Turzai Commends UPMC and Highmark Agreement

Jun. 24, 2019 /

HARRISBURG - Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) said he is pleased with today’s announcement of a long-term resolution between UPMC and Highmark that means Highmark members will have in-network access to UPMC doctors and hospitals. He hopes that, while providing for quality health care for citizens, this approach will continue to foster competitive insurance rates.

Committee to Consider Three Addiction-Related Bills

Jun. 24, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Human Services Committee, chaired by Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks), will hold a voting meeting to consider three proposals. They include measures that would require the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to continue to use client placement criterial developed by Pennsylvania for Medicaid recipients needing drug and/or alcohol treatment (House Bill 386); add Suboxone and Buprenorphine-related deaths and incidents to the Methadone Death and Incident Review Act (House Bill 1662); and provide for licensure of office-based Buprenorphine prescribers (Senate Bill 675).

Helm’s House Bill 619 Signed by Governor

Jun. 21, 2019 /

Helm’s House Bill 619 Signed by Governor

HARRISBURG – Rep. Sue Helm (R-Dauphin/Lebanon) today announced that the governor has signed House Bill 619, Juneteenth National Freedom Day, which she authored.

House Passes Gabler Legislation to Support Local Coal Jobs, Cut Red Tape

Jun. 21, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Coal remains an important part of Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting nearly 18,000 jobs and contributing $4 billion annually. The state House has unanimously passed legislation authored by Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) to protect these jobs, especially during periods of economic downturn.

Marshall Bill to Reduce Infant Choking Deaths Receives House Approval

Jun. 20, 2019 /

HARRISBURG –In an effort to reduce the number of injuries and deaths of Pennsylvania infants, the House of Representatives Wednesday approved legislation, authored by Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver/Butler), which would increase education about infant CPR to expectant and new mothers.

Lewis Bill to Protect Charities, Donors Earns House Approval

Jun. 20, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Recognizing the valuable role of charitable organizations and the people who support them, the House has approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Andrew Lewis (R-Dauphin) to simplify and consolidate the laws governing charities.

Murt Bill to Increase Lottery Profits for Seniors Passes State House

Jun. 20, 2019 /

HARRISBURG—The House of Representatives today approved legislation authored by Rep. Thomas Murt (R-Montgomery/Philadelphia), chairman of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, to increase lottery profits by lowering the rate of return of lottery games. The increased profits would go to programs for seniors that are funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Republican Leaders Applaud Final Approval of Victims’ Rights Bills

Jun. 19, 2019 /

HARRISBURG - The Senate and House today took action to send six bills to enhance protections for crime victims to the Governor for signature. Final legislative action also was taken on Marsy’s Law, a Constitutional amendment to include a crime victims’ bill of rights. Marsy’s Law (House Bill 276) will now be placed on the ballot for voters to consider.

Helm’s House Bill 619 Signed by Governor

Jun. 19, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Sue Helm (R-Dauphin/Lebanon) today announced that the governor has signed House Bill 619, Juneteenth National Freedom Day, which she authored.

House Approves Ecker’s Junior Firefighter Bill

Jun. 19, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – As part of initiatives by House Republicans to support communities, legislation authored by Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Adams/Cumberland) to modernize requirements for junior firefighters was approved by the House today.