Parker Shows Support for Nursing Moms

Jul. 30, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. David Parker (R-Monroe) today announced that due to legislation he co-sponsored, House Resolution 429, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is supporting “World Breastfeeding Week” during the first week of August (Aug. 1–7).

Liquor Privatization Would Have Benefitted Pennsylvania and Its Consumers

Jul. 30, 2015 /

The Pennsylvania General Assembly recently sent Gov. Tom Wolf a historic bill that would have moved the Commonwealth out of the alcohol business and, as a result, in line with the 48 other states that have privatized wine and spirits sales. Unfortunately, Wolf vetoed this pro-consumer legislation, which would have generated more than $200 million annually to the state. The governor’s severance tax proposal, by contrast, would be lucky to bring in that much money.

Warner Urges Gov. Wolf to Provide for the Safety of PA’s National Guard

Jul. 28, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Following the tragic deaths of five military personnel at two military installations in Tennessee, Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) signed a letter urging Gov. Tom Wolf to issue an executive order to allow Pennsylvania National Guard recruiters and personnel to carry firearms in the performance of their duties.

On Pension Reform, Legislators Must Lead By Example

Jul. 28, 2015 /

A year ago this week, I wrote a column, titled “Push for Pension Reform Must Continue,” in which I explained my support for a pension reform proposal that would have moved elected officials, including current and future legislators, out of their current defined benefit retirement plans and into defined contribution, or 401(k)-type pension plans. The vast majority of individuals in the private sector have defined contribution plans, while those who work in the public sector have much more generous defined benefit plans. I argued that elected officials needed to lead by example by switching to defined contribution plans.

Lawmakers to Discuss Impacts of State Budget Stalemate

Jul. 27, 2015 /

WHAT: Local Reps. Gary Day (R-Lehigh/Berks), Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton) and Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) will hold a news conference to answer questions about the current budget stalemate, along with its expected impact on local social services.

Lawmakers to Discuss Impacts of State Budget Stalemate

Jul. 27, 2015 /

WHAT: House Majority Caucus Chairwoman Sandra Major (R-Montrose), along with Reps. Rosemary Brown (R-East Stroudsburg), Jack Rader (R-Reeders) and David Parker (R-East Stroudsburg) will hold a news conference to speak about the current budget stalemate, along with its expected impact on local social services.

Taylor Supports Legislation to Prohibit ‘Sanctuary City’ Policies

Jul. 24, 2015 /

HARRISBURG-- Following the heartbreaking death of Kathryn Steinle, who was gunned down in San Francisco by an illegal immigrant, Rep. John Taylor (R-Philadelphia) announced he will co-sponsor legislation to require state and local law enforcement agencies to comply with federal law and cooperate with federal immigration officials.

Governor’s Budget Would Further Burden Taxpayers

Jul. 24, 2015 /

The recent state budget approved by the General Assembly and sent to the governor would have achieved the goals of being balanced and keeping spending to a minimum while dedicating record funding for education without any new or increased taxes.

Quinn Works to Ensure Beneficiaries Receive Life Insurance Benefits

Jul. 23, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – To ensure that beneficiaries are made aware of any life insurance benefits owed to them, Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks) authored legislation which would require insurance companies to compare their in-force life insurance policies with the U.S. Social Security Death Master File (DMF) to identify matches. The House passed the legislation unanimously with bipartisan support.

House Passes Topper Bill to Protect Seniors from Phone Scams

Jul. 22, 2015 /

BEDFORD -The House today voted in favor of legislation intended to increase cooperation between state agencies, in order to enhance protection from senior citizens in cases of unwanted telephone calls which lead to financial exploitation, Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Franklin/Fulton) said.

Barrar Urges Gov. Wolf to Provide for the Safety of PA’s National Guard

Jul. 22, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Following the tragic deaths of five military personnel at two military installations in Tennessee last week, Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware) urges Gov. Tom Wolf to issue an executive order to allow Pennsylvania National Guard recruiters and personnel to carry firearms in the performance of their duties.

Wolf Attacking Lawmakers for Protecting Taxpayers

Jul. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Tom Killion (R-Delaware) blasted the Wolf administration for its smear campaign against state lawmakers who oppose the massive income and sales tax hikes contained in the Wolf budget plan.

PA Speaker Mike Turzai Calls for Planned Parenthood Investigation

Jul. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) have urged Attorney General Kathleen Kane to launch an investigation into Planned Parenthood of Pennsylvania, according to a letter sent to the attorney general.

The Truth About The Budget Stalemate

Jul. 21, 2015 /

We are three weeks into an unnecessary budget stalemate. By vetoing a responsible spending plan, Gov. Tom Wolf is withholding billions of dollars in undisputed state and federal funds, since two-thirds of the line items in that plan distributed either the same or more money than he requested. While the governor does have line-item veto power, he chose to veto the entire plan, something that has not happened in more than 40 years. Does this sound like “working with the Legislature” to you? It doesn’t sound that way to me either.