Ortitay Appointed to Gaming Oversight Committee

Oct. 13, 2015 /

HARRISBURG—Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) was recently appointed to serve on the House Gaming Oversight Committee, which has legislative oversight of local small games of chance and bingo, local disbursement of casino gambling revenues, and the operations and regulations of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

The Budget Saga Continues

Oct. 13, 2015 /

The Pennsylvania General Assembly sent Gov. Tom Wolf a no-tax-increase, balanced budget on June 30, which was the deadline for a budget to be in place for the 2015-16 fiscal year; yet, here we are in October with still no budget agreement. What happened?

Barrar and Veteran Committees Host Gen. Frank J. Grass

Oct. 13, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, participated in a joint informational meeting with both the House and Senate veterans committees held in conjunction with a visit of one of the president’s important military advisors. During his visit to the Capitol, Gen. Frank J. Grass, a four star general, provided the committees with valuable information relating to the National Guard and the structure of the force.

Grove Legislation Approved by House

Oct. 13, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – House Bill 323 sponsored by State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) was passed by the House of Representatives this week. The legislation would improve Pennsylvania’s business climate by authorizing the creation of specialized commerce courts in the Superior Court and Court of Common Pleas across the Commonwealth.

Medical Cannabis Task Force Report Being Reviewed by House

Oct. 09, 2015 /

For the past several months, a task force made up of 14 members of the House, including myself, has been working diligently on a report designed to make recommendations on legalizing medical cannabis in Pennsylvania to the General Assembly. I am happy to report the recommendations have been submitted for review and to be prepared for legislation to be offered to both chambers in the Capitol.

State House Again Defeats Wolf Tax Increase, Say Emrick

Oct. 08, 2015 /

HARRISBURG - State Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Nazareth) joined the majority of his House colleagues today in turning aside Gov. Tom Wolf’s attempt to raise taxes by $3.8 billion over two years. In pursuing what would have been the largest tax increase in Pennsylvania history, the governor proposed increasing the Personal Income Tax (PIT) from 3.07 percent to 3.57 percent and imposing an estimated 14 percent total severance tax that included 3.5 percent on natural gas drillers and an additional 4.7 cents per 1,000 cubic feet (equal to an additional 5 percent tax) on top of the existing impact fee.

Toepel Shields Commonwealth Residents from Broad-Based Tax Increases

Oct. 08, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery) joined the majority of her colleagues in the state House today as they voted against the broad-based taxes contained in Gov. Tom Wolf’s tax plan that would have resulted in billions of dollars of taxes for residents of the Commonwealth by raising the Personal Income Tax (PIT) by 16 percent. The House vote was 127 to 73.

State House Again Defeats Wolf Tax Increase, Say Hahn

Oct. 08, 2015 /

HARRISBURG - State Rep. Marcia Hahn (R-Wind Gap) joined the majority of her House colleagues Wednesday in defeating Gov. Tom Wolf’s attempt to raise taxes by $3.8 billion over two years. In pursuing what would have been the largest tax increase in Pennsylvania history, the governor proposed increasing the Personal Income Tax (PIT) from 3.07 percent to 3.57 percent and imposing an estimated 14 per cent total severance tax when factoring in the existing impact fee.

Brown Votes Against Proposed Tax Increases

Oct. 08, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – On Wednesday, Rep. Rosemary M. Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) joined the majority of her House colleagues in voting “no” against drastically raising taxes on Pennsylvania families. Following the vote, Brown issued the statement below:

Ortitay Votes to Protect Taxpayers from Wolf Tax Hikes

Oct. 08, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) today joined the majority of his colleagues in the House in defeating Gov. Tom Wolf’s tax hikes, which would have primarily impacted middle-class families and small businesses with a 16 percent increase in the Personal Income Tax.

Real Solutions Needed, Not Higher Taxes, Warner Says

Oct. 08, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Today, Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) joined his colleagues in the House in defeating Gov. Tom Wolf’s $3.8 billion tax hike, which included a 16 percent Personal Income Tax increase on the working people of Pennsylvania.

Benninghoff Votes No To Tax Increases, Calls for Responsible Budget

Oct. 08, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) today voted against a 16 percent tax hike on working people and small businesses, and called for Gov. Tom Wolf and legislators in Harrisburg to get serious about ending the impasse with real, responsible solutions that reduce the cost of government.

Marshall Votes to Defeat Wolf’s Tax Plan

Oct. 08, 2015 /

HARRISBURG– Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver/Butler) today voted to defeat Gov. Tom Wolf’s tax increase on middle-class, working families and small businesses, and the largest severance tax in the nation.

Pickett Says ‘No’ to Increased Taxes on PA Residents

Oct. 08, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) said today she could not vote in favor of the governor’s multi-billion dollar tax hike – a plan that would doubly hurt residents and small businesses along the Northern Tier in the 110th District.

Reese Rejects Tax Increase Attempt in House

Oct. 08, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland/Somerset) today issued the following statement after legislation containing tax increases totaling $3.8 billion over two years was soundly defeated on the House floor with a bipartisan, 73 to 127 vote.