Feb. 26, 2024 /
Members of the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department were recognized at their annual banquet recently, with Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) serving as guest speaker.
Feb. 26, 2024 /
A new grant opportunity is designed to help more Pennsylvanians chart their own course in the organic agriculture industry. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is inviting organizations to apply for grants up to $350,000 for earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship opportunities for those interested in agricultural occupations, including certified organic farmers.
Feb. 26, 2024 /
House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), Rep. Mike Stender (R-Northumberland/Montour), and other lawmakers will host a hearing titled “Removing Obstacles to Opportunity: Growing Pennsylvania’s Agriculture” to address permitting and regulations in the agriculture industry that unnecessarily cause delays and stymie Pennsylvania’s growth.
Feb. 26, 2024 /
HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) that would assist victims of domestic violence in Pennsylvania when applying for unemployment compensation (UC) benefits was unanimously approved by the House Labor and Industry Committee last week. House Bill 1446 now moves to the full House for consideration.
Feb. 26, 2024 /
HARRISBURG—Constituents of the 87th District are invited to join Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland) and members of the community for the dedication of the Route 34 Bridge over Mountain Creek in Mount Holly Springs Borough in memory of fallen firefighter and community hero Jerome Guise.
Feb. 23, 2024 /
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) Executive Director and CFO Robin Wiessmann and Deputy Executive Director and Chief Counsel Leonidas Pandeladis testified today before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on how the PHFA is improving their services after their high-profile failure with distributions from the Federal CARES Act for rent and mortgage relief programs. Additionally, Republicans asked for details on the Governor’s plan to spend more money through the PHFA in the PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, commonly referred to the “PHARE” program.
Feb. 23, 2024 /
Feb. 23, 2024 /
House Republicans focused their line of questioning on cost increases for the department, even though the prison population in Pennsylvania has been declining. Republicans also asked what the DOC can do to help counties deal with the recent increase in high-profile prison escapes and increases violent incidents.
Feb. 23, 2024 /
HARRISBURG -State Rep. Dallas Kephart (R-Clearfield/Cambria) is pleased to see Clearfield’s Joseph and Elizabeth Shaw Public Library receive statewide recognition.
Feb. 23, 2024 /
HARRISBURG – Rep. Stephenie Scialabba (R-Butler) announced that House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) appointed her to serve on the School Safety and Security Committee under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Feb. 23, 2024 /
Two long-serving leaders received special recognition for their work at a McWaPEC Counties Boroughs Association meeting held recently in Mount Jewett. George Hults of Coudersport was honored for his 30 years of service as a member of the Coudersport Borough Council.
Feb. 23, 2024 /
Feb. 22, 2024 /
Department of Agriculture (Ag) Secretary Russell Redding, and Executive Deputy Secretary Greg Hosttetter testified today before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on proposed spending increases for the Department and how these new dollars will directly help Pennsylvania farmers. Additionally, Republicans asked, and were again dismayed, at the lack of planning for another of the Governor’s key budget initiatives – adult-use cannabis regulated by the Department of Agriculture.
Feb. 22, 2024 /
House Republicans focused their questions on how the Department of Aging is meeting the needs of Pennsylvania’s growing elderly population. Additionally, Republicans asked why the department’s budget material provided no details on the $11.7 million request for the “Aging Our Way, PA” plan, and how this investment will reduce the need for more costly levels of care for the growing senior population. Republicans also asked pointed questions on the Department’s handling of reports of elder abuse and neglect, leading to frustrating replies from Sec. Kavulich.
Feb. 22, 2024 /
NEW CASTLE – The escalating drug crisis that has gripped communities not only in western Pennsylvania, but throughout the Commonwealth, was the focus of a House Republican Policy Committee hearing Tuesday in New Castle, Lawrence County. The hearing was hosted by Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence), along with committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington).
Feb. 22, 2024 /
HARRISBURG – Working to provide law enforcement officials with more tools in their arsenal to prosecute individuals on charges related to “swatting,” a dangerous act where a person places a hoax 911 alleging a hostage situation or other serious threat, a group of House Republicans announced they’ll introduce a series of bills.
Feb. 22, 2024 /
COUDERSPORT – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is inviting area residents to his upcoming “Coffee and Conversation” in Potter County for a discussion of state and local issues.
Feb. 22, 2024 /
COKEBURG– In response to growing concerns within the community, Rep. Bud Cook (R-Greene/Washington) and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened a hearing to discuss and strategize ways to prevent the potential drainage of the beloved Cokeburg Dam by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Feb. 21, 2024 /
Dr. Daniel Greenstein, the Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), testified today before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on the fiscal health of the 11 Universities under the PASSHE system. Additionally, Republicans asked about the potential issues with Governor Shapiro’s opaque “blueprint” for Higher Education and its impact on PASSHE schools.
Feb. 21, 2024 /
House Republicans focused their questions on the fiscal management of PEMA and how they are using their state and federal dollars to ensure Pennsylvania is prepared to handle emergencies.