Nov. 02, 2016 Download
On Wednesday, a package of legislation designed to arrest the growing opioid abuse epidemic in Pennsylvania was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf. The legislation will address drug availability and access as well as treatment for those who have become dependent. Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) said these bills are going to positively affect every community in Pennsylvania.
Oct. 28, 2016 Download
Legislation recently took effect to begin dismantling the Commonwealth’s monopoly on wine and spirit sales within the state. Due to the new law, wine is now being sold in Pennsylvania grocery stores for the first time since prohibition. Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery) joined Wegmans officials on Friday for the grand opening of wine sales at its Montgomeryville store. Stephens said the move toward privatization will only bring better options for consumers in PA.
Oct. 28, 2016 Download
The weekly Legislative Report Program with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron) 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.
Oct. 28, 2016 Download
Legislation recently took effect to begin dismantling the Commonwealth’s monopoly on wine and spirit sales within the state. Due to the new law, wine is now being sold in Pennsylvania grocery stores for the first time since prohibition. Rep. Duane Milne (R-Chester) joined Wegmans officials on Friday for the grand opening of wine sales at its Downingtown store. Milne said state government should not be in the business of promoting alcohol sales.
Oct. 28, 2016 Download
Legislation to protect Pennsylvania students now attending many career and technical schools that were accredited by an agency that could lose federal recognition is now awaiting action by the governor to become law. Prime sponsor of House Bill 2338, Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield & Elk) said recent rulings by the US Department of Education put many of the students at career and technical schools in direct jeopardy of losing their financial aid and eligibility for professional licenses. Gabler said he was pleased lawmakers worked together to find a solution, so these students will be able to continue pursuing their career goals without having their lifes interrupted by the decisions of bureaucrats from Washington.
Oct. 28, 2016 Download
Legislation recently took effect to begin dismantling the Commonwealth’s monopoly on wine and spirit sales within the state. Due to the new law, wine is now being sold in Pennsylvania grocery stores for the first time since prohibition. Rep. Harry Lewis (R-Chester) joined Wegmans officials on Friday for the grand opening of wine sales at its Downingtown store. Lewis said this is only the beginning of alcohol privatization in Pennsylvania.
Oct. 28, 2016 Download
Legislation that would allow for the use of semi-automatic firearms and air or gas powered rifles for certain hunting applications was approved this week by the General Assembly and is now on the governor’s desk for his signature. Prime sponsor Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield & Elk) said provisions of the bill would allow the Game Commission to modernize hunting regulations and bring Pennsylvania into step with the hunting practices in many other states.
Oct. 28, 2016 Download
The 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.
Oct. 26, 2016 Download
The state House this week approved unemployment compensation reform legislation aimed at helping displaced workers, like those who recently lost their jobs at the Joy Global Inc. plant in Franklin.
Prime sponsor Rep. Lee James (R-Venango & Butler), said the bill would help to improve the state’s unemployment compensation system by extending the appeals period, giving workers and employers additional time to review and appeal decisions on an unemployment claim.
Oct. 26, 2016 Download
Legislation designed to ensure the independence of the office of state Inspector General is on its way to the Governor’s Desk. House Bill 1618, sponsored by Rep. Mindy Fee (R-Lancaster) would place the office of Inspector General in statute, and would require Senate confirmation of any individual nominated for the office. Fee said this bill continues the bipartisan spirit of cooperation in rooting out wasteful practices in state government.