismays Pennsylvania residents
Poll: State government dismays Pennsylvania residents
Thursday, February 25, 2016
F&M poll: Pa. voters favor Trump, Clinton
Pennsylvania residents won't get to cast ballots in their respective
presidential primaries until April 26, which means the races will be
decided by then. But if the election was held today, Trump and Cilnton
would win, according to a new poll.
F&M poll: State voters favor Trump, Clinton - News - Republican Herald
F&M poll: State voters favor Trump, Clinton - News - Republican Herald
GUEST COLUMN: Pa. school funding myths debunked
Are Pennsylvania’s public schools underfunded?
That’s been the central question in Pennsylvania politics for a half-dozen years. But from Gov. Tom Corbett’s first budget to Gov. Tom Wolf’s election — and since — myths have dominated the debate.
During his campaign, Wolf ran on the myth that his predecessor “cut $1 billion” from public schools. The reality, however, is federal funding always known to be temporary expired. Those funds were never designed to be included in the permanent education budget.
Late last year, Wolf claimed the legislature cut $95 million from education, when lawmakers actually voted to increase funding by $400 million.
Most recently, the governor threatened that 23,000 teachers will be laid off unless his budget is enacted. PolitiFact PA rated this claim “mostly false.”
But what about the big question: Are we underfunding public education?
The answer is simple: No. Any suggestion to the contrary belies the facts.
How can I be so confident? Both the federal government and the nation’s largest teachers’ union agree.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) — a division of the U.S. Department of Education — ranks Pennsylvania’s per-student revenue 10th in the nation. Schools in the commonwealth receive $15,500 per student, roughly $3,400 more than the national average.
The National Education Association — a nationwide teachers’ union and a persistent advocate for increased education spending — goes even further, ranking Pennsylvania 6th in the nation in per-pupil revenue in 2014.
How does ranking in the top 20 percent — or higher — constitute a funding “crisis”?
Some say the problem is Pennsylvania’s state taxpayers don’t adequately support public schools, leaving local taxpayers on the hook.
While local school revenue is notably high (6th in the nation), state revenue per student also exceeds the national average — ranking 24th-highest in the country, according to NCES.
Why, then, does Gov. Wolf repeatedly claim Pennsylvania ranks 45th in state support of public schools? This rhetorical sleight-of-hand refers to education spending in percentages, not dollars.
Would you rather have 50 percent of a dime or 36 percent of a dollar? Right now, state taxpayers provide the latter, paying more than a third of a total figure that significantly exceeds the national average.
You’ve probably heard about Pennsylvania’s largest-in-the-nation funding gap between wealthy and poor districts. Isn’t that reason enough to boost funding? While the discrepancies in district spending are higher in Pennsylvania than in other states, there is more to the story.
The NCES recently organized each state’s school districts into four quartiles of family income. In each quartile — even among high-poverty districts — Pennsylvania exceeds the national average in spending per student. The discrepancy arises only because some affluent Pennsylvania districts raise enormous levels of local taxes to fund their schools.
Clearly, funding isn’t the problem. That does not mean change isn’t needed to ensure money meant for education actually supports education.
The current method for distributing school funding is too rigid and fails to account for enrollment changes or students’ unique learning needs. If we want to get dollars to students who need them, a new funding formula — like what a bipartisan commission proposed last year — is critical.
Last summer, Wolf vetoed a budget plan that would have enacted the formula.
What’s more, each year, skyrocketing pension payments consume a growing chunk of education spending.
Ask any school board member the biggest cost driver in education, and they’ll point to pensions without batting an eye.
Unfortunately, Wolf vetoed a pension reform bill that would have helped control these costs in the future.
Still another way to make sure funding reaches students is through school choice, funded by tax credit scholarship programs. Sadly, Wolf froze these programs until the last possible second in 2015, which threatened many schools’ very existence. And Wolf continues to be a staunch opponent of choice, targeting public charter and cyber schools for funding cuts.
Here’s the upshot: The next time you hear claims that the commonwealth underfunds education, look beyond the rhetoric to the facts.
Can Pennsylvania do better when it comes to educating our children? Absolutely. But playing “myths for money” will never lead to real solutions for families and students.
James Paul is a senior policy analyst for the Commonwealth Foundation (CommonwealthFoundation.org), Pennsylvania’s free market think tank.
That’s been the central question in Pennsylvania politics for a half-dozen years. But from Gov. Tom Corbett’s first budget to Gov. Tom Wolf’s election — and since — myths have dominated the debate.
During his campaign, Wolf ran on the myth that his predecessor “cut $1 billion” from public schools. The reality, however, is federal funding always known to be temporary expired. Those funds were never designed to be included in the permanent education budget.
Late last year, Wolf claimed the legislature cut $95 million from education, when lawmakers actually voted to increase funding by $400 million.
Most recently, the governor threatened that 23,000 teachers will be laid off unless his budget is enacted. PolitiFact PA rated this claim “mostly false.”
But what about the big question: Are we underfunding public education?
The answer is simple: No. Any suggestion to the contrary belies the facts.
How can I be so confident? Both the federal government and the nation’s largest teachers’ union agree.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) — a division of the U.S. Department of Education — ranks Pennsylvania’s per-student revenue 10th in the nation. Schools in the commonwealth receive $15,500 per student, roughly $3,400 more than the national average.
The National Education Association — a nationwide teachers’ union and a persistent advocate for increased education spending — goes even further, ranking Pennsylvania 6th in the nation in per-pupil revenue in 2014.
How does ranking in the top 20 percent — or higher — constitute a funding “crisis”?
Some say the problem is Pennsylvania’s state taxpayers don’t adequately support public schools, leaving local taxpayers on the hook.
While local school revenue is notably high (6th in the nation), state revenue per student also exceeds the national average — ranking 24th-highest in the country, according to NCES.
Why, then, does Gov. Wolf repeatedly claim Pennsylvania ranks 45th in state support of public schools? This rhetorical sleight-of-hand refers to education spending in percentages, not dollars.
Would you rather have 50 percent of a dime or 36 percent of a dollar? Right now, state taxpayers provide the latter, paying more than a third of a total figure that significantly exceeds the national average.
You’ve probably heard about Pennsylvania’s largest-in-the-nation funding gap between wealthy and poor districts. Isn’t that reason enough to boost funding? While the discrepancies in district spending are higher in Pennsylvania than in other states, there is more to the story.
The NCES recently organized each state’s school districts into four quartiles of family income. In each quartile — even among high-poverty districts — Pennsylvania exceeds the national average in spending per student. The discrepancy arises only because some affluent Pennsylvania districts raise enormous levels of local taxes to fund their schools.
Clearly, funding isn’t the problem. That does not mean change isn’t needed to ensure money meant for education actually supports education.
The current method for distributing school funding is too rigid and fails to account for enrollment changes or students’ unique learning needs. If we want to get dollars to students who need them, a new funding formula — like what a bipartisan commission proposed last year — is critical.
Last summer, Wolf vetoed a budget plan that would have enacted the formula.
What’s more, each year, skyrocketing pension payments consume a growing chunk of education spending.
Ask any school board member the biggest cost driver in education, and they’ll point to pensions without batting an eye.
Unfortunately, Wolf vetoed a pension reform bill that would have helped control these costs in the future.
Still another way to make sure funding reaches students is through school choice, funded by tax credit scholarship programs. Sadly, Wolf froze these programs until the last possible second in 2015, which threatened many schools’ very existence. And Wolf continues to be a staunch opponent of choice, targeting public charter and cyber schools for funding cuts.
Here’s the upshot: The next time you hear claims that the commonwealth underfunds education, look beyond the rhetoric to the facts.
Can Pennsylvania do better when it comes to educating our children? Absolutely. But playing “myths for money” will never lead to real solutions for families and students.
James Paul is a senior policy analyst for the Commonwealth Foundation (CommonwealthFoundation.org), Pennsylvania’s free market think tank.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
How Academia Whitewashes Muslim Honor Killings
How Academia Whitewashes Muslim Honor Killings: The PC police find a new scapegoat.
Pa. lawmakers want audit of Wolf's spending as $37.5B spent in impasse
Pennsylvania's last budget expired on June 30, 2015, but somehow Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has managed to spend more than $37 billion since then. What gives?
Pa. lawmakers want audit of Wolf's spending as $37.5B spent in impasse
Pa. lawmakers want audit of Wolf's spending as $37.5B spent in impasse
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
1,600,000 Page Views
My site counter has recorded 1,600,000 Page Views from 545,000 Unique Visitors to Tony Phyrillas on Politics. Thanks for checking out my blog ... and come back again.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Next Generation of Democrats? College Students Can't Identify Reagan … or Joe Biden
D.C. College Students Can't Identify Reagan… OR JOE BIDEN!:
Today's high school graduates are entering college with a frighteningly low knowledge of American history and apparently they're not learning much more once they arrive at university. Video after video of college students failing to identify previous presidents or political figures continue to flood the Internet, and in this latest from PoliTech, a political organization out of Lubbock, Texas, has them at George Mason University -- in the nation's capitol, no less -- to see how much they know about American politics. And it's totally depressing.
Today's high school graduates are entering college with a frighteningly low knowledge of American history and apparently they're not learning much more once they arrive at university. Video after video of college students failing to identify previous presidents or political figures continue to flood the Internet, and in this latest from PoliTech, a political organization out of Lubbock, Texas, has them at George Mason University -- in the nation's capitol, no less -- to see how much they know about American politics. And it's totally depressing.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Ultimate Insider Hillary Clinton: If Elected, I Would Be a Political Outsider
Hillary: If Elected, I Would Be a Political Outsider:
Hillary Clinton was a guest on CBS News' 'Face the Nation' on Sunday and claimed that she would be a political outside if she was elected the first woman president. 'I cannot imagine anyone being more of an outsider than the first woman president, I mean really, let's think about it,' the Clinton.
Hillary Clinton was a guest on CBS News' 'Face the Nation' on Sunday and claimed that she would be a political outside if she was elected the first woman president. 'I cannot imagine anyone being more of an outsider than the first woman president, I mean really, let's think about it,' the Clinton.
Hillary: I've Always Tried to Tell the Truth
Hillary: I've Always Tried to Tell the Truth:
CBS's Scott Pelley put Hillary Clinton on the spot when he asked her about her honesty in an interview yesterday from Nevada.
PELLEY:You talk about leveling with the American people. Have you always told the truth?
CLINTON:I've always tried to. Always. Always.
PELLEY:Some people are gonna call that wiggle room that you just gave yourself.
CBS's Scott Pelley put Hillary Clinton on the spot when he asked her about her honesty in an interview yesterday from Nevada.
PELLEY:You talk about leveling with the American people. Have you always told the truth?
CLINTON:I've always tried to. Always. Always.
PELLEY:Some people are gonna call that wiggle room that you just gave yourself.
National Poll: Bernie Sanders Overtakes Hillary Clinton
National Poll: Sanders Overtakes Hillary:
A new national poll of Democrat primary voters has Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders leading battle-worn former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the first time. The Fox News survey has Sanders with 47% of the vote, while Hillary has support from 44% of Democrat primary voters. But another new poll finds Clinton maintaining a lead in the race for the Democrat nomination.
A new national poll of Democrat primary voters has Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders leading battle-worn former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the first time. The Fox News survey has Sanders with 47% of the vote, while Hillary has support from 44% of Democrat primary voters. But another new poll finds Clinton maintaining a lead in the race for the Democrat nomination.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
New Poll Shows Clinton and Trump still in the lead nationally
A Suffolk University/USA Today national poll of likely voters released today shows Hillary Clinton leads Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders 50 percent to 40 percent among Democrats and Democratic leaning-voters, with 10 percent still undecided. Clinton's lead has shrunk dramatically. The same poll had Clinton up by 27 points just two months ago.
On the Republican side, the Suffolk University/USA Today shows Donald Trump at 35 percent holding a solid lead over Texas Sen. Ted Cruz ( with 20 percent) and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (with 17 percent). The rest of the GOP field brings up the rear, with Ohio Gov. John Kasich (at 7 percent), former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (at 6 percent), and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson (at 4 percent), with 12 percent
undecided.
The poll also pits GOP candidates against Hillary in a General Election matchup. The results? Almost all Republicans beat Hillary or come within the margin of error of taking her down.
Suffolk University/USA Today Poll Shows Clinton
On the Republican side, the Suffolk University/USA Today shows Donald Trump at 35 percent holding a solid lead over Texas Sen. Ted Cruz ( with 20 percent) and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (with 17 percent). The rest of the GOP field brings up the rear, with Ohio Gov. John Kasich (at 7 percent), former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (at 6 percent), and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson (at 4 percent), with 12 percent
undecided.
The poll also pits GOP candidates against Hillary in a General Election matchup. The results? Almost all Republicans beat Hillary or come within the margin of error of taking her down.
Suffolk University/USA Today Poll Shows Clinton
Twitter announces 'trust and safety' panel to police content
Twitter announces 'trust and safety' panel to police content: Twitter on Tuesday announced the formation of a new “Trust and Safety Council,” which will work to develop policies censoring speech on the site. The group will be comprised of more than 40 organizations from 13 regions around the world. “With hundreds of millions of tweets sent per day, the volume of content on Twitter is massive, which makes it extraordinarily complex to strike the right balance between fighting abuse and speaking truth to power,” Twitter said in a statement. It requires a multi-layered approach where each of our 320 million users has a part to play, as do the community of experts working for safety and free expression,” the statement added.
Obama Cuts $300 Million From Anti-Terror Budget
Obama Cuts $300 Million From Anti-Terror Budget:
The Associated Press is reporting that the White House has proposed a nearly $300 million cut to the U.S.'s counterterrorism efforts.
The Associated Press is reporting that the White House has proposed a nearly $300 million cut to the U.S.'s counterterrorism efforts.
Hillary Clinton's health a major concern
Hillary Coughing Fit: Again: Hillary Clinton's health is raising questions again after a coughing fit that lasted nearly three minutes during a speech in New York on Tuesday. Clinton was giving a speech at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York when her voice gave out and she struggled for several minutes, alternating between coughing and drinking water before regaining composure.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
Bill Whittle's 'The Criminal Arrogance of Hillary Clinton'
ELECTION PRIMER: Bill Whittle's 'The Criminal Arrogance of Hillary Clinton':
To get you ready for the 2016 presidential election, TruthRevolt continues its section called 'Election Primer,' in which every few days we reprise some of Bill Whittle's excellent Firewall video commentary. Pundit Whittle, of course, is a longtime viewer favorite at TruthRevolt. In today's video lesson, Whittle looks at the lawlessness, the arrogance, and the unmasked contempt that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have for the American people.
To get you ready for the 2016 presidential election, TruthRevolt continues its section called 'Election Primer,' in which every few days we reprise some of Bill Whittle's excellent Firewall video commentary. Pundit Whittle, of course, is a longtime viewer favorite at TruthRevolt. In today's video lesson, Whittle looks at the lawlessness, the arrogance, and the unmasked contempt that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have for the American people.
Antonin Scalia, Originalist, 1936 - 2016
Antonin Scalia, Originalist, 1936 - 2016:
After thirty years serving his country on the highest court in the land, Justice Antonin Scalia died on Saturday, February 13, at the age of 79. He was a towering figure in jurisprudence. He was hated and loved in equal passion. He was a husband, a father, and a grandfather. And he was, in all things, a lover of America.
After thirty years serving his country on the highest court in the land, Justice Antonin Scalia died on Saturday, February 13, at the age of 79. He was a towering figure in jurisprudence. He was hated and loved in equal passion. He was a husband, a father, and a grandfather. And he was, in all things, a lover of America.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Friday, February 12, 2016
Dems Override Veto to Give Felons Right to Vote in Maryland
Dems Override Veto to Give Felons Right to Vote in Maryland:
On Tuesday, Maryland's Democrat-controlled legislature overturned Governor Larry Hogan's (R) veto of a bill that would give voting rights to felons before they complete probation and parole. More than 40,000 felons will now be able to vote in time for the 2016 election:
On Tuesday, Maryland's Democrat-controlled legislature overturned Governor Larry Hogan's (R) veto of a bill that would give voting rights to felons before they complete probation and parole. More than 40,000 felons will now be able to vote in time for the 2016 election:
Food Stamp Beneficiaries Exceed 45 Million for 55 Straight Months
Welcome to Barack Obama's America ...
Food Stamp Beneficiaries Exceed 45 Million for 55 Straight Months
Food Stamp Beneficiaries Exceed 45 Million for 55 Straight Months
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Hanoi Jane Fonda: Republicans Responsible for Creating Terrorists
Jane Fonda's New Blame-Game: Republicans Responsible for Creating Terrorists:
Republicans are turning moderate Muslims into radical Islamic terrorists, or so says Communist sympathizer Jane Fonda. The aging actress made this baseless claim recently at a women's equality event where she targeted Republican front-runner Donald Trump specifically and his statements about temporarily barring Muslim immigration into the U.S. (via TotalConservative.com):
Republicans are turning moderate Muslims into radical Islamic terrorists, or so says Communist sympathizer Jane Fonda. The aging actress made this baseless claim recently at a women's equality event where she targeted Republican front-runner Donald Trump specifically and his statements about temporarily barring Muslim immigration into the U.S. (via TotalConservative.com):
Subpoena for Clinton Foundation
Subpoena for Clinton Foundation:
The investigation against Bill and Hillary Clinton is getting serious. The Washington Post reports that subpoenas have been issued to the family foundation:
The investigation against Bill and Hillary Clinton is getting serious. The Washington Post reports that subpoenas have been issued to the family foundation:
Calif. Issues 605,000 Driver's Licenses to Illegal Immigrants
CA Issues 605,000 Driver's Licenses to Illegal Immigrants:
Just over a year ago, Assembly Bill 60 became the law of the land in California. That meant illegal aliens could apply for a state's driver's license. In the first six months of implementation, almost 400,000 driver's licenses were issued under the new law. Now the California DMV is reporting a total of 605,000 licenses issued to illegals under AB 60.
Just over a year ago, Assembly Bill 60 became the law of the land in California. That meant illegal aliens could apply for a state's driver's license. In the first six months of implementation, almost 400,000 driver's licenses were issued under the new law. Now the California DMV is reporting a total of 605,000 licenses issued to illegals under AB 60.
NEW POLL: Most Women Oppose Having to Register for the Draft
Another example of how out-of-touch the Obama Regime is with the majority of Americans.
NEW POLL: Most Women Oppose Having to Register for the Draft
NEW POLL: Most Women Oppose Having to Register for the Draft
19 Democrats save Kathleen Kane's job - for now
The Pennsylvania Senate failed to garner two-thirds majority vote to remove indicted Attorney General Kathleen Kane from office thanks to 19 Democrats who voted to stand with their embattled Democratic comrade.
Senate vote fails, 29-19, on removing Kane as attorney general
Senate vote fails, 29-19, on removing Kane as attorney general
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Monday, February 08, 2016
Sunday, February 07, 2016
1,590,000 Page Views
My site counter has recorded 1,590,000 Page Views from 545,000 Unique Visitors to Tony Phyrillas on Politics. Thanks for checking out my blog ... and come back again.
Bernie Sanders Beats Hillary in a Lying Contest
Bernie Sanders Beats Hillary in a Lying Contest: The angry old leftist future of the Democrats.
Friday, February 05, 2016
Low Ratings: Voters Tune Out Dem Debate
Without that dynamic Martin O'Malley on stage, few people tuned in to watch Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders try to outdo each other in promising free stuff to voters ...
Voters Tune Out Dem Debate:
Critics be damned! The viewers had their say in the Democratic debate Thursday, and they didn't watch. While pundits lauded a feisty debate, only 4.5 million people tuned in to see Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton go toe-to-toe, -- or in this case, cane-to-cane -- in New Hampshire. CNN's media reporter Brian Stelter wondered if the low numbers are due to debate fatigue.
Voters Tune Out Dem Debate:
Critics be damned! The viewers had their say in the Democratic debate Thursday, and they didn't watch. While pundits lauded a feisty debate, only 4.5 million people tuned in to see Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton go toe-to-toe, -- or in this case, cane-to-cane -- in New Hampshire. CNN's media reporter Brian Stelter wondered if the low numbers are due to debate fatigue.
GUEST COLUMN: National Debt Tops $19 Trillion Under Obama
By Congressman Joe Pitts
On Monday night, the national debt hit a record $19 trillion, an increase of $8.3 trillion (43%) just since President Obama took office.
This is an alarming change, and it’s no wonder that so many Americans feel like their government and their country gone out of control. Not only are we not paying down our debt, we are adding to it all the time.
Just last week, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report that projects that the federal government will borrow another $544 billion just this year — a sum equivalent to the entire Argentine economy (the 25th largest economy on Earth).
This money will have to be paid back in taxes — there is no way around it. The American people have to live and work with a massive tax increase hanging over their heads. If we all split the bill evenly, we’d each be out over $150,000. To the handful of superrich, that amounts to pocket change. But for the 28% of the country who have no savings at all, and an estimated 62% who have less than $1,000 in savings, that is more than they can afford.
We have the most expensive government in history — at least $19 trillion more government than we can afford. We spend over a quarter of a trillion dollars each year just on interest payments on the debt — money that can’t be spent on education, or on jobs, money that doesn’t feed the poor.
To make matters worse, excess government keeps us from paying our debts by slowing down our economy. We found out last week that the economy dramatically slowed in the last three months to a 0.7% annualized growth rate. The average rate since World War II is five times that. No surprise then that the stock market dropped by over 1,000 points over the same three months.
So as this problem worsens and worsens, we are faced with the same options that we had when our debt was smaller and the situation easier: we can raise taxes, reduce our spending, or grow the economy.
Raising taxes won’t work for the reason just stated: it slows down the economy. Many governments have found that, by raising taxes, they actually get less tax revenue; many others (including Presidents Coolidge, Kennedy, Reagan, and George W. Bush) have found that, by cutting taxes, they have received more revenue. People make decisions based on what lawmakers do. What has happened in high-tax states — a quarter of a million people on net leaving Democrat-run states for Republican states just in 2013 — can happen to entire countries. When people move away, then they pay taxes somewhere else.
Put simply, taxes don’t make government more affordable; they just pay for it. Your check to the electric company pays your bill, but it doesn’t make your bill any easier to pay. Rather, we can make government affordable by making it cost less (reducing spending) and by increasing Americans’ wealth (economic growth).
Spending reduction goes right to the heart of the problem, since every dime spent is a dime that must be paid for with taxes. Reducing spending is reducing cost.
Economic growth means that the amount of value in the economy is increasing. This means that there is more money for raises and benefits, for new jobs, for more investment in research and development, and for buying the goods and services we want. When growth slows down or even stops, that puts more pressure on working people, whose jobs are threatened, and it drives up government borrowing to pay for government activities.
Government can’t create jobs; only growth can create. Government can redirect or redistribute wealth that already exists, but it can’t produce it. Government can’t even cause growth.
What Congress can do, however, is to clear away the roadblocks that bad government policies have set up between the people and economic growth. These include some $2 trillion in regulations on American companies that disproportionately impacts small businesses — and all new businesses are small. Excessive regulations hurt those small businesses that already exist, and often prevent new businesses from coming into existence in the first place. By preventing new economic activity, these regulations prevent growth, and everything that growth gives us.
In light of this alarming situation, our mandate is clear: shrinking government and growing the economy.
We’ve got 19 trillion reasons to do so.
Congressman Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District in parts of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties.
On Monday night, the national debt hit a record $19 trillion, an increase of $8.3 trillion (43%) just since President Obama took office.
This is an alarming change, and it’s no wonder that so many Americans feel like their government and their country gone out of control. Not only are we not paying down our debt, we are adding to it all the time.
Just last week, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report that projects that the federal government will borrow another $544 billion just this year — a sum equivalent to the entire Argentine economy (the 25th largest economy on Earth).
This money will have to be paid back in taxes — there is no way around it. The American people have to live and work with a massive tax increase hanging over their heads. If we all split the bill evenly, we’d each be out over $150,000. To the handful of superrich, that amounts to pocket change. But for the 28% of the country who have no savings at all, and an estimated 62% who have less than $1,000 in savings, that is more than they can afford.
We have the most expensive government in history — at least $19 trillion more government than we can afford. We spend over a quarter of a trillion dollars each year just on interest payments on the debt — money that can’t be spent on education, or on jobs, money that doesn’t feed the poor.
To make matters worse, excess government keeps us from paying our debts by slowing down our economy. We found out last week that the economy dramatically slowed in the last three months to a 0.7% annualized growth rate. The average rate since World War II is five times that. No surprise then that the stock market dropped by over 1,000 points over the same three months.
So as this problem worsens and worsens, we are faced with the same options that we had when our debt was smaller and the situation easier: we can raise taxes, reduce our spending, or grow the economy.
Raising taxes won’t work for the reason just stated: it slows down the economy. Many governments have found that, by raising taxes, they actually get less tax revenue; many others (including Presidents Coolidge, Kennedy, Reagan, and George W. Bush) have found that, by cutting taxes, they have received more revenue. People make decisions based on what lawmakers do. What has happened in high-tax states — a quarter of a million people on net leaving Democrat-run states for Republican states just in 2013 — can happen to entire countries. When people move away, then they pay taxes somewhere else.
Put simply, taxes don’t make government more affordable; they just pay for it. Your check to the electric company pays your bill, but it doesn’t make your bill any easier to pay. Rather, we can make government affordable by making it cost less (reducing spending) and by increasing Americans’ wealth (economic growth).
Spending reduction goes right to the heart of the problem, since every dime spent is a dime that must be paid for with taxes. Reducing spending is reducing cost.
Economic growth means that the amount of value in the economy is increasing. This means that there is more money for raises and benefits, for new jobs, for more investment in research and development, and for buying the goods and services we want. When growth slows down or even stops, that puts more pressure on working people, whose jobs are threatened, and it drives up government borrowing to pay for government activities.
Government can’t create jobs; only growth can create. Government can redirect or redistribute wealth that already exists, but it can’t produce it. Government can’t even cause growth.
What Congress can do, however, is to clear away the roadblocks that bad government policies have set up between the people and economic growth. These include some $2 trillion in regulations on American companies that disproportionately impacts small businesses — and all new businesses are small. Excessive regulations hurt those small businesses that already exist, and often prevent new businesses from coming into existence in the first place. By preventing new economic activity, these regulations prevent growth, and everything that growth gives us.
In light of this alarming situation, our mandate is clear: shrinking government and growing the economy.
We’ve got 19 trillion reasons to do so.
Congressman Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District in parts of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties.
Thursday, February 04, 2016
Pennsylvania to auction off 200 vehicles on Feb. 9
From the Pennsylvania Department of General Services:
The first Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vehicle auction of 2016 will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 at 10 a.m. More than 200 vehicles will be up for public purchase.
All vehicles can be previewed in-person by the public at Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania, 488 Firehouse Road in Grantville, Dauphin County, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily beginning, Friday, Feb. 5 through Monday, Feb. 8. The auction will be held at the same location.
A selection of sedans, pick-up trucks, SUVs and utility vehicles no longer used by state agencies from manufacturers such as Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Pontiac and others will be available. Seized vehicles from state law enforcement agencies will also be included in this auction.
All revenue generated from the sale of these vehicles is returned to the commonwealth.
The auction will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and closes at noon. Buyers may purchase with cash or certified funds in the form of money orders, cashier's checks, certified checks or bank checks – all made payable to "Manheim Central Penn Auto Auction."
This is the first vehicle auction of six slated for 2016. For more information on this auction, payment conditions and a complete listing of vehicles, visit the DGS Auto Auction Information page.
January Gun Sales Set Yet Another Record
Barack Obama's campaign to disarm Americans continues to backfire. Record sales of guns have been reported for nine consecutive months.
January Gun Sales Set Yet Another Record
January Gun Sales Set Yet Another Record
No Joke: Donald Trump Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
If Barack Obama could win a Nobel Prize, why not Donald Trump?
Trump Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize:
Donald Trump has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. According to the nominations letter, Trump was nominated for 'his vigorous peace through strength ideology, used as a threat weapon of deterrence against radical Islam, ISIS, nuclear Iran and Communist China.'
Trump Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize:
Donald Trump has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. According to the nominations letter, Trump was nominated for 'his vigorous peace through strength ideology, used as a threat weapon of deterrence against radical Islam, ISIS, nuclear Iran and Communist China.'
Wednesday, February 03, 2016
Hillary Clinton Voter Fraud Captured Live on C-SPAN?
Clinton Voter Fraud Live on C-SPAN?:
While C-SPAN cameras were rolling at the Polk County, Iowa Democratic caucus Monday night, voter fraud may have been caught live on-air.
While C-SPAN cameras were rolling at the Polk County, Iowa Democratic caucus Monday night, voter fraud may have been caught live on-air.
Poll: 25 Percent of Federal Workers Might Quit Under Trump Presidency
We may have finally found a way to trim the bloated federal workforce ...
POLL: 25 Percent of Federal Workers Might Quit Under Trump Presidency:
According to a poll from the Government Business Council, 25 percent of federal employees would actually quit if Donald Trump became president.
POLL: 25 Percent of Federal Workers Might Quit Under Trump Presidency:
According to a poll from the Government Business Council, 25 percent of federal employees would actually quit if Donald Trump became president.
Tuesday, February 02, 2016
Monday, February 01, 2016
Obama to Make First Trip to American Mosque
Obama to Make First Trip to American Mosque:
On Saturday, the White House announced President Obama will make his first trip to visit an American mosque. The President will tour the Islamic Society of Baltimore and meet with religious leaders to promote 'religious tolerance.'
On Saturday, the White House announced President Obama will make his first trip to visit an American mosque. The President will tour the Islamic Society of Baltimore and meet with religious leaders to promote 'religious tolerance.'
Under Obama US Drops From 6th to 11th on Economic Freedom Index
Under Obama US Drops From 6th to 11th on Economic Freedom Index:
Liberals love to tout their economic policies' 'success' despite the fact that the data do not support their narrative. Indeed, under President Obama, the US has plummeted on the Economic Freedom index to its worst score in history, according to a new study by the Heritage Foundation.
Liberals love to tout their economic policies' 'success' despite the fact that the data do not support their narrative. Indeed, under President Obama, the US has plummeted on the Economic Freedom index to its worst score in history, according to a new study by the Heritage Foundation.
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