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What all should know about the Constitution

To commemorate the Sept. 17, 1787, signing of the Constitution of the United States, Congress designated Sept. 17th of each year as Constitution Day. More then ever it is important to understand the purpose of the U.S. Constitution. It is often referred to as a “living document” that grows and changes as society moves forward. No matter a person’s view on constitutional interpretation, there is no doubt that amendments to the Constitution have changed the course of the American legal system. The first 10 amendments became known as the “Bill of Rights,” including many ...

New tax would slow economy

As lawmakers in Washington, D.C., propose yet another battery of taxes specifically designed to punish the natural gas and oil industry, you must wonder if they ever bother to seriously consider the ramifications of continually attacking one of their favorite targets. PricewaterhouseCoopers recently issued new analysis highlighting the significant contributions the natural gas, oil and fuels industries make in our country, including jobs, labor income and value added. The report shows that the industry has widespread economic impact throughout all sectors of the economy. In 2019, ...

ARC Partnership Leading to Economic Growth in Mississippi

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. Mississippians are hardworking and constantly seeking opportunities to better themselves, their families, and their communities. That’s why on the day I was sworn in as the 65th Governor of Mississippi, I made a commitment to increase economic development, improve infrastructure, and invest in workforce training. One of my priorities has always been, and will always be, making Mississippi the best state in the ...

Georgia’s ARC funds assist on strategic projects

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. As a member state of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Georgia has effectively used federal funds to make strategic investments in projects to assist communities, support business development and job creation, and improve economic opportunities for hardworking Georgians in the Appalachian region. The 37 counties of North Georgia - from Trenton to Elberton, and Rabun Gap to Rockmart - are all part of the ...

Embrace learning accurate history

When John Brown raided Harpers Ferry, W.Va., in 1859, he had a couple of young men from Salem with him, Edwin and Barclay Coppock. Salem also was home to an abolitionist newspaper and homes providing safe haven on the Underground Railroad. I grew up in Salem and never learned any of these stories. Why wasn’t this in my history classes? When I first started learning some of the stories that were left out of history class, I felt angry. A fire had been lit inside of me, and I was burning to learn more. Many wanted to label me, saying I was “self-indoctrinated” or “racist ...

ARP collaboration could transform Valley

What does one job mean to the Mahoning Valley? It means one family can buy school supplies and clothes, spend time at the baseball field on the weekend and go out to eat every now and then. It means adequate health care, paying the mortgage and putting gas in the car. It restores self-esteem, reduces stress and sometimes even saves a marriage. Since all that comes with one job, we as government and community leaders need to focus our efforts on a bold strategy for the Valley that emphasizes job creation, education and quality of life. The path forward now is made easier by the ...