State Budget Shows a Different Vision

Jul. 02, 2018 /

This year’s budget encapsulates three years of effort from the House Republican Caucus. The budget doesn’t raise taxes or fees, puts money away in Pennsylvania’s savings account known as the Rainy Day Fund, keeps spending growth below the rate of inflation and invests more in education. While the governor is out taking credit for the work of the General Assembly, it is important to remember that this budget and the last three passed under his term in office have reflected the ideals of Republicans in the General Assembly. Left to his own devices, the governor would have substantially raised taxes on every Pennsylvania family and massively increased state spending. House Republicans have been focused on job growth, and that is why we have fought the governor’s tax increases. We know higher taxes are counter-productive to a more robust economy.

Barrar Pleased New Law Helps Young Adults Avoid Life of Crime

Jul. 02, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware) announced the passage of a bill that the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, which he chairs, supported. It will provide an opportunity for young adults ages 16-18 who have dropped out of school to earn their GED.

Klunk’s Collaborative Law Bill Signed in Law

Jun. 29, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvanians who find themselves involved in civil law matters now have an alternative route to finding a resolution thanks to legislation by Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York) that was signed into law by the governor on Thursday.

New Law Authored by Santora to Benefit Car Buyers and Dealers

Jun. 29, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Last night, a bill drafted by Rep. James R. Santora (R-Delaware) to amend the Board of Vehicles Act became law after receiving unanimous support from the General Assembly. It addresses issues with unrepaired recalls, prohibits manufacturers from requiring dealers to significantly modify facilities within a decade of a prior modification and establishes a temporary permit for new vehicle dealers.

Governor Signs Bill to Maximize Benefits of New Federal Tax Law, Ryan Says

Jun. 29, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Last night, Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law a companion bill by Sen. Michelle Brooks (R-Crawford/Erie/Mercer/Warren) containing the identical language to Rep. Frank Ryan’s (R-Lebanon) House Bill 2017. The legislative language reverses the provisions of Bulletin 2017-02 and allows Pennsylvania businesses the opportunity to take advantage of this important provision, Ryan said.

Hahn Bill To Empower Parents Becomes Law

Jun. 29, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Wolf has signed into law House Bill 17, legislation authored by state Rep. Marcia Hahn (R-Bushkill Township) that gives parents the final word in substance abuse cases involving their children. The legislation becomes Act 47 of 2018.

Benninghoff Bill to Prohibit ARD for Sex Offenders Now Law

Jun. 28, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Kerry Benninghoff’s (R-Centre/Mifflin) legislation to prohibit those charged with sex offenses against children from being placed into the state’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program, or ARD as it is more commonly known, was signed into law today.

Knowles Rallies Support for Freedom of Representation Act

Jun. 28, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – In light of the recent Janus decision put forth by the U.S. Supreme Court, which removes the requirement for non-union members of public unions to pay a fair-share fee, Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill) is eagerly rallying support among his colleagues for related legislation he is sponsoring.

Quinn Vows to Continue Fighting for Domestic Violence Protection Bill

Jun. 28, 2018 /

DOYLESTOWN – Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks) today voiced her commitment to continue fighting for a vote on her legislation, House Bill 2060, that seeks to better protect domestic violence victims and their families at a press event at the Bucks County Administrative Building.

State Budget Completion Highlights Need for Further Reforms

Jun. 28, 2018 /

The finalized state budget package included no new tax increases or fees on taxpayers all while providing record investments in state programs like education, the opioid epidemic, school safety, combatting welfare fraud and more. The total increase in state spending from the prior budget is still below the rate of inflation.

Cutler Commends Supreme Court Decision to Give Voice to All Union Workers

Jun. 27, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom) celebrates the Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 to overturn a 40-year precedent allowing public employee unions to require collective bargaining fees from workers who choose not to join the union, determining that it violated the First Amendment.

Knowles Continues to Push for House Reduction Measure

Jun. 27, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill) remains optimistic that Pennsylvania voters could have the opportunity to vote on reducing the size of the state House of Representatives. This measure he supports would allow voters their constitutional right to decide if the House should consist of 203 or 151 members. Knowles made the following statement: