New Data Shows Criminals with Guns Receive Sentences Below Sentencing Guidelines in PA

Dec. 16, 2019 /

HARRISBURG—Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery) called on tougher penalties for violent criminals in response to data from the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing showing violent criminals who use guns, drug dealers who use guns and felons who illegally possess guns routinely received sentences below the standard sentencing guidelines in Pennsylvania.

Schmitt, Ward Announce Railroad Improvement Grant

Dec. 13, 2019 /

ALTOONA – The Altoona freight railcar repair facility Union Tank Car Company (UTLX) is the recipient of a $1 million grant through the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) announced.

Bernstine Announces Grant for Midwestern Intermediate Unit 4

Dec. 12, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that Midwestern Intermediate Unit (IU) 4 was one of 14 intermediate units to receive a Keystone Telepresence Education Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). They were awarded $18,396.

House to Act on ‘Smart Justice’ Package of Probation and Justice Reforms

Dec. 11, 2019 /

HARRISBURG-- Leaders in the House this week announced the chamber will take up a bipartisan package of bills next week to reform Pennsylvania’s probation and parole system, to reduce recidivism and to help formerly incarcerated individuals find jobs that will help them avoid some of the pitfalls that keep many in the state’s penal system.

Cook Confirms $30,000 State Grant for Intermediate Unit 1

Dec. 11, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Bud Cook (R-Washington/Fayette) announced today that the Intermediate Unit 1 in Washington County will receive a $30,000 Keystone Telepresence grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Delozier’s Bills Pass House Judiciary Committee

Dec. 09, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives Judiciary Committee on Monday voted two bills out of committee that were sponsored by Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) and will be sent to the full House for its consideration.

Kauffman Says Committee Votes Illustrate PA Commitment to Smarter Justice

Dec. 09, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – The House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), today passed a package of bills aimed at enabling rehabilitation of convicted criminals who have paid their debt to society and rewarding those individuals who show they are reformed by getting them out of the criminal justice system quicker and with fewer collateral consequences.

Residents Invited to Klunk’s Open House

Dec. 09, 2019 /

HANOVER – Rep. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover) invites residents of the 169th Legislative District to her free, festive open house at her office, located in the historic Young Manor, 118 Carlisle St., Suite 300, in Hanover, on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 4-6 p.m.

Speaker Turzai Applauds Sunday Hunting Bill Signed into Law

Dec. 05, 2019 /

HARRISBURG - House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) today congratulated Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) on the enactment of Act 107 of 2019, allowing for hunting up to three Sundays each year.

Tobash Applauds Tightened Work Requirements for Food Stamps

Dec. 05, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill/Dauphin) today voiced strong support for a U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) finalized rule that will strengthen work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. It would build on a Tobash proposal pending in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.