Feb. 04, 2015 /
![Fast Action Needed on Public Pension Reform]()
It’s an ocean of red – a flood of debt that threatens the financial stability of our school districts for the next 30 years. The news is no better for the state government system.
Feb. 04, 2015 /
![English Receives Committee Appointments, Cited for Perfect House Session Attendance]()
HARRISBURG – Rep. Hal English (R-Allegheny) today said he has returned to serve on the House Education, Aging and Older Adult Services, Tourism and Recreational Development and Game and Fisheries committees for the 2015-16 session. Additionally, English received an award citing his perfect attendance in the 2013-14 legislative session.
Feb. 04, 2015 /
![Zimmerman Bill Supporting Online Education Opportunities Passes House]()
HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by Rep. Dave Zimmerman (R-Lancaster) to permit the licensure of online schools passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 195-2.
Feb. 04, 2015 /
![Stephens Applauds ‘Kids Helping Kids’ with Keith Valley Challenge Day Resolution]()
HARRISBURG—Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery) sponsored a resolution this week recognizing students at Keith Valley Middle School for participating in the Keith Valley Challenge and will visit the event to congratulate the students.
Feb. 04, 2015 /
![Everett Reappointed to Board of Center for Rural Pennsylvania]()
HARRISBURG – House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) has reappointed Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) to the Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors and has received House committee assignments for the 2015-16 session.
Feb. 04, 2015 /
![Murt Co-Sponsors Legislation for a Drilling Tax on Natural Gas]()
HARRISBURG—Rep. Thomas Murt (R-Montgomery/Philadelphia) announced today that he will co-sponsor legislation to dedicate funding to education and human services. Murt has lent his support to legislation that would impose a drilling tax on the state’s Marcellus Shale and distribute those proceeds to statewide initiatives, including education.
Feb. 04, 2015 /
![DiGirolamo Unveils Marcellus Drilling Tax Proposal]()
HARRISBURG – In seeking to raise necessary funds for some of the Commonwealth’s top priorities without passing the burden onto working families, Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) today held a press conference to discuss legislation to impose a drilling tax within the Marcellus Shale and distribute those proceeds to statewide initiatives.
Feb. 04, 2015 /
![Causer Reintroduces Tax Fairness Measures]()
HARRISBURG – Continuing his commitment to supporting rural Pennsylvania, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) has reintroduced legislation to ensure rural communities and taxpayers get their fair share of compensation for state-owned lands.
Feb. 04, 2015 /
![Tallman Legislation on Death Benefits, Military Recruiter Access]()
HARRISBURG – Two pieces of legislation authored by Rep. Will Tallman (R-Adams/Cumberland) that bring state law into compliance with federal standards were passed by the state House this week. The bills may now be taken up by the state Senate.
Feb. 04, 2015 /
![House Passes Legislation That Will Help Our Veterans Find Jobs Faster]()
Veterans deserve a smooth transition to the civilian workforce after their military service ends. However, many veterans have a hard time finding jobs upon returning to civilian life due to onerous and redundant certification and licensure requirements. To address this, I reintroduced a bill that would streamline certification and licensing processes for veterans and help match them with good-paying jobs faster. That bill passed the House unanimously today.
Feb. 04, 2015 /
![Grove Bill to Simplify School Construction Reimbursement Process Passes Committee]()
HARRISBURG – Legislation introduced by Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) that would create a more efficient and effective mechanism to reimburse school districts for costs associated with construction projects unanimously passed the House Education Committee today, garnering broad bipartisan support.
Feb. 03, 2015 /
![House Insurance Committee to be Briefed on Affordable Care Act]()
WHAT: The House Insurance Committee, led by Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) will hold an informational meeting to learn more about the federal Affordable Care Act in relation to the insurance market.
Feb. 03, 2015 /
![House Committee Advances Harper’s Bill Seeking Referendum to Increase Retirement Age for Judges in PA]()
HARRISBURG – A proposal to amend the state’s Constitution to increase the mandatory retirement age for judges was approved by the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, said Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery), prime sponsor of the measure.
Feb. 03, 2015 /
![Judiciary Committee Moves Legislation to Stop Cyber Bullying]()
HARRISBURG – Majority Chairman Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) is pleased to announce that today, during the Judiciary Committee’s scheduled weekly voting meeting, his legislation creating the offense of cyber harassment of a child was passed unanimously.
Feb. 03, 2015 /
![DiGirolamo Unveils Natural Gas Drilling Tax Plan]()
WHAT: Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) and a bipartisan team of lawmakers will announce their plan to impose a drilling tax within the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation in Pennsylvania.
Feb. 02, 2015 /
![Day Leads House Tribute to Sam Ashmar]()
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today paid tribute to longtime community volunteer and public servant, Samir Ashmar of Breinigsville, who passed away in November at the age of 51, said Rep. Gary Day (R-Lehigh/Berks).
Jan. 30, 2015 /
![Quinn Resolution Makes January Human Trafficking Awareness Month]()
HARRISBURG – Taking a stand against what can only be described as modern-day slavery, Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks) authored House Resolution 40, making January Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. The resolution was unanimously passed by the House earlier this week.
Jan. 29, 2015 /
![Emrick Announces Committee Assignments]()
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Nazareth) has been appointed to serve on four standing House committees for the 2015-16 session. Emrick, who is entering his third term in office, is a member of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Game and Fisheries, Human Services and Professional Licensure committees.
Jan. 29, 2015 /
![Gillen’s Bill to Help Veterans Approved by House Committee]()
HARRISBURG – The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Wednesday approved a bill introduced by state Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks/Lancaster) that would help raise awareness about a provision in state law aimed at helping veterans acquire civil service jobs in Pennsylvania.
Jan. 28, 2015 /
![Phillips-Hill Supports Bill to Address ‘Snow Day Scheduling”]()
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Kristin Philips-Hill (R-York Township) today joined members of the House Education Committee in unanimously passing House Bill 158, legislation which would give school districts flexibility in addressing days lost to bad weather. The bill may now be taken up by the full House.