Strengthening Our Rural Communities

Jan. 11, 2024 /

WHAT: House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer) and other lawmakers will host a hearing titled “Strengthening Our Rural Communities” to discuss innovative ways to draw a stronger workforce to rural areas of Pennsylvania. Recruiting a stronger workforce will have positive economic impacts in the areas of the state that are facing population decline.

Advancing Our Rural Connectivity

Jan. 11, 2024 /

WHAT: House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Franklin) and other lawmakers will host a hearing titled “Advancing Our Rural Connectivity” to discuss the necessity of rural broadband expansion and how this once luxury item has become a necessity to everyday life.

Warner: We Must Properly Punish Convicted Child Rapists

Jan. 11, 2024 /

HARRISBURG – Calling the rape or sexual assault of a child one of the most heinous crimes plaguing our society, Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette) has introduced legislation that would allow a person convicted of such a crime to be sentenced to death.

Zimmerman: How the Ivy League Came for William Penn

Jan. 09, 2024 /

HARRISBURG – The National Park Service this week announced it will not pursue plans to remove William Penn’s statue from its Philadelphia location at Waterfront Park due to public backlash over the initial plan to remove it.

Staats to Co-sponsor Resolution Condemning Proposal to Remove Penn Statue

Jan. 08, 2024 /

HARRISBURG- Rep. Craig Staats (R-Bucks) today announced he will co-sponsor a resolution with House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) condemning the Biden administration’s proposal to remove a statue of William Penn from Welcome Park in Philadelphia during its upcoming renovation.

Davanzo Bill Backs American Products

Jan. 08, 2024 /

HARRISBURG - Rep. Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland) today unveiled legislation that would require American-made products to be prioritized when the items are purchased for state government operations.

Cutler decries Biden administration attempt to cancel William Penn

Jan. 08, 2024 /

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) made the following statement on the decision by the Biden administration to attempt to cancel William Penn by permanently removing his statue from Welcome Park in Philadelphia as part of an effort to make the park more inclusive.

Combating Deepfake Sexual Exploitation

Jan. 03, 2024 /

I have introduced legislation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to help combat deepfake sexual exploitation, which is the malicious manipulation of benign photos or videos to target victims online, including children. Unscrupulous actors are using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create pornographic images of individuals without their knowledge or consent.

Warner Legislation Aims to Stop ‘Sanctuary City’ Designation

Jan. 03, 2024 /

HARRISBURG – As the nation faces record numbers of illegal immigrants crossing its borders, Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette) has introduced legislation that would prevent municipalities and counties across the Commonwealth from designating themselves as “sanctuary cities.”

Owlett Legislation Would Require Geopolitical Risk Analysis for Public Fund Investments

Dec. 19, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – Noting substantial investor losses of those private funds invested in Russia and Belarus following the invasion of Ukraine, Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) said he will soon introduce legislation requiring an examination of geopolitical risk be conducted as part of the investment analysis when the state Treasury or Pennsylvania’s public pension funds invest in the financial assets in foreign countries.

Topper Bill to Increase Learning Flexibility Now Law

Dec. 18, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – A new law on the books gives Pennsylvania schools more flexibility when it comes to providing educational opportunities to students, said Republican Chairman of the House Education Committee, Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton), who sponsored the bill.

Governor Signs Porch Pirate Legislation

Dec. 15, 2023 /

HARRISBURG—The Senate’s version of legislation sponsored by Reps. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) and KC Tomlinson (R-Bucks) has passed the General Assembly and was signed by the governor.

Fiscal Code Includes Enhancement of Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Mackenzie Championed

Dec. 15, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – The Fiscal Code bill signed into law this week by Gov. Josh Shapiro includes an enhancement of Pennsylvania’s Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, an issue that Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) has been advocating for since the introduction of his legislation on this topic back in February. The Fiscal Code is budget-related legislation that directs how state funding is to be spent.

Mehaffie Bill Opens Door on Budget Impasse

Dec. 15, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) announced that the Fiscal Code, his House Bill 1300, passed both chambers and has been signed into law by the governor.