Op from the Ed: GOP, Insurance industry causing move toward single-payer
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Do no harm. That is the first precept of modern medical care. This doesn’t mean standing there while someone is bleeding out, of course, which is the current state of American health care.
I was happy to give Guy Ciarrocchi, the president of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry, his say last week about not expanding government’s role in health...
State Police fees: an idea whose time has come
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
So…so much for putting a stop to writing about stuff.
Despite an ill-advised detour into politics and some mild, annoying and decidedly non-life threatening health issues, not writing was beginning to feel increasingly like not breathing, so here I am again. For now — and obviously everything on this green Earth is really “for now” — I’m going to return...
Letter: Kennett emergency service tax doesn’t help Longwood FC
To The Editor,
I’m compelled to write to all taxpayers in Kennett Township to correct a dangerous misimpression concerning the recent tax levied by the supervisors for public safety. The Longwood Fire Company DOES NOT RECEIVE A PENNY of additional funding from the new public safety tax. We actually receive less money from Kennett Township since the forming of the regional Fire/EMS commission....
GOP Congressman laud tax bill, Democrats decry ‘gift’ for wealthy, donors
The U.S. Senate last night passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — a sweeping revision of U.S. Tax code, that depending on who is talking is either a spark for job and wage growth or a massive, deficit busting giveaway to the rich, political donors and corporate America.
The House voted Tuesday to approve the package, but will have to revote Wednesday because of three provisions in the original bill...
The AHCA: the perfect bill…to hate
Deeply flawed health-care bill will raise taxes, unemploy local Congress members
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Having read through the new Republican replacement for the Affordable Care Act, the — the American Health Care Act — I’m left with just one thought:
I guess we’re going to find out how Lloyd Smucker, Pat Meehan and Ryan Costello fare in the private sector if this mess somehow...
Report: Unified emergency services may offer benefits
E. Marlborough plans no tax hike in 2017
By Karen Cresta, Staff Writer, The Times
East Marlborough Township Planning Commission Chair Cuyler Walker discusses a report on potentially unifying emergency services for six area towns with Township Supervisor Bob Weer.
EAST MARLBOROUGH – A first step toward unifying a crazy quilt of emergency services for six area towns may have taken a step forward...
County to hike property taxes 4.95% for 2017
First increase since 2014
WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Commissioners unanimously approved the 2017 budget this week. The budget calls for $460,094,845 in operating expenses and $87,504,129 for its capital budget.
“Led by our strategic priorities, including public safety and balanced growth, Chester County continues to invest in projects, programs and services that will benefit our residents...
Commissioners OK 2016 budget, no tax hike
WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Commissioners unanimously approved the 2016 budget Thursday, resulting in no tax increase for county residents.
The 2016 budget aligns with the priorities and goals of Chester County’s Strategic Plan which were updated this year. Seven years of development and implementation of the Plan have led Chester County to the achievement of a very high percentage of...
Delusions and confusion; or just another day in Harrisburg
State pols continue to labor under budget, tax delusions
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Ah, nothing says “holiday seasons” like the ongoing state budget stalemate.
Perfectly, both Democrats and Republicans continue to labor under impressive delusions about the current state of the commonwealth — and the outcomes of some proposed legislation that would provide cornerstones for a possible...
Commissioners: No tax hike expected for 2016
WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Commissioners Thursday unveiled the preliminary 2016 county budget. The proposed budget does not increase taxes for county property owners — which would mark the fourth straight year without a tax increase.
Presenting the preliminary budget to the Commissioners at Thursday’s Sunshine meeting, Mark Rupsis, County Chief Operating Officer noted that the county...
