Jun. 02, 2016 /
![Bipartisan Bill Would Prohibit Inmate Access to ‘Pen Pal’ Websites]()
ARRISBURG—Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny), together with Rep. Dom Costa (D-Allegheny), recently introduced legislation to prohibit Pennsylvania inmates from placing advertisements on so-called “pen pal” websites and similar venues, either directly or with the assistance of third parties.
Jun. 02, 2016 /
![First Phase of Medical Marijuana Program Announced, Says Toohil]()
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Health has started working on temporary regulations in order to implement the state’s new medical marijuana program, said Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne). In addition, the department will be seeking input from the public, stakeholders and partners throughout the implementation process.
Jun. 01, 2016 /
![Baker Says State’s Expanded Drug Monitoring Program Finally Set to Launch]()
HARRISBURG – According to the state Department of Health, the Commonwealth’s newly improved prescription drug monitoring program is set to launch this summer, giving doctors, pharmacists and law enforcement more information to tackle Pennsylvania’s growing prescription drug abuse epidemic, announced Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter), House Health Committee chairman.
Jun. 01, 2016 /
![House Policy Committee to Examine Drug Epidemic, Addiction Services]()
WHAT: Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee, is hosting a hearing to get a glimpse into the severity of the state’s drug problem, what measures are being used to combat addiction, and what other tools and services communities may need in order to address the growing epidemic.
May. 31, 2016 /
![Kaufer, House Policy Committee to Examine Drug Epidemic, Addiction Services]()
WHAT: Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) and the House Majority Policy Committee are hosting a hearing to get a glimpse into the severity of the state’s drug problem, what measures are being used to combat addiction, and what other tools and services communities may need in order to address the growing epidemic.
May. 31, 2016 /
![Governor Signs Legislation to Streamline Certification and Licensing Requirements for Veterans, Says Heffley]()
HARRISBURG –Legislation sponsored by Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), which ensures that a service member’s military education and training are taken into consideration for the purpose of fulfilling requirements for professional credentials, was recognized during a ceremonial bill signing last week.
May. 26, 2016 /
![Quigley Asks Governor to Support Fair Education Funding Formula]()
HARRISBURG – To distribute state education dollars in a viable and fair manner, this week Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) supported a new funding formula for basic education as recommended by the Basic Education Funding Commission to Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts. An overwhelming majority of the House joined him in the strong, bipartisan vote.
May. 26, 2016 /
![Saylor Invites Wolf to Join Legislature in Passing Six-Pack Law - Says legislative action needed on issue currently before the courts]()
HARRISBURG – Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York) today applauded Gov. Tom Wolf for demonstrating real leadership on the behalf of consumers seeking greater choice in the labyrinth of Pennsylvania’s archaic liquor-control laws when he sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) on Tuesday asking it to allow six-pack sales of beer at convenience stores and gas stations.
May. 26, 2016 /
![Governor Signs Legislation to Streamline Certification and Licensing Requirements for Veterans, Says Heffley]()
HARRISBURG –Legislation sponsored by Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), which will ensure that a service member’s military education and training are taken into consideration for the purpose of fulfilling requirements for professional credentials, was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf last week.
May. 25, 2016 /
![House Adopts Resolution Honoring Port Allegany]()
HARRISBURG – With Port Allegany set to celebrate its bicentennial next month, the state House has unanimously approved a resolution commemorating the event, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), prime sponsor of the resolution.
May. 25, 2016 /
![Ortitay Bill to Streamline Problem Gambling Assistance Gains Unanimous Support]()
HARRISBURG— Rep. Jason Ortitay’s (R-Washington/Allegheny) legislation to streamline the Commonwealth’s problem gambling assistance programs passed the House of Representatives today with unanimous, bipartisan support.
May. 24, 2016 /
![Maloney’s “Share the Road” Legislation Headed to Gov. Wolf’s Desk]()
HARRISBURG – Today, the House voted to send Rep. David Maloney’s (R-Berks) “Share the Road” legislation to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk for his signature. The legislation, House Bill 150, would generate revenue to help pay for an unfunded federal mandate that directed PennDOT to establish the position of bicycle and pedestrian coordinator.
May. 24, 2016 /
![Grove, Wagner Release Taxpayers’ Caucus Report, Identify $3 Billion in Savings]()
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) and Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) today released a comprehensive report from the bicameral Taxpayers’ Caucus, aimed at finding savings and efficiencies in state government. The report details over $3 billion in potential savings to taxpayers—$300 million more than Gov. Wolf proposed in tax hikes for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
May. 24, 2016 /
![House Adopts Resolution to Raise Awareness of Drug Courts, Says Toohil]()
HARRISBURG – A resolution recognizing the month of May as “National Drug Court Month” in Pennsylvania today received unanimous support in the House of Representatives, said Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne), the leading co-sponsor of House Resolution 901.
May. 24, 2016 /
![Brown Announces ‘District of Character’ Initiative]()
EAST STROUDSBURG – Rep. Rosemary M. Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) is announcing a new initiative in the 189th District, which she has dubbed the “District of Character.” As a way to kick off this initiative, she has sponsored House Resolution 897, which designates May 22-28 as “Character Development Reminder Week” in Pennsylvania.
May. 23, 2016 /
![Grove, Wagner Release Taxpayers’ Caucus Report Detailing $3 Billion in Savings]()
WHAT: Co-chairs of the Taxpayers’ Caucus, state Rep. Seth Grove (R-Dover) and Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York), will release the details of a comprehensive report that has identified over $3 billion in potential savings to Pennsylvania taxpayers. The report has identified $300 million more in savings than Gov. Tom Wolf has proposed in tax increases for Fiscal Year 2016-17.
May. 23, 2016 /
![PACENET Program Expansion Legislation Approved by Committee, Says Hennessey]()
HARRISBURG – Legislation that would, if enacted, expand income eligibility limits for participation in the Pennsylvania PACENET prescription drug assistance program, received unanimous approval today by the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, said committee chairman Rep. Tim Hennessey (R-Chester/Montgomery).
May. 23, 2016 /
![House Children and Youth Committee to Consider Background Checks for Physicians, Clergy]()
WHAT: The House Children and Youth Committee, led by Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks/144th), will consider Senate Bill 1156, which would ensure that health care personnel and members of the clergy who have direct and routine contact with children or who are responsible for a child’s welfare are required to obtain specific criminal background check clearances under Act 15 of 2015. The legislation also would extend the time period for which valid General Protective Service reports are retained in the Department of Human Services’ statewide database.
May. 23, 2016 /
![House Committee Approves Farry Bill to Expand Prescription Coverage to Over 32,000 PA Seniors]()
HARRISBURG – The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee today took the first step toward extending prescription drug coverage to over 32,000 older Pennsylvanians, by approving legislation, authored by Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), which would increase income eligibility guidelines for the PACENET program.
May. 23, 2016 /
![House Committee Advances Legislation Aimed At Expediting Military Veterans, Spouses’ Return to the Classroom]()
HARRISBURG – Veterans and military and veterans’ spouses who face obstacles when attempting to maintain state teaching certification due to frequent moves would get a boost under legislation authored by state Reps. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Pam DeLissio (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia). The two General Assembly members discussed the legislation Monday at a news conference that followed unanimous passage of House Bill 2078 by the House Education Committee.