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.

Gillespie Reminds Boaters of Need for Personal Flotation Devices

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The House Game and Fisheries Committee, chaired by state Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York), was reminded today of an important boater safety law during an informational meeting with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). The reminder occurred while the committee was receiving the PFBC’s annual report from Executive Director John Arway.

State House Moves Sonney Wind Power Legislation

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The state House today overwhelmingly passed House Bill 188, legislation authored by state Rep. Curt Sonney (R-Harborcreek) that promotes the expanded use of wind power. The bill may now be considered by the state Senate.

Stephens’ Bill to Combat Animal Fighting Passes the House

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG -- Legislation sponsored by Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery) to protect animals from being used for illegal fighting by creating the offense of “possession of animal fighting paraphernalia” passed the House unanimously this week.

Governor’s Tax-and-Spend Budget Plan Would Hurt PA Families

Mar. 04, 2015 /

The recently unveiled 2015-16 budget proposal by Gov. Tom Wolf represents the largest tax increase proposal in the history of Pennsylvania. It would be a $4.7 billion tax hike, which is a 16 percent increase over this year’s budget, for a total of $33.8 billion in spending. I strongly oppose this unprecedented and massive tax-and-spend plan that would hurt so many working families struggling to pay their bills and provide for their families.

How Sweet It Is!

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The state House voted with its sweet tooth on Wednesday, designating the week of March 15-22 as Maple Producers Week in Pennsylvania, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), author of the resolution.

House Endorses Watson Measure to Study Pay Equity Laws

Mar. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – An effort to determine whether or not the state’s pay equity laws are effective is one step closer to fruition, after the House today passed legislation to initiate a state government study, said Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks/144th), author of the resolution.