Parker Continues Efforts on Fair Funding Formula

Mar. 11, 2015 /

HARRISURG – The state’s Basic Education Funding Commission, a 15-member panel tasked with developing and recommending a new formula for distributing state funding for basic education to Pennsylvania school districts, is meeting at 10 a.m. on Thursday to hear a presentation on Gov. Tom Wolf's proposal for fair funding, said Rep. David Parker (R-Monroe).

Toohil Appointed to House Rules Committee

Mar. 11, 2015 /

HARRISSBURG – Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) today announced her recent appointment by House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) to serve on the House Rules Committee.

Pickett Lends Support to Charter Reform Bill

Mar. 11, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation that seeks to strike a fair balance between different types of educational opportunities in Pennsylvania passed the state House last week, said Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna).

House Policy Committee to Accept Testimony on Job Readiness, Job Creation

Mar. 10, 2015 /

WHAT: In an effort to ensure Pennsylvania students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed after graduation, Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee, together with Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland), will host a public hearing tomorrow, March 11, on career preparedness and job creation.

Toepel to Host Public Hearing on Montgomery County Casino Legislation

Mar. 09, 2015 /

WHAT: Realizing the economic gains Montgomery County could reap from the Valley Forge Resort and Casino, Rep. Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery) will host a public House Gaming Oversight Committee hearing to discuss her legislation, House Bill 565, which would redistribute the county share assessment of casino revenue to parks and nonprofit organizations across the county.

Hackett Pushes for School Safety Drills While Reducing Unfunded Mandates

Mar. 09, 2015 /

HARRISBURG--In response to last session’s report by the Select Committee on School Safety and Security and the growing concern over the security of our schools, Rep. Joe Hackett (R-Delaware), along with Rep. Sid Kavulich (D-Lackawanna), held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to discuss plans for legislation to increase school safety while reducing unfunded mandates on our school districts.

Topper Bill Would Modernize Professional Nursing Law

Mar. 09, 2015 /

BEDFORD – Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Franklin/Fulton) today introduced House Bill 765 which would modernize Pennsylvania’s Professional Nursing Law by allowing a certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP) to practice without the current law’s requirement that CRNPs establish a collaborative agreement with a physician.

House Committee Hearing to Focus on Children of Incarcerated Parents

Mar. 09, 2015 /

WHAT: The House Human Services Committee, led by Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks), will hold a public hearing about the challenges faced by children of incarcerated parents and ways to seek solutions, with an emphasis on the Amachi mentoring organization. The organization was developed in 2000 to provide children impacted by incarceration with a different path by establishing the consistent presence of loving, caring mentors.

Attracting Heroes to Pennsylvania Colleges

Mar. 09, 2015 /

I recently met with officials from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to discuss what we are doing to attract veterans and their families to Pennsylvania colleges and universities. There are so many wonderful opportunities for veterans and their families at the 14 universities that comprise PASSHE.

Killion Rideshare Bill Wins Unanimous Approval in House

Mar. 06, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – By a unanimous vote, the House advanced legislation, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Killion (R-Delaware), that would allow commuter ridesharing arrangements by private operators without the need for cumbersome state regulation.

Hackett to Unveil School Safety Legislation

Mar. 06, 2015 /

WHAT: Rep. Joe Hackett (R-Delaware) will host a press conference to discuss the introduction of bipartisan legislation requiring all public, private and charter schools in Pennsylvania, grades K-12, conduct emergency school safety drills at least twice a year.

Kampf Introduces Pension Reform Bill to Aid Crippled System

Mar. 06, 2015 /

HARRISBURG-- Rep. Warren Kampf (R-Chester/Montgomery) today introduced House Bill 727 to reform Pennsylvania's two large unsustainable pension systems. Kampf's proposal will require future state workers and school district employees to enroll in an employee-directed defined contribution plan, rather than the current and wholly taxpayer-funded defined benefit plan.

Baker Applauds PA Maple Producers

Mar. 05, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) this week joined his colleagues in the state House in unanimously passing legislation designating the week of March 15-22 as Maple Producers Week in Pennsylvania. The resolution was authored by Baker’s Potter County neighbor, Rep. Martin Causer.

House Passes Reese Charter Education Reform

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG -- House Bill 530, which is intended to make improvements and reforms in the operation of charter and cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania, was approved 118-78 by the House this week, said Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland/Somerset), author of the proposal.

Hahn Weighs In On Wolf Budget Proposal

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – On Tuesday, March 3, Gov. Tom Wolf addressed a joint session of the General Assembly in issuing his spending plan for the 2015-16 fiscal year. The Wolf budget proposal calls for $33.8 billion in total spending. That figure represents an unprecedented tax increase and a 16 percent or $4.6 billion overall spending increase over the current fiscal year.

Select Subcommittee Authorized by Full House Vote, Saylor Says

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives yesterday voted to approve House Resolution 102, which authorizes the creation of the Select Subcommittee on Technical Education and Career Readiness, said House Education Committee chairman Stan Saylor (R-York), who sponsored the measure, and Democratic Chairman James Roebuck (D-Philadelphia), who co-sponsored it.

Hackett Continues to Support Crime Victims

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Joe Hackett (R-Delaware) today joined colleagues, law enforcement officials and families of crime victims in the Capitol to support a House resolution calling on Gov. Tom Wolf to reverse his recent suspension of the death penalty.