House Endorses Watson’s Online Impersonation Bill

Nov. 24, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – An individual who seeks to hide behind a fake online profile to harass another would be committing a crime known as online impersonation, under legislation passed by the state House on Monday, said Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks/144th), author of the measure.

Santora Holds Press Conference Urging Gov. Wolf to Resume the EITC Program

Nov. 23, 2015 /

WHAT: In an effort to urge Gov. Tom Wolf to release Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program letters to businesses that have planned to participate in the program to help Pennsylvania schools, Rep. James R. Santora (R-Delaware) is holding a press conference to explain the importance of the $150 million the schools are missing. The program allows students to have an alternative to public schools and to attend schools that better meet their needs. If the schools do not receive funding by Dec. 31, businesses will be ineligible to dedicate money to the 2015 program and the $150 million will be lost.

Sonney Legislation Part of Three-Bill Package to Benefit Pennsylvania Senior Citizens

Nov. 19, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by state Rep. Curt Sonney (R-Harborcreek) that addresses Pennsylvanians’ eligibility in PACE and PACENET, Pennsylvania's prescription assistance programs, was passed Tuesday by the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. House Bill 190 is part of a three-bill package dealing with PACE and PACENET eligibility that passed unanimously and may now be taken up by the full House.

Education Dollars Held ‘Hostage’

Nov. 19, 2015 /

Accountability in government is a phrase you often hear. As a state representative, it is my job to promote accountability in all I do. When fiscal resources are under such great pressure as they are in this budget impasse, it is essential that we, as elected officials, be held accountable to the taxpayer. But, in the quest for accountability, we have far too often created obstacles that place undue burdens on local government entities and prevent them from doing their job in an efficient, effective manner.

Lehigh Valley Lawmakers Issue Statement on Syrian Refugee Issue

Nov. 18, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Members of the Lehigh Valley Republican Delegation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement that the Commonwealth will continue to welcome Syrian refugees.

Pennsylvania Senior Citizens Benefit From Legislation Endorsed By Tallman

Nov. 18, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Will Tallman (R-Adams/Cumberland) today joined his colleagues on the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee in advancing a package of bills designed to maintain senior citizens’ eligibility in PACE and PACENET, Pennsylvania's prescription assistance programs for older adults. All three bills may now be taken up by the full House.

Rader’s Leaf Collection Bill Advances

Nov. 18, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – This week, the House Local Government Committee voted to move Rep. Jack Rader’s (R-Monroe) bill out of committee to help local governments save money. The bill, House Bill 1533, would amend the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act to add a population density requirement for large municipalities and their leaf collection programs.

Jozwiak Urges Governor to Refuse Syrian Refugees

Nov. 17, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) and 100 of his colleagues today sent a letter to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, urging him to reverse his controversial decision to continue accepting Syrian refugees in the Commonwealth following the terrorist attacks in France.

House Insurance Committee to Consider CHIP Transfer in State Government

Nov. 17, 2015 /

WHAT: The House Insurance Committee, led by Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) will consider legislation regarding the move of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to be part of the Department of Human Services. Currently, the program is administered by the state Insurance Department.

White Bill to Protect Police IDs Passes House

Nov. 17, 2015 /

HARRISBURG—Legislation sponsored by Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) to protect police officers and their families when the officer is involved in a discharge of their firearm or other use of force has passed the House.

Metcalfe, Lawmakers Urge Wolf to Put Commonwealth’s Security First by Refusing Syrian Refugees

Nov. 17, 2015 /

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania House State Government Committee Majority Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) and 100 other state lawmakers sent the following letter to Gov. Tom Wolf today to express their collective public safety concerns regarding the governor’s decision to work with the Obama administration to resettle Syrian refugees in Pennsylvania following the Paris terrorist attacks.