Ortitay Bill Would Erase Expired, Job-Killing Tax from Tax Code

Feb. 17, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) recently introduced legislation, House Bill 1839, to formally remove language regarding the now expired Capital Stock and Foreign Franchise Tax (CSFT) from the state tax code. Before it expired in 2015, the CSFT was imposed on corporations with capital stock, joint-stock associations, limited liability companies, business trusts, and other companies doing business within Pennsylvania.

Gabler, Sankey Applaud Supreme Court Decision On Alleged ‘Clean Power Plan’

Feb. 12, 2016 /

CLEARFIELD – The United States Supreme Court decision to delay implementation of the federally mandated “Clean Power Plan” is being praised by state Reps. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) and Tommy Sankey (R-Clearfield/Cambria), both members of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The ruling stalls President Barack Obama’s attempt to impose carbon dioxide emissions limits on existing power plants.

Bloom, Grove File Suit to Stop Wolf’s Illegal Power Grab

Feb. 12, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – State Reps. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland) and Seth Grove (R-York) today announced they have taken legal action to prevent closure of the Pennsylvania Employee Retirement Commission (PERC) by Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration, in Commonwealth Court.

Benninghoff Votes to Restore Wolf Budget Cuts

Feb. 12, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed three appropriation bills that would begin to restore the cuts enacted by Gov. Tom Wolf when he signed the state budget into law on Dec. 29. The legislation, which received bipartisan support, would provide critical funding to Pennsylvania’s state prisons, child advocacy centers and hospital burn centers, said Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin).

Barrar Calls Gov. Wolf to Sign Bill Exempting Military from Earned Income Tax

Feb. 11, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), majority chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, commends the Senate for unanimously passing legislation this week to benefit military personnel. As the House passed the bill in June 2015, it will now be presented to the governor for his signature.

House Committee Studies Christiana Bill to License PA Plumbers

Feb. 11, 2016 /

HARRISBURG — In an effort to ensure safety of public water supplies and increase consumer protection, the House Professional Licensure Committee today heard testimony from Pennsylvania plumbers on the importance of a state licensing program for the trade, said Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver/Washington), author of a bill to establish such a program.

York County House Republicans Vote to Support Investigation Into Attorney General Kane

Feb. 11, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – The York County House Republican delegation voted today to support an investigation by the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts to look into allegations made in the past few months against Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane. House Resolution 659 authored by Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming/Union) passed on a vote of 170-12.

Rep. Taylor, Sen. Browne Announce Legislation Creating Recovery High School

Feb. 11, 2016 /

PHILADELPHIA-- Standing with parents and the principal of the Bridge Way School in Philadelphia, Rep. John Taylor (R-Philadelphia) and Sen. Pat Browne (D-Lehigh) announced companion legislation being introduced in the House of Representatives and the state Senate to establish a four-year pilot recovery high school program for students in recovery from substance use disorder.

House Passes Mackenzie Measure to Restore Burn Center Funding

Feb. 10, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – During his line-item veto of the 2015-16 budget passed by the Legislature in December, Gov. Tom Wolf eliminated $3.78 million in funding for Pennsylvania hospital burn units. Today, the Pennsylvania House approved House Bill 1803, introduced by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Berks/Lehigh), to restore the governor’s cuts. The final vote was 117-61.

Ward Champions Safety of Health Care Workers

Feb. 10, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today approved legislation authored by Rep. Judy Ward (R-Blair) that would increase the protection of health care workers who are assaulted during the performance of their duties.

Keller’s Bill Clarifying Definition of Autocycle Passed by House

Feb. 10, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry/Cumberland) that would clarify the definition of an autocycle today was unanimously approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. House Bill 1797 will next be considered by the Senate.

Stephens to Chair Impeachment Investigation into Attorney General Kane

Feb. 10, 2016 /

HARRISBURG—Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery), a former prosecutor, is the Majority Chairman of the House subcommittee investigating whether Attorney General Kathleen Kane should face Articles of Impeachment. The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly (170-12) to authorize an impeachment investigation into General Kane’s conduct. Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery) is the minority chairman of the subcommittee.

House Votes to Restore Funding to Child Advocacy Centers, Toepel Says

Feb. 10, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Today the House voted 127 to 53 in favor of legislation authored by Rep. Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery) to restore critical funding to child advocacy centers that Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed from the 2015-16 budget. House Bill 1802, which passed with bipartisan support, would restore $1 million for centers across the Commonwealth.