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Bilger will work for next generation

I relate to the surprisingly large number of senior protesters who held “No Kings” signs and expressed concern for their grandchildren’s future during a recent President Donald Trump visit to Florida’s The Villages, a senior retirement area. The Villages historically has been a solidly red area. The “grandchildren,” namely the Gen X and Millennial, tend to vote for change, seeking assistance and to rid corruption. Recent polls show only 13% of them believe America is heading in the right direction. A major change would be to replace Trump’s legislative enablers and to ...

Act 13 a smart deal for Pennsylvania communities

When Pennsylvania’s Act 13 was signed into law 14 years ago, the goal of the bipartisan policy was straightforward: encourage responsible natural gas development, further strengthen environmental safeguards and ensure local communities see real, lasting benefits tied to energy production. Nearly a decade and a half later, the results speak for themselves. Since 2012, the Act 13-created impact fee – Pennsylvania’s unique tax on natural gas production – has generated over $3.1 billion in revenue for counties and municipalities across the state, with hundreds of millions ...

Inflation putting squeeze on household spending

The Fed held rates where they were – 3.5% to 3.75% – and nobody was surprised. What actually mattered was the friction inside the room. Three FOMC members dissented, and not over some technical disagreement. They wanted the committee to stop pretending its next move is still a cut. They have a point. The "easing bias" language is a holdover from late last year, when the Fed was more worried about the labor market cracking than inflation flaring back up. In December, officials cut rates and talked about calibrating "the extent and timing of additional adjustments." That framing made ...

Rounding Third: Deceit flooding inbox slicker, slimier

Wow! I’ve been spammed and scammed. And this time they made it hurt … whoever “they” are. I’ll probably never know. I shop online from three clothing companies that I have enjoyed for years. I know my sizes, what will fit, and what won’t. Their return policies are accommodating, and I know they will always do the right thing by me. But a few years ago, I made the mistake of buying a sweater from a Chinese website notorious for selling junk. I learned that you don’t have to be especially gullible to be bamboozled by them. They lure their customers with low prices on ...

State needs to provide relief for high costs

“Everything just costs too much right now.” That is what we hear every day from the people we represent. Families feel it at the grocery store. They feel it at the gas pump. They feel it when the electric bill comes in or when they pay for their cell phone service. These are not optional expenses. These are the basics of modern life. When everyday essentials keep getting more expensive, the government should not make it worse. It should look for ways to provide relief. That is why we are working on legislation to establish targeted tax holidays on essential goods and ...

Ice cream fundraiser is reason for excitement

Last month, I found myself standing in Chloe’s Creamery during a fundraiser for what will become the Kinzua Discovery Center. It was a simple idea. Folks created ice cream flavors, people showed up, and the winning flavor, Discovery Tracks, will now be served all summer with proceeds helping to support the museum. I will admit, the chocolate base made it an easy favorite for me. But what stayed with me had very little to do with the ice cream itself. The place was full. Kids were lined up with their parents and grandparents, people were talking and laughing, and for a while you ...