Thomas Hosts Hearing on Human Trafficking

Feb. 22, 2019 /

HARRISBURG-- The abuse began when “Susan” turned eight; by age 13, she was a runaway with a boyfriend who sold her for food. Three years later, she acquired an “agent” in Miami who shipped her to Baltimore to work for an organized ring that sent women to “the block,” an area known for strip clubs and prostitution.

House Passes Kauffman Bill to Improve Patient Safety

Feb. 22, 2019 /

House Passes Kauffman Bill to Improve Patient Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week passed legislation that would require certain surgical team professionals be accredited and take continuing education courses in order to enhance patient safety, said Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), author of the bill.

Judiciary Committee Focuses on Crime Victim Bills, Says Kauffman

Feb. 21, 2019 /

Judiciary Committee Focuses on Crime Victim Bills, Says Kauffman

HARRISBURG – The House Judiciary Committee today voted 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, reported Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), chairman of the committee. All five bills before the committee were passed onto the full House for consideration.

House Committee Supports Hershey’s Bill to Empower Victims in Court

Feb. 21, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – The House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Rep. John Hershey (R-Franklin/Juniata/Mifflin) that would give victims the right to attend proceedings against their abusers unless the court determines that the victim’s testimony would be altered if he or she heard other testimony at the proceeding.

Gaydos Appointed Chairwoman of Economic Development Subcommittee

Feb. 21, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) announced today that she has been appointed chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, under the House Commerce Committee. In general, the House Commerce Committee focuses on business, finance and economic development in Pennsylvania.

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: