Sunday, February 17, 2013
An eastern Pennsylvania state senator has introduced legislation to legalize marijuana and sell it alongside alcohol.
State Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery County) introduced legislation last week to legalize marijuana use in Pennsylvania for adults age 21 and older. Gov. Tom Corbett has already stated opposition to the proposal. Leach has also introduced a few medical marijuana bills in the Pennsylvania Senate, the latest of which in 2011 was co-sponsored by two state senators from Allegheny County, Jim Ferlo and Wayne Fontana. Leach’s latest proposal would provide for legal possession of up to an ounce of marijuana. He envisions that it could be sold alongside alcohol in state liquor stores and at beer distributors. Production, distribution and sale would be regulated in the same way as alcohol. He said the state should tax the sale, which at $1 per …
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Local senators and state representatives filed two amicus briefs in support of affirming the efforts of seven municipalities, a medical doctor and a nonprofit challenging the state's Marcellus Shale law.
State Sen. Jim Ferlo, whose district covers Oakmont Borough, has enlisted the support of 15 of his Senate Democratic colleagues in signing on to an amicus brief affirming the efforts of the seven municipalities that sued the Commonwealth to overturn zoning provisions of Act 13—The Oil and Gas Act, Pennsylvania’s newly enacted legislation governing Marcellus Shale operations. The amicus brief specifically requests that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court affirm the decision of the Commonwealth Court’s majority ruling that found that these sections of Act 13 were unconstitutional. The House Democratic Caucus also has filed a special legal brief, known as an "amicus curiae." State Rep. Tony DeLuca, whose district covers Verona, is one of 44 in …
Friday, March 16, 2012
The law now requires voters to present photo identification at the polls—starting with next month's primary.
Gov. Tom Corbett on Wednesday night signed into law legislation that will require voters to present identification at the polls. The legislation requires each voter to present proof of identification at every election, beginning with the April 24 primary. Proponents of the bill, such as House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) lauded the bill, saying it will “strengthen voter identification and enfranchise all voters.” The state will provide non-driver identification cards for those who need it, free of charge. According to Turzai, a uniform voter identification requirement “assures all voters will be treated equally and fairly and will prevent some voters from being singled out for identification while other voters are …
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
A committee has been working to redraw state legislative districts all year. Several local legislators will gain and lose communities under the preliminary plan.
Communities in Plum, Oakmont and Verona might see a shift in their local legislators due to a state redistricting plan. State legislative districts must be redrawn to reflect population changes over the past decade as measured by the federal census. This entire year, the Legislative Reapportionment Committee, the committee responsible for redrawing the boundaries for state Senate and state House districts, has been working on the matter. Sen. Jay Costa (D-43) and state Rep. Frank Dermody (D-33) are on the committee. The preliminary reapportionment plan was approved in October. The final state redistricting plan is scheduled to be adopted some time in December. Here's a look at how it will affect the districts of local legislators if …
Thursday, June 30, 2011
State representatives Frank Dermody, Joe Markosek and Anthony DeLuca vote "no" on the budget. State senators Jim Ferlo, Jim Brewster and Jay Costa also disagree.
The state House approved a $27 billion budget on Wednesday night, and three Democratic representatives from the Plum-Oakmont communities are saying they voted against it because it cuts school funding, slashes Medicaid programs and protects big corporations. The budget passed with a 109-92 vote largely along party lines. The Senate passed the bill on complete party lines on Tuesday, and Gov. Tom Corbett is expected to sign it today, Thursday. Though the state budget didn't increase state taxes, Democrats noted that it is actually a "tax shift" because has forced school districts and counties to raise local property taxes to meet their basic needs, according to a statement from the Pa. House Democratic Caucus. State Rep. Frank Dermody (D-…
Ed M
7:47 am on Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Yup the Bible is fact and abortion is murder. I stand corrected. I presented my opinion about marriage if same sex marriage is legalized. Call names??? What name did I call you Outraged? I don't lie, sir. As stated above, I was incorrect in my last post. I also don't partake in weed. more ›