Hahn Weighs In On Wolf Budget Proposal

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – On Tuesday, March 3, Gov. Tom Wolf addressed a joint session of the General Assembly in issuing his spending plan for the 2015-16 fiscal year. The Wolf budget proposal calls for $33.8 billion in total spending. That figure represents an unprecedented tax increase and a 16 percent or $4.6 billion overall spending increase over the current fiscal year.

Select Subcommittee Authorized by Full House Vote, Saylor Says

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives yesterday voted to approve House Resolution 102, which authorizes the creation of the Select Subcommittee on Technical Education and Career Readiness, said House Education Committee chairman Stan Saylor (R-York), who sponsored the measure, and Democratic Chairman James Roebuck (D-Philadelphia), who co-sponsored it.

Hackett Continues to Support Crime Victims

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Joe Hackett (R-Delaware) today joined colleagues, law enforcement officials and families of crime victims in the Capitol to support a House resolution calling on Gov. Tom Wolf to reverse his recent suspension of the death penalty.

Gillespie Reminds Boaters of Need for Personal Flotation Devices

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The House Game and Fisheries Committee, chaired by state Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York), was reminded today of an important boater safety law during an informational meeting with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). The reminder occurred while the committee was receiving the PFBC’s annual report from Executive Director John Arway.

State House Moves Sonney Wind Power Legislation

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The state House today overwhelmingly passed House Bill 188, legislation authored by state Rep. Curt Sonney (R-Harborcreek) that promotes the expanded use of wind power. The bill may now be considered by the state Senate.

Stephens’ Bill to Combat Animal Fighting Passes the House

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG -- Legislation sponsored by Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery) to protect animals from being used for illegal fighting by creating the offense of “possession of animal fighting paraphernalia” passed the House unanimously this week.

Governor’s Tax-and-Spend Budget Plan Would Hurt PA Families

Mar. 04, 2015 /

The recently unveiled 2015-16 budget proposal by Gov. Tom Wolf represents the largest tax increase proposal in the history of Pennsylvania. It would be a $4.7 billion tax hike, which is a 16 percent increase over this year’s budget, for a total of $33.8 billion in spending. I strongly oppose this unprecedented and massive tax-and-spend plan that would hurt so many working families struggling to pay their bills and provide for their families.

Charter and Cyber Charter Reforms Measure Heads to Senate

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – More than $27 million annually will be saved by Pennsylvania school districts if House Bill 530, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 118-78, becomes law, Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) said today.

How Sweet It Is!

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The state House voted with its sweet tooth on Wednesday, designating the week of March 15-22 as Maple Producers Week in Pennsylvania, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), author of the resolution.

House Endorses Watson Measure to Study Pay Equity Laws

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – An effort to determine whether or not the state’s pay equity laws are effective is one step closer to fruition, after the House today passed legislation to initiate a state government study, said Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks/144th), author of the resolution.

Vereb and Crime Victims Call on Governor to Reverse Suspension of Death Penalty

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG — Surrounded by colleagues, law enforcement professionals and victims of some of the most horrific crimes in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) today at a Capitol news conference in Harrisburg unveiled a resolution calling on the governor of Pennsylvania to reverse his recent suspension of the death penalty.

Topper Bill Would Exempt School Construction Projects from Prevailing Wage Law

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – In an effort to save important taxpayer dollars for school districts, Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton/Franklin) this week introduced House Bill 707, which would exempt schools from Pennsylvania’s Prevailing Wage Act. The law requires that all public bodies pay the prevailing minimum wage, as determined by the secretary of Labor and Industry, when a project exceeds $25,000.

Helm: Wolf Budget Too Costly for Pennsylvania Taxpayers

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Concerned over the impact on hard-working residents of her district, Rep. Sue Helm (R-Dauphin/Lebanon) said she cannot support the tax increases included in Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2015-16 budget proposal. The governor unveiled his $33.8 billion spending plan on Tuesday before a joint session of the General Assembly.

Emrick Reacts to Wolf Budget Proposal

Mar. 03, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Nazareth) today issued the following statement in reaction to Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal, which calls for $33.8 billion in total spending, representing an unprecedented tax increase of 16 percent or $4.6 billion over the current fiscal year:

Simmons: Wolf Budget Proposal Not Grounded in Reality

Mar. 03, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Expressing disappointment in Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2015-16 budget proposal, Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton) said he cannot support the spending and tax increases that it contains. The governor unveiled his $33.8 billion budget blueprint today before a joint session of the General Assembly.

Kauffman: Budget Proposal Unaffordable for Taxpayers

Mar. 03, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) said a budget proposed by Gov. Tom Wolf today that increases spending by nearly $5 billion over the current fiscal year is simply not affordable for the state’s taxpayers.