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There’s a high future cost of doing nothing

When a threat appears, we must consider the long-term consequences of our response – or lack of response. But we often kick the can down the road for our children to deal with and fall prey to excuses that make us feel good today while conveniently ignoring the consequences for tomorrow. Politicians understand that most people react emotionally to threats and take comfort in emotionally satisfying tribal-based memes that bypass any critical thought. Contrived memes are useful tools for manipulating an unthinking public, and could be used by either side. The first question to ask ...

State is a national leader in fight against public fraud

Public assistance programs are critical resources that literally keep Pennsylvanians alive. People who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to put food on the table or count on Medicaid coverage to stay healthy are our neighbors and friends, coworkers, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers. So many Pennsylvanians are working hard to make ends meet and support themselves and their families — and our public assistance programs give them opportunities and stability necessary to succeed. Every day, staff at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) work ...

Smarter health plans can help employers compete for talent

Unlike their larger peers, many smaller and mid-sized businesses are struggling to fill open jobs, according to the latest figures from the National Federation of Independent Business. A key reason? The rising cost of health insurance, which makes it harder to compete for workers. The cost of an employer-sponsored health plan is on track to jump nearly 10% in 2026 — the largest increase in more than a decade. Such price hikes are a major reason why just 56% of small firms are able to offer health benefits — compared to 97% of large employers. Fortunately, there is a way for many ...

Rounding Third: Mother’s Day has competition for attention

Today is Mother’s Day. As I write this, on May 10, I’ve learned it’s also National Shrimp Day. Wh-a-a-a-t? Today is Mother’s Day. Period. How can it be anything else? Turns out it’s the date that determines these festive days. Every second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day. But every May 10 is National Shrimp Day. It also happens to be National Idaho Day, National Washington Day, National Cherry Cobbler Day, National Rescue Dog Day, and last, but not least, National Clean Up Your Room Day. Whoa… that has to be hooked to Mother’s Day somehow. Who decides these things? And ...

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 ...