Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Department of State

Feb. 27, 2024 /

House Republicans focused their line of questions on how prepared the Department of State (DOS) is for the upcoming 2024 elections, as well as the lack of uniformity in the Commonwealth’s election process. Additionally, Republicans asked how the DOS plans to spend proposed increases in “Voter Registration and Education” equitably, the Governor’s unilateral decision to begin automatic voter registration, and the department’s continued plans to improve the professional licensure process.

District Office Open House Set for Friday

Feb. 27, 2024 /

HARRISBURG — Rep. Brad Roae (R-Crawford/Erie) today announced he is hosting an open house in his new Meadville district office on Friday, March 1. The event will be held during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Department of Labor and Industry

Feb. 26, 2024 /

House Republicans focused their questions on the various workforce development programs within the department – both new and existing. Additionally, Republicans questioned the impacts of the proposed minimum wage increase on job growth, the amount of unemployment compensation fraud and whether the dollars were recouped, and labor law enforcement practices.

Removing Obstacles to Opportunity: Building Pennsylvania

Feb. 26, 2024 /

WHAT: House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), Rep. Jamie Barton (R-Berks/Schuylkill), and other lawmakers will host a hearing titled “Removing Obstacles to Opportunity: Building Pennsylvania” to address building ordinances and the cost-prohibitive issues developers face when trying to build or renovate in Pennsylvania.

‘Coffee and Conversation’ Compliments of Rigby

Feb. 26, 2024 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jim Rigby (R-Cambria/Somerset) is preparing to host the first in a series of public meetings designed to allow residents of the district he represents to get the latest information and ask questions about state government issues.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Dept. of Insurance

Feb. 26, 2024 /

House Republicans focused their questions on the financial health of the Pennsylvania Insurance industry and how the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) is allocating its funding. Concerns were raised about the Governor’s proposal to transfer $50 million from the Workers’ Compensation Security Fund for the benefit of subsidizing low- and middle-income families’ health insurance premiums.

Hogan Introduces Bill to Protect Seniors from Financial Exploitation

Feb. 26, 2024 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Joe Hogan (Bucks) recently introduced House Bill 2064, which would protect seniors from financial exploitation by equipping financial institutions with the necessary tools for identifying, reporting, and preventing the financial exploitation of older adults and care-dependent individuals.

Apprenticeships Growing for Organic Farmers

Feb. 26, 2024 /

A new grant opportunity is designed to help more Pennsylvanians chart their own course in the organic agriculture industry. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is inviting organizations to apply for grants up to $350,000 for earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship opportunities for those interested in agricultural occupations, including certified organic farmers.

Removing Obstacles to Opportunity: Growing Pennsylvania’s Agriculture

Feb. 26, 2024 /

House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), Rep. Mike Stender (R-Northumberland/Montour), and other lawmakers will host a hearing titled “Removing Obstacles to Opportunity: Growing Pennsylvania’s Agriculture” to address permitting and regulations in the agriculture industry that unnecessarily cause delays and stymie Pennsylvania’s growth.

Kutz to Host Bridge Dedication for Fallen Firefighter Jerome Guise

Feb. 26, 2024 /

HARRISBURG—Constituents of the 87th District are invited to join Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland) and members of the community for the dedication of the Route 34 Bridge over Mountain Creek in Mount Holly Springs Borough in memory of fallen firefighter and community hero Jerome Guise.

Budget Hearing Wrap with Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

Feb. 23, 2024 /

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) Executive Director and CFO Robin Wiessmann and Deputy Executive Director and Chief Counsel Leonidas Pandeladis testified today before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on how the PHFA is improving their services after their high-profile failure with distributions from the Federal CARES Act for rent and mortgage relief programs. Additionally, Republicans asked for details on the Governor’s plan to spend more money through the PHFA in the PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, commonly referred to the “PHARE” program.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Dept. of Corrections and Probation and Parole Board

Feb. 23, 2024 /

House Republicans focused their line of questioning on cost increases for the department, even though the prison population in Pennsylvania has been declining. Republicans also asked what the DOC can do to help counties deal with the recent increase in high-profile prison escapes and increases violent incidents.