Pennsylvania
Restoring the Keystone: Pennsylvania’s Call for America First Policies
As one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania has been an integral part of America’s journey from its very inception. It serves as a keystone of the American experiment, a state whose land bears witness to the trials and triumphs of America’s past and promises to do so for the future.
Pennsylvania stands as an emblem of liberty, resilience, and productivity deeply ingrained in the tapestry of American history. We have been an unwavering presence in the American narrative since our inception, a bedrock of industry and courage. The signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the hallowed Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 are just a few of the pivotal moments etched in our rich history.
However, in recent decades, Pennsylvania has witnessed a troubling decline in its economic and industrial prosperity, largely attributed to high taxes and over-regulation. Manufacturing and industrial activities, once the lifeblood of the state, have declined, leading to job losses and an economic downturn. The consequences have been dire, with many businesses forced to shutter their doors. The industrial powerhouse for which our state was renowned has withered while other states have flourished, leaving Pennsylvania grappling with a shrinking workforce and a staggering population exodus. Between 2021 and 2022, more than 40,000 residents bid farewell to the Keystone State, which accounted for the fourth-largest percentage of departures of any state in the Nation.
One of the most significant factors exacerbating Pennsylvania’s economic woes is its outright hostility toward the energy sector. Excessive regulations have not only burdened businesses and their ability to stay afloat, but they have also crushed hard-working Pennsylvanians with exorbitant energy bill increases, ranging from 6% to a staggering 45%.
We have seen government policies create an economic environment where it is difficult to do
As the state that houses the bell that stands for liberty, we have fallen victim to leadership and policies that put America last – not first. But just as our founding fathers looked to Pennsylvania to shake off tyranny and establish freedom, we now look to our state to restore the promise of America First. Hence, the formation of the America First Policy Institute – Pennsylvania.
As a former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark, I am truly honored to assume the role of Chair of the Pennsylvania chapter of this national policy powerhouse. This is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the betterment of our great state as we ensure our primary policy objectives align with the most pressing needs of Pennsylvanians.
At the heart of America First is a desire at the national and local level to return to those policies that have already been proven to work. Whether it’s addressing crime, restoring America’s energy dominance, confronting the threat posed by China, and securing the southern border, America First policies work.
Our next goal is to bring that success to the true laboratories of democracy as our founders envisioned 247 years ago in Independence Hall – the states. America First – Pennsylvania is poised to address the issues that resonate most deeply with Pennsylvanians. America First’s
commitment is unwavering. We will focus on reviving Pennsylvania’s economy, providing quality education choices for our children, enforcing criminal penalties for immigration law violators, enhancing access to quality and affordable healthcare, securing our democracy and elections, and restoring safety to our neighborhoods.
America First is already making a difference. In the three years since its inception, we’ve worked on dozens of bills in Congress that put the American people first. We’ve worked in 28 states on issues ranging from school choice and stopping China from buying our farmland. We can bring the same success here – if we work together to do it.
America First – Pennsylvania stands ready to chart a path toward policies prioritizing the most important thing: people. It stands as a testament to our collective conviction that the future of our beloved state will be sculpted by the timeless principles and values that have rendered it exceptional since its birth. The spirit of Pennsylvania endures, resilient and unwavering, ready to rise once more. We have the power to craft a Pennsylvania where liberty, prosperity, and opportunity perpetually blossom for the generations yet to come.
Carla Sands serves as Chair of the America First Policy Institute – Pennsylvania. She also serves as the Vice Chair of America First’s Center for Energy and Environment. Previously, she was appointed to President Donald J. Trump’s Economic Advisory Council
Hersheypark in Pennsylvaniacould be forced to close this summer amid a dispute between the site’s operators and union employees, according to a report.
The amusement park is scheduled to open seven days a week starting May 21 in a shift from its weekend-only operation before the summer, despite a looming vote among employees about whether to go on strike.
Over 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey and Giant Center rejected a contract offer from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts on May 7, according to Inside the Magic. The park’s operators described the proposal as their “last, best and final” offer.
Over a three-day period this week, employees will vote on whether to strike after rejecting the offer, which is the third from the park’s operators. A strike could close the park just in time for the start of the busy summer season when families head on vacation.
The list of employees considering going on strike includes ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, utilities technicians, carpenters, garage auto mechanics and sign artists.
In mid-March, the union and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts agreed to extend a former contract for 60 days to allow for continued negotiations.
According to Inside the Magic, union workers are seeking fair wage increases, more affordable care plans and higher pay premiums for less-desirable shifts. The union has also said that it will reject new contract offers that lower professional standards, devalue skilled trades or open the door to lower wages in maintenance roles in the future.
The Independent has contacted Hershey Entertainment & Resorts for comment about the possible strike.
Hersheypark, located 15 miles east of Harrisburg, is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1906, the 121-acre site boasts more than 70 rides, a water park with 17 water attractions and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park, according to Hersheypark’s website.
It’s named for and themed in conjunction with the popular candy company.
However, a different park in the Keystone State was named as the top amusement park in the U.S. on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best list.
It was Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, 42 miles north-northeast of Harrisburg, that topped the list. In doing so, the little-known park was ranked higher than Dollywood, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure that also made the top 5.
“It’s got it all: roller coasters, kid-friendly rides (bumper cars, a haunted mansion), swimming, camping, a mining museum, and even a championship 18-hole golf course,” TripAdvisor wrote. “The accommodating staff, clean facilities, and fun attractions make for a memorable family-friendly visit.”
Knoebels is the U.S.’s largest free-admission park, although tickets for individual rides cost a fee.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on cast vote records creates uncertainty for counties
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Charles “Yami” Frederick Jamison, age 83, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, formerly of Warren, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Haven Convalescent Home.
Mr. Jamison was born December 2, 1942, in New Castle, a son of the late Charles N. and Anna (Callihan) Jamison and was a 1960 graduate of New Castle High School.
Charles worked as an order checker clerk for Packard Electric Company, Warren, Ohio, for 31 years, until his retirement in 1999.
A proud veteran, he served his country in the United States Navy.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Warren, Ohio and also attended Mass at Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church.
Charles spent his free time hunting and playing Euchre.
He is survived by his four sisters, Margaret I. Klann, Mary E. DeMarco and Catherine “Kay” A. Houk (Robert), all of New Castle and Susan J. Olson (Donald), Winfield, Illinois; his brother, Richard Jamison (Linda) of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Ave., New Castle, PA, 16101, and the Salvation Army, 240 W. Grant St., New Castle, PA, 16101.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Haven Convalescent Home for the care and support that Charles received over the years.
Calling Hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 10:30 a.m., Wednesday May 13, 2026, in Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Aaron Kriss, as celebrant.
Interment: Castleview Memorial Gardens, Neshannock Twp.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles F. Jamison, please visit our flower store.
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