Bipartisan Leaders, Governor Wolf Announce Pennsylvania REAL ID Extension

Jan. 19, 2017 /

Pennsylvania has been granted an extension until June 5, 2017 from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fix state law to allow for federal REAL ID compliance after Governor Tom Wolf and bipartisan leaders including Senators Scarnati, Corman, and Costa, and Representatives Turzai, Reed, and Dermody, wrote to DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson earlier this month.

McGinnis and Others to Update Pennsylvania’s Pension Debt Clock

Jan. 18, 2017 /

WHAT: Rep. John McGinnis (R-Blair) will take part in a news conference concerning the recalibration of the Pennsylvania Pension Debt Clock, which was unveiled a year ago by state retiree and pension reform activist Barry Shutt. The clock reports every second of the growing and enormous pension debt that is being imposed on state taxpayers into the distant future. The new figure will be over $70 billion, an amount that has grown from last February’s figure by nearly $30 million a day. McGinnis will speak on the failure of Act 120 and the two necessary approaches to producing a contribution schedule to properly pay off the debt.

O’Neill Appointed to PHEAA Board

Jan. 12, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Bernie O’Neill (R-Bucks) has been appointed to serve on the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), the nonprofit student aid organization. As one of eight House appointees to the 20-member PHEAA board, O’Neill will be responsible for helping to oversee how the college grants and loan programs are administered.

Hickernell to Chair House Education Committee

Jan. 10, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House of Representatives Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) has announced that Rep. Dave Hickernell (R-Lancaster/Dauphin) has been named majority chairman of the House Education Committee.

Working to Improve Stroke Care in PA

Jan. 10, 2017 /

Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and they are the leading cause of serious long-term disability. However, the quicker a person receives appropriate treatment for a stroke, the better the outcome can be in terms of survival and reduced long-term complications and disability.

Fritz Concerned by Governor’s Proposal to Close Two State Prisons

Jan. 09, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) today issued the following statement after Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration announced plans to close two state prisons. Institutions under consideration include SCI Frackville in Schuylkill County, SCI Mercer in Mercer County, SCI Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, SCI Retreat in Luzerne County and SCI Waymart in Wayne County.

Everett Elected Chairman of Chesapeake Bay Commission

Jan. 06, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming/Union) today was elected chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Commission (CBC) at the group’s meeting in Annapolis, Md. Everett succeeds Maryland State Sen. Thomas McLain “Mac” Middleton.

Protecting Children to be Key Focus of House Committee in New Session, Says Watson

Jan. 06, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – As the heroin and opioid epidemic continues to plague communities and devastate families across the state, Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks/144th), who was re-appointed Thursday by the Speaker of the House as chairman of the House Children and Youth Committee, said that the committee will work aggressively this session to ensure that the needs of affected children are addressed.

Ellis Named Chairman of House Commerce Committee

Jan. 05, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Brian Ellis (R-Butler) was named chairman of the House Commerce Committee on Thursday, Jan. 5. This will be Ellis’ first term serving as a committee chairman since taking office in 2005.

Saccone Unveils Agenda to Redesign Government and Reduce Spending

Jan. 05, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Rick Saccone (R-Allegheny/Washington) has announced his focus during the 2017-18 legislative session will be on redesigning government and cutting spending. Saccone, sworn in for a new term on Jan. 3, called on fellow lawmakers to join his efforts to protect taxpayers and increase transparency.

Baker Takes Oath of Office, Reappointed Chairman of House Health Committee

Jan. 05, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) this week took the oath of the office to serve his 13th term as a Pennsylvania state representative for the 68th Legislative District. He was also reappointed to his fourth term as chairman of the House Health Committee by Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny).