Adams-York House Delegation Supports Debt Reduction Legislation

Oct. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Two pieces of legislation that would reduce the state’s debt and require more efficient and transparent use of taxpayer dollars through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) were passed by the state House today. House Bill 928 limits the amount of outstanding obligations for existing redevelopment assistance projects to $2.95 billion, while House Bill 930 limits the amount of debt taken on by new projects to $125 million per year while also capping debt for public improvement projects at $350 million per year.

Hickernell Bill Making it Easier for Foster Children to Participate in Out-of-Home Activities Passes House

Oct. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – Today, legislation authored by Rep. Dave Hickernell (R-Lancaster/Dauphin) to benefit foster children was approved by the House of Representatives. The bill would authorize the caregivers of children and youth who are in out-of-home placement (i.e., foster care) to approve or disapprove their foster child’s participation in age-appropriate extracurricular, family and social activities without prior approval or disapproval of that participation from the county child welfare agency, private placement agency, or the court.

Grove Reminds Drivers of School Bus Safety Laws

Oct. 21, 2015 /

HARRISBURG –School districts, law enforcement agencies, school transportation providers and PennDOT are reminding drivers of Pennsylvania’s school bus safety laws with Operation Safe Stop, an awareness and enforcement event held across the Commonwealth as a part of National School Bus Safety Week, which runs from Oct. 19-23, said State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York).

Judiciary Committee Moves Legislation to Introduce a Merit Selection System for Statewide Appellate Courts in Pennsylvania

Oct. 20, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – In order to change the way statewide appellate court judges are chosen by replacing partisan judicial elections with a merit selection system, House Judiciary Committee Majority Chairman Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) moved legislation to introduce a constitutional amendment that would do just that during the Judiciary Committee’s scheduled weekly voting meeting.

Deer License Purchasing Process to Improve Under Legislation

Oct. 20, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – The House Game and Fisheries Committee, chaired by state Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York), today passed legislation that would make it easier for hunters to acquire an antlerless deer license in Pennsylvania. House Bill 231, authored by Rep. Gerald Mullery (D-Luzerne), may now be considered by the full House.

House Gives the Green Light to Bloom ‘Ride On Red’ Bill

Oct. 20, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – In a bipartisan vote, the House of Representatives today endorsed legislation, authored by Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland), to give motorcyclists and other drivers the option to proceed with caution through an intersection when trapped at an unresponsive traffic light.

Wolf Should be Governing, Not Campaigning, Says Warner

Oct. 20, 2015 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) issued this statement after receiving confirmation that Gov. Tom Wolf would be making a visit to Connellsville today to defend his requested tax increases to city council members.

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.