Greiner, Rafferty and MADD to Discuss Ignition Interlock Legislation

Jun. 07, 2016 /

WHAT: State Rep. Keith Greiner (R-Lancaster), State Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery/Chester), representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other advocacy groups will hold a news conference to discuss the state’s new ignition interlock law, Act 33 of 2016, including how the law will be implemented, specific provisions, and public education efforts. The law, passed in May after six years of effort and advocacy, would require most first-time offenders of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) to install ignition interlocks on their vehicles for at least one year.

School Safety Bill Advances, Says Staats

Jun. 06, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation coauthored by Rep. Craig Staats (R-Bucks), Rep. Gary Day (R-Berks, Lehigh) and Rep. Sid Kavulich (D-Lackawanna), which would require public schools to complete one school security drill annually, advanced this week out of the House Education Committee.

First Phase of Medical Marijuana Program Announced, Says Helm

Jun. 03, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Health has started working on temporary regulations in order to implement the state’s new medical marijuana program, said Rep. Sue Helm (R-Dauphin/Lebanon). In addition, the department will be seeking input from the public, stakeholders and partners throughout the implementation process.

Bipartisan Bill Would Prohibit Inmate Access to ‘Pen Pal’ Websites

Jun. 02, 2016 /

ARRISBURG—Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny), together with Rep. Dom Costa (D-Allegheny), recently introduced legislation to prohibit Pennsylvania inmates from placing advertisements on so-called “pen pal” websites and similar venues, either directly or with the assistance of third parties.

First Phase of Medical Marijuana Program Announced, Says Toohil

Jun. 02, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Health has started working on temporary regulations in order to implement the state’s new medical marijuana program, said Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne). In addition, the department will be seeking input from the public, stakeholders and partners throughout the implementation process.

Baker Says State’s Expanded Drug Monitoring Program Finally Set to Launch

Jun. 01, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – According to the state Department of Health, the Commonwealth’s newly improved prescription drug monitoring program is set to launch this summer, giving doctors, pharmacists and law enforcement more information to tackle Pennsylvania’s growing prescription drug abuse epidemic, announced Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter), House Health Committee chairman.

House Policy Committee to Examine Drug Epidemic, Addiction Services

Jun. 01, 2016 /

WHAT: Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee, is hosting a hearing to get a glimpse into the severity of the state’s drug problem, what measures are being used to combat addiction, and what other tools and services communities may need in order to address the growing epidemic.

Kaufer, House Policy Committee to Examine Drug Epidemic, Addiction Services

May. 31, 2016 /

WHAT: Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) and the House Majority Policy Committee are hosting a hearing to get a glimpse into the severity of the state’s drug problem, what measures are being used to combat addiction, and what other tools and services communities may need in order to address the growing epidemic.

Quigley Asks Governor to Support Fair Education Funding Formula

May. 26, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – To distribute state education dollars in a viable and fair manner, this week Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) supported a new funding formula for basic education as recommended by the Basic Education Funding Commission to Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts. An overwhelming majority of the House joined him in the strong, bipartisan vote.

Saylor Invites Wolf to Join Legislature in Passing Six-Pack Law - Says legislative action needed on issue currently before the courts

May. 26, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York) today applauded Gov. Tom Wolf for demonstrating real leadership on the behalf of consumers seeking greater choice in the labyrinth of Pennsylvania’s archaic liquor-control laws when he sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) on Tuesday asking it to allow six-pack sales of beer at convenience stores and gas stations.

House Adopts Resolution Honoring Port Allegany

May. 25, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – With Port Allegany set to celebrate its bicentennial next month, the state House has unanimously approved a resolution commemorating the event, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), prime sponsor of the resolution.

Maloney’s “Share the Road” Legislation Headed to Gov. Wolf’s Desk

May. 24, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Today, the House voted to send Rep. David Maloney’s (R-Berks) “Share the Road” legislation to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk for his signature. The legislation, House Bill 150, would generate revenue to help pay for an unfunded federal mandate that directed PennDOT to establish the position of bicycle and pedestrian coordinator.

Grove, Wagner Release Taxpayers’ Caucus Report, Identify $3 Billion in Savings

May. 24, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) and Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) today released a comprehensive report from the bicameral Taxpayers’ Caucus, aimed at finding savings and efficiencies in state government. The report details over $3 billion in potential savings to taxpayers—$300 million more than Gov. Wolf proposed in tax hikes for the 2016-17 fiscal year.

Brown Announces ‘District of Character’ Initiative

May. 24, 2016 /

EAST STROUDSBURG – Rep. Rosemary M. Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) is announcing a new initiative in the 189th District, which she has dubbed the “District of Character.” As a way to kick off this initiative, she has sponsored House Resolution 897, which designates May 22-28 as “Character Development Reminder Week” in Pennsylvania.