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Submitted by State Senator Michael O'Pake
As we reflect on the many freedoms we enjoy in America on this 234^th anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence, I am reminded that our nation was built on the hard work, ingenuity and invention of our citizens and that the role of our government -- which draws all of its power from "we the people" – is limited.

But, in our 21st century society, we have seen on occasion where the government's laws and regulations, no matter how well intentioned, may veer off track and warrant correction.

While nowhere near the "tyranny of the thrown" that our founding fathers were fighting against 234 years ago, a recent example of such a regulation or law was Pennsylvania's statute governing the sale of food sold by a myriad of non-profit and community service organizations throughout our Commonwealth.

A strict interpretation of Pennsylvania's previous law, governing the sale of food to the public, threatened the very existence of the long Pennsylvania tradition of "bake sales" conducted by church groups, little leagues, volunteer fire companies, granges and a host of other non-profit community service organizations that serve our communities.

The Department of Agriculture had cited a church for violating the law by selling baked goods that were prepared by the ladies of the church in their home kitchens instead of in licensed and inspected facilities.

Fortunately, backed by a unanimous vote in both the Senate and House, the General Assembly has now exempted baked goods sold by organizations that are working to improve their communities from the overreach of licensing, inspection and excessive government regulation.

While we should all be concerned about food safety, there comes a time when a little common sense should dictate over the intrusion of government in our communities and our lives.

Happy July 4. May freedom reign. And, as always, if I can be of assistance in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me at 610-929-2151. We're here to help!

Property Tax Elimination Efforts Will Continue

Submitted by State Rep. Jim Cox, 129th Legislative District
When a new session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives convenes next January, Representative Sam Rohrer (R-Berks) will not be among those taking the oath of office. Rohrer sought to advance the cause of property tax elimination by running for governor, but fell short in his bid to become the Republican nominee.

Senior citizens are some of the people most affected by the burdensome property tax. Many of them have begun to ask who will take up the fight for property tax elimination when Rohrer is no longer serving in the House.

Since taking office, I have fought alongside Rohrer in the General Assembly for the complete elimination of school property taxes. When he leaves office, I pledge to carry on the important work that he began.

I know that I will not be alone in this fight. Rohrer's efforts have attracted the support of lawmakers, taxpayer organizations and residents from across the Commonwealth. While he has been its symbolic leader, Rohrer's greatest success may be the fact that he built a grassroots movement with a life of its own.

The fight to eliminate school property taxes will continue for many reasons. First and foremost, no tax should have the power to leave you homeless. Too many senior citizens living on fixed incomes have already lost their lifelong homes to this unfair tax. No senior citizen should have to pay "rent" to the government simply to keep the property they already own. The property tax issue is one of fairness, rights and pushing away the overreaching hand of government.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will certainly not be the same without Representative Sam Rohrer. While he will not be there next January, the work he started – to eliminate school property taxes – will go on.

Someday, when Pennsylvania finally abolishes the school property tax system, we will look back and say that it was Sam Rohrer who started Pennsylvania's taxpayer revolution. For now, however, it is up to you and me to finish it.