Ecker, Schemel Introduce Bills Aimed at Increasing Transparency for Lawsuits Challenging State Law

Apr. 01, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Adams/Cumberland) and Rep. Paul Schemel (R-Franklin) to require that the General Assembly receive notification of cases challenging state statutes has been formally introduced. Currently, the Attorney General is the sole receiver of formal notice of lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of a state statute. The legislation also expands current law to allow either the House of Representatives or the Senate, or both, to choose to participate as parties in such lawsuits.

Bernstine, PA Lawmakers Request Federal Regulatory Relief for PA Faith-Based Adoption Agencies - Letter claims Wolf administration regulations are unconstitutional

Apr. 01, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – In an effort to ensure more foster children can find forever families, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) sent a letter last week to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requesting relief from federal regulations he says are being unconstitutionally imposed on faith-based adoption and foster care agencies in Pennsylvania.

Shining Light on Government

Mar. 28, 2019 /

Earlier in March, newspapers and other media outlets marked Sunshine Week, something not many people outside of a newsroom likely knew happened.

House Passes Schemel’s Legislation to Improve Intergovernmental Cooperation

Mar. 28, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – A three-bill package sponsored by Rep. Paul Schemel (R-Franklin) that would make intergovernmental cooperation easier and more efficient in Pennsylvania passed unanimously in the House of Representatives this week. House Bills 510, 511 and 512 will next be considered by the Senate.

Mihalek to Host Free ID Theft, Shredder Event

Mar. 28, 2019 /

MCMURRAY – In order to prevent personal information from being used fraudulently, Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) will host an Identity Theft and Shredder Event on Saturday, April 6, from 9-11 a.m.

Barrar and House Committee to Receive SR 6 Update

Mar. 28, 2019 /

WHAT: Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, will conduct an informational hearing to receive an update on Senate Resolution 6, which focuses on recruitment and retention of first responders.

Ortitay Named to Head Two House Subcommittees

Mar. 27, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) has been named by Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) to chair the House Subcommittee on Education under the Appropriations Committee and the House Subcommittee on Higher Education under the Education Committee for the 2019-20 Legislative Session.

Gillespie Legislation Honors Local Veteran

Mar. 27, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – House Bill 692, legislation authored by state Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam) that would re-name the Lewisberry Road bridge over Conewago Creek as the Gary L. Crone Memorial Bridge now sits with the state Senate following unanimous passage by the state House.

House Committee Passes Diamond’s Bill to Combat Welfare Fraud

Mar. 27, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee today unanimously passed legislation authored by Rep. Diamond (R-Lebanon) that would increase the efficiency of removing deceased persons from the PACE and PACENET databases by requiring greater communication between state departments.

Thomas Bill to Protect PACE and PACENET Benefits Passes Committee

Mar. 27, 2019 /

HARRISBURG—Legislation introduced by Rep. Wendi Thomas (R-Bucks) to prevent seniors from losing their PACE and PACENET benefits due to an increase in the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) has passed the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee.