John Baer
Philly Inquirer
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Past articles by John:
Got popcorn for Democratic double header?
Will two nights of Democratic debates with 20 candidates shake up the field, energize the party -- or just fizzle? → Read More
This 80-year-old reader touched my heart
A Philly native, former teacher and retired real estate broker left me a voicemail message very worthy of sharing. → Read More
General Assistance issue is a test for Gov. Wolf
As the state legislature pushes to end cash assistance serving thousands of Philadelphia's most vulnerable citizens, Gov. Wolf is being urged by fellow Democrats to save the program. → Read More
Tis the season I (sorta) feel sorry for many Philly lawmakers
Those representing Philadelphia in Harrisburg are feeling frustration once again as the legislature works toward resolution of the annual state budget. → Read More
‘It is quite a story,’ says Daylin Leach. He’s right.
The story of Sen. Daylin Leach is full of allegations, calls for his resignation, a controversial summary report of a Senate investigation and more. But where does it go from here? → Read More
It’s Pa. budget season. All Philly can do is hope for the best.
Philly lawmakers face an uphill fight in seeking a hike in the minimum wage and saving a grant program for some of the city's most vulnerable citizens. → Read More
She’s a Pa. lawmaker who knows about student debt, and she wants to tackle student debt
Delaware County Rep. Jennifer O'Mara is pressing for greater attention to Pennsylvania's student debt problem. → Read More
Pa. Legislature puts on its annual `kick me’ sign
State lawmakers take all kinds of gifts because they can. If they didn't, maybe they could help improve their image. → Read More
Will Pennsylvania decide the 2020 presidential race? I don’t think so.
Despite speculation the Keystone State is THE battleground state in 2020, there are multiple reasons it could come up being less of a player. → Read More
Pa. among worst states? Pa. voters don’t think so!
How to explain Pennsylvania's horrible, no good national ranking and a new poll showing Gov. Wolf doing fine and voters happy with the state's direction? → Read More
Vote, if only because the powers that be don’t really want you to
There are lots of reasons not to vote in Tuesday's primary election, including protecting the status quo. But is that really what you want? → Read More
Pa. State Rep. Jared Solomon: From the butcher shop to the sausage factory
Meet one of the young legislators behind the 'Philadelphia Platform,' Northeast Philly state Rep. Jared Solomon. → Read More
The legislature is again courting changes for Pa. courts
A proposal to elect statewide judges on a regional basis raises questions about practicality and politics. → Read More
For Pennsylvania’s badly behaving legislators, the punishment was weak
State lawmakers keep getting attention for all the wrong reasons. So, legislative leaders delivered a knock-it-off lecture stressing basic civil behavior. → Read More
Pennsylvania looks anew at electing its Number 2
A state Senate-passed bill sets the stage for a small but needed political reform that just might lead to other reforms and make Pennsylvania politics and government better. → Read More
Pa. government’s bustin’ out all over
Harrisburg's having a hyperactive week. Could that mean the state (and the planet) will reap the benefits? → Read More
Committee of Seventy’s ‘rock in the pond’
As the May primary election approaches, Philadelphia's political/government watchdog group is hoping to focus voter attention on needed reforms to city politics. → Read More
Revisiting Biden, with a twist
With former Vice President Joe Biden set to enter the race for president, there's evidence his former office is more of an asset than one might think. → Read More
My journalistic seven-year itch
My long-standing relationship with Pennsylvania's legislature is fraying badly. To the point I wonder whether it's really worth saving. → Read More
As the Democratic race for president cranks up, its moving parts could cause real angst
The large field of Democratic presidential candidates is inviting splits over ideology, age and gender that promise to be key in picking a nominee. → Read More