PA Speaker Mike Turzai Calls for Planned Parenthood Investigation

Jul. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) have urged Attorney General Kathleen Kane to launch an investigation into Planned Parenthood of Pennsylvania, according to a letter sent to the attorney general.

The Truth About The Budget Stalemate

Jul. 21, 2015 /

We are three weeks into an unnecessary budget stalemate. By vetoing a responsible spending plan, Gov. Tom Wolf is withholding billions of dollars in undisputed state and federal funds, since two-thirds of the line items in that plan distributed either the same or more money than he requested. While the governor does have line-item veto power, he chose to veto the entire plan, something that has not happened in more than 40 years. Does this sound like “working with the Legislature” to you? It doesn’t sound that way to me either.

Helm Student Housing Bill Focus of Hearing

Jul. 21, 2015 /

WEST CHESTER – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Sue Helm (R-Dauphin/Lebanon), which would prevent Pennsylvania municipalities from enacting housing ordinances that discriminate against college students, Monday was the focus of a public hearing conducted by the House Local Government Committee in West Chester. Committee co-chairs, Reps. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) and Robert Freeman (D-Northampton), led the hearing, which was held at the West Chester Borough Building.

Marshall and Christiana Call on Governor to Stop Playing Politics and Start Governing

Jul. 20, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – In response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s visit to Beaver County today as part of his continued statewide campaign to defend his $12.7 billion tax increase plan, state Reps. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver/Butler) and Jim Christiana (R-Beaver/Washington) released the following statement urging the governor to put politics aside and join legislative leaders at the negotiating table:

Christiana and Marshall Invite Concerned Citizens to Rally Against Wolf’s Misguided Tax Hikes

Jul. 17, 2015 /

WHAT: In response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s scheduled rally for higher taxes and state spending in Beaver County, State Reps. Jim Christiana (R-15) and Jim Marshall (R-14) invite local taxpayers, business owners, workers and citizens to join them in a rally to ensure Pennsylvania’s economy remains competitive and urge the governor to begin working on a budget that works for all Pennsylvanians.

Keller, Fellow Lawmakers Urge Residents to Call Wolf on His Misguided Tax Plan

Jul. 17, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Fred Keller (R-85) and his fellow lawmakers today sent an open letter to Pennsylvania taxpayers urging them to call Gov. Tom Wolf and tell him to stop his misguided plan to tax middle class families who are already struggling to make ends meet. The text of the letter follows:

Governor Wolf and Democrats Must End the Campaign and Govern

Jul. 17, 2015 /

Recently, our colleague, Rep. Kevin Schreiber detailed in an op-ed the “noble efforts” of Gov. Tom Wolf to compromise on a final budget. In what turned out to be a fanciful version of current events, our colleague left out a few important details.

Wheeland, Everett Blast Governor on Tax Hike Campaign Stop in Williamsport

Jul. 16, 2015 /

WILLIAMSPORT – Calling the tax hike campaign tactic of Gov. Tom Wolf “disingenuous at best,” Reps. Jeff C. Wheeland (R-Lycoming) and Garth Everett (R-Lycoming/Union) today said it is time for the governor to stop demanding more money from hard-working taxpayers and get to work with the leaders of the House and Senate to come up with a realistic budget

Real Solutions for Pennsylvanians’ Prosperity

Jul. 16, 2015 /

Divided government may entertain people who watch the news, but it frustrates Pennsylvanians who desire solutions without bickering. We understand our constituents’ dissatisfaction with the budget impasse in Harrisburg and are committed to working toward solutions that benefit hard-working taxpayers who desire “government that works.”

Why A Full Veto?

Jul. 16, 2015 /

The citizens of Pennsylvania had great hopes that Gov. Tom Wolf would be different. He was supposed to be a governor committed to compromise.

Governor’s Veto Puts Taxes Ahead of Taxpayers

Jul. 16, 2015 /

On June 30, the Pennsylvania House and Senate sent a balanced budget proposal – with historic investments in education and reforms to the state’s pension and liquor systems – to Gov. Tom Wolf. Unlike the governor’s budget proposal, which would have raised a total of $12.7 billion in new taxes after the second year, the General Assembly’s proposal did not include any new or increased taxes.

Government that Works Requires a Governor Who Compromises

Jul. 15, 2015 /

When he took office in January, Gov. Tom Wolf promised Pennsylvanians a “government that works.” Approximately six months later, Pennsylvania stands on the edge of a potential government shutdown. How could so much go so wrong so quickly?

Governor’s Budget Veto Puts Many State Programs in Jeopardy

Jul. 15, 2015 /

Because of Gov. Tom Wolf’s decision to veto the entire state budget presented to him by the General Assembly on June 30, nearly $13 billion in state funds is being withheld from state agencies and organizations that deliver critical services.

Budget Impasse Represents Governor’s Failed Leadership

Jul. 14, 2015 /

The clock continues to tick. We’re in the middle of July, and while most of your lives haven’t been interrupted by it, Pennsylvania still has no state budget. It’s been nearly two weeks since Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a state budget approved by the General Assembly. That plan would have spent $30.18 billion, it didn’t raise taxes, it gave more money for our schools, and it provided for our Commonwealth’s essential needs, including public safety and various human services.