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Dispelling ‘False Claims Act’ myths

It’s budget season in Pennsylvania, which means that politicians are grasping at any loose straws they can find to painlessly raise revenue without raising taxes. Regardless of a proposal’s shortcomings, if it makes a good sound bite, it will be pushed as a potential revenue generator for the state. Such is the case with a proposed state False Claims Act. Unfortunately, like its very name, claims that it will fill the current revenue gap needed to pass a budget are false. Simply put, a False Claims Act (FCA) allows individuals to bring lawsuits against businesses and health care ...

The ‘smash and grab’ administration

Once called the “shining city on a hill,” the United States has become the smash and grab bully of the world. From the moment Donald Trump took office, he has thumbed his nose at the Constitution and the other two branches of the federal government. He has governed by decree, signing executive orders and ignoring courts that have the temerity to tell him “you can’t do that.” He has coerced enough Republican congresspeople and senators to allow him to do whatever he wants without consequence, like playing Monopoly with tariffs, murdering American citizens on our streets, ...

What other newspapers are saying: Waivers no factor in smoking rates

Chautauqua County officials want to push the remaining organizations that have indoor smoking waivers to go smokefree. Smoking indoors in public places became largely illegal in New York state with the passage of the Clean Indoor Air Act on July 24, 2003, banning smoking in most workplaces, restaurants, and bars. There are five remaining private organizations with waivers to allow indoor smoking – and those five clubs will begin paying more for the privilege: $300 annually to $650 in 2026, and to $1,000 in 2027. We can’t argue with the health benefits of going smokefree. There ...

The Strait of Hormuz and the long chessboard

The crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz is often framed as a regional military confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. In reality, it is far larger: it is a systemic challenge to the global economy, to international maritime law, and to the domestic political stability of major powers. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil moves through this narrow waterway. Any sustained disruption therefore becomes not merely a military event but a global economic shock. The immediate effects of such a disruption are well understood. Oil prices rise sharply, ...

Williamsport home rule — good or bad?

Recently, I received on Facebook a lobbying effort by current City Council members concerning Home Rule for the City of Williamsport. In the 2026 Primary Election to be held May 19th, city voters will get to vote on a government study Commission. Some of the members of that Commission have already revealed their views, notwithstanding that not a word has yet been written by the Commission. According to the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, the state Department of Community and Economic Development has made a recommendation that the city pursue the creation of a Home Rule Charter for the ...

Public notices require independence

Life is hectic. Keeping track of work, home and family commitments is challenging enough. Now imagine adding another task to your daily routine: checking multiple government websites just to find out what your local and state officials are planning to do. You would have to monitor the websites of your school board, township supervisors, borough council, sewer authority, zoning hearing board, county commissioners and other government bodies that make decisions affecting your daily life. That could become reality if lawmakers weaken Pennsylvania’s public notice law by allowing ...