Knowles’ Bill to Withhold State Funding from Sanctuary Campuses Approved by State Government Committee

May. 10, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – On Tuesday, the House State Government Committee approved Rep. Jerry Knowles’ (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill) House Bill 14, which would prohibit any institution of higher education in Pennsylvania which deems itself a “sanctuary campus” from receiving state funding. Funding would be restored once the institution demonstrates compliance with the requirement of the law and provides proof the rule, order or policy has been rescinded.

Baker Works to Curb Drug Addiction by Regulating Pill Mills

May. 09, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – In his continuing fight against the growing drug problem in our state, chairman of the House Health Committee, Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) this week had his legislation to combat “pill mills” approved in the House of Representatives.

Gabler, Sankey Support Freedom of Choice in REAL ID Compliance Debate

May. 09, 2017 /

HARRISBURG- Legislation that would bring Pennsylvania into compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005 while offering citizens a choice of forms of identification was passed unanimously Monday by the House State Government Committee, which includes state Reps. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) and Tommy Sankey (R-Clearfield/Cambria). The bill may now be taken up by the full House.

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.