House Acts to Expand COVID-19 Testing in PA

May. 04, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation prioritizing COVID-19 testing for first responders, medical professionals and vulnerable populations passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives earlier today by a vote of 201-1.

House Acts to Protect Mental Health Coverage During Pandemic

May. 04, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – As the stay-at-home order, business shutdown and many other implications of COVID-19 continue to put a strain on the lives of every Pennsylvanian, the House acted today to ensure insurance coverage for mental health benefits is equal to benefits for medical or surgical coverage.

Lawrence Bill to Expand Coronavirus Testing Passes House

May. 04, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation prioritizing COVID-19 testing for first responders, medical professionals and vulnerable populations passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives earlier today by a vote of 201-1.

Murt Bill to Improve Mental Health Parity Passes House

May. 04, 2020 /

HARRISBURG—The House has passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Tom Murt (R-Montgomery/Philadelphia) to require insurance companies show the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance that they are offering mental health coverage with the same parity as they do coverage for physical illness.

Schmitt Bill to Protect Police Officers Sent to House for a Vote

May. 04, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – The House Judiciary Committee today approved legislation by Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) to protect police officers from being assaulted with bodily fluids, such as spit. The bill also carries a heavier penalty for people who have an infectious disease and are convicted of assaulting an officer with bodily fluids.

Struzzi Bill to Protect Victims with Disabilities Passes Judiciary Committee

May. 04, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – The House Judiciary Committee today took steps to strengthen protections for people with physical and intellectual disabilities by passing House Bill 2056, authored by Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana). This bill would charge any individual who intentionally causes bodily injury to a person with a physical or intellectual disability with aggravated assault, a felony of the second degree. Currently, the law dictates that “serious bodily injury” is necessary for charges to be elevated beyond misdemeanor simple assault.

Ryan Introduces Bill to Freeze Pay for Public Officials

May. 04, 2020 /

HARRISBURG - Rep. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon) has introduced legislation to freeze Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for Pennsylvania public officials through 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial turmoil it is causing at all levels of government and in the lives of Pennsylvania residents.

Turzai to Rivera: What’s the Plan to Bring Kids Back to the Classroom?

May. 04, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Responding to the state education secretary’s assertion that schools may be closed in the fall, in a letter Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) demanded the Wolf Administration share its plan to ensure Pennsylvania’s students return to school in the fall and continue, uninterrupted, their education.

Kail Responds to Wolf’s Plan to Reopen Part of PA

May. 01, 2020 /

CENTER – Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to move to the next phase of reopening in the northwest and north central regions of the state:

Irvin Issues Statement on Gov. Wolf’s Reopening Process

May. 01, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin) issued the following statement following Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement of which regions and counties would move into the “yellow phase” under his reopening plan.

Kail Responds to Wolf’s Plan to Reopen Part of PA

May. 01, 2020 /

CENTER – Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to move to the next phase of reopening in the northwest and north central regions of the state:

Why Not the Southwest, Turzai Asks

May. 01, 2020 /

McCANDLESS, Allegheny County – Following the governor’s announcement of moving 23 Pennsylvania counties from the very restricted red phase to the beginning-to-open yellow phase, Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) today questioned why southwest counties were not included?

Rowe, Phillips-Hill Letter to U.S. Attorney General Applauds Federal Review of State Shutdown Policies

May. 01, 2020 /

HARRISBURG - Leading the effort in the House, Rep. David Rowe (Snyder/Union) together with his Republican Caucus colleagues in the House and Senate led by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) wrote to U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr in support of the Department of Justice’s directive to monitor state and local COVID-19 shutdown policies to ensure the protection of the constitutional rights of American citizens.

Heffley Blasts Wolf for Vetoing Telemedicine Bill

May. 01, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of Senate Bill 857, legislation that would have enhanced the availability of telemedicine services in Pennsylvania.