York County House Republicans Vote in Favor of Pension Reform Measure

Jun. 14, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Today, members of the York County House Republican delegation supported the passage of Senate Bill 1071, which reforms the Commonwealth’s two public pension systems. Specifically, the legislation will reform benefits for new-hire state employees to bring them more in line with the private sector. The new benefit package is referred to as a “stacked hybrid” with a limited defined benefit pension and a defined contribution, 401(k)-style benefit. The legislation passed on a bipartisan vote of 136-59.

Bipartisan Public Pension Reform Bill Passes House, Says Reed

Jun. 14, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – In a bipartisan vote of 136-59, the House of Representatives today sent the Senate legislation to reform the state’s public employee pension systems in order to save taxpayers over $5 billion and make the systems sustainable in the long term, said House Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana).

Gaming Committee to Vote on Regulation of Fantasy Sports

Jun. 14, 2016 /

WHAT: House Gaming Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. John Payne (R-Dauphin) announced the committee will hold a voting meeting to consider House Bill 2150, which would require fantasy sports contest providers to be licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and implement needed consumer protections.

Christiana Unveils Two-Step Approach to Property Tax Elimination

Jun. 13, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver/Washington) today unveiled his plan to provide permanent elimination of property taxes in Pennsylvania by next summer. He issued the following statement on his solution to a problem that has confounded the General Assembly for years:

Cutler and Miller Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Competitive Wages for People with Disabilities

Jun. 13, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – To encourage the employment of people with disabilities at competitive wages by Commonwealth employers, Reps. Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and Dan Miller (D-Allegheny) introduced the Employment First Act. The bipartisan legislation would prioritize community inclusion and offer the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to work in a wide range of jobs in the public and private sectors.

Wentling Says Conneaut Lake Park Honored by House Resolution

Jun. 10, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – To help promote and recognize the economic impact of Pennsylvania’s amusement and water parks, the House of Representatives this week unanimously adopted House Resolution 877 designating Friday, June 10, as Amusement Park Day in Pennsylvania.

Simmons’ Wine Auction Proposal Part of Historic Liquor Reform Law Enacted This Week

Jun. 10, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Liquor reform legislation signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday included a proposal authored by Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton) that allows independent colleges and universities in Pennsylvania to conduct wine auction fundraisers. Simmons’ legislation was passed overwhelmingly in the House last year as House Bill 619.

Kaufer Introduces Bill to Provide Emergency Drug and Alcohol Detoxification in Hospitals

Jun. 10, 2016 /

LUZERNE – Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) is introducing a bill aimed at providing emergency drug and alcohol detoxification in existing community hospitals and other settings in Pennsylvania. Kaufer, who co-chairs the newly established PA Heroin, Opioid Prevention and Education (PA-HOPE) Caucus, learned about the severe lack of detox beds available across the state during the caucus’s first meeting in May.

June 10 is Amusement Park Day in PA, Payne Says

Jun. 10, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – To help promote and recognize the economic impact of Pennsylvania’s amusement and water parks, the House of Representatives Wednesday unanimously adopted House Resolution 877, designating June 10 as Amusement Park Day in Pennsylvania, said Rep. John Payne (R-Dauphin), author of the measure.

Barrar and House Committee to Consider Extending Benefit Coverage for Career Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services Personnel

Jun. 10, 2016 /

WHAT: Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, will conduct a public hearing to consider the potential effects of two bills that would amend the Enforcement Officer Disability Benefits Law to extend benefit coverage. House Bill 194, drafted by Rep. Michael O’Brien (D-Philadelphia), would provide coverage to emergency medical services personnel; House Bill 2148, drafted by Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), would extend coverage to career firefighters.

Godshall Lauds Shell Decision to Build Cracker Plant in PA

Jun. 09, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Robert Godshall (R-Montgomery) said that this week’s announcement by Shell Chemical Appalachia that it will be constructing a multi-billion dollar ethylene cracker facility in western Pennsylvania is great news for all of Pennsylvania.

Staats Votes to Reform Pennsylvania’s Liquor Laws

Jun. 09, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – In order to move Pennsylvania’s liquor laws into the 21st century and to provide convenience to consumers, Rep. Craig Staats (R-Bucks) voted in favor of House Bill 1690, which would permit the sale of wine in grocery stores, increase opportunities for the sale of beer, and improve customer convenience for overall liquor sales.

Speaker Hails Historic Liquor Reform Signed into Law

Jun. 08, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) issued the following statement today in response to the governor signing into law historic liquor privatization legislation (House Bill 1690):