New Law Brings Sunlight to Collective Bargaining Contracts

Apr. 15, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Shedding light on backroom contract deals, a new Pennsylvania’s law requires the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) to provide cost analysis of every proposed collective bargaining agreement under the governor’s jurisdiction, prior to the agreement taking effect, House Majority Leader, Rep. Dave Reed (R-Indiana) said today. Senate Bill 644 was signed into law this week by Gov. Tom Wolf as Act 15 of 2016.

Major Votes in Favor of Restoring Funding Cuts

Apr. 14, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – To help local schools receive the state funding they are due in the 2015-16 state budget, Rep. Sandra Major (R-Wayne/Susquehanna) this week voted in favor of new legislation that would restore funding cuts to education created when the governor vetoed the state’s Fiscal Code.

Rader Votes to Pass Fiscal Code to Restore Education Funds

Apr. 14, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jack Rader (R-Monroe) issued the following statement after the House voted 149-45, by an overwhelming veto-proof majority, to pass House Bill 1589, a state fiscal code bill that would restore education funds to school districts across Pennsylvania. Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the state fiscal code sent to him by the Legislature last month. The governor’s veto of the fiscal code included a rejection of the bipartisan basic education funding formula, which he previously endorsed.

Streamlining Social Services is Necessary, Kaufer Says

Apr. 14, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – In an effort to streamline social services, the House unanimously voted in favor of Rep. Aaron Kaufer’s (R-Luzerne) bill on Wednesday to place the operation of the state’s compulsive and problem gambling program under the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP).

Parker Demands Fair and Legal K-12 Funding

Apr. 14, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. David Parker (R- Monroe) today condemned the method by which the state’s 2015-16 education funding is being distributed. In particular, Parker called into question the legality of the governor’s distribution “formula” that shortchanges the state’s neediest school districts.

Heffley Votes to Restore Education Funding for Carbon County Schools

Apr. 13, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) issued the following statement after the House voted, in an overwhelming bipartisan majority, to pass House Bill 1589, a state fiscal code bill that would restore the funding formula developed by the Basic Education Funding Commission last year. The formula was rejected by Gov. Tom Wolf when he vetoed the state fiscal code last month.

Tallman, General Assembly Restore Wolf Education Funding Cuts

Apr. 13, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Will Tallman (R-Adams/Cumberland) today joined the majority of his colleagues in the House and Senate in passing legislation that will require use of a more equitable school funding formula rather than Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan that heavily favored the School District of Philadelphia. House Bill 1589, which also restores construction reimbursement funding schools are owed through PlanCon (the Planning and Construction Workbook), passed each chamber of the General Assembly by a two-thirds majority, thus preventing a veto by the governor.

Staats Votes to Reestablish Fair Funding for Schools

Apr. 13, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Craig Staats (R-Bucks) issued the following statement after the House voted 149-45 to pass House Bill 1589, a state fiscal code bill that would reestablish the funding formula developed by the Basic Education Funding Commission. The education funding formula was abandoned when Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the state fiscal code last month.

Moul Votes for Medical Marijuana Bill Now on Way to Governor

Apr. 13, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams) voted with the overwhelming majority in the House today to approve legislation to permit physicians to recommend medical marijuana to patients with certain qualifying illnesses. The vote was 149-46.

Gabler, Sankey Join General Assembly Veto-Proof Restoration of School Funding

Apr. 13, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – State Reps. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) and Tommy Sankey (Clearfield/Cambria) today joined the majority of their colleagues in the House and Senate in passing legislation that will require use of a more equitable school funding formula rather than Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan that heavily favored the School District of Philadelphia. House Bill 1589, which also restores construction reimbursement funding schools are owed through PlanCon (the Planning and Construction Workbook), passed each chamber of the General Assembly by a two-thirds majority, thus preventing a veto by the governor.

Chairman Adolph Applauds Passage of Fiscal Code

Apr. 13, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. William F. Adolph (R-Delaware), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in regard to the passage of House Bill 1589, which would be the Fiscal Code for the 2015-16 Fiscal Year:

York House Republicans Endorse Wolf-Proof Restoration of School Funding

Apr. 13, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Members of the York County House Republican delegation today joined the majority of their colleagues in the House and Senate in passing legislation that will require use of a more equitable school funding formula rather than Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan that heavily favored the School District of Philadelphia. House Bill 1589, which also restores construction reimbursement funding schools are owed through PlanCon (the Planning and Construction Workbook), passed each chamber of the General Assembly by a two-thirds majority, thus preventing a veto by the governor.

Topper Applauds Bipartisan Effort for Fair Education Funding Formula

Apr. 13, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Today, state Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton/Franklin joined a strong bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives in supporting a fair basic education funding formula, which was a included in House Bill 1589, also known as the Fiscal Code. Gov. Tom Wolf previously vetoed the Fiscal Code, which included the agreed-to education funding formula. The legislation was adopted by a vote of 149 to 45. It was previously adopted in the state Senate with a veto-proof majority of 37-11.

‘Fair Funding’ For Schools Wins Out with New Equitable Formula

Apr. 13, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Voting to support Pennsylvania students and schools, the House passed legislation to implement the bipartisan and fair Basic Education Funding Commission (BEFC) formula which has the support of education advocates and school boards across the state, House Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana) said today. The vote count was 149-45.

Rothman Supports Fair Education Funding Formula

Apr. 13, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Today, State Representative Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) joined a bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives in supporting a fair basic education funding formula, which was included in House Bill 1589, also known as the Fiscal Code. Governor Tom Wolf previously vetoed the Fiscal Code. The legislation was adopted by a vote of 149 to 45. It was adopted in the state Senate with a veto-proof majority of 37-11.