Unionville board leans against increasing tax hike
Boosting tax rate from 1.0% to 1.4% would mean about $20 increase; social workers, guidance and librarians could be in crosshairs instead
By Mike McGann, Editor, UnionvilleTimes.com
An average propety taxpayer in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District would see about $20 of additional taxes if the board were to boost the tax rate to the state's Act maximum. Right now, a narrow majority appears...
School officials outline $1.7 mil. in possible cuts to budget
Slash in state funding could mean higher local taxes, bigger class sizes, layoffs and furloughs in Unionville
By Mike McGann, Editor, UnionvilleTimes.com
EAST MARLBOROUGH — The cuts are deep, wide ranging and would mean less employees working in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District during the 2011-12 school year and even furloughs for the remaining employees.
But it remains probable that not...
Barrar’s town hall: budget takes center stage
Residents ask questions on a wide range of issues, but the bottom line reigns supreme
By Mike McGann, Editor, UnionvilleTimes.com
State Rep. Steve Barrar (R-160) answers questions from local residents during Wednesday night's Town Hall session at the Chadds Ford Municipal Building.
CHADDS FORD — Gov. Tom Corbett’s new budget may or may not be popular, but it sure seems to have gotten people’s...
Unionville school officials worried about $1 million loss in state funding
Lesser-known proposal to slash FICA reimbursement could cost schools more than $600,000 if passed by legislature
By Mike McGann, Editor, UnionvilleTimes.com
The fate of more than $1 million in proposed state funding cuts is in the hands of the state legislature.
EAST MARLBOROUGH — Few were shocked by Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposal to cut state aid to public education — cuts that amount to a loss...
Pileggi to Introduce Major DNA Law Reforms
State Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-9)
Individuals arrested for serious crimes would be required to submit DNA samples under a bill introduced by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9). His bill will also authorize a new type of DNA search, helping law enforcement officials identify suspects in unsolved crimes.
“We need to make the best possible use of the rapidly evolving science of DNA evidence...
Ross: local school fund cuts need to be put in context
State Rep. says higher ed. cuts more of concern, supports Corbett’s call for pay freeze
By Mike McGann, Editor, UnionvilleTimes.com
State Rep. Chris Ross (R-158)
As the Chinese curse suggests, “may you live in interesting times.”
And while the current fiscal environment might be a tad too interesting for some local residents and taxpayers, a local state legislator says he wasn’t terribly...
Houghton announces bid to unseat Pileggi
Former Democratic State Rep. wants to take on powerful Majority Leader, says he will fight for property tax reform if elected
Former State Rep. Tom Houghton
WEST GROVE – Former State Rep. Tom Houghton says he intends to challenge State Sen. Dominic Pileggi for the 9th District senate seat in 2012. According to Houghton, the Pileggi is not putting constituents first.
“The three biggest issues...
Barrar: final state budget will likely change
Local state rep. sees cuts in Welfare, smaller education cuts as likely
By Mike McGann, Editor, UnionvilleTimes.com
State Rep. Steve Barrar (R-160)
In the immortal words of the author Douglas Adams, “Don’t panic.”
Those are the words of advice coming from at least one local state legislator, who, while he said he supports much of Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget, he also noted that the state...
Ross auction bill passes House
State Rep. Chris Ross (R-158).
HARRISBURG — The state House of Representatives this week unanimously passed two bills sponsored by Rep. Chris Ross (R-Chester) that will allow first-class townships and boroughs to sell surplus property via electronic auctions.
“My legislation gives certain municipalities another means of disposing of property that is no longer needed and is still useful,” said...
Dinniman pushes to strike the ‘R-Word’
State Sen. Andy Dinniman
HARRISBURG – State Senator Andy Dinniman said his initiative to strike the phrase “mental retardation” from state statutes and state use is gathering steam throughout the Commonwealth after a Wednesday press conference that recounted all the new and different initiatives with that common goal.
On Wednesday, state Rep. Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny) discussed his House Bill...
