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Topper: Embrace Efforts to Right-Size Government

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Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) today issued the following response to Gov. Josh Shapiro issuing an executive order on the state civil service system:

“While President Trump is using his mandate to lead the federal government in an unprecedented effort to right-size itself in true responsibility to the taxpayers, finding ways to add to our bureaucracy here in Pennsylvania sends us in the wrong direction. When a job becomes vacant in Pennsylvania’s administrative apparatus, the question should first be asked if it is truly needed rather than how quickly it can be filled.

“Pennsylvania’s private sector, like much of the rest of the country, is continuing to face significant hiring challenges and many in-demand jobs are going unfilled due to workforce shortages. Federal employees looking to translate their skills into new lines of work should be encouraged to enter private sector employment instead of having a path cleared for the Commonwealth to be a sanctuary for adrift bureaucrats.

“Given universally accepted budget challenges facing the Commonwealth in future years, we should continue exploring state-specific ways to get our fiscal house in order to avoid the need for significant cuts or tax increases in the coming years.”

Runaway Juvenile

On 11/05/26 at 0725 hours, Spencer Newman ran away from his residence. Newman is 5’9, 125 pounds, white male, brown eyes, brown hair and was last seen wearing a brown

Fred Allen Blocher 1943-2026

Fred Allen Blocher, 83, of Gardners, PA passed away Saturday, October 24 2026 at his home. Born October 19, 1943 in Gettysburg, he was the son of the late Fred

Frank Charles Henry 1945-2026

Born January 4, 1945 in Washington, D.C., Frank was an avid Civil War enthusiast who loved to share his knowledge with others.

Who We Are

The Franklin County Free Press, established by Vicky Taylor in 2019, emerged as a beacon of local journalism for the residents of Franklin County. Under Vicky's leadership, it quickly became an essential source of news, particularly at a time when major newspaper publications were increasingly overlooking local coverage.

On January 1, 2022, the torch was passed to Nathan Neil and his firm, Neil Publishing, LLC. Neil, a local entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Chambersburg, shares Vicky's fervent commitment to both the community and the world of local journalism.

Rooted in the heart of Franklin County and powered by its residents, the Franklin County Free Press continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that the local stories, events, and issues that matter most to the community remain in the spotlight.