Pickett Pleased with News of Natural Gas Refinery in Pennsylvania

Jun. 07, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) was pleased with the news that Shell Chemical Appalachia will build a petrochemical refinery and complex in western Pennsylvania, thereby increasing demand for Pennsylvania-produced natural gas.

Rothman Supports Liquor, Wine Reform Legislation

Jun. 07, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Today, State Representative Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) joined a bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives in supporting a House Bill 1690, which will allow for expanded convenience in the sale of wine and beer. The legislation passed by a vote of 157-31.

House Committees to Discuss Impact of Fatal Disease on State Hunting and Tourism

Jun. 07, 2016 /

WHAT: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) will be the subject of a joint informational meeting of the House Game and Fisheries and Tourism and Recreational Development committees. CWD, which can be fatal, was recently detected in 12 white-tailed deer in southcentral Pennsylvania, the only area of the state where CWD has been found in free-ranging deer. The impact on the Commonwealth’s hunting and tourism industries will be the subject of discussion.

Greiner, Rafferty and MADD to Discuss Ignition Interlock Legislation

Jun. 07, 2016 /

WHAT: State Rep. Keith Greiner (R-Lancaster), State Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery/Chester), representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other advocacy groups will hold a news conference to discuss the state’s new ignition interlock law, Act 33 of 2016, including how the law will be implemented, specific provisions, and public education efforts. The law, passed in May after six years of effort and advocacy, would require most first-time offenders of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) to install ignition interlocks on their vehicles for at least one year.

School Safety Bill Advances, Says Staats

Jun. 06, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation coauthored by Rep. Craig Staats (R-Bucks), Rep. Gary Day (R-Berks, Lehigh) and Rep. Sid Kavulich (D-Lackawanna), which would require public schools to complete one school security drill annually, advanced this week out of the House Education Committee.

First Phase of Medical Marijuana Program Announced, Says Helm

Jun. 03, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Health has started working on temporary regulations in order to implement the state’s new medical marijuana program, said Rep. Sue Helm (R-Dauphin/Lebanon). In addition, the department will be seeking input from the public, stakeholders and partners throughout the implementation process.

Bipartisan Bill Would Prohibit Inmate Access to ‘Pen Pal’ Websites

Jun. 02, 2016 /

ARRISBURG—Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny), together with Rep. Dom Costa (D-Allegheny), recently introduced legislation to prohibit Pennsylvania inmates from placing advertisements on so-called “pen pal” websites and similar venues, either directly or with the assistance of third parties.

First Phase of Medical Marijuana Program Announced, Says Toohil

Jun. 02, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Health has started working on temporary regulations in order to implement the state’s new medical marijuana program, said Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne). In addition, the department will be seeking input from the public, stakeholders and partners throughout the implementation process.

Baker Says State’s Expanded Drug Monitoring Program Finally Set to Launch

Jun. 01, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – According to the state Department of Health, the Commonwealth’s newly improved prescription drug monitoring program is set to launch this summer, giving doctors, pharmacists and law enforcement more information to tackle Pennsylvania’s growing prescription drug abuse epidemic, announced Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter), House Health Committee chairman.

House Policy Committee to Examine Drug Epidemic, Addiction Services

Jun. 01, 2016 /

WHAT: Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee, is hosting a hearing to get a glimpse into the severity of the state’s drug problem, what measures are being used to combat addiction, and what other tools and services communities may need in order to address the growing epidemic.

Kaufer, House Policy Committee to Examine Drug Epidemic, Addiction Services

May. 31, 2016 /

WHAT: Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) and the House Majority Policy Committee are hosting a hearing to get a glimpse into the severity of the state’s drug problem, what measures are being used to combat addiction, and what other tools and services communities may need in order to address the growing epidemic.

Quigley Asks Governor to Support Fair Education Funding Formula

May. 26, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – To distribute state education dollars in a viable and fair manner, this week Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) supported a new funding formula for basic education as recommended by the Basic Education Funding Commission to Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts. An overwhelming majority of the House joined him in the strong, bipartisan vote.

Saylor Invites Wolf to Join Legislature in Passing Six-Pack Law - Says legislative action needed on issue currently before the courts

May. 26, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York) today applauded Gov. Tom Wolf for demonstrating real leadership on the behalf of consumers seeking greater choice in the labyrinth of Pennsylvania’s archaic liquor-control laws when he sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) on Tuesday asking it to allow six-pack sales of beer at convenience stores and gas stations.

House Adopts Resolution Honoring Port Allegany

May. 25, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – With Port Allegany set to celebrate its bicentennial next month, the state House has unanimously approved a resolution commemorating the event, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), prime sponsor of the resolution.