Guest Columns

One of the country’s most enduring challenges is making sure that our citizens, both young and old alike, have at least a basic understanding of government and the role we all play in making it work.

Dear Readers,
As we continue to get closer to Election Day I continue to hear of certain questions or statements that are made concerning the nickel tax. It has been my goal with my weekly article to provide as much factual information as possible and clear up misconceptions as I hear them. Please understand that there have been valid questions and concerns asked in the past months and I have been happy to have those brought to me. This week is no different. There are two items I would like to address this week.

Congressional committees are jokingly referred to as the place where bills go to die.  However, I’m happy to report that my bipartisan bill to audit the Federal Reserve passed the House Oversight and Government Reform committee by unanimous consent this summer, and is now eligible to come before the full House for a vote.  Since 90 percent of bills die in committee, you could say that my legislation had a near-death experience, but that’s a good thing.

If there is one theme binding the numerous festivals that take place across the commonwealth each year, it’s that if we raise it, grow it or use a lot of it, there’s almost certainly a community that celebrates it.
Most of these festivals take place over a 10-week period that begins in late August and runs through Halloween, and food is often the focal point. During that time, you can find events dedicated to apples, chicken, country ham, sorghum, bourbon, honey, barbecue and even salt.