Overreach on Wheels: How the EPA’s New Emissions Rule Undermines Consumer Choice and Strains Our Nation

Nov. 27, 2024 /

Our founding fathers were very clear in their design of our government – a truly revolutionary notion at the time – that there should be a definitive system of checks and balances. This was their way to guarantee the three branches of government remained equal and the best interests of the citizens were kept at the forefront. Unfortunately, the Biden administration is using its rulemaking and regulatory authority to broaden the reach and power of the executive branch via a rule recently finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Why is Election Integrity So Elusive in Pennsylvania?

Nov. 20, 2024 /

Pennsylvania’s roughly 13 million citizens just lived through a very strange and confusing post-election day experience. Many of us had gotten used to the idea Pennsylvania was going to be at the epicenter of the presidential election whirlwinds. We were a very important “swing state” that could determine the fate of the nation after all! But then something else happened that no one could have predicted; there was one race that had yet to be settled.

First Time Voters Must Show ID

Sep. 23, 2024 /

The 2024 General Election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 5. First time voters will need to show their ID to cast a ballot for the next president and vice president; members of the U.S. House and Senate; state House and state Senate (in odd-numbered senatorial districts); and state row offices, including attorney general, auditor general, and treasurer. But what about voters who are not casting their first ballot?

Working to Lower Prescription Drug Prices in Pennsylvania

Aug. 14, 2024 /

Many Pennsylvania residents are struggling to pay for their prescription medication. Bipartisan legislation that was signed into law recently should bring about positive reforms that will help to reduce costs in the health care system.

Building the Hydrogen Economy: All Eyes on Pittsburgh

Jul. 30, 2024 /

The future of clean energy is rapidly converging on Pennsylvania, and western Pennsylvania is poised at the heart of this transformative moment. On Aug. 14-15, senior U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) officials will arrive in Pittsburgh to engage with a diverse coalition of stakeholders from industry, banking, investment, trade unions and government. This meeting in Moon Township is a critical step in advancing our hydrogen economy.

Biden’s Economic Mismanagement

Jul. 01, 2024 /

As Americans grapple with a 20% increase in overall prices since President Joe Biden took office, it is clear his administration’s economic policies have ushered in higher prices, leading to higher prices for everyone. Gas prices have soared by 55%, airfare has jumped nearly 40%, electricity costs are up 29%, and rent and grocery prices have surged by 21%. Perhaps most alarmingly, the monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced home has skyrocketed by a staggering 119%.

Answering the Call: Caring for our Communities

May. 15, 2024 /

Each and every day, emergency medical responders answer calls for assistance with one purpose – to save lives. These dedicated individuals, whether volunteer or career personnel, are professionals who do their absolute best to provide lifesaving services in our communities.

A Threat to Every Pennsylvanian’s Constitutional Rights

Mar. 27, 2024 /

On March 23, Vice President Kamala Harris announced the formation of The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. They claim the office will identify a number of new executive actions and assist in coordinated efforts with local and state officials to identify and prevent individuals who could be considered a risk to themselves or others from possessing firearms.

Hutchinson, Rapp Urge SEC to Not Allow Rich Elites Control Over Public Lands and Their Natural Resources

Jan. 17, 2024 /

HARRISBURG –Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21) and Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-65) have sent a letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission opposing a proposed rule change under consideration by the independent agency that would not only negatively impact the Allegheny National Forest (ANF), which includes portions of Warren, McKean, Forest, and Elk counties, but also the communities that host or are adjacent to the federal lands.

Zimmerman: How the Ivy League Came for William Penn

Jan. 09, 2024 /

HARRISBURG – The National Park Service this week announced it will not pursue plans to remove William Penn’s statue from its Philadelphia location at Waterfront Park due to public backlash over the initial plan to remove it.

Combating Deepfake Sexual Exploitation

Jan. 03, 2024 /

I have introduced legislation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to help combat deepfake sexual exploitation, which is the malicious manipulation of benign photos or videos to target victims online, including children. Unscrupulous actors are using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create pornographic images of individuals without their knowledge or consent.

House Freezes Tuition, Improves Transparency

Nov. 08, 2023 /

For the past few months, my Republican colleagues and I have been pushing for more transparency at Pennsylvania’s state-related schools – Penn State, Temple, Lincoln and the University of Pittsburgh – and a tuition freeze to provide some relief to college students.

Chaos, Corruption, Scandal – Pennsylvania Democrats Put Power Over People

Oct. 13, 2023 /

Editorial by Rep. Tim O'Neal | The beginning of 2023 ushered in a new day for Pennsylvania Democrats. The party had a new governor and, for the first time in over a decade, a one-seat majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. However, it was immediately clear that Democrats in Harrisburg are far more concerned with holding onto power at all costs rather than governing. Their constant political posturing has led to staggering gridlock, mistrust, and absolute chaos.