Property tax reform at the forefront  

Pennsylvania homeowners took center stage this week as the House Finance Committee considered a comprehensive agenda of property tax relief legislation. Homeowners are carrying too heavy a burden, and it is the House Democrats' intent to lessen - ideally remove - that burden.

How will it differ from the past several years? We'll take up real bills, we'll take real votes on the House floor, and we'll engage with Senate leaders immediately following House action. Look for more House debate on this issue throughout the month of November.

Another step forward for open records

Last week we told you of our commitment to a better open records law. This week we affirmed that pledge by debating numerous amendments to it for nearly 13 hours. The main highlights are:

• for the first time ever, the Legislature will be included in the law;
• all records are open unless otherwise directed with the burden shifted from the citizen to government to prove why a record should not be released;
• state tax dollars will be more open and accountable;
• a Public Records Office will handle open records requests at all levels of government. 

A final vote on House Bill 443 is expected the week of Nov. 13^th.

Democracy is the greatest open record

The mere discussion of an open government is made possible by the democratic process in which we live. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6.

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