Gabler, Sankey Vote to Fund Critical Services Statewide

Aug. 25, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – State Reps. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) and Tommy Sankey (R-Clearfield/Cambria) joined a majority of their colleagues today in voting to fund essential statewide services in the wake of Gov. Tom Wolf’s unprecedented comprehensive budget veto on June 30. In a series of party-line votes, House Democrats declined to provide the necessary two-thirds majority necessary to override the governor’s veto and provide immediate funding for a range of human service and education-related programs, including rape crisis centers, domestic violence services, PHEAA college student grants and public school transportation.

Barrar to Hold Committee Vote on Bill to Protect Armed Forces

Aug. 21, 2015 /

WHAT: Following the tragic deaths of military personnel at two military installations in Tennessee in July, Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, will host a committee meeting to vote on a bill urging Congress and the Department of Defense to expeditiously address the safety and protection of the United States armed forces personnel within the borders of the country.

Payne Calls for Committee Hearing on Porngate Legislation

Aug. 20, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. John Payne (R-Dauphin) today renewed his call for action on legislation he introduced in response to the Porngate scandal. Payne’s House Bill 780 would establish penalties for state employees who use Commonwealth-owned computers, networks or cellular phones to view and/or exchange pornography.

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.