Hogan, Policy Committee Host Hearing on Fraud Protection

Mar. 11, 2024 /

HARRISBURG–As bad actors continue to manipulate innocent people with unscrupulous scams, Rep. Joe Hogan (Bucks) and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened a hearing to discuss this increasingly common corruption and ways to protect people.

Budget Hearing Wrap with Governor’s Office of the Budget

Mar. 07, 2024 /

House Republicans also focused their questions on Pennsylvania’s structural deficit and spending down the Commonwealth’s General Fund Surplus and Rainy Day Fund to pay for future budgets. There is $2.5 billion in new or expanded spending on government programs, which will increase our budget in future years. Chairman Grove ended his questions with Sec. Monson by saying, “If I were planning to do a get out of business sale, this is the kind of budget I would do. I would empty my reserves, sell my assets, and get out of town.”

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Department of Human Services

Mar. 06, 2024 /

House Republicans focused their questions on the DHS's core functions and their inability to address basic access to care. Questions were asked about the failing children and youth system, lack of access to maternity care, and overall hospital sustainability across the entire Commonwealth. Additionally, Republicans probed the Secretary about new initiatives and continued growth in spending.

Budget Wrap with PA Department of Education

Mar. 05, 2024 /

House Republicans focused their questions on the Governor’s Basic Education Funding proposal, which is based off the Basic Education Funding Commission’s (BEFC) Democrat Majority report, as well as the Governor’s “Blueprint for Higher Education.” Additionally, Republican’s asked about school choice options for parents, career and technical education, and various other programs within the PDE. House Republicans again found agency leaders unable to answer the most basic questions regarding the most significant pieces of the Governor’s 2024-25 budget proposal.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA State Police

Mar. 04, 2024 /

House Republicans focused their questions on the financial needs of PSP and ensuring those needs are met through the Governor’s budget proposal. Republicans asked about background checks for gun purchases, trooper recruitment, legalization of marijuana, the statewide emergency services radio, the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), and crime labs.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Department of Transportation

Mar. 04, 2024 /

House Republicans asked several questions about the Governor’s proposal to dedicate an additional 1.75% of sales tax collections, or $283 million, for public transit funding, and how this funding would be distributed throughout the Commonwealth. Additionally, Republicans inquired about requiring electric vehicles to contribute to the Motor License Fund, PennDOT contracts for snow removal and travel brochures, the overall state of road projects throughout the Commonwealth, and automatic voter registration.

Gleim Spearheads Greater Regulatory Oversight of FPR

Mar. 01, 2024 /

HARRISBURG - State Rep. Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland), a lawmaker and farmer, has been at the forefront of the issues surrounding food processing residual (FPR) waste for months, with many constituents in her district complaining about the odor and lack of regulations regarding FPR.

Mercuri Commends Commitment to Eliminate Antisemitism on College Campuses

Mar. 01, 2024 /

HARRISBURG – Reacting to a House Appropriation Committee hearing with heads of state-related universities on Thursday, Feb. 29 with the state-related universities, Rep. Rob Mercuri (R-Allegheny) commended the presidents on their affirmation of conduct codes prohibiting antisemitic words and actions on their campuses.

Budget Hearing Wrap with State-Related Universities

Feb. 29, 2024 /

House Republicans questioned their involvement in any meetings or discussions regarding Governor Shapiro’s “Blueprint for Higher Education” and the financial implications on each institution. Additionally, Republicans asked about efforts to combat antisemitism on campuses while simultaneously allowing for free speech, performance-based budgeting, and how to make our state-related universities more affordable for students.

Budget Hearing Wrap with Judiciary

Feb. 29, 2024 /

House Republicans questioned the financial transparency of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), who is responsible for operations of courts within the Commonwealth. Additionally, Republicans asked about the unilateral decision of the Supreme Court to allow for venue shopping in medical malpractice lawsuits, the rationale for the “traveling courts,” and the significant increases in the Judicial budget.

Safeguarding our Community from Fraud

Feb. 29, 2024 /

WHAT: House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), Rep. Joe Hogan (R-Bucks), and other lawmakers will host a hearing titled “Safeguarding our Community from Fraud” to identify vulnerabilities, share preventive measures, and promote a unified approach for community protection against fraudulent activities, particularly elder exploitation.

Budget Hearing Wrap with Dept. of Environmental Protection and Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources

Feb. 28, 2024 /

House Republicans questioned the DEP on improvements of their permitting process, dam safety, and regulatory updates, including the status of the Regional Green House Gas Initiative (RGGI) and the Climate Action Plan. Additionally, Republicans asked about the increased spending within DCNR and their ability to keep up with their current core functions before taking on new initiatives.