Baker Works to Curb Drug Addiction by Regulating Pill Mills

May. 09, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – In his continuing fight against the growing drug problem in our state, chairman of the House Health Committee, Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) this week had his legislation to combat “pill mills” approved in the House of Representatives.

Gabler, Sankey Support Freedom of Choice in REAL ID Compliance Debate

May. 09, 2017 /

HARRISBURG- Legislation that would bring Pennsylvania into compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005 while offering citizens a choice of forms of identification was passed unanimously Monday by the House State Government Committee, which includes state Reps. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) and Tommy Sankey (R-Clearfield/Cambria). The bill may now be taken up by the full House.

Measure to Enhance Statewide 2-1-1 System Passes Committee

May. 08, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – On Monday, the House Human Services Committee unanimously approved House Bill 211, which seeks to establish a statewide 2-1-1 System Partnership Grant Program within the Department of Human Services to facilitate dissemination of health and human service information. The bill is being sponsored by Committee Chairman Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) and Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland).

Human Services Committee to Consider Opioid, 2-1-1, Disability Bills

May. 05, 2017 /

WHAT: The House Human Services Committee, chaired by Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks), will hold a voting meeting to consider four proposals. House Bill 119 would create a certification process for recovery houses, also known as “sober houses” that receive taxpayer dollars; and House Bill 122 would establish the Pennsylvania Project Lazarus Commission to develop a best practices model for a comprehensive, community-based effort to consolidate overdose prevention efforts. Both are sponsored by Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne). The other two bills include House Bill 211 (sponsored by Rep. Stephen Bloom, R-Cumberland), which would enable the PA 2-1-1 system to enhance its services; and House Bill 875 (sponsored by Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Philadelphia), which would create the Office for People with Disabilities within the Office of the Governor. House Resolution 17 (sponsored by Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria), asks the federal government to limit children’s access to Oxycontin.

Speaker Turzai Opposes Wolf’s Tech Tax

May. 03, 2017 /

HARRISBURG - House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) issued the following statement regarding the proposed tax on computer services in Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2017-18:

Grove Statement on State’s Continued Revenue Shortfall

May. 02, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – The Department of Revenue delivered bleak news about Pennsylvania’s financial situation, stating tax revenue is short by more than $1 billion this fiscal year. In response, Rep. Seth Grove (R-Dover) issued the following statement: