Blue Coyote

• Legislators Call on Inspector General to Look into Dog Law Enforcement Issues

  
  Pennsylvania State Representatives Doug Reichley (R-Berks/Lehigh) and Karen Beyer (R-Lehigh/Northampton), and State Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24) have submitted a letter to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture formally requesting that Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff request an investigation by the Office of Inspector General of [...]
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  Posted: October 17, 2008, 2:29am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Law to Provide Lower-Cost Prescription Drugs to Veterans in Long-Term Care

  Number of comments: 0
  House Bill 2034, legislation co-sponsored by Northampton County State Representative Joseph Brennan (D), providing veterans in long-term care facilities with better access to low-cost prescription drugs, was signed into law as Act 114 of 2008.
  
  Veterans pay $8 a month for prescription medications [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2008, 1:52am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Freeman Elm Street Bill Approved By Senate

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Northampton County State Representative Bob Freeman's (D) bill to revise the Elm Street Program was unanimously approved by the state Senate today.
  
  According to Freeman, H.B. 2233 would allow the Elm Street Program to continue beyond its current sunset date of 2011. The program [...]
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  Posted: October 10, 2008, 1:45am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Last Day To Register To Vote

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Five Friends Vote (Uncensored) - Watch more free videos [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2008, 6:47am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Grucela bill would create unicameral legislature

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Northampton County State Representative Richard Grucela, (D), has introduced legislation (H.B. 2810) that would amend the state constitution to return the Pennsylvania General Assembly to a unicameral legislature.
  
  "My decade of experience in Harrisburg tells me the truest reform would be a return [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2008, 10:01pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• They need your help!

  Number of comments: 0
  
  As you know from my earlier posts, I am a dog lover. House Bill 2525 was passed yesterday by the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee with amendments. Changes to the bill include allowing for slatted flooring instead of only a solid floor, providing for [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2008, 3:52am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Legislation to Reform State Prisons to Become Law

  Number of comments: 2
  
  Northampton County State Representatives Joe Brennan (D) and Craig Dally (R) have co-sponsored a prison reform package of legislation that was created to rectify issues such as prison overcrowding, rehabilitation and medical care is headed to the governor for final approval.
  House Bill 4 [...]
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  Posted: September 22, 2008, 9:44pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Is Julie Harhart A Dog's Best Friend?

  Number of comments: 0
  
  "The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Mohandas Gandhi
  Northampton County State Representative Julie Harhart, (R), was conspicuously absent from co-sponsoring the latest legislation that would help our canine friends in our families and communities. All [...]
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  Posted: September 21, 2008, 8:02pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Eulogy of the Dog by George Vest

  Number of comments: 2
  
  Gentlemen of the jury, the best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter whom he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us - those [...]
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  Posted: September 18, 2008, 8:54pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Freeman Elm Street bill clears Senate committee

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Northampton County State Representative Bob Freeman, (D), today said his bill to revise the Elm Street program was approved by the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee and will now go to the full Senate for consideration.
  
  House Bill 2233 would allow [...]
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  Posted: September 17, 2008, 7:51pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• The state ...

  Number of comments: 0
  
  The state Senate Judiciary Committee has voted out a bill designed to assist local police departments in meeting professional standards for operation.
  
  HB 2548 passed the House in July 196-1.
  
  The measure would allow the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to create [...]
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  Posted: September 17, 2008, 7:51pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Bernie O'Hare in "It's Time For Some Campaignin"

  Number of comments: 5
  Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today! [...]
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  Posted: September 08, 2008, 9:13pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Time For Some Campaignin'

  It's that time of year folks, so here's a little melody to get us started...Time for Some Campaignin' | Funny Jokes at JibJab [...]
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  Posted: September 08, 2008, 8:48pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• The Best Song, Ever - RIP Izzy

  Number of comments: 0
  In the middle of the night, with supplemental oxygen being administered to him, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole woke up and called his friend to drive him to the music studio. He was awaken by an urgent dream; he had to sing a song to his daughter.
  
  He dedicated this song [...]
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  Posted: August 12, 2008, 10:24pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Boscola Wants PUC Member Removed For Alleged Perjury

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Northampton County State Senator Lisa M. Boscola, (D), said she is initiating impeachment proceedings against a newly confirmed member of Pennsylvanias Public Utility Commission (PUC) for allegedly lying under oath before the Senate Consumer Protection Committee at his confirmation hearing.
  "Commissioner Robert Powelson lied under [...]
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  Posted: August 05, 2008, 3:23am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing on Dally DNA Testing Fees Measure

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Northampton County State Representative Craig Dally (R) is urging the House Judiciary Committee to endorse his legislation to establish a fair way to offset costs incurred by county agencies that collect DNA samples from offenders pursuant to the Commonwealth’s DNA database law.
  
  “Current law [...]
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  Posted: July 29, 2008, 8:20pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Nicholas Hawk Groundbreaking Ceremonies

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  Northampton County State Representative Craig Dally (D) participated in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the reconstruction of the original Colonial Gun Shop of Nicholas Hawk. The Jacobsburg Historical Society has reconstructed the original 200-year-old gun shop of Nicholas Hawk, an [...]
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  Posted: July 25, 2008, 1:30am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Dally Hails Enactment of Bills Targeting Mortgage Lending Practices

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Northampton County State Representative Craig Dally (R) said today that enactment of legislation targeting predatory and other questionable mortgage lending practices in Pennsylvania marks the end of a long journey that began with a study he sponsored through a House resolution several years ago.
  
  [...]
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  Posted: July 09, 2008, 2:17am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Senator Wonderling Bill to Help Turn Community Eyesores into Assets

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Today, the Pennsylvania Senate passed Senate Bill 1062, the Brownfields Redevelopment Act introduced by Northampton County State Senator Rob Wonderling (R). The measure creates a program for reimbursing developers for up to 75 percent of the costs associated with the remediation [...]
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  Posted: June 24, 2008, 9:48pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Freeman bill would allow housing authorities to establish police forces

  Number of comments: 0
  
  A bill (HB 1674) that would allow public housing authorities to form police forces unanimously passed the state House today, according to the bill's sponsor, Northampton County State Representative Bob Freeman, (D).
  
  "Under current law, only housing authorities in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have [...]
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  Posted: June 19, 2008, 1:38am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Happy Father's Day

  Number of comments: 2
  This is a repeat post from last year. For Father's Day it is appropriate to show Team Hoyt. This is a father and son team that races marathon's throughout the United States. The father's love for his son provides his only escape from cerebral palsy.
  
  [...]
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  Posted: June 15, 2008, 10:24pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Grucela bill would allow schools to target areas where students need help

  Number of comments: 0
  
  The House Education Committee reported out a key component of the 2008-09 education budget today that would fund tutoring services and other programs to boost student performance.
  
  Northampton County State Representative Richard Grucela, (D), the bill's prime sponsor, said the legislation would continue funding [...]
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  Posted: June 11, 2008, 7:30pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Freeman's Appalachian Trail protection measure sent to governor

  Number of comments: 1
  
  The state House today gave final approval to legislation introduced by Northampton County State Representative Bob Freeman, (D), that would ensure Pennsylvania's portion of the Appalachian Trail is protected from inappropriate forms of development.
  
  The bill (HB 1281) has passed the House and [...]
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  Posted: June 08, 2008, 3:50pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Brennan bill would expand PACE/PACENET eligibility

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Northampton County State Representative Joe Brennan, (D), introduced legislation that would expand eligibility for the state's PACE and PACENET prescription assistance programs for seniors.
  
  Under current law, senior citizens and others applying for the state's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program can exclude half of their [...]
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  Posted: June 05, 2008, 8:42pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Dally Supports Indoor Smoking Ban

  Number of comments: 1
  
  Northampton County State Representative Craig Dally (R) said the state House of Representatives has approved a bill banning smoking in most public places. “This measure prohibits smoking in enclosed and substantially enclosed areas,” Dally said. “It may not go as far as some have wanted, [...]
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  Posted: June 04, 2008, 6:41pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Legislation proposes first-degree murder sentencing for those who attack disabled or elderly

  Number of comments: 0
  
  New legislation was announced that would make the age or disability status of a victim – namely if the victim is over 60 or has a disability – an aggravating circumstance in sentencing for first-degree murder.
  
  A large group of co-sponsors (including Northampton County [...]
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  Posted: May 26, 2008, 10:01pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Appalachian Trail measure approved by Senate

  Number of comments: 0
  
  The state Senate has approved legislation, sponsored by Northampton County State Representative Bob Freeman, (D), that would require municipalities bordering the Appalachian Trail to adopt, implement and enforce zoning ordinances as part of their responsibility to protect it.
  
  The House is expected to vote [...]
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  Posted: May 25, 2008, 11:26pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Veterans' Marker Legislation Heads to Governor

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Legislation that will allow deceased veterans from all conflicts and peacetime to be remembered through American flags and special markers at their gravesites is on its way to the governor to be signed into law. The bill was co-sponsored by Northampton County State Representatives Grucela, [...]
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  Posted: May 20, 2008, 8:19pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Governor Signs Legislation to Create Cancer Drug Repository

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Governor Edward G. Rendell signed legislation (SB 638) introduced by Northampton County State Senator Rob Wonderling (R) to establish a cancer drug repository in Pennsylvania to help uninsured patients and those in need gain access to safe, unused cancer medications. Cancer patients who are [...]
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  Posted: May 16, 2008, 1:43am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Grucela introduces bill to modernize state record-keeping

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Northampton County State Representative Richard Grucela (D), has introduced legislation that would modernize the 100-plus year process by which the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records manages birth and death certificate records. Grucela said the process is rapidly becoming obsolete and is cumbersome.
  [...]
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  Posted: May 14, 2008, 9:48pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Legislation Would Stop Pay-to-Play Politics in PA

  Number of comments: 3
  
  Legislation has been introduced aimed at strengthening public trust in government by placing limits on no-bid contracts connected with large political contributions. None of the Northampton County State Representatives have yet to co-sponsor this bill.
  
  Government agencies have come under fire in recent months [...]
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  Posted: May 12, 2008, 1:28am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Jake Shimabukuro

  Number of comments: 0
  [...]
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  Posted: May 08, 2008, 6:20pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• House passes bill that would help nonprofits raise money through bingo

  Number of comments: 1
  
  The House of Representatives today passed a bill co-sponsored by Northampton County State Representatives Joseph Brennan (D) and Richard Grucela (D), that would update Pennsylvania's limits on how much nonprofit organizations can earn from bingo games.
  
  The bill (H.B. 2204) would make several [...]
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  Posted: May 07, 2008, 6:18pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Judiciary Committee Passes Harhart Legislation to Fund Child Advocacy Centers

  Number of comments: 0
  
  The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee has unanimously passed a bill authored by Northampton County State Representative Julie Harhart (R) that would establish supplemental funding for Pennsylvania’s child advocacy centers (CAC). These centers presently operate without state funding.
  
  “My legislation creates the Child Advocacy [...]
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  Posted: May 06, 2008, 7:57pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Senate Approves Bill Consolidating Collection of Earned Income Taxes at County Level

  Number of comments: 0
  
  The Pennsylvania State Senate has approved legislation co-sponsored by Northampton County State Senators Patrick Browne (R) and Lisa Boscola (D) that would update the Local Tax Enabling Act of 1965 to consolidate the collection of earned income taxes at the county-wide level.
  Currently, the collection [...]
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  Posted: May 05, 2008, 10:12pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• From the Morning Call - Sportsmanship carries on

  Number of comments: 3
  
  By Joseph B. Frazier Of The Associated Press
  With two runners on base and a strike against her, Sara Tucholsky of Western Oregon University uncorked her best swing and did something she had never done, in high school or college. Her first home run [...]
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  Posted: May 02, 2008, 4:16pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Senate Approves Legislation to Create a Do-Not-Call List for Political Robo-Calls

  Number of comments: 2
  
  Legislation, co-sponsored by Northampton County State Senators Wonderling and Browne, which would allow Pennsylvanians to stop receiving political robo-calls was approved today by the full Senate, 48 to 1.
  In 1996, Pennsylvania created a Do-Not-Call List for commercial telemarketers. Senate Bill 820 would establish [...]
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  Posted: May 01, 2008, 5:32pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Local high school students to testify Friday

  Number of comments: 0
  
  Northampton County State Representative Richard Grucela (D), is hosting a public hearing of the House State Government Committee Friday on legislation to allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections. Students from Bangor, Easton, Fox Chapel, Nazareth and Pen Argyl are scheduled to testify before the [...]
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  Posted: April 30, 2008, 7:57pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Dally Urges Committee to Approve Tougher Casino Licensing Standards

  
  Northampton County State Representative Craig Dally (R) today urged members of the House Gaming Oversight Committee to approve legislation he sponsored to establish stronger restriction on the issuance of licenses and permits of those seeking to operate casinos in Pennsylvania.
  
  The committee held a [...]
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  Posted: April 29, 2008, 6:46pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• PPL Still Pushing For Controversial Rate Increase

  
  A press release from Northampton County State Senator Lisa Boscola (D) - First, you get caught with your hand in the cookie jar. Then, the state regulatory agency that enforces the rules tells you to put the lid back on the jar - and keep [...]
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  Posted: April 28, 2008, 10:00pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Senator Wonderling Bill to Reform Conservation Efforts

  
  The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed legislation, Senate Bill 1020, introduced by Northampton County State Senator Rob Wonderling (R) and co-sponsored by State Senators Boscola and Browne, to reform the Commonwealth's 66 conservation districts.
  The measure proposes to streamline and increase operating funds for the [...]
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  Posted: April 28, 2008, 1:04am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Is He The Anointed One?

  
  
  This was the scene at the end of Hillary Clinton's victory speech in Philadelphia, after the primary election in Pennsylvania. After several conversations I've had with other people, this has got to be Governor Ed Rendell's coup-de-gras. The Allegheny County Executive or any [...]
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  Posted: April 24, 2008, 9:55pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Sen. Browne Bill Would Open Spending Records to Public

  
  Pennsylvania taxpayers ultimately pay the Commonwealth's bills; therefore, they should have a basic right to easily monitor how state government spends its money, according to Northampton County State Senator Pat Browne (R). With that in mind, Senator Browne introduced the Pennsylvania Taxpayer Transparency Act (Senate [...]
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  Posted: April 23, 2008, 9:12pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Requiring identification of lawful presence in the US

  
  The Senate voted 39-10 in favor of Senate Bill 9, which would prevent illegal immigrants from improperly receiving public benefits other than those deemed essential to public health. Under this legislation, co-sponsored by all three Northampton County State Senators, applicants for many government benefits [...]
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  Posted: April 23, 2008, 2:48am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Only when it benefits herself!

  Number of comments: 2
  [...]
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  Posted: April 17, 2008, 5:24pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Prison Reform Bill Passes The House

  
  The House passed legislation co-sponsored by Northampton County State Representative Joe Brennan (D), that would update the current law governing the treatment of seriously and terminally ill prison inmates.
  
  The bill (HB 7) was one of a package of bills aimed at reforming [...]
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  Posted: April 14, 2008, 2:06am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Why I Love Baseball - My Field of Dreams

  Number of comments: 1
  I sent Bernie O'Hare a tip about a YouTube clip regarding Little League Baseball. He liked it so much, he posted the clip. So, why is baseball America's favorite pasttime? I remember playing in Little League as a kid. I played both catcher and right field. I can still smell [...]
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  Posted: April 12, 2008, 10:14am EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Freeman bill approved by House Local Government Committee

  
  The state House Local Government Committee this week approved a measure sponsored by Northampton County State Representative Bob Freeman (D), that would provide state funding to municipalities to compensate them for high levels of tax-exempt property.
  
  House Bill 2018, known as the Tax [...]
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  Posted: April 09, 2008, 11:56pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Legislation to bolster recruiting and retention of first responders

  
  The Senate Finance Committee today approved legislation to provide tax credits to Pennsylvania's emergency first responders and their employers as a way to help fire companies and emergency medical service companies recruit and retain volunteers, according to Committee Chairman Northampton County State Senator Pat Browne [...]
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  Posted: April 09, 2008, 11:16pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote

• Bill Targeting Vandals of Veterans' Graves Earns Committee Approval

  
  The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today unanimously approved legislation to increase penalties against people who steal bronze markers from veterans? graves, co-sponsored by Northampton County State Representatives Brennan, Dally and Grucela.
  
  House Bill 2289 makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to [...]
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  Posted: April 08, 2008, 9:20pm EDT
  by Blue Coyote