Corbin Bill Would Close Domestic Violence Loophole

Oct. 28, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Flanked by fellow legislators, top prosecutors from across the state, and victims’ rights advocates, Rep. Becky Corbin (R-Chester) today held a news conference at the Capitol to urge passage of legislation she has introduced that would make strangulation a felony in Pennsylvania.

Fee’s Bill Declares Independence for State Inspector General Post

Oct. 27, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – In order to ensure the independence of the inspector general role, Rep. Mindy Fee (R-Manheim) has introduced legislation to establish the watchdog post by law, and to define the process by which an inspector general would be nominated and confirmed. Fee’s legislation passed the House State Government Committee today.

Hahn, House Committee Advance Welfare Abuse Legislation

Oct. 27, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Marcia Hahn (R-Bushkill) joined the majority of her colleagues on the House Health Committee Monday in passing legislation to address cases of welfare fraud that cross state lines. House Bill 1322, which received bipartisan support, may now be taken up by the full House.

Do You Know What’s In Your Milk Check? Time for Accountability on State Milk Premiums

Oct. 26, 2015 /

Here’s a question: How much of your last milk check came from the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board Over-Order Premium? The premium established by the state for your benefit as a dairy farmer. Can you tell if it benefits you? The truth is, many Pennsylvania dairy farmers don’t know. That’s a problem that needs to be addressed.

More Jobs, Not Higher Taxes

Oct. 26, 2015 /

You’ve probably heard about the Marcellus Shale, but did you know Pennsylvania is leading America’s shale revolution? We’re creating jobs and consumer energy savings, revitalizing manufacturing, and providing a revenue boost to the state as well as to local and county governments, all while enhancing our environment.

DiGirolamo to Convene Meeting of PIAA Legislative Oversight Committee

Oct. 26, 2015 /

WHAT: Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks), chairman of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Legislative Oversight Committee, will hear from Dr. Robert Lombardi, executive director of the PIAA, regarding the association’s continued compliance with Act 91 of 2009 and to adopt its annual report.

Kaufer’s Plan to Address Residency Requirements for Public Assistance Passes House Health Committee

Oct. 26, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – To help ensure that every dollar of public assistance is used to help the truly needy who reside in Pennsylvania, Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) is sponsoring House Bill 1322, which would require applicants for general assistance to disclose previous states in which they have collected public assistance. His bill would also require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to notify other states of the change in residency of the applicant. The measure passed the House Health Committee with bipartisan support, a vote of 18-7, on Monday.

Debt Commission Bills Pass House, Lawrence Says

Oct. 23, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The House this week passed two bills that would reduce the state’s debt and require more efficient and transparent use of taxpayer dollars through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) and Public Improvement Projects (PIP) programs.

Adams-York House Delegation Supports Debt Reduction Legislation

Oct. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Two pieces of legislation that would reduce the state’s debt and require more efficient and transparent use of taxpayer dollars through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) were passed by the state House today. House Bill 928 limits the amount of outstanding obligations for existing redevelopment assistance projects to $2.95 billion, while House Bill 930 limits the amount of debt taken on by new projects to $125 million per year while also capping debt for public improvement projects at $350 million per year.

Hickernell Bill Making it Easier for Foster Children to Participate in Out-of-Home Activities Passes House

Oct. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Today, legislation authored by Rep. Dave Hickernell (R-Lancaster/Dauphin) to benefit foster children was approved by the House of Representatives. The bill would authorize the caregivers of children and youth who are in out-of-home placement (i.e., foster care) to approve or disapprove their foster child’s participation in age-appropriate extracurricular, family and social activities without prior approval or disapproval of that participation from the county child welfare agency, private placement agency, or the court.

Grove Reminds Drivers of School Bus Safety Laws

Oct. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG –School districts, law enforcement agencies, school transportation providers and PennDOT are reminding drivers of Pennsylvania’s school bus safety laws with Operation Safe Stop, an awareness and enforcement event held across the Commonwealth as a part of National School Bus Safety Week, which runs from Oct. 19-23, said State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York).

Judiciary Committee Moves Legislation to Introduce a Merit Selection System for Statewide Appellate Courts in Pennsylvania

Oct. 20, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – In order to change the way statewide appellate court judges are chosen by replacing partisan judicial elections with a merit selection system, House Judiciary Committee Majority Chairman Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) moved legislation to introduce a constitutional amendment that would do just that during the Judiciary Committee’s scheduled weekly voting meeting.