Gaydos Named to America250PA Commission

Mar. 23, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) today announced she was recently appointed by former Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) to be the House Republican Caucus designee for the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA). In addition, she was chosen to be a member of the Fundraising and Historical Preservation committees.

Department of Agriculture Budget Hearing Wrap

Mar. 23, 2023 /

Acting Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding appeared before the House Appropriations Committee along with Greg Hostetter, Executive Deputy Secretary. House Republicans asked questions beginning with agriculture concerns in Western Pennsylvania relating to the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Other questions focused on proposed cuts to the department’s Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission, fair market conditions for Pennsylvania dairy farmers, and support of the entire industry beyond organics.

Marcell to Host Senior Expo March 31

Mar. 23, 2023 /

HARRISBURG- Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) is inviting area seniors, their families and their caregivers to attend her Senior Expo on Friday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road in Ivyland.

Matzie, Marshall to introduce legislation strengthening PA rail safety

Mar. 22, 2023 /

AMBRIDGE – In the aftermath of the recent East Palestine train derailment that has impacted Western Pennsylvania residents, Beaver County state Reps. Rob Matzie and Jim Marshall, majority and Republican chairs of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee, respectively, said they are gathering support for legislation to help prevent a repeat of that disaster.

Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Budget Hearing Wrap

Mar. 22, 2023 /

Dr. Daniel Greenstein, State System Chancellor testified before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on the turnaround in the PASSHE system’s financial footing. Other questions focused on how to keep the current tuition freeze in place, how the consolidation of certain universities is going, and how PASSHE schools are preparing students for jobs in today’s economy.

Warner Calls for Transparency, Tuition Freeze from State-Related Universities

Mar. 22, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – Citing the substantial taxpayer investment in Pitt, Penn State, Lincoln and Temple, Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette) questioned heads of those institutions about the need for improved transparency and a commitment to freezing tuition rates for students during state budget hearings Tuesday.

Community Colleges Budget Wrap

Mar. 22, 2023 /

Elizabeth Bolden, President and CEO – PA Commission for Community Colleges, Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez, President – Montgomery County Community College, and Dr. Tuesday Stanley, President – Westmoreland County Community College, testified before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans asked questions focused on the programs Community Colleges are offering to meet the needs of the workforce and students who wish to further their education after two years. Other topics covered included the costs of maintenance, needed upgrades, and dual enrollment programs.

Permitting Reform Needed to Kickstart Economic Growth, Says Kail

Mar. 22, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) hosted a hearing titled “Obstacles to Opportunity: Pennsylvania’s Permitting Process” to hear the challenges of the Commonwealth’s permitting process and explore possible solutions.

Borowicz Invites Union County Farmers for Breakfast Meeting

Mar. 22, 2023 /

LOCK HAVEN – Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Union) is inviting Union County farmers and agribusiness to her Farmers Breakfast on Wednesday, April 5, at 8 a.m. featuring Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Union County Commissioner Preston Boop.

State-Related Universities Budget Hearing Wrap

Mar. 21, 2023 /

On March 21st, 2023, President Brenda A. Allen, (Lincoln University), President Neeli Bendapudi, Ph.D., (Penn State University), Chancellor Dr. Patrick D. Gallagher, (University of Pittsburgh), and President Dr. Jason Wingard, (Temple University) appeared before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused on the cost of tuition, where tax dollars are spent, and how the Universities are meeting the needs of the workforce. Additional topics covered include the management of university hospitals, transparency, safety of students, and performance-based budgeting.

Kephart Applauds Local Grant Awards

Mar. 21, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – The Moshannon Valley community stands to benefit from a series of recently-awarded grants, according to state Rep. Dallas Kephart (R-Clearfield/Cambria). One in particular supports health care and local emergency responders.

Department of Education Budget Hearing Wrap

Mar. 21, 2023 /

On March 20, 2023, Acting Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N Mumin appeared before the House Appropriations Committee to defend the governor’s budget proposal. House Republicans focused on Oversight and Accountability of state dollars, starting with ensuring the money we send to school districts shows results – in test scores, physical school improvements, and safety of students and faculty. A variety of policy initiatives were discussed, from Lifeline Scholarships, pupil transportation, the EITC program, and early intervention programs.