Bernstine Applauds Senate Committee Approval of Markie’s Law Bill

Jun. 24, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) applauded Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) and members of the committee for unanimously passing his legislation that would preclude the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole from paroling an inmate at the expiration of his or her minimum sentence if the inmate was convicted of a violent offense or an obstruction of justice while incarcerated.

James’ Bill Providing Lifeline to Local Governments Receives House Support

Jun. 23, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation drafted by Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Butler) to bridge the tax gap necessitated by COVID-19 received unanimous support in the House. The bill would authorize local governments to borrow money for two years, rather than just one year, so they can maintain operations.

House OKs Owlett Bill to Ensure Justice for Child Victims

Jun. 23, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – A bill to better support children who are victimized as they seek justice has passed the House and is now on its way to the state Senate, said Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter), prime sponsor of the measure.

House Republicans Elect New Leader

Jun. 22, 2020 /

As House Republican leadership has helped facilitate one of the most successful session periods in the modern history of the chamber, new leaders were elected today who reflect the next generation of voices to lead Pennsylvania’s House Republican Caucus.

Oberlander Becomes First Woman to Ascend to House Republican Whip Position

Jun. 22, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest) was chosen today to become the first woman to serve as Republican Caucus whip during leadership elections held at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. Oberlander succeeds Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), who was selected as majority leader, and Majority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), who became Speaker of the House.

Causer Joins House Leadership as Policy Committee Chairman

Jun. 22, 2020 /

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) has been selected by his peers to join the House Republican Leadership team by serving as chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee for the remainder of the 2019-20 legislative session.

Cutler Elected Speaker of the House

Jun. 22, 2020 /

Following a confirmation by the majority of members, Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom) is the Speaker of Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives.

O’Neal Announces Impact Fee Amounts for 48th District

Jun. 18, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – More than $8.4 million in impact fees paid by Marcellus Shale drilling companies will benefit residents of the 48th District, either through direct disbursements to municipalities or Washington County at large, said Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington).

Bedford, Somerset Counties to Receive Over $101,000 from Marcellus Shale Impact Fees, Say Metzgar, Dowling and Reese

Jun. 18, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Reps. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset/Bedford), Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland/Somerset) and Matthew Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset) today announced that municipalities in Somerset and Bedford counties will receive $101,621 from the 2019 reporting year for the Act 13 unconventional natural gas impact fees, otherwise known as Pennsylvania’s unconventional natural gas drilling tax. These fees are taken from revenue from natural gas drilling activities in the Marcellus Shale. Distribution of revenue is expected to take place in early July.