House Republicans Introduce New Rules for Lobbyists, Cutler Says

May. 26, 2021 /

HARRISBURG – Ensuring that the voices of the people of Pennsylvania are not silenced by those who try to pay for access and influence, Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) is supporting the introduction of legislation that would establish new rules for lobbyists in Harrisburg.

Ortitay Issues Statement Regarding Release of Inspector General Report on Constitutional Amendment Failure

May. 26, 2021 /

BRIDGEVILLE – Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) today issued the following statement in response to the release of the Inspector General’s report on the Pennsylvania Department of State’s failure to advertise a constitutional amendment to allow the voters to decide if a two-year civil window should be created to allow child sex abuse survivors to sue their alleged abusers:

Flood Announces More than Half-Million Dollars in Local Grants Funded Through Gaming Revenue

May. 26, 2021 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Ann Flood (R-Northampton) today in Harrisburg announced local families, workers and residents will benefit from approximately $612,000 in local share account grants that are funded through gaming revenue generated by Wind Creek Bethlehem in Northampton County and Mount Airy Casino Resort in Monroe County. Local share account grants support economic development, community improvement and public interest projects through gaming funds under Act 71 of 2004.

Package Aims to Curb Human Trafficking, Protect Victims

May. 26, 2021 /

HARRISBURG -Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, for forced labor or sexual exploitation. On Tuesday, the House passed a package of bills, co-sponsored by Rep. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon), that would make it easier to prosecute human traffickers and protect victims.

Dowling, Smith Join Push for Lobbyist Reforms

May. 26, 2021 /

HARRISBURG – Reps. Matthew Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset) and Brian Smith (R-Jefferson/Indiana) joined Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and other lawmakers Wednesday in calling for action on much-needed lobbyist reforms in the Commonwealth.

Thomas Health Care Heroes Bill Passes Committee

May. 26, 2021 /

HARRISBURG—The House Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Wendi Thomas (R-Bucks) to create a public awareness campaign to help frontline health care workers and first responders find help for the mental health challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mustello Announces Blight Grant for Butler County

May. 26, 2021 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler) today announced that the city of Butler was awarded a $102,000 Blight Remediation Grant to demolish the Memorial Park Pool and Bathhouse.

House Passes Mihalek’s Bill to Protect Human Trafficking Victims

May. 26, 2021 /

HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives has passed Rep. Natalie Mihalek’s (R-Allegheny/Washington) bill to protect victims of human trafficking. House Bill 246 amends the human trafficking statute to prohibit defendants from introducing evidence of a human trafficking victim’s past sexual victimization and allegations of past sexual victimization.

Committee Approves Roae Bill to Save School Districts Money

May. 25, 2021 /

HARRISBURG – The House Labor and Industry Committee today in Harrisburg approved legislation introduced by state Rep. Brad Roae (R-Crawford/Erie) that would waive a specific fee currently paid by school districts to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

Rowe Joins Colleagues in Strengthening PA Human Trafficking Laws

May. 25, 2021 /

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today approved legislation authored by Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union) that would ensure human trafficking convictions are considered in child custody cases. House Bill 843 is part of a package of bills aimed at addressing human trafficking in the Commonwealth.

‘For Those Who Served’ Package of Bills Unanimously Passes House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee

May. 25, 2021 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, announced the unanimous passage of a package of bills that seeks to focus on assisting veterans and their families by increasing state funding and enhancing state veterans’ programs. Additional legislation seeks to further improve state veterans oversight boards.