Measure to Enhance Statewide 2-1-1 System Passes Committee

May. 08, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – On Monday, the House Human Services Committee unanimously approved House Bill 211, which seeks to establish a statewide 2-1-1 System Partnership Grant Program within the Department of Human Services to facilitate dissemination of health and human service information. The bill is being sponsored by Committee Chairman Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) and Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland).

Human Services Committee to Consider Opioid, 2-1-1, Disability Bills

May. 05, 2017 /

WHAT: The House Human Services Committee, chaired by Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks), will hold a voting meeting to consider four proposals. House Bill 119 would create a certification process for recovery houses, also known as “sober houses” that receive taxpayer dollars; and House Bill 122 would establish the Pennsylvania Project Lazarus Commission to develop a best practices model for a comprehensive, community-based effort to consolidate overdose prevention efforts. Both are sponsored by Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne). The other two bills include House Bill 211 (sponsored by Rep. Stephen Bloom, R-Cumberland), which would enable the PA 2-1-1 system to enhance its services; and House Bill 875 (sponsored by Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Philadelphia), which would create the Office for People with Disabilities within the Office of the Governor. House Resolution 17 (sponsored by Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria), asks the federal government to limit children’s access to Oxycontin.

Speaker Turzai Opposes Wolf’s Tech Tax

May. 03, 2017 /

HARRISBURG - House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) issued the following statement regarding the proposed tax on computer services in Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2017-18:

Grove Statement on State’s Continued Revenue Shortfall

May. 02, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – The Department of Revenue delivered bleak news about Pennsylvania’s financial situation, stating tax revenue is short by more than $1 billion this fiscal year. In response, Rep. Seth Grove (R-Dover) issued the following statement:

Speaker Turzai to Celebrate National Charter Schools Week

May. 01, 2017 /

WHAT: In partnership with the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) will be visiting City Charter High School in Pittsburgh to help celebrate the role that high-quality public charter schools play in Pennsylvania. Turzai will take questions from the media at the event.

Bill to Protect Second Amendment Rights Passes House, Causer Says

Apr. 26, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Working to ensure the gun rights of law-abiding citizens are protected, the state House today approved legislation to combat illegal efforts by local governments to enact their own gun regulations, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint).

Speaker Turzai Attends White House Executive Order Signing

Apr. 26, 2017 /

HARRISBURG - Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) today attended an executive order signing with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in the White House Roosevelt Room. The event highlighted the concept of federalism, returning powers to states and local communities, especially in the area of education.

Efforts to Help Babies, Mothers with Opioid Dependence Focus of House Hearing, Watson Says

Apr. 26, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – In continuing its efforts to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic’s impact on children and infants, the House Children and Youth Committee today heard from a range of medical experts and state officials on current programs and services to treat mothers addicted to opioids and babies born dependent on the drug, said Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks/144th), committee chairman.

Topper Bill to Rename Bridge for POW Approved in House

Apr. 26, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – The House approved on Wednesday legislation, House Bill 303, authored by Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Franklin/Fulton) to rename a Bedford County bridge in memory of a Korean War hero and prisoner of war, U.S. Army PFC William Glenn Koontz.

Dowling Supports Bill to Protect Second Amendment Rights

Apr. 26, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania gun owners would be protected against locally enacted restrictions on guns and ammunition under legislation approved today in the state House, said Rep. Matt Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset).