Argall, Knowles call for investigation into Labor and Industry fund transfers

Nov. 23, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) and Representative Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill) are calling on the Attorney General, Auditor General and Inspector General to investigate exhausted funds leading to the anticipated layoff of 600 call center employees within the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

Gabler Pro-Gun Hunting Legislation Becomes Law

Nov. 23, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) that would allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to examine expanding firearm options for Pennsylvania hunters has been signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf. House Bill 263, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly with bipartisan support, becomes Act 168 of 2016.

PA NJ Tax Reciprocity Agreement to Remain Intact, Petri Says

Nov. 22, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Scott Petri (R-Bucks) is pleased with this week’s announcement by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie that he has abandoned his plans to back out of the 38-year-long reciprocity agreement between Pennsylvania and New Jersey that has permitted residents in both states who work in the other to pay income taxes where they live.

Warner Tax Credits Legislation to Support Volunteer Emergency Responders Now Law

Nov. 22, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Warner’s (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) legislation authorizing local municipalities to enact earned income and property tax liability tax credits for active volunteers of a fire company or emergency medical service (EMS) company (House Bill 1683) was signed into law on Monday as Act 172 of 2016 and will take effect in 60 days.

White to Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Police IDs

Nov. 21, 2016 /

HARRISBURG—Rep. Martina White (R-170) vowed to reintroduce legislation to protect police officers and their families when the officer is involved in a discharge of his or her firearm or other use of force after the bill was vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf today.

It’s More Than the Budget

Nov. 21, 2016 /

It’s not uncommon for state legislators to be told, “All you have to do is pass the budget.” Granted, that is the primary responsibility of the General Assembly; however, it is not the only thing with which state government is charged. I’d like to take a moment to review some of the things that were accomplished in the 2015-16 session.

Barrar and Committees Consider Effects of Possible Pipelines

Nov. 18, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware) and other members of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees learned about emergency preparedness and response measures for the Commonwealth’s natural gas/petroleum pipeline infrastructure during a joint informational hearing.

Benninghoff to Tour Treatment Facility, Participate in Roundtable on Opioid Addiction

Nov. 17, 2016 /

WHAT: Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) will tour Pinnacle Treatment Center’s State College facility and participate in a roundtable discussion on opioid abuse, medically assisted treatment and the needs of the surrounding community. Pinnacle Treatment Centers invited Benninghoff to discuss the challenges facing the facility, as well as its successes in combatting addiction.

Benninghoff Re-Elected to Leadership Position in State House

Nov. 16, 2016 /

HARRISBURG– State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) today was re-elected by his peers in the House Republican Caucus to serve a second term as chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee for the upcoming 2017-18 session.

House Republicans Re-Elect Cutler as Majority Whip

Nov. 16, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom) has been re-elected by his House Republican colleagues to serve as the Republican Caucus whip of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 2017-18 legislative session.

With 122 Members, House Republican Majority Chooses 2017-18 Leadership Team

Nov. 15, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – The 122 members of the incoming Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus today once again elected Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) as their choice for speaker of the House of Representatives and Rep. Dave Reed (R-Indiana County) as majority leader for the 2017-18 legislative session.

York County House Republicans Congratulate Saylor on Election to Key Budget Position

Nov. 15, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion) has been elected majority chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, which is charged with passing legislation related to state government spending and evaluating the fiscal impact of individual bills. During the 2015-16 session, Saylor served as majority chairman of the House Education Committee and was elected majority whip for the 2013-14 session, the highest-ranking position achieved by any York County Republican in state government.

Saylor Elected Chairman of House Appropriations Committee

Nov. 15, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York) today was elected by his colleagues in the House Republican Caucus to serve as the new chairman of the Appropriations Committee and as a member of the Republican leadership team. The position had been held by Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Montgomery) since 2010. Adolph did not seek re-election and is retiring at the end of this legislative session.

Oberlander Re-Elected to House Leadership

Nov. 15, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – For the second consecutive time, Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest) has been elected by her fellow House Republican members to serve as caucus secretary for the upcoming 2017-18 legislative term.