Why Emergency Funding is Necessary

Sep. 22, 2015 /

This week, my colleagues and I in the state House are moving an emergency funding plan to allocate resources to nonprofits and schools across the state so they can keep operating as normal. When it comes to this budget impasse, I have heard from many of you. Even though Gov. Tom Wolf has said he will veto such a measure, I need you to know why it is crucial that this emergency funding is allocated now.

Krieger Seeks to Reduce State Funding for Planned Parenthood Activities in Pennsylvania

Sep. 22, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – In light of national news reports regarding the activities of Planned Parenthood and allegations of partial-birth abortions and the sale of fetal tissue, among others, Rep. Tim Krieger (R-Westmoreland) has filed amendments to the 2015-16 state budget that would substantially reduce funding for Planned Parenthood programs and services. The amendments are also designed to glean more information about the scope and nature of the organization’s activities in Pennsylvania.

Stephens, Humane Society Announce New Law to Expand Animal Fighting Prosecutions

Sep. 22, 2015 /

HARRISBURG-- Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery) joined Kristen Tullo, Pennsylvania state director of the Humane Society of the United States, and Amy Kaunas, executive director of the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area Inc., to remind Pennsylvanians that a new law is in place to protect animals from being used for illegal fighting.

Grove Applauds Elimination of Ethanol Blending Mandate

Sep. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives today passed House Bill 471 sponsored by Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver/Butler), which would eliminate Pennsylvania’s ethanol blending mandate from Act 78 of 2008, the Pennsylvania Biofuel Development and In-State Production Incentive Act, said state Rep. Seth Grove (R-York).

Time for the Governor to Compromise

Sep. 21, 2015 /

At the recent town hall meeting state Rep. Dan Moul (R-Gettysburg) and I hosted, the nearly unanimous opinion of those in attendance was we should hold the line on taxes. This is a reflection of the telephone calls and emails I’ve received from constituents. I have heard from a handful of people who, while unhappy with the entire process, simply want my colleagues in the General Assembly and me to compromise and “get it done.” The problem is figuring out what “it” is.

The Pennsylvania Budget Impasse, Telling The Truth

Sep. 21, 2015 /

I know the citizens of Pennsylvania are tired of hearing and reading about the General Assembly criticizing the governor and the governor blaming the General Assembly for the budget impasse in Pennsylvania. So, let’s take a look at the facts and drop the rhetoric for a minute:

Barrar Named Legislator of the Year - Local representative is lauded for support of 911 issues in the Commonwealth

Sep. 18, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, today was presented with the 2015 Legislator of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania National Emergency Number Association (NENA). The award, which he has received for a second time, recognizes an outstanding Pennsylvania legislator for his or her work and support of emergency communications issues.

Never Forgotten

Sep. 17, 2015 /

Friday, September 18 is National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day across the United States. This national day of observance was created by the United States Congress, after the end of the Vietnam War to honor and remember the sacrifice made by those servicemen and women who were prisoners of war or went missing in action.

Watson, Petri Ask Education Secretary to Release Textbook Orders

Sep. 16, 2015 /

WARRINGTON – In an effort to release orders of textbooks for students in non-public schools across Pennsylvania, Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks/144th), together with Rep. Scott Petri (R-Bucks/178th), have written to Education Secretary Pedro Rivera, asking him to authorize the orders of the educational materials.

Getting to the Bottom of the Budget Impasse

Sep. 16, 2015 /

On March 3, 2015, Governor Tom Wolf introduced a budget with one of the largest tax increases in Pennsylvania history, totaling $4.6 billion. Wolf’s proposal would have provided for some property tax relief; however, Lancaster County taxpayers would have paid nearly $86 million more in sales and income taxes than they would have received in property tax relief. Does that sound like a good deal?

Quinn: Fund Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Programs

Sep. 15, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services today announced a lawsuit against the administration of Gov. Tom Wolf for the failure to authorize funding originally agreed to by both the Governor and the Legislature for services aiding at-risk youth.

Local Legislators to Host Budget Town Hall Meeting

Sep. 09, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – State Reps. Dan Moul (R-Adams) and Will Tallman (R-Adams/Cumberland) invite residents of the 91st and 193rd legislative districts to get an update on the state budget impasse and have their state government questions answered during a town hall meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The public forum will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Cross Keys Banquet Center, 6110 York Road, New Oxford.

Fighting for Human Service and Education Programs

Sep. 03, 2015 /

Readers may recall an article I wrote on the consequences of a total veto on July 16. Unfortunately, my concerns are now a reality. Last week, the House of Representatives tried to provide funding for human service and education programs by attempting to override 20 line items of the budget that Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed. These programs have been unfunded since the governor’s budget veto on June 30.