Zimmerman: How the Ivy League Came for William Penn

Jan. 09, 2024 /

HARRISBURG – The National Park Service this week announced it will not pursue plans to remove William Penn’s statue from its Philadelphia location at Waterfront Park due to public backlash over the initial plan to remove it.

Combating Deepfake Sexual Exploitation

Jan. 03, 2024 /

I have introduced legislation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to help combat deepfake sexual exploitation, which is the malicious manipulation of benign photos or videos to target victims online, including children. Unscrupulous actors are using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create pornographic images of individuals without their knowledge or consent.

House Freezes Tuition, Improves Transparency

Nov. 08, 2023 /

For the past few months, my Republican colleagues and I have been pushing for more transparency at Pennsylvania’s state-related schools – Penn State, Temple, Lincoln and the University of Pittsburgh – and a tuition freeze to provide some relief to college students.

Chaos, Corruption, Scandal – Pennsylvania Democrats Put Power Over People

Oct. 13, 2023 /

Editorial by Rep. Tim O'Neal | The beginning of 2023 ushered in a new day for Pennsylvania Democrats. The party had a new governor and, for the first time in over a decade, a one-seat majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. However, it was immediately clear that Democrats in Harrisburg are far more concerned with holding onto power at all costs rather than governing. Their constant political posturing has led to staggering gridlock, mistrust, and absolute chaos.

I Stand with Israel

Oct. 11, 2023 /

By State Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks) | In the wake of Hamas’ well-coordinated and unprecedented terrorist attacks on Israel that have already left over 1,000 dead and over 1,500 wounded – mostly noncombatants – I stand with Israel, and I unequivocally condemn Hamas’ heinous actions.

Keep PA’s Election Primary Date

Oct. 02, 2023 /

Pennsylvania’s 2024 primary election is just around the corner, currently scheduled to occur on April 23. However, there are forces in the General Assembly seeking to reschedule it for an earlier date. These actions, at this point in time, are shortsighted and could cause even more damage to public trust in our electoral system.

Shapiro, Senate Conspire to Steal $150 Million From PA Hunters

Sep. 27, 2023 /

Last week, the Senate, with a nod from Gov. Josh Shapiro, violated the federal Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and moved forward with a fiscal code (House Bill 1300), part of the unfinished House Democrat budget, and took $150 million from the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to put into the Clean Streams funding.

Stop the Raid on the PA Game Fund

Sep. 25, 2023 /

There is a plan afoot to raid the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Game Fund for $150 million and transfer it to the Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Streams Fund. While I agree we must keep our waterways clean and pristine for generations to come, stealing from the Game Commission is not the way to do it.

Wait, Didn’t the Governor Say the Budget is Done?

Aug. 22, 2023 /

To hear Gov. Josh Shapiro talk, a state budget is in place and all is well at the Capitol. He’s been crisscrossing the state the last couple weeks bragging about “historic” investments in everything from education and economic development to public safety.

Tourism: Keystone to a Prosperous Tomorrow

Aug. 15, 2023 /

Pennsylvania is contending with ongoing outmigration and falling population as residents leave the Commonwealth in search of new opportunities for their families. With our total population loss ranking as the fourth highest in the nation, the loss of residents, their talent and their resources has been detrimental to our state economy, finances and culture. Between 2019-20, the Commonwealth experienced a $1.2 billion economic loss due to outmigration alone.

Lifeline Scholarships Bridged the Political Divide

Jul. 26, 2023 /

If there is anything that should promote unity and non-partisan work among government officials, it’s the education of our children. Instead, education has become the center of many of our partisan battles. This year felt different, almost hopeful, especially following a dramatic court ruling that essentially handed down a directive that we need to revamp our educational system in Pennsylvania so every child has access to a high-quality education.

Broken Trust

Jul. 16, 2023 /

Imagine sitting in a car dealership and feeling pretty good about negotiating a great deal on a new-to-you used car. Strong valuation of your trade-in, low interest rate, and even some nice “freebies” thrown in by the dealership. The salesman has all the terms ready for you to sign, but suddenly gets a call to head to the back office. After returning, he slides the agreement across his desk, ready for your signature.