Business Journal NORTHEAST
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PENNSYLVANIA
THE REGION’S AWARD-WINNING SOURCE OF BUSINESS NEWS AND INFORMATION
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MAY 2015 VOL. 30 NO. 5
Indigent clients with cases in appellate courts get help from new pilot program bono appellate representation to indigent criminal A pilot program that links lawyers who want to defendants and civil litigants who have a right to volunteer their services with clients unable to afford appointed counsel (such as an individual facing legal help was created March 5 by the Supreme involuntary termination of parental rights). Court of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Supreme The program provides a centralized clearingCourt established the program to provide pro
By Phil Yacuboski
The Pennsylvania Judicial Center at the Capitol complex in Harrisburg houses Please see LAW on page 37 Commonwealth Court. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
No compromise seen in Second Amendment debates A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
Budget and business Despite
proposed reduction of corporate tax, business advocates still unhappy with governor’s budget ...............20
A crushing burden Monroe
County’s state representative draws attention to onerous property tax..6
Trade debate Both sides weigh in
on pending proposed trade pact .. 22
By Dave Gardner
Interpretation of the Second Amendment generates controversy that seems outsized compared to its mere 27 words. Some believe what the Constitution fails to outline are effective ideas to curb modern-day gun violence. Others believe the Founding Fathers were crystal clear about the rights of the people. Kim Stolfer is president and co-founder of Firearms Owners Against Crime, a “nonpartisan political action committee organized to empower all gun owners, outdoors enthusiasts and supporters of the Second Amendment and Article 1 Section 21 and 25 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.” Stolfer vigorously defends the notion that America’s Founding Fathers were very plain-spoken about limited government and the rule of law. He believes gun-control advocates often are wealthy and inclined to use their money to disperse “misin-
A large crowd of gun rights supporters on the front steps of the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg on a past Second Amendment Action Day. (AP Photo/PennLive.com, Joe Hermitt) formation.” He opposes any restrictions that thwart people’s ability to defend themselves, noting “criminals already carry lethal firearms.” “We should be striving to allow more self defense,” says Stolfer. “Gun control could cost a life.”
Instead of infringing on the Second Amendment, Stolfer believes controlling drugs, both legal and illegal (he says many prescription anti-depressants actually cause some violence), will curb much of America’s gun mayhem. Yet, the biggest force behind gun violence, according to Stolfer, is that America’s judicial system is too soft on criminals. “It’s basic human nature that if you commit a crime but don’t get punished, Please see GUNS on page 10
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High impact National Park Service
quantifies Steamtown’s benefits.. 28
‘Dramatic’ increases Price tag
for facility-based care for elderly rises; at-home care costs rise more modestly.....................................36
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