News & Brews April 26, 2021
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Pennsylvanians pay…a lot…for public pensions
While the historic pension reform of 2017 began to set aright our broken system, Pennsylvanians continue to pay dearly to prop up public pensions. The Philly Inquirer lays the blame squarely at the feet of government unions and the politicians who are intimidated by them. Hmm, maybe it’s time to stop letting these unions use taxpayer resources to collect their political campaign contributions, which they then donate to politicians whom they can intimidate. Just a thought.
Braddock’s conflicting views on Fetterman
As Lt. Gov. John Fetterman campaigns for Senate, WHYY went back to his Braddock political roots to uncover that while Braddock is home to some of Fetterman’s biggest fans, it’s also home to some of his fiercest critics. Read more here.
Op-Ed: Amendments would improve state’s emergency response
Jon DeArment, president and CEO of CHANNELLOCK® and a member of our Board of Trustees at Commonwealth Partners, has an op-ed in the Erie Times-News highlighting how the proposed constitutional amendments on emergency powers, which will be on the May 18 ballot, are a way for us to learn from this past year and forge a path forward toward a better response to future crises.
Focus on 2nd amendment rights in judicial primary
The AP reports that our right to bear arms, as recognized by our Constitution’s 2nd Amendment, has become a focus in the three-way Republican primary for state Supreme Court, with each candidate courting gun-rights voters. In this contest, we have endorsed Commonwealth Court President Judge Kevin Brobson, who is also endorsed by Gun Owners of America, Firearms Owners Against Crime, and the National Rifle Association.
Editorial: Private giving on docket at U.S. Supreme Court
What’s one issue where the Human Rights Campaign, Americans for Prosperity, the Christian-based Thomas More Law Center, the ACLU, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and the NAACP all agree? You’ll find it at the Supreme Court today in a case challenging California’s demand that non-profit organizations hand over their donor lists to the state. The diverse organizations correctly believe that every American has the right to privately support causes they believe in without fear of intimidation or harassment. Meanwhile, the state of California wants a big whopping government database of the names of individuals who support specific causes. Gee, what could go wrong? The WSJ Editorial Board took up the issue.
On May 18, VoteYesPA to save lives and livelihoods
On May 18, voters can approve two proposed constitutional amendments that would restore a legislative check and balance on Gov. Wolf’s (and any future governor’s) emergency powers. Check out VoteYesPA.com, which has resources including a link to request a mail-in ballot, a VoteYesPA sign you can download and print, a sample email businesses can send encouraging others to vote yes on May 18, and more.