Gabler Legislation to Level the Playing Field for Foresters

Apr. 29, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The House Finance Committee has advanced legislation sponsored by state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) that would update Pennsylvania tax law by enabling the timber industry to purchase equipment under a state tax exclusion that is already enjoyed by Pennsylvania’s agricultural operations. House Bill 504 may now be taken up by the full House.

Phillips-Hill Backs Bill to Promote Computer Skills in Schools

Apr. 29, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township) recently joined House Education Committee colleagues in advancing House Bill 833, legislation that takes into consideration Pennsylvania’s employment picture and gives school districts and students another option to help address shortages in specific job areas. The bill may now be taken up by the full House.

Lawmakers Should Control Costs to Taxpayers, Not Increase Them

Apr. 29, 2015 /

Despite Gov. Tom Wolf’s repeated claims that his $33.8 billion budget proposal would reduce taxes on the middle class, a recent report by the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) found that all Pennsylvanians in every income bracket would pay more in taxes under the governor’s plan.

Recognizing Loyalty Day in Pennsylvania

Apr. 29, 2015 /

It was a great honor for me to serve in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Because of that experience, I understand the sacrifice and reward that comes with taking the ultimate risk to safeguard our communities and our country.

More Work Needed to Connect Students With In-Demand Technical Jobs, Grove Says

Apr. 28, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The House Select Subcommittee on Technical Education and Career Readiness, chaired by Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), held its first hearing today in Harrisburg. The hearing focused on the ways students in kindergarten through 12th grade are being prepared for careers in technical fields.

House Education Subcommittee to Hear Testimony on Secondary and Post-Secondary Technical Education

Apr. 27, 2015 /

WHAT: Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), chairman of the House Select Subcommittee on Technical Education and Career Readiness, will join his colleagues in hearing testimony on K-12 education aimed at preparing students for technical careers. The subcommittee, which was created as a result of House Resolution 102, will examine technical education across the Commonwealth, in order to better connect secondary and post-secondary students with jobs that are in demand.

Majority Policy Committee to Hold Hearing on PA’s Business Climate

Apr. 27, 2015 /

WHAT: Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee, together with Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Berks/Lehigh), deputy chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee, will host a hearing to discuss challenges facing Pennsylvania’s economy and business climate, as part of a statewide jobs tour. Local business owners and statewide business associations will provide testimony to the committee on state taxes and regulations, how to improve the state’s business climate, the preparedness of Pennsylvania graduates to fill in-demand jobs and how to attract new business to the area.

House Manufacturing Caucus Tours Franklin County Plants

Apr. 27, 2015 /

SHIPPENSBURG – Continuing their advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector, Rep. Eli Evankovich (R-Westmoreland/Allegheny) and other members of the House Legislative Manufacturing Caucus, toured two plants in Franklin County on Thursday. Evankovich is co-chairman of the bipartisan caucus, which has more than 100 members.

State Election Law Discrepancy Corrected Under Gabler Bill

Apr. 23, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – A loophole in Pennsylvania’s Election Code that creates potential problems for school board candidates would be corrected under a bill authored by state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk). The legislation, House Bill 342, currently sits with the Senate State Government Committee following unanimous passage by the state House.

Gabler Bill to Examine Expansion of Hunting Options Passed by State House

Apr. 22, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) that would allow a possible expansion of hunting options for sportsmen has passed the state House without opposition. The state Senate may now take up House Bill 263, which could possibly bring about the use of air-, chemical- or gas cylinder powered weapons for hunting.

Baker Commemorates 150th Anniversary of Lincoln’s Death

Apr. 22, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Earlier this week, in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the death of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, the Pennsylvania state House approved my House resolution commemorating the date and acknowledging Lincoln’s distinguished life of public service and indelible leadership during an era of great national crisis.

Quinn Resolution Makes April Polio Awareness Month

Apr. 22, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Promoting awareness and understanding of the life-time disabilities for polio victims, polio survivors and their families, Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks) authored House Resolution 240, making April Polio Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. The resolution was unanimously passed by the House today.

Pickett Secures House Approval of CHIP Extension Through 2017

Apr. 22, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Youngsters enrolled in the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will be able to continue their coverage through the end of 2017 under legislation, sponsored by Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna), which was approved by the House today.