PA House-Senate State Government Committees to Examine Online Voter Registration

Oct. 20, 2015 /

Pennsylvania House State Government Committee Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) and Pennsylvania Senate State Government Committee Chairman Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon/Dauphin/York) will convene a joint informational meeting focusing on the implementation of the online voter registration system, the registration process and the various features the system contains. Members will also have the opportunity to examine the boundaries of the governor’s executive authority to implement an online voter registration system.

House Insurance Committee Examines CHIP Placement in State Government, Pickett Says

Oct. 19, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania families who have children enrolled in the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program would not see any changes to their coverage if the program is moved to another state agency, under legislation examined by the House Insurance Committee on Monday, said committee chairman, Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna).

Bloom, Moul Unveil Fiscal Lifelines for Students, People in Need

Oct. 19, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – In a renewed effort to release critical state funding to serve individuals, families, Pennsylvanians in need and school children, state Reps. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland) and Dan Moul (R-Adams) today announced the introduction of a fiscal lifelines package.

“Ghostbusting” Bill to Force Philly Teachers Back Into the Classroom

Oct. 19, 2015 /

WHAT: State Reps. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) and Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) will discuss House Bill 1649, legislation that would address “ghost” teachers in the School District of Philadelphia taking leave from the classroom to work for their union while still earning their pay and benefits and accruing time toward their pension.

House Insurance Committee to Examine CHIP Placement in State Government

Oct. 16, 2015 /

WHAT: The House Insurance Committee, led by Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) will hold an informational meeting to learn more about whether the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) should be part of the Department of Human Services. Currently, the program is administered by the state Insurance Department.

Kauffman Legislation Signed by Governor

Oct. 16, 2015 /

HARRISBURG- Last week, legislation sponsored by State Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) to help pharmacy customers in border communities, was signed into law by the governor. The legislation, now Act 43 of 2015, extends protections to Pennsylvania residents who use out-of-state pharmacies that regularly do business with customers from the Commonwealth.

Gov. Wolf’s Tax Proposal Defeated in the House

Oct. 15, 2015 /

Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf submitted his tax package to the House of Representatives for an up-or-down vote. He proposed a 16 percent increase in the Personal Income Tax and an effective 14 percent tax rate on natural gas drillers which would have raised approximately $1.4 billion.

Ortitay Appointed to Gaming Oversight Committee

Oct. 13, 2015 /

HARRISBURG—Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) was recently appointed to serve on the House Gaming Oversight Committee, which has legislative oversight of local small games of chance and bingo, local disbursement of casino gambling revenues, and the operations and regulations of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

The Budget Saga Continues

Oct. 13, 2015 /

The Pennsylvania General Assembly sent Gov. Tom Wolf a no-tax-increase, balanced budget on June 30, which was the deadline for a budget to be in place for the 2015-16 fiscal year; yet, here we are in October with still no budget agreement. What happened?

Barrar and Veteran Committees Host Gen. Frank J. Grass

Oct. 13, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, participated in a joint informational meeting with both the House and Senate veterans committees held in conjunction with a visit of one of the president’s important military advisors. During his visit to the Capitol, Gen. Frank J. Grass, a four star general, provided the committees with valuable information relating to the National Guard and the structure of the force.

Grove Legislation Approved by House

Oct. 13, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – House Bill 323 sponsored by State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) was passed by the House of Representatives this week. The legislation would improve Pennsylvania’s business climate by authorizing the creation of specialized commerce courts in the Superior Court and Court of Common Pleas across the Commonwealth.

Medical Cannabis Task Force Report Being Reviewed by House

Oct. 09, 2015 /

For the past several months, a task force made up of 14 members of the House, including myself, has been working diligently on a report designed to make recommendations on legalizing medical cannabis in Pennsylvania to the General Assembly. I am happy to report the recommendations have been submitted for review and to be prepared for legislation to be offered to both chambers in the Capitol.