Jun. 30, 2017 Download
The Pennsylvania House has passed a bipartisan, responsible spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year which holds the line on state expenditures by consolidating agencies and streamlining government programs. House Bill 218 spends $32 Billion, representing an increase of less than one percent over last year’s spending plan. The budget also increases funding for education, ranging from early childhood to institutions of higher learning. House Bill 218 now awaits the Governor’s signature.
Jun. 30, 2017 Download
The weekly Legislative Report Program with Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R- Lehigh & Berks) is now available on the House Republican Radio News Service. You may use this brief public affairs report in its entirety or edit it down for actualities to use in your state government news coverage.
Jun. 29, 2017 Download
Lawmakers are continuing to work toward agreement on a state budget plan for the 2016-2017 fiscal year this week in Harrisburg. The initial House Republican budget bill that was passed in April called for $31.52 billion in spending, which is significantly less than the $32.34 billion budget proposal put forth by Gov. Wolf in February. The House budget plan also provided for a modest increase in education spending while providing continued support for public safety and human services programs, without a broad based tax increase. Rep. Ward said she is hopeful that the budget plan will be ready for House consideration soon.
Jun. 29, 2017 Download
Lawmakers are continuing to work toward agreement on a state budget plan for the 2016-2017 fiscal year this week in Harrisburg. The initial House Republican budget bill that was passed in April called for $31.52 billion in spending, which is significantly less than the $32.34 billion budget proposal put forth by Gov. Wolf in February. The House budget plan also provided for a modest increase in education spending while providing continued support for public safety and human services programs, without a broad based tax increase. Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin) said the House expects to see a budget bill return from the Senate soon so the plan can move forward.
Jun. 29, 2017 Download
Legislation that updates Pennsylvania’s animal abuse statutes has been signed into law. House Bill 1238, now Act 10 of 2017, known as Libre’s Law, has been hailed as the most comprehensive animal protection bill in the history of the Commonwealth, addressing issues of neglect and abuse, as well as clearly defining the scope of authority and providing limited immunity for humane society officers.
Jun. 29, 2017 Download
Legislation that updates Pennsylvania’s animal abuse statutes has been signed into law. House Bill 1238, now Act 10 of 2017, known as Libre’s Law, has been hailed as the most comprehensive animal protection bill in the history of the Commonwealth, addressing issues of neglect and abuse, as well as clearly defining the scope of authority and providing limited immunity for humane society officers.
Jun. 28, 2017 Download
Legislation designed to ensure that families and friends have access to the final resting places of their loved ones has been approved by the House State Government Committee. Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks, Lancaster) said he introduced House Bill 1019 in response to a dispute in which a privately owned cemetery was marked with no trespassing signs, denying access to those who wish to visit the gravesites of their families. Gillen said his bill would make sure all parties are treated with dignity and compassion.
Jun. 27, 2017 Download
Legislation that will prohibit anyone from deriving economic benefit from lying about their service in the military or military decorations was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Wolf. Prime sponsor of the legislation, Rep. Rick Saccone (R-Washington & Allegheny), said he feels this new law offers much needed protections for the honor and valor of Pennsylvania’s veterans and their families.
Jun. 26, 2017 Download
Legislation that would improve and support services for veterans in Pennsylvania is moving forward this week in the Pennsylvania House. House Bill 1231, cosponsored by Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield & Elk) would help to greatly expand the number of Pennsylvania veterans identified by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs veterans’ registry. According to Rep. Gabler, the legislation would direct other state agencies to assist in the process of identifying those veterans who could benefit from state programs.
Jun. 23, 2017 Download
The Legislative Report Program with Rep. Matt Dowling (R- Fayette & Somerset) is now available on the House Republican Radio News Service. You may use this brief public affairs report in its entirety or edit it down for actualities to use in your state government news coverage.