Criminal Justice Reform -The Right Thing to Do

Jan. 02, 2020 /

I am a conservative, white Republican lawmaker from a predominantly white, conservative Republican district. I won my election to serve the 93rd District because I reflect the views of those who voted for me. I am pro-business, pro-life, pro-gun, pro-law-enforcement and by no means soft on crime. I support life imprisonment for violent murderers, rapists, and child abusers and the death penalty for the worst of those offenders.

My New Year’s Resolution to You

Dec. 31, 2019 /

About a year ago, I was fortunate enough to have been sworn in to represent the people of the 193rd Legislative District in the state House of Representatives. I often reflect on the responsibility you have entrusted to me and want to take a moment to renew that commitment.

Rigby to Host Concealed Carry Seminar

Dec. 30, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania easily leads the nation with more than one million concealed carry permits having been issued to citizens. What concerns state Rep. Jim Rigby (R-Johnstown) is ensuring permit holders are aware of their responsibilities.

Keller Announces Intention to Retire

Dec. 26, 2019 /

HARRISBUG, Pa. – Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry) released the following statement Thursday regarding his decision to not seek re-election.

Schmitt, Ward Announce Job-Training Grant Funding for Youth

Dec. 20, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – To assist with providing young adults who were once in the justice system with educational and skills-building opportunities to better prepare them for good jobs and successful careers, Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) announced the Southern Alleghenies Workforce Development Board is the recipient of a $492,509 Youth Reentry Demonstration Project grant through the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I).

Metcalfe Employee Stock Ownership Plan Enhancement Legislation Earns House Approval

Dec. 20, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) to further enhance the many benefits and advantages that Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) have for Commonwealth family-owned businesses, employees, communities and the economy was adopted 130 - 67 by the Pennsylvania House on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Irvin to Host Robert E. Gensimore Memorial Bridge Dedication Ceremony

Dec. 20, 2019 /

WHAT: Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin) will host a bridge dedication ceremony for local PennDOT employee Robert Gensimore, who was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 17, 2018. The bridge is located along State Route 453 in Tyrone Township, Blair County. Irvin authored the legislation to name the bridge, which was signed into law as part of Act 59 of 2019.

House Approves Bill to Protect Health Care Workers, Gillespie Announces

Dec. 17, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam) today announced that the House of Representatives has passed his bill, House Bill 1879, which would amend Title 18 to add “health care practitioners” to the list of protected classes in the event of an assault. Under the bill, the penalty for an assault on a health care practitioner, while in the performance of duty, would be increased from a misdemeanor to a felony of the second degree.

Causer Applauds Passage of Pro-Dairy Bills

Dec. 17, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Continuing the commitment to strengthening the state’s dairy industry, the House has approved two bills designed to boost dairy markets and ensure struggling dairy farmers receive their milk premiums, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

Dowling’s Bills to Honor Local Heroes Pass Committee

Dec. 17, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – The House Transportation Committee unanimously approved two bills drafted by Rep. Matthew Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset) that would honor two local veterans for their service to the country.

House Committee Voted to Keep Polk Center Open, James Says

Dec. 17, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Butler) announced that the House Health Committee made a monumental vote today to keep Polk and White Haven state centers open, despite Gov. Tom Wolf’s call to close them both. The closures he requested would evict residents against their will and result in the loss of nearly 1,100 jobs in an area that is already struggling economically.