Government Gone Wild

Apr. 05, 2017 /

When the General Assembly is not in session, members of the House and Senate spend a significant amount of time examining both existing legislation that may soon be coming up for a vote and issues in need of a legislative “fix.” Last week, I joined a number of my House and Senate colleagues in Harrisburg to examine an ongoing problem that is begging to be addressed legislatively.

House Adopts Toohil’s “Donate Life Month” Resolution

Apr. 05, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives today unanimously adopted House Resolution 209, legislation sponsored by Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) that designates April 2017 as “National Donate Life Month” in Pennsylvania.

Leaders Laud Passage of Debt Reform and Reduction Measure

Apr. 05, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – A measure aimed at reducing Pennsylvania’s debt burden passed the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration, Appropriations Chairman Stan Saylor (R-York) and Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) said today.

House Approves Mackenzie Bill to Provide Better Protection of Local Tax Dollars

Apr. 05, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Local tax collectors take on a great responsibility and work many hours ensuring proper collection of taxes; however, with little clarity in current law as to best practices, mistakes and misuse of the system can occur. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh/Berks) has crafted legislation approved by the House of Representatives to correct current oversights in the law.

Watson’s Task Force on Opioid Impact on Children Earns House Approval

Apr. 05, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – As a way to help address the growing number of babies born addicted to opioids and to better protect children living in homes with addicted parents, the House unanimously endorsed a proposal today to establish a task force to study the impact of the crisis on infants and young children, said Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks/144th), sponsor of the proposal.

Mako Votes in Favor of House Budget

Apr. 05, 2017 /

HARRISBURG — Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) joined his colleagues in approving a $31.52 billion Fiscal Year 2017-18 state budget on Tuesday. He issued the followed statement in response:

Irvin Supports State Budget Plan That Cuts Spending, Dedicates Funding to School Students

Apr. 05, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Mifflin/Centre) offered the following statement after joining the majority of his colleagues in the House of Representatives on Tuesday in passing a $31.52 billion state budget proposal that funds the core functions of government, doesn’t raise taxes, and continues to invest additional dollars in areas such as education and human services:

Toohil Supports Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Bill

Apr. 05, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) today joined a majority of her House colleagues in passing legislation to restore mandatory minimum sentences for drug and gun offenses in Pennsylvania.

Rader Pleased With Budget Progress

Apr. 04, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jack Rader (R-Monroe) today issued the following statement after the House voted 114-84 to pass House Bill 218, the 2017-18 budget bill:

Metzgar Bill to Repeal Death Tax on Children Passes House

Apr. 04, 2017 /

HARRISBURG - – The House of Representatives today advanced legislation, sponsored by Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Bedford/Somerset), to eliminate the inheritance tax rate for transfers of property from a parent to a child age 21 or younger. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Jozwiak Backs Budget Approved in State House

Apr. 04, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) today issued the following statement after voting for the state budget that was approved by the state House and now makes its way to the state Senate for consideration:

McGinnis Rejects House Budget Bill for Failing to Address Pension Crisis

Apr. 04, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. John McGinnis (R-Blair) today voted against House Bill 218, the budget bill for fiscal year 2017-18 which was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 114-84. The spending plan totals $31.52 billion, which is $815 million less than Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposal, and includes no tax increases or borrowing.

Ortitay Pleased with House Budget Plan

Apr. 04, 2017 /

HARRISBURG — Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in response to the House passing a $31.52 billion Fiscal Year 2017-18 state budget:

Gillen Votes for Budget Bill Advanced by House

Apr. 04, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks/Lancaster) today in Harrisburg released the following statement after voting in favor of the budget bill approved by the state House:

James Votes for Budget Approved by House

Apr. 04, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Butler) today issued the following statement after voting for the state budget bill approved by the House that now heads to the state Senate: