Apr. 10, 2019 Download
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Adams/Cumberland) to ensure that strangulation is appropriately recognized as a crime of violence under Pennsylvania Law has been approved by the Pennsylvania House. The bill was a part of an extensive package of victims’ rights legislation being moved forward this week by Republican lawmakers that are designed to protect the welfare of children, bring justice for victims of domestic abuse, and provide support for abuse victims when they must testify against their abusers. Rep. Ecker said it was particularly gratifying to know that his first piece of legislation to be approved by the House will help to protect abuse victims.
Apr. 09, 2019 Download
Voters are one step closer to having the opportunity to decide if a victims’ bill of rights should be added to the Pennsylvania Constitution after the House today passed Marsy’s Law legislation authored by Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland). House Bill 276 would change the state Constitution and ensure crime victims have the right to receive information about their rights, receive notification of proceedings in their criminal cases, be present at court hearings, be heard at plea and sentencing proceedings, and be treated with fairness, respect and dignity. Last session, Marsy’s Law, in the form of Senate Bill 1011, passed both chambers of the General Assembly. Identical language, which is contained in Delozier’s bill, must be passed this session and then approved by voters through a ballot referendum before it can be included in the Constitution. Pennsylvania is one of only nine state Constitutions without statutory rights for victims. The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
Apr. 09, 2019 Download
Lawmakers and county transportation officials recently spoke in support of bipartisan legislation to delay upcoming changes to the Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), that provides shared rides to medical appointments for MA recipients when other means are unavailable. Changes made last year to the state’s Human Services Code included a requirement that the Department of Human Services revamp the widely used transportation program to require providing services through a statewide or regional broker. While the shift may help urban counties to improve the delivery of services and achieve savings through increased federal reimbursements, there is deep concern among lawmakers that the new system could increase transportation difficulties and costs for rural areas. At a press conference held Tuesday in the state capitol, prime sponsor Rep. John Hershey (R-Franklin/Juniata/Mifflin) said delayed implementation would allow for a thorough review of the plan to determine if rural transportation needs will be met in a cost-effective manner
Apr. 09, 2019 Download
Lawmakers and county transportation officials recently spoke in support of bipartisan legislation to delay upcoming changes to the Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), that provides shared rides to medical appointments for MA recipients when other means are unavailable. Changes made last year to the state’s Human Services Code included a requirement that the Department of Human Services revamp the widely used transportation program to require providing services through a statewide or regional broker. While the shift may help urban counties to improve the delivery of services and achieve savings through increased federal reimbursements, there is deep concern among lawmakers that the new system could increase transportation difficulties and costs for rural areas. At a press conference held Tuesday in the state capitol, bill cosponsor Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) said hearings on implementation of these changes are necessary for determining what works best in PA's rural counties.
Apr. 09, 2019 Download
Lawmakers and county transportation officials recently spoke in support of bipartisan legislation to delay upcoming changes to the Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), that provides shared rides to medical appointments for MA recipients when other means are unavailable. Changes made last year to the state’s Human Services Code included a requirement that the Department of Human Services revamp the widely used transportation program to require providing services through a statewide or regional broker. While the shift may help urban counties to improve the delivery of services and achieve savings through increased federal reimbursements, there is deep concern among lawmakers that the new system could increase transportation difficulties and costs for rural areas. At a press conference held Tuesday in the state capitol, cosponsor of the bill Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland) said delayed implementation would allow for a thorough review of the plan.
Apr. 05, 2019 Download
The weekly Legislative Report Program with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron) is now available on the House Republican Radio News Service. Topics discussed in this week’s program include: Ag and Rural Affairs Committee to hold a meeting on a bill to protect the Dairy Industry and Milk Transportation from emergency transport limits; Rep. Causer holds town hall meeting in Emporium; Lawmakers looking at ways to help volunteer emergency services volunteer organizations; Veterans’ Resource and Job Fair to be held Tuesday, April 9 at Pitt Bradford.
Apr. 05, 2019 Download
The weekly Legislative Report Program/Podcast with Representative Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon) is now available on the House Republican Radio News Service. In this week’s program Rep. Ryan discusses the Auditor General’s report on the shaky financial condition of the PA Turnpike Commission and how this may foreshadow larger financial issues facing the state.
Apr. 05, 2019 Download
The Legislative Report Program with Rep. Matt Dowling (R- Fayette & Somerset) is now available on the House Republican Radio News Service. Topics discussed in this week’s program include:Free price information on Prescription Drugs now available for PA consumers; Keep your kids safe on-line by developing some basic rules, policies and guidelines; Upcoming Gun Rights Seminar on Saturday, April 13 and Shredder Event on Friday, April 26.
Apr. 05, 2019 Download
The weekly Legislative Report Program with Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R- Lehigh & Berks) is now available on the House Republican Radio News Service. Topics discussed in this week’s program include: Health Committee moves bill to improve coverage for Lyme Disease treatment in PA; Financial Literacy program launched to help students learn about making smart money decisions; Helping PA volunteer fire and medical service companies deal with personnel shortages is the focus of a joint House and Senate committee meeting.
Apr. 05, 2019 Download
A new Legislative Report Program-Podcast with Representative Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield & Elk) is now available on the House Republican Radio News Service.
Topics discussed in this week’s program include:
• House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Receives Report on How to Move Forward in Addressing Shortage of Volunteers for Fire and EMS
• House Transportation Committee to Move Legislation Authored by Gabler to Increase School Vehicle Safety