House, Senate Agriculture Committees to Discuss Avian Influenza Preparedness

Aug. 18, 2015 /

WHAT: The House and Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees, chaired by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence), will hold an informational meeting to discuss the state’s preparedness for the potential spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza to Pennsylvania. The meeting is being held in conjunction with the annual Ag Progress Days.

Putting an End to the ‘Raise Your Taxes’ Campaign

Aug. 17, 2015 /

There is an old expression that summarizes the current status of the Pennsylvania budget impasse: “the silence is deafening.” This is true in terms of actual, physical negotiations that could lead to a settlement of the budget, which would enable social services to continue and schools to be funded.

Watson Signs on to Kane Impeachment Resolution

Aug. 12, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – After weighing all the circumstances surrounding the criminal case against Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane, Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks) has signed on to co-sponsor House Resolution 435, which calls for the statewide elected official’s impeachment.

Dush Confirms Revised Child Protection Laws Now in Full Effect

Aug. 12, 2015 /

BROOKVILLE – A new state law supported by state Rep. Cris Dush (R-Jefferson/Indiana) waives the two $10 background check fees for volunteers and reduces the fee for employees in Pennsylvania who have direct and routine contact with children.

Upper Susquehanna Valley Lawmakers Tell the Truth about Governor Wolf’s Budget

Aug. 10, 2015 /

WHAT: A news conference to discuss Gov. Tom Wolf’s created budget impasse, along with its expected impact on constituents and local social services. The lawmakers will also reiterate their opposition to the governor’s $13 billion tax increase over two years on Pennsylvania’s working families, and the impact of a potential natural gas severance tax on local businesses.

Step Aside Ms. Kane, House Majority Leader Says

Aug. 07, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – House Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana) called for Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane to step aside in the wake of criminal charges being filed against her on Thursday. Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman charged Kane with perjury, false swearing, abuse of office, obstruction and contempt of court for allegedly leaking secret information to a Philadelphia newspaper and then lying to a grand jury about it.

A Sad Day for Our Commonwealth

Aug. 07, 2015 /

Last Thursday, criminal charges were brought against Pennsylvania’s attorney general, Kathleen Kane. The charges, that Ms. Kane used her office to leak grand jury material in order to damage a political opponent, are quite serious and stem from an investigation by Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman.

Marsico Calls on Attorney General Kane to Resign

Aug. 06, 2015 /

HARRISBURG –Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has called on Attorney General Kathleen Kane to resign, after being charged today. In doing so, he released the following statement:

Bloom Says Kane Should Step Down

Aug. 06, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland) issued this statement following news of the indictment of Attorney General Kathleen Kane on several criminal charges:

Topper says Background Check Fees Waived for Volunteers

Aug. 04, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – A new state law supported by state Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Franklin/Fulton) waives the two $10 background check fees for volunteers and reduces the fee for employees in Pennsylvania who have direct and routine contact with children.

Budget Stalemate is About Priorities, Not Politics

Aug. 03, 2015 /

When I talk to people about the state budget and the current stalemate, many of them voice frustration over what they see as a partisan political battle. While I understand their frustrations, I want to be clear that this budget stalemate is not about politics. It’s about priorities.

Opinion: The Campaign is Over. Let’s Get to Work.

Aug. 03, 2015 /

We are now several weeks into the state’s fiscal year with no signed budget and education funding in the balance. So why is Gov. Tom Wolf traveling the state campaigning for an already rejected budget proposal? It’s time to get off the campaign trail and get serious about working on a budget that moves Pennsylvania forward.

State Budget Facts vs. Fiction

Jul. 31, 2015 /

One month has passed since Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the state budget. The goal should be to enact a budget built upon fact versus one built on the propaganda being circulated by the governor and special interest groups from Washington, D.C.