Governor Wolf Should Sign the Budget, Says Metzgar

Dec. 23, 2015 /

Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset/Bedford) today issued the following statement after the Pennsylvania Senate passed House Bill 1460, containing a state budget that adds increased funding for public schools and avoids a tax increase that cannot be afforded by working taxpayers:

Diamond to Governor: It’s Time to Call a ‘Christmas Truce’

Dec. 22, 2015 /

Saying it is time for the governor and Legislature to call a “Christmas truce,” Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) today wrote to Gov. Tom Wolf, urging him to permit a lights-on funding package for schools and health and human services organizations expected to pass the House tomorrow to become law.

Barrar Champions Law to Protect Ambulance Companies and Commonwealth Children

Dec. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation that Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware) championed was signed into law yesterday. Act 84 of 2015 will extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for two years and require insurance companies directly pay ambulance companies, rather than patients, for transport services.

Hickernell Ushers Another Landmark Foster Care Bill into Law

Dec. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – After three years of championing legislation to help children and youth who are in Pennsylvania’s foster care system live more normal lives, Rep. Dave Hickernell (R-Lancaster/Dauphin) today announced that his legislation to accomplish this has been signed into law as Act 75 of 2015.

Governor Signs O’Neill EMS Direct Pay Measure

Dec. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG — Legislation, initiated and spearheaded by Rep. Bernie O’Neill (R-Bucks), which addresses the reimbursement needs of emergency medical services (EMS), was signed into law Sunday, Dec. 20 by the governor.

Brown’s Bill to Financially Assist PA Dam Owners Passes Committee

Dec. 19, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – On Friday, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee voted in favor of House Bill 1712, legislation sponsored by Rep. Rosemary M. Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) to establish the freestanding Private Dam Financial Assurance Act. This bill addresses an issue that was originally brought to Brown’s attention by residents of the 189th District.

Staats Disappointed By Failure of Pension Bill

Dec. 19, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Craig Staats (R-Bucks) voted in favor of Senate Bill 1071, the Legislature’s attempt to address Pennsylvania’s public pension crisis. The bill failed by a 52-149 vote.

Baker Bill Increases Safety, Convenience for Diabetic Students

Dec. 17, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – In order to ensure diabetic students have the greatest access to care when at school or school-related activities, Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) has authored legislation approved by the state House to allow for the optional training of school employees in diabetes care and management who are not licensed health care providers.

Bill to Empower Working Pennsylvanians Headed to Governor’s Desk, Say Bloom, Murt

Dec. 15, 2015 /

HARRISBURG –The House of Representatives Monday sent legislation to the governor’s desk, which would encourage low-income families who rely on child care subsidies when they are working successfully to earn their way out of poverty, said state Reps. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland) and Tom Murt (R-Montgomery/Philadelphia), the bill’s co-authors.