Committee Hearing on Human Trafficking in Southeast Pennsylvania

Feb. 20, 2019 /

WHAT: The Southeast Republican Caucus will take testimony from Bucks County State law enforcement and advocacy groups on human trafficking in Southeast Pennsylvania. They will also discuss House Bill 12 that expands the definition of human trafficking to include any individual who patronizes or advertises a victim of trafficking.

Kauffman, House Judiciary Committee to Focus on Crime Victim Bills

Feb. 20, 2019 /

WHAT: Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, will hold a voting meeting on legislation aimed at better protecting crime victims from abuse and violence by helping those who are victimized to testify against and confront their abusers.

Mackenzie Supports New Legislative Agenda Highlighting Workforce Development

Feb. 19, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Following the governor’s announcement today that he signed an executive order to create the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center to address the skills gap and worker shortages, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh/Berks) said he supports the governor’s plan and has been advocating for greater focus on workforce development as it pertains to training and job opportunity awareness for several years.

Cutler Joins Governor in Efforts to Revitalize PA Workforce

Feb. 19, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Calling Pennsylvania’s workers our state’s “most valuable resource,” House Majority Leader Bryan Cuter (R-Lancaster) announced the House Republican plan to reform and improve workforce development in Pennsylvania. Cutler made the announcement following comments from Gov. Tom Wolf as the Wolf administration announced an executive order establishing the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center.

Metcalfe Challenges DEP’s Acceptance of Rulemaking Petition to Restrict Emissions

Feb. 19, 2019 /

HARRISBURG — House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) sent the following letter to PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Patrick McDonnell today questioning the DEP’s failure to adhere to a regulatory requirement to notify members of the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) within 30 days of the receipt of a rulemaking petition to establish a comprehensive program to restrict greenhouse gas emissions:

Children and Youth Committee to Consider Adoption, Child Care Legislation

Feb. 15, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Children and Youth Committee, chaired by state Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), will vote House Bill 235, which deals with incarcerated parents’ adoption proceedings; and House Bill 309, which addresses parents’ decision making when considering where to send their children for childcare.

Kaufer, Fellow Lawmakers to Renew Their Commitment for a Cleaner Tomorrow

Feb. 15, 2019 /

A bi-partisan group of representatives will unveil legislation to allow for community solar projects in Pennsylvania. This bill would allow homeowners who don’t have access to solar to join community members to enjoy equal the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy generation while improving the environment.

Cox, House Committee to Hear about Worker Training Programs

Feb. 15, 2019 /

WHAT: House Labor and Industry Committee Chairman Jim Cox (R-Berks/Lancaster) will host an informational hearing to identify policies and procedures to better align worker training and preparation programs with the needs of employers in an effort to enhance the success of workers seeking to enter or advance in the workforce.

Sonney, Committee Members to Unveil Career and Technical Education Package

Feb. 15, 2019 /

WHAT: Rep. Curt Sonney (R-Erie), chairman of the House Education Committee, will host a press conference to unveil a bipartisan package of eight bills designed to improve career and technical education (CTE) in Pennsylvania. The bills are the result of a report issued by the former Select Subcommittee on Technical Education and Career Readiness.

Cutler Applauds Court for Reviewing Venue Shopping Rule

Feb. 14, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) issued the following statement after Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Thomas Saylor told House leadership the court would hold off on changing venue rules regarding medical malpractice cases until a further review of the rule’s impact could be completed.

Oberlander Thanks Supreme Court for Delaying Venue Rule Change

Feb. 14, 2019 /

House Majority Policy Committee Chairman Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest) today thanked Chief Justice Thomas Saylor and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for holding off on its consideration of a proposal to repeal the current rule that prevents venue shopping in medical malpractice cases. The adoption of the proposal would negatively impact access to health care statewide. Their decision came soon after Oberlander concluded a public hearing today.

House Majority Policy Committee to Hold Capitol Hearing to Save Our Health Care

Feb. 13, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest), will hold a public hearing to save our health care by studying the issue of venue with respect to medical malpractice legal actions in Pennsylvania. At issue is a proposal to the court to unilaterally repeal a rule that prevents medical malpractice plaintiffs from filing civil lawsuits in counties with more favorable jury payouts. Since it was adopted in the early 2000s, the rule has helped stabilize medical malpractice insurance rates, keeping doctors practicing in Pennsylvania and alleviating a shortage of physicians and specialists.

House Majority Policy Committee Reschedules Save Our Health Care Hearing

Feb. 11, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest), will hold a public hearing to save our health care by studying the issue of venue with respect to medical malpractice lawsuits in Pennsylvania. At issue is a proposal to the court to unilaterally repeal a rule that prevents medical malpractice plaintiffs from filing civil lawsuits in counties with more favorable jury payouts. Since it was adopted in the early 2000s, the rule has helped stabilize medical malpractice insurance rates, keeping doctors practicing in Pennsylvania and alleviating a shortage of physicians and specialists.