House Committee Passes Struzzi Bill to Prevent RGGI

Jun. 09, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today took action to advance Rep. Jim Struzzi’s (R-Indiana) House Bill 2025, which would require legislative authorization before Pennsylvania could impose a carbon tax on employers engaged in electric generation, manufacturing or other industries operating in the Commonwealth, or enter into any multi-state program, such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), that would impose such a tax.

Turzai Asks Governor to Call Special Session on Policing and Our Communities

Jun. 09, 2020 /

"I've asked Governor Wolf to call a Special Session on policing and our communities. As Speaker of the House, I stand in solidarity with those confronting racism and racial injustice. We do have an opportunity to show the nation, that in Pennsylvania, all men, women, and children are created equal and are deserving of all the dignity of being human.

Knowles Legislation to Assist Veterans, Firefighters Now Law

Jun. 08, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill) today announced that his legislation to eliminate a liquor licensee surcharge to national veterans’ organizations and volunteer fire companies was signed by Gov. Tom Wolf and is now law.

Barrar Dissents on Renewing Emergency Order

Jun. 08, 2020 /

HARRISBURG - Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), who has served on the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Council for 10 years, voted against renewing Gov. Tom Wolf’s 90-day COVID-19 disaster declaration at a council meeting on Friday. The disaster declaration was to expire on June 4.

Marsy’s Law Advocates Speak in Advance of Court Hearing

Jun. 08, 2020 /

WHAT: Proponents of Marsy’s Law will outline benefits of the legislation and share their thoughts on the ongoing lawsuit a day before the Commonwealth Court holds a hearing. Marsy’s Law is a victims’ bill of rights that would be added to the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Metcalfe, ERECommittee Set to Move Legislation Clarifying Wolf’s Lack of Authority to Initiate RGGI Without Legislative Approval

Jun. 08, 2020 /

WHAT: PA House Environmental Resources and Energy(ERE) Committee Majority Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) will convene a voting meeting to advance House Bill 2025,which would reinforce that legislative authorization is required before Pennsylvania could join any cap-and-trade, carbon tax-imposing emissions program such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

York Area Legislators Turn Red as County Prepares to Go Green

Jun. 05, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – State Reps. Seth Grove (R-Dover), Dawn Keefer (R-Dillsburg), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Mike Jones (R-York Township) and House Appropriations Chairman Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion) issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement by Gov. Tom Wolf and Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine that York County will progress to the “green phase” of reopening at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 12:

Metcalfe Announces Postponement of Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rally

Jun. 03, 2020 /

HARRISBURG — State Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) issued the following statement today announcing the postponement of this year’s Rally to Protect Your Right to Keep and Bear Arms, which was originally scheduled for Monday, June 8, at the Capitol.

Kail Authors Vulnerable Workers Protection Act

Jun. 03, 2020 /

CENTER – As Pennsylvanians across the state begin to return to work in accordance with the governor’s phased reopening plan, Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) drafted legislation that would protect vulnerable workers and workers with vulnerable family members living in their homes.

House Majority Leader Responds to Election Day Changes

Jun. 02, 2020 /

“We will continue protecting the rights of all voters and will reject and fight back against any effort to disenfranchise Pennsylvania voters. The right of the people of Pennsylvania, working through the General Assembly, to pass laws remains equally important to maintaining a representative democracy, and we will continue to fight for this right.”

Local Officials Advocate for Transition of Northumberland County to Green Phase

Jun. 01, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Several Northumberland County elected officials today sent a letter to the governor advocating the transitioning of Northumberland County to the green phase of the governor’s three-phase reopening plan. State Reps. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Northumberland/Snyder) and Kurt Masser (R-Northumberland/Columbia/Montour); Sen. John Gordner (R-Columbia/Luzerne/Montour/Northumberland/Snyder) and Northumberland County Commissioners Samuel Schiccatano, Joseph Klebon and Kymberly Best are signatories on the letter.

Barrar Votes to Declare Emergency in Counties Under Siege by Violent Protesters

Jun. 01, 2020 /

HARRISBURG—Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Delaware) today announced that the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Council has voted to issue a disaster emergency declaration to allow Gov. Tom Wolf to use his authority to provide all necessary assistance to municipalities responding to violent protests in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg.

House Committee Approves Day Bill to Fund Personal Protective Equipment at Long-Term Care Facilities

Jun. 01, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – On Tuesday, May 26, legislation sponsored by Rep. Gary W. Day (R-Lehigh/Berks), chairman of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, was approved by his committee. This legislationwould establish a grant program to provide funding for long-term care facilities in Pennsylvania so they can acquire personal protective equipment to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaker Turzai: Americans Demand Justice

May. 31, 2020 /

“The tragic incident exposes the need for fairness in all aspects of our national life. We need to continue to promote educational choice and economic opportunity for all. We need to protect every life, from the unborn to the elderly. We say this because every human being deserves dignity and respect. That is why we must address our criminal justice system in part by fostering renewed professionalism and decorum. We have yet to end racism and discrimination. We have come far, but not far enough.

Attacks and Fundraising Show True Goals of House Democrats

May. 30, 2020 /

“This week the House Democrats made unfounded allegations regarding the management of the health and safety of our members and staff. Instead of seeking understanding with regard to the procedures that we are obligated to follow by law, they chose to personally attack our Speaker of the House, Mike Turzai, by casting aspersions on his character."

Kaufer: Passing a Short-Term Budget Shows Needed Fiscal Restraint

May. 29, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Today, the governor signed into law a five-month budget which allows for preK-12 education, along with higher education, to be fully funded for the entirety of the 2020-21 school year, along with fully funding our state debt and needed health and human services programs that have been assisting unemployed Pennsylvanians.