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Dispelling ‘False Claims Act’ myths

Other Commentaries

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 ...

Work built our communities then — and builds them now as well

Editorials

Today concludes a series of special sections the Williamsport Sun-Gazette has been publishing — our Then & Now sections. We always enjoy the opportunities to share the rich history of our region with the public. We continue to believe that a better understanding of “then” can help our leaders and voters alike in deciding what our “now” should look like. One consistent thread we find as we look back over the decades — building our communities and neighborhoods required a lot of work. Work met the needs of families throughout our history — four housing and shelter, for ...

Affordability requires more power plants

Other Commentaries

Pennsylvania has powered America for generations. From the coal that fueled the Industrial Revolution to the natural gas boom of the Marcellus Shale, our state has long been one of the nation’s energy leaders. That is why it is frustrating for many families and small businesses to see their electricity bills rising. In a state that produces so much energy, electricity should be abundant and affordable. The truth is, Pennsylvania does not have a resource problem. We have one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves and the ability to produce far more electricity than we do ...

Who pays?

Letters

Why is it that Democrats are absolutely certain that tariffs raise the price of goods, but can’t seem to figure out that corporate income taxes also raise prices? Are they that ignorant of how things work, or are they lying to us and hoping we’re too stupid to see for ourselves that what they’re saying makes no sense? I think there is some of both going on here. First, let me say that both of these taxes lead to higher prices, but not to the extent that either side of the debate would have you believe. The calculation is far too complicated for anyone to do, as there are too many ...

Natural gas benefits communities

Letters

How often do you look at a local community project and appreciate how the money to fund the project came to be? The natural gas impact fee (which is really just a tax on the industry) is helping to fund important projects throughout the state. Via a set formula (that is clear and transparent) money is allocated each year to every county in the state (regardless of whether or not drilling occurs within the county) and certain municipalities. These funds are used to pay for a wide range of projects including: infrastructure upgrades, road and bridge improvements, grants for first ...

The ‘smash and grab’ administration

Other Commentaries

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, ...