On July 9, the Third Circuit ruled 2-1 that the Constitution, Green, and Libertarian Parties do have standing to challenge the unique Pennsylvania system that puts petitioning groups at risk of tens of thousands of dollars if they submit a petition that is later held to lack enough valid signatures. Constitution Party of Pennsylvania v […]
Water Contamination: Auditor General Issues Critical PADEP Audit
Auditor General Issues Critical PADEP Audit Pennsylvania Environmental Organizations Applaud Investigation’s Goals Report’s findings mirror concerns raised by Pennsylvanians dealing with water contamination Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania’s Auditor General office released a highly anticipated audit of the Department of Environmental Protection’s performance regarding shale gas development today. Auditor General Eugene DePasquale stated that the audit […]
Save Our Water/Artesian Water Pennsylvania
Save Our Water is composed of concerned residents of New Garden Township, Chester County, surrounding Chester County Townships, and nearby neighborhoods in Delaware – those who are water well dependent or owners of private wells, and those who are concerned about the effect of Artesian’s proposed plan to withdraw nearly 300,000 gallons per day for […]
Education Roundtable Discussion
On May 21, the Chester County Intermediate Unit was host to a roundtable discussion on education issues in Pennsylvania. Panelists included members of major educational organizations (PA State Education Association, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Network for Public Education, PA School Boards Association) and district representatives from Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester and Philadelphia counties. The event […]
Impact of budget shortfall on education
The House and Senate return to session on Monday June 2 with hopes of finalizing a budget by month’s end. With over a $1 billion budget shortfall, there is concern that education funding will be targeted. On May 27, Senator Smucker cautioned districts “Clearly my advice (to schools) would be not to count on (state) […]
Auditor General Charter School Report
On May 12, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale released “Pennsylvania Charter School Accountability and Transparency: Time for a Tune-Up”. The report is a result of numerous public meetings earlier this year consisting of testimony from education professionals and a variety of school district and charter representatives. From input received at public meetings, along with audits of […]
Chester County Libraries to feature Human Trafficking information
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Iota Tau Omega Chapter, the Chester County Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition, and the Chester County Library System have joined forces to raise public awareness in the battle against human trafficking. The groups have collaborated to develop a display of books and informational materials on human trafficking that will be featured at eleven […]
President’s Message – June 2014
JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND! Strength in Numbers – Strength in Knowledge – Strength in Relevance We sincerely encourage you to join us for our Annual Luncheon, June 28th, 2014 from 11:00 – 2:00 at the Downingtown Country Club. We end our year with celebration of League accomplishments, new and renewed goals, changes for […]
Voter ID in Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth Court permanently enjoined the in-person photo identification requirements on April 28, 2014. Accordingly, the photo ID requirements are not in effect for the May 20 primary. Therefore, pollworkers may not ask every voter for identification, photo or otherwise, except the previous rules that required poll workers to ask first time voters in the […]
Hearing on Amendment to Senate Bill 76, Property Tax Reform bill
On April 30, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on Senator Argall’s amendment to Senate Bill 76, which proposes to: Increase the state’s Personal Income Tax from 3.07% to 4.34% Increase the state’s Sales and Use Tax from 6% to 7 % (7% to 8% in Pittsburgh and 8% to 9% in Philadelphia) Expand […]