House GOP Leaders Call on Court to Save Our Health Care

Jan. 29, 2019 /

WHAT: Members of the House Republican Leadership Team – Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), Majority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and Policy Chairman Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest) – will call on the state court system to save health care in Pennsylvania. At issue is a proposal to the court to unilaterally repeal a rule that prevents medical malpractice plaintiffs from filing civil lawsuits in counties with more favorable jury payouts. Since it was adopted in the early 2000s, the rule has helped stabilize medical malpractice insurance rates that kept doctors practicing in Pennsylvania and alleviated a shortage of physicians and specialists.

Mackenzie, Health Officials to Announce State’s First Maternal Health Awareness Day

Jan. 22, 2019 /

WHAT: State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh/Berks), along with a deputy secretary from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and health care providers, are holding a press conference to promote the state’s first-ever Maternal Health Awareness Day. Despite advances in medical science and technology, deaths related to complications from pregnancy and childbirth are on the rise nationally and in Pennsylvania. House Resolution 27, authored by Mackenzie, is designed to raise public awareness about maternal health and promote maternal safety.

Grove to Unveil Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation

Jan. 08, 2019 /

WHAT: Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) and Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) will unveil legislation to strengthen penalties in certain human trafficking criminal cases to go after the motive of this heinous crime: Those who pay money for sexual acts with victims of human trafficking.

Delozier to Join Governor in Raising Awareness about Clean Slate

Jan. 02, 2019 /

WHAT: Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) will join Gov. Tom Wolf in increasing awareness about the new Clean Slate law, which seals nonviolent criminal records after a decade. Delozier authored Act 56 of 2018, which made Pennsylvania the first state in the nation to offer this opportunity.

Tobash, Torsella to Discuss Recommendations for State’s Public Pension Plans

Dec. 19, 2018 /

WHAT: Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill/Dauphin), chairman of the Public Pension Management and Asset Investment Review Commission, and Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella will announce the findings of the commission’s report which contains recommendations to further improve the transparency of investment expenses and returns of the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) and the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS).

Legislative Audit Advisory Commission to Release 2018 Audit

Dec. 19, 2018 / Committee Action

WHAT:Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry/Cumberland), chairman of the Legislative Audit Advisory Commission (LAAC), and other LAAC members will meet to review and accept the audit for Fiscal Year 2017-18. LAAC is charged with conducting the annual financial audit of the General Assembly as required by Article VIII, Section 10 of the Constitution of Pennsylvania. Audits are conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.

House Committee to Examine Program Proposal to Assist Rural Hospitals

Oct. 12, 2018 /

WHAT: The House Insurance Committee, led by Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna), will hold an informational meeting to learn more about legislation Pickett has sponsored to establish the Rural Health Redesign Center, a public-private partnership, which will administer the PA Rural Health Program. With up to 30 rural hospitals at risk of closure, this program would help strengthen rural hospitals, keep jobs local and increase access to health care. Rural hospitals are currently paid in an unpredictable manner that leaves many suffering financially. Through the program, rural hospitals would transition to a payment model that would provide a stable and steady stream of revenue, allowing these vital health care facilities to better plan the types of health services their communities need.