Committee to Vote on Bills to Aid Volunteer Fire, EMS Service Providers

Sep. 23, 2019 /

WHAT: Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness (VAEP) Committee, will hold a voting meeting at the state Capitol to consider a package of bills to benefit volunteer fire and ambulance companies and help in the recruitment, retention and care of first responders. Many of the bills under consideration stem from recommendations from a study by the SR6 Commission, which aims to ensure the viability of volunteer fire and EMS services in the Commonwealth.

House Ag Committee to Discuss Fireworks Law

Sep. 23, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), will hold a public hearing to discuss legislation regarding the state’s fireworks law. House Bill 1687, sponsored by Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), proposes to implement time constraints on when fireworks can be used, offer guidance to local governments on controls for sale and use, increase penalties for violations and provide notices for consumers purchasing fireworks.

Keefer to Unveil Bill to Combat Encouraging Suicide

Sep. 18, 2019 /

WHAT: Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-York/Cumberland) will discuss her bill called Shawn’s Law in honor of Shawn Shatto, who killed herself after she received a step-by-step guide on how to commit suicide from an online chat forum. Keefer’s bill would increase criminal penalties on those who encourage another person to commit suicide.

Committee to Consider Seven Human Services Bills, Resolutions

Sep. 16, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Human Services Committee, chaired by Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks), will hold a voting meeting to consider seven proposals. They include measures that would merge the mandatory and supplemental disorder lists so that every baby in Pennsylvania will be screened for every recommended disorder

Turzai, Cutler and Advocates Outline ‘Energize PA’ Accomplishments and Plans

Sep. 16, 2019 /

WHAT: Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), Majority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and House colleagues will join representatives of labor, manufacturing and business to discuss “Energize PA,” a pro-growth, pro-jobs legislative package that facilitates job creation and redevelops infrastructure with no new fees or taxes. Introduced in April, one of the bills in the package is law, two are in position for a Floor vote, one is in the Senate and others will be considered by committee this fall.

Rowe to Take Oath of Office Sept. 17

Sep. 12, 2019 /

WHAT: Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union) will take the oath of office as state representative of the 85th Legislative District, for his first term.

House Majority Policy Committee to Hold Philadelphia Hearing on Economic Competitiveness

Sep. 09, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest), will hold a public hearing to learn more about efforts to attract large businesses to southeastern Pennsylvania. Among the issues to be discussed will include challenges to attract business and industry to this region of the state, along with suggestions for improvement.

House Committee Hearing to Focus on Sunday Hunting

Sep. 06, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Game and Fisheries Committee, chaired by state Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York County), will host a public hearing on Sunday hunting, which is illegal in Pennsylvania. The Senate passed legislation in June that would allow three days of Sunday hunting each calendar year, including one during rifled deer season and one during statewide deer archery season.

New State Legislator to Take Oath of Office Sept. 17

Sep. 05, 2019 /

WHAT: Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union) will be sworn in as the new state representative of the 85th Legislative District. Rowe won the Aug. 20 special election to fill the seat vacated by now-United States Congressman Fred Keller.

House Members to Tour Lehigh Valley Cement Manufacturer

Aug. 30, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Manufacturing Caucus, chaired by Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest), and the House Cement Caucus, chaired by Rep. Marcia Hahn (R-Northampton), will host a factory tour as a way to educate their colleagues about the cement and concrete industry.

House Committees to Visit Ben Franklin Technology Partners’ TechVentures

Aug. 30, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest), and House Appropriations Committee will travel to the Lehigh Valley to tour and hold a roundtable discussion at Ben Franklin TechVentures, a business-technology incubator owned and operated by the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/NEP). BFTP/NEP invests in and supports early-stage, technology-based companies and established manufacturers to create and retain jobs, and advance technologies that improve the human condition. BFTP/NEP provides technical and business expertise, referrals and resources, and networking opportunities in addition to funding.

Brown to Discuss Distracted Driving Bill at Weiler-TextLess Live More Reception

Aug. 22, 2019 /

WHAT: Looking to continue to spread awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, Rep. Rosemary Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) will be speaking at a reception co-hosted by Weiler Corporation and TextLess Live More, a student-led organization formed after 18-year-old Merritt Levitan was killed after being struck by a distracted driver.

Business Issues to be Focus of Policy Committee Roundtable

Aug. 16, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest), will travel to Carlisle to host a roundtable discussion with local businesses, education institutions and organizations. Topics to be discussed will include workforce development, state taxation, regulatory reform and transportation logistics. This is part of the House Republican Caucus’ #GoodJobs4PA legislative package.

Rep. Ryan to Unveil School Property Tax Elimination Act

Aug. 15, 2019 /

A press conference to detail and answer questions about the School Property Tax Elimination Act (House Bill 13) that would replace school property as a means of funding basic education with a modification in the Sales and Use Tax and the Personal Income Tax.

House Committees to Attend ‘Operation Hurricane’ Rescue Demonstration

Aug. 13, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest), will join with the House Game and Fisheries Committee, chaired by Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York), to observe Operation Hurricane, a full-scale exercise coordinated by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.