Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Dept. of Insurance

Feb. 26, 2024 /

House Republicans focused their questions on the financial health of the Pennsylvania Insurance industry and how the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) is allocating its funding. Concerns were raised about the Governor’s proposal to transfer $50 million from the Workers’ Compensation Security Fund for the benefit of subsidizing low- and middle-income families’ health insurance premiums.

Hogan Introduces Bill to Protect Seniors from Financial Exploitation

Feb. 26, 2024 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Joe Hogan (Bucks) recently introduced House Bill 2064, which would protect seniors from financial exploitation by equipping financial institutions with the necessary tools for identifying, reporting, and preventing the financial exploitation of older adults and care-dependent individuals.

Removing Obstacles to Opportunity: Growing Pennsylvania’s Agriculture

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.

Budget Hearing Wrap with Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

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.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Dept. of Corrections and Probation and Parole Board

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.

Scialabba Appointed to School Safety and Security Committee

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.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Department of Agriculture

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.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Department of Aging

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.

Brown, Policy Committee Host Hearing on Pennsylvania’s Drug Crisis

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).

Republican Lawmakers to Introduce Bills Combatting Swatting

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.

Cook, Policy Committee Host Hearing to Address Threats to Cokeburg Dam's Vitality

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).

Budget Hearing with Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

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.

Mackenzie Proposes Comprehensive Election Reform Legislation

Feb. 21, 2024 /

HARRISBURG - Rep. Milou Mackenzie (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton) is proud to announce the introduction of two critical pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing the integrity and functionality of Pennsylvania's electoral processes. These bills propose significant amendments to the Pennsylvania Election Code, focusing on electronic voting systems and voting machines.

Stender Bill Would Give Fire Department Donation Option

Feb. 21, 2024 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Michael Stender (R-Northumberland/Montour) announced today he has introduced legislation that would give individuals the option to donate to their local fire departments when renewing their driver’s licenses or vehicle registration.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Department of Revenue

Feb. 20, 2024 /

For the second consecutive year under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, spending is poised to outpace revenue, leading House Republicans to question the fiscal stability of his proposal. Additionally, Republicans recited conversations with their constituents concerning the untimely processing of applications for Property Tax and Rent Rebates last year which resulted in an unnecessary delay of much needed relief for seniors.

Budget Hearing Wrap with Dept. of Community and Economic Development

Feb. 20, 2024 /

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, along with Executive Deputy Secretary Mike Hanna Jr., testified before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on many of the bloated and potentially wasteful spending proposals within DCED. This includes spending millions on new programs while cutting others with a track record of success at the same time