DiGirolamo Leads Committee Endorsement to Halt Agency Consolidation

Apr. 26, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Raising concerns about the impact upon Pennsylvania residents who rely on state services and programs, Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) today led the House Human Services Committee in reporting out legislation that would halt the merger of four state health-related departments into one immense agency until further studies can be done.

House Passes Moul Bill to Ease Burden on Charitable Groups

Apr. 26, 2017 /

HARRISBURG — The House this week passed legislation, sponsored by Rep. Dan Moul, which would enable volunteers of charitable organizations to produce fundraising mailers on behalf of the organization, without triggering burdensome annual state registration requirements.

Abuse of Your Tax Dollars

Apr. 26, 2017 /

In March, Sen. Rich Alloway (R-33), state Rep. Dan Moul (R-Gettysburg) and I joined House members from Lancaster and York counties for a meeting at the state Capitol with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Representatives from local governments were also in attendance to discuss the controversial Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC).

Reese Charter Education Reform Passes House

Apr. 25, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – A bill authored by Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland/Somerset) aimed at improving charter and cyber charter education in Pennsylvania was passed by the House on Tuesday.

Reese Spirits-To-Go Bill Garners House Approval

Apr. 25, 2017 /

HARRISBURG - Legislation to allow hotel and restaurant licensees to begin selling distilled spirits was passed Tuesday to continue efforts to improve consumer convenience for wine and spirit sales in the Commonwealth. Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland/Somerset) called his proposal, House Bill 438, another step to withdraw Pennsylvania from the business of selling alcohol.

Godshall Committee to Consider Surcharge to Defray Costs of Natural Gas Distribution

Apr. 25, 2017 /

WHAT: Rep. Robert Godshall (R-Montgomery), chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, will hold a public hearing on legislation he is sponsoring that would enable natural gas distribution companies to recover costs related to distribution system expansion. House Bill 107 would permit the distribution companies to assess a surcharge for this purpose with Public Utility Commission (PUC) approval.

Brown Designates April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Pennsylvania

Apr. 25, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – As sexual assault is the most underreported crime in the United States, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and law enforcement officials across the nation, Rep. Rosemary M. Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) sponsored House Resolution 134, which designates April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. An average of just 31 percent of rape and sexual assault incidents are estimated to be reported.

House Committee to Consider Possible Hunting and Fishing License Fee Increase Bills

Apr. 25, 2017 /

WHAT: The House Game and Fisheries Committee, chaired by state Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York), will meet to vote legislation that would give both the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) the authority to increase the cost of hunting and fishing licenses in Pennsylvania. Both commissions have expressed a need to raise the price of licenses.

Klunk’s Bingo Bill Unanimously Backed by Committee

Apr. 25, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation by Rep. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover) to modernize Pennsylvania’s antiquated Bingo Law was unanimously approved by the House Gaming Oversight Committee today and now heads to the full House for a vote.

Small Business Tax Fairness Package Passes Finance Committee

Apr. 25, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – On Tuesday, the House Finance Committee approved the Small Business Tax Fairness Package, which includes three House bills being sponsored by Reps. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland), Seth Grove (R-York) and Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland). Each of the bills passed with a 16-7 vote.

Human Services to Hold Hearing on Status of Newborn Screening Law

Apr. 25, 2017 /

WHAT: The House Human Services Committee will hold a public hearing on the status of the implementation of Act 148 of 2014, also known as Hannah’s Law, which expanded Pennsylvania’s program to screen newborns for a variety of genetic diseases and conditions. Early screening is imperative so that children can receive treatment as early as possible.

Kauffman Bill Offering Greater Protection to PA Children Passes State House

Apr. 24, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Following a tragic case in Franklin County involving the death of a young boy, Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), with the input of Franklin County District Attorney Matt Fogal, authored legislation to place stronger penalties on those who put children in harm’s way. House Bill 217 has been approved by the House of Representatives.

House Votes to Better Protect Children by Supporting Quigley’s Bill

Apr. 24, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – To bar predators who have assaulted children from attacking others, the House approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) that would enable them to face jail time. The bill would enhance the sentence for indecent exposure when the offense is committed in the presence of a person under the age of 16.