Payne: PA Schools, Service Providers Need State Funding Now

Sep. 24, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The state House of Representatives today sent an emergency funding plan designed to aid struggling human service providers and school districts desperate for their state subsidies to the governor’s desk, said Rep. John Payne (R-Dauphin), who supported the effort.

Roae Votes for Budget Advanced by House

Sep. 24, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – With schools and human service agencies across the state running low on cash, state Rep. Brad Roae (R-Crawford/Erie) today voted for an emergency state funding bill approved by the House that would release money that has been tied up since the governor vetoed the state budget.

Parker Stands Up for Breastfeeding Mothers

Sep. 23, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – On Monday, an amendment was introduced in the House which would require breastfeeding women to get a “Certified Letter from a Doctor” in order to be excused from jury duty in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Evankovich Bill Would Give Taxpayers a Voice in Budget Talks

Sep. 23, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Eli Evankovich (R-Westmoreland/Allegheny) is drafting legislation that provides an incentive for lawmakers to reach a budget agreement before the July 1 deadline and give Pennsylvania taxpayers a greater voice in the negotiations.

English Family Caregiver Legislation Featured at Capitol Rally

Sep. 22, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – At a rally in the State Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg, legislation authored by Rep. Hal English (R-Allegheny) was featured in an effort to secure final passage of a bill that would aid senior citizens and their family caregivers by enabling ailing residents to stay in their own homes with proper care.

Kauffman Honors Local Hero with Highway Dedication

Sep. 22, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – As a way to posthumously honor Fayetteville Fire Chief James Cutchall, Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) has authored legislation, unanimously approved by the House of Representatives this week, to designate a portion of State Route 1008 in Fayetteville, Franklin County, as the James C. Cutchall Memorial Highway.

Why Emergency Funding is Necessary

Sep. 22, 2015 /

This week, my colleagues and I in the state House are moving an emergency funding plan to allocate resources to nonprofits and schools across the state so they can keep operating as normal. When it comes to this budget impasse, I have heard from many of you. Even though Gov. Tom Wolf has said he will veto such a measure, I need you to know why it is crucial that this emergency funding is allocated now.

Krieger Seeks to Reduce State Funding for Planned Parenthood Activities in Pennsylvania

Sep. 22, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – In light of national news reports regarding the activities of Planned Parenthood and allegations of partial-birth abortions and the sale of fetal tissue, among others, Rep. Tim Krieger (R-Westmoreland) has filed amendments to the 2015-16 state budget that would substantially reduce funding for Planned Parenthood programs and services. The amendments are also designed to glean more information about the scope and nature of the organization’s activities in Pennsylvania.

Stephens, Humane Society Announce New Law to Expand Animal Fighting Prosecutions

Sep. 22, 2015 /

HARRISBURG-- Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery) joined Kristen Tullo, Pennsylvania state director of the Humane Society of the United States, and Amy Kaunas, executive director of the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area Inc., to remind Pennsylvanians that a new law is in place to protect animals from being used for illegal fighting.

Grove Applauds Elimination of Ethanol Blending Mandate

Sep. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives today passed House Bill 471 sponsored by Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver/Butler), which would eliminate Pennsylvania’s ethanol blending mandate from Act 78 of 2008, the Pennsylvania Biofuel Development and In-State Production Incentive Act, said state Rep. Seth Grove (R-York).

Time for the Governor to Compromise

Sep. 21, 2015 /

At the recent town hall meeting state Rep. Dan Moul (R-Gettysburg) and I hosted, the nearly unanimous opinion of those in attendance was we should hold the line on taxes. This is a reflection of the telephone calls and emails I’ve received from constituents. I have heard from a handful of people who, while unhappy with the entire process, simply want my colleagues in the General Assembly and me to compromise and “get it done.” The problem is figuring out what “it” is.

The Pennsylvania Budget Impasse, Telling The Truth

Sep. 21, 2015 /

I know the citizens of Pennsylvania are tired of hearing and reading about the General Assembly criticizing the governor and the governor blaming the General Assembly for the budget impasse in Pennsylvania. So, let’s take a look at the facts and drop the rhetoric for a minute:

Barrar Named Legislator of the Year - Local representative is lauded for support of 911 issues in the Commonwealth

Sep. 18, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, today was presented with the 2015 Legislator of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania National Emergency Number Association (NENA). The award, which he has received for a second time, recognizes an outstanding Pennsylvania legislator for his or her work and support of emergency communications issues.

Never Forgotten

Sep. 17, 2015 /

Friday, September 18 is National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day across the United States. This national day of observance was created by the United States Congress, after the end of the Vietnam War to honor and remember the sacrifice made by those servicemen and women who were prisoners of war or went missing in action.

Watson, Petri Ask Education Secretary to Release Textbook Orders

Sep. 16, 2015 /

WARRINGTON – In an effort to release orders of textbooks for students in non-public schools across Pennsylvania, Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks/144th), together with Rep. Scott Petri (R-Bucks/178th), have written to Education Secretary Pedro Rivera, asking him to authorize the orders of the educational materials.

Getting to the Bottom of the Budget Impasse

Sep. 16, 2015 /

On March 3, 2015, Governor Tom Wolf introduced a budget with one of the largest tax increases in Pennsylvania history, totaling $4.6 billion. Wolf’s proposal would have provided for some property tax relief; however, Lancaster County taxpayers would have paid nearly $86 million more in sales and income taxes than they would have received in property tax relief. Does that sound like a good deal?