Watson Applauds House Approval of Adoption Reforms

Jun. 21, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation that seeks to make the process easier for would-be parents to adopt children in Pennsylvania passed the state House today, said Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks/144th), author of one of the measures and chairman of the House Children and Youth Committee.

Bill Ending Monopoly of UCC Inspection Process Advances, Says Heffley

Jun. 21, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – A measure introduced by Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) to amend the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and ensure property owners have convenience and choice when working with Uniform Construction Code (UCC) inspectors passed out of the House Labor and Industry Committee by a bipartisan vote of 20-7 on Monday, June 13.

House Advances Moul Bill to Ease Burden on Charities

Jun. 21, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – By a unanimous vote, the House today advanced legislation sponsored by Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams) that would ease the regulatory and financial burden on volunteer charitable organizations by expanding the exemption on charities required to register with the state.

Ortitay Online Education Bill Passes State House

Jun. 20, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jason Ortitay’s (R-Washington/Allegheny) legislation to increase online learning opportunities in the Commonwealth gained bipartisan support today from the House of Representatives.

Parker Issues Statement on Equity First

Jun. 16, 2016 /

Recently, two statewide organizations with missions pledged to support the highest ideals of Pennsylvania K-12 education took an opportunity to widely misrepresent my proposed legislation, House Bill 2111, and Equity First, a noble effort to help 900,000 children get fair Basic Education funding faster than 25 years from now.

Stolen Valor Bill Advances, Says Saccone

Jun. 16, 2016 /

HARRISBURG — A bill introduced by Rep. Rick Saccone (R-Allegheny/Washington) which would protect the valor and integrity of America’s veterans this week advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Observed at Capitol, Says Hennessey

Jun. 16, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – At a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg Wednesday, Rep. Tim Hennessey (R-Chester/Montgomery), chairman of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, was joined by Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne and others to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Bill to Keep Coal Jobs Heads to Governor’s Desk, Says Reed

Jun. 15, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – In a bipartisan vote, legislation authored by Sen. Don White (R-Armstrong, Butler, Indiana and Westmoreland counties) aimed at protecting family-sustaining jobs is headed to the desk of Gov. Tom Wolf for signature, Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana County) announced today.

Gabler, Sankey Support Commonsense Pension Reform

Jun. 15, 2016 /

HARRISBURG - State Reps. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) and Tommy Sankey (R-Clearfield/Cambria) voted Tuesday with a bipartisan majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass legislation that will reform the state’s public sector pension plans for future state and school district employees in the Commonwealth. Senate Bill 1071, which passed the House by a vote of 136-59, would create a stacked-hybrid pension plan for future employees while preserving the current defined benefit system for current retirees and current employees, who will see no change in their benefits.