McGinnis: PSERS Continues on a Path to Insolvency

Dec. 12, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Last Wednesday’s presentation by the Pennsylvania School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) Board of Trustees of its annual valuation report confirms that PSERS continues on a path to insolvency, according to Rep. John McGinnis (R-Blair).

Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council Begins Work, Says Hennessey

Dec. 02, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council, designed to improve the quality of care and quality of life for Pennsylvanians, held its first meeting this week, council member Rep. Tim Hennessey (R-Chester/Montgomery) said today.

Research Program for Industrial Hemp Begins, Says Diamond

Dec. 01, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) today said the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is now accepting applications for the Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program. Diamond authored Act 92 of 2016, which allows for the reintroduction of the substance in the Commonwealth.

Grove, Harkins Release Report on Tech Ed, Career Readiness

Nov. 30, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – State Reps. Seth Grove (R-York County) and Pat Harkins (D-Erie County) released today the final report on career and technical education (CTE) from the House Select Subcommittee on Technical Education and Career Readiness.

Kampf Applauds PECO Investment of Natural Gas Line Extension Pilot Program in Tredyffrin Neighborhood

Nov. 29, 2016 /

HARRISBURG — Rep. Warren Kampf (R-Montgomery/Chester) attended the groundbreaking of PECO’s SMART Gas Line Extension Pilot program in a neighborhood within his legislative district. This neighborhood in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, worked with Kampf’s office and PECO to earn the opportunity to be a neighborhood pilot for the PECO Smart Natural Gas Conversion program. This project in Tredyffrin will be PECO’s largest of the pilot program.

Argall, Knowles call for investigation into Labor and Industry fund transfers

Nov. 23, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) and Representative Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill) are calling on the Attorney General, Auditor General and Inspector General to investigate exhausted funds leading to the anticipated layoff of 600 call center employees within the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

Gabler Pro-Gun Hunting Legislation Becomes Law

Nov. 23, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) that would allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to examine expanding firearm options for Pennsylvania hunters has been signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf. House Bill 263, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly with bipartisan support, becomes Act 168 of 2016.

PA NJ Tax Reciprocity Agreement to Remain Intact, Petri Says

Nov. 22, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Scott Petri (R-Bucks) is pleased with this week’s announcement by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie that he has abandoned his plans to back out of the 38-year-long reciprocity agreement between Pennsylvania and New Jersey that has permitted residents in both states who work in the other to pay income taxes where they live.

Warner Tax Credits Legislation to Support Volunteer Emergency Responders Now Law

Nov. 22, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Warner’s (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) legislation authorizing local municipalities to enact earned income and property tax liability tax credits for active volunteers of a fire company or emergency medical service (EMS) company (House Bill 1683) was signed into law on Monday as Act 172 of 2016 and will take effect in 60 days.

White to Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Police IDs

Nov. 21, 2016 /

HARRISBURG—Rep. Martina White (R-170) vowed to reintroduce legislation to protect police officers and their families when the officer is involved in a discharge of his or her firearm or other use of force after the bill was vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf today.

It’s More Than the Budget

Nov. 21, 2016 /

It’s not uncommon for state legislators to be told, “All you have to do is pass the budget.” Granted, that is the primary responsibility of the General Assembly; however, it is not the only thing with which state government is charged. I’d like to take a moment to review some of the things that were accomplished in the 2015-16 session.

Barrar and Committees Consider Effects of Possible Pipelines

Nov. 18, 2016 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware) and other members of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees learned about emergency preparedness and response measures for the Commonwealth’s natural gas/petroleum pipeline infrastructure during a joint informational hearing.

Benninghoff to Tour Treatment Facility, Participate in Roundtable on Opioid Addiction

Nov. 17, 2016 /

WHAT: Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) will tour Pinnacle Treatment Center’s State College facility and participate in a roundtable discussion on opioid abuse, medically assisted treatment and the needs of the surrounding community. Pinnacle Treatment Centers invited Benninghoff to discuss the challenges facing the facility, as well as its successes in combatting addiction.