Barrar thanks Gov. Wolf for quick work on Burnt Mill bridge

State Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-160). KENNETT — As construction began yesterday to replace the Burnt Mill Road bridge over a branch of the Red Clay Creek in Kennett Township, Rep. Steve Barrar (R-160) expresses his gratitude and appreciation to Gov. Tom Wolf and his staff for their assistance in prioritizing the project. “This bridge carried more than 500 vehicles each day, and Commonwealth citizens...

Local legislators back bipartisan state budget

Senate, Gov. must OK $31.55 billion state spending plan By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Correction: Adds Rep. Truitt’s vote. It appears last year’s long, drawn out state budget process may be shorter — based on the bipartisan passage of a new $31.55 billion budget by the state House of Representatives, Tuesday, 132-68. The budget was supported by seven Chester County State Representatives...

Wolf calls GOP budget ‘garbage;’ line-item vetoes much of it

But some funds will flow to local schools and social services as dispute continues By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Updated, 3:40 p.m.: adds GOP House leadership comments. While school districts and social service agencies in Chester County can finally look forward to seeing some state funds finally come their way after a six-month state budget standoff, Gov. Tom Wolf signaled Tuesday clearly...

Merry @#$% Christmas: Senate sends Wolf last-minute budget

Gov. won’t say whether he’ll veto budget without pension reform, liquor fixes By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The State Senate sent Gov. Tom Wolf a most unwelcome gift — a $30.2 billion budget bill similar to one he vetoed earlier this year, after a compromise that would have included pension reform and changes to how liquor is sold collapsed, amid a bizarre series of events in...

Despite Chesco Reps revolt, budget talks stall

GOP House members leave for holiday, no clear path ahead By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times T’was the day before the day before Christmas, When all through the (State) House, Various angry politicians were heard to espouse: “Ghost voting,” “vote to reconsider” “insurgent” and “Twitter fight” As legislators sought to finally get a state budget right… Local State Reps (clockwise...

Wolf: I’ll veto ‘stop-gap’ budget

Local ex-State Rep. says folks should look at changes in state government after deadlock By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Gov. Tom Wolf, seen here in a visit to Chester County earlier this year, said he would veto the so-called “stop-gap” budget the State House was considering Tuesday. Although local state legislators had hoped that Gov. Tom Wolf would accept parts of an 11-month...

Chesco legislators split on pension, budget deal

Sources say stop-gap budget likely to be sent to Gov. Wolf Tuesday By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times “Frustration.” “Confusion.” Those two words, which repeatedly came up when speaking with local legislators about the ongoing state budget standoff, seem to best describe where things stand in the current six-month state budget standoff. The standoff looked to come to an end this past weekend,...

Letter: Wolf is fighting for middle class families

To The Editor, Governor Wolf is fighting for middle-class families in Pennsylvania by reversing the damaging Republican cuts to education and human service providers. The governor’s budget invests in education, provides property tax relief, and fixes the budget deficit created by Republicans without using gimmicks or games. Standing firm in his commitment to these priorities, the governor has...

Chester County’s Blocker tabbed to head State Police

HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Wolf today nominated New London’s Tyree C. Blocker to be the next commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. Blocker, 62, has 30 years of experience with the Pennsylvania State Police, starting as a trooper and rising to the rank of major before retiring in 2005. Long active in local law enforcement, he served as a member of a working group to help Coatesville...

One man stands between the people and medical marijuana

Our dysfunctional legislature hits new highs for foolishness By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Greetings from one of the last Internet outposts not hacked by the Chinese (we don’t rate) or calling from (allegedly) Microsoft Technical Support to assist you with your computer issues once you give us your password, credit card number and home address information. In comparison, the recent shenanigans...