Working to Protect Taxpayers, Babies with Down Syndrome

Feb. 20, 2018 /

February has turned out to be a busy month in state government. First of all, the governor unveiled his state budget proposal on Feb. 6, which calls for $33 billion in spending. That spend number is about $1 billion more than the current year. I know we can do better than that. Through a more fiscally minded approach to government spending, we can certainly keep our budget in check while still meeting our obligations and improving some areas through fewer redundancies and streamlining services.

Peifer Elected Chairman of PHEAA Board

Feb. 15, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) announced today that Rep. Mike Peifer (R-Pike/Wayne) has been re-elected as chairman of the PHEAA Board of Directors.

English Bill to Fortify Crime Victims’ Rights Passes House

Feb. 15, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by Rep. Hal English (R-Allegheny), which would increase the rights of crime victims to be present during criminal courtroom proceedings, recently passed the House. House Bill 1974 now moves on to the Senate.

Local Government Committee Discusses Municipal Electric Rates, Services, Harper Says

Feb. 14, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – The House Local Government Committee, chaired by Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery), held a public hearing on Tuesday to discuss legislation offered by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) affecting the 35 communities across the state that operate their own municipal electric systems, including Lansdale and Hatfield boroughs in Montgomery County. As chair of the House Local Government Committee, Harper has the responsibility for legislation proposing revisions to laws governing local governments.

New Law Works to Make Lobbying More Transparent, Cutler Says

Feb. 14, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Today, legislation drafted by Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom) and former House member and now Judge Brandon Neuman of Washington to make lobbying in the Commonwealth more transparent became law. It received strong bipartisan support from the General Assembly.

Turzai, Scarnati Issue Response to Governor’s State Congressional Map Rejection

Feb. 13, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) and Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati (R-Cameron/Clearfield/Clinton/Elk/Jefferson/McKean/Potter/Tioga) today sent a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf in response to his rejection of the state congressional map proposal presented to him on Friday, Feb. 9. The letter is as follows:

English and Kortz’s Legislation to Protect Honest Hunters Passes Senate

Feb. 09, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation, House Bill 359, introduced by Reps. Hal English (R-Allegheny) and Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny), has unanimously passed the House and Senate. This legislation amends title 34 relating to license revocations resulting from game violations. The bill now heads to the governor for his signature.

Ortitay Offers Legislation to Improve State Budget Process

Feb. 09, 2018 /

HARRISBURG — Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) recently introduced legislation to improve oversight of the state budget process by separating the omnibus general appropriations bill into separate, more manageable pieces.

Rep. Baker Not Seeking Re-election to State House

Feb. 09, 2018 /

HARRISBURG - Chairman of the House Health Committee, Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) has announced that he will not seek re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Baker has served in the state House for more than 25 years, having been elected 13 times by residents of the 68th Legislative District.

Keefer Bill to Rein in Regulations Approved by House Committee

Feb. 08, 2018 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-York/Cumberland) to decrease unnecessary government oversight and allow businesses to thrive and created more jobs was approved by the House State Government Committee on Tuesday.