House Approves Topper Bill to Increase Learning Flexibility

Sep. 27, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – In response to educators and school districts asking for more flexibility in providing educational opportunities for all Pennsylvania students, today the House unanimously approved legislation by Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) to change the instructional time requirement to 180 days or 990 secondary and 900 elementary hours.

Shapiro, Senate Conspire to Steal $150 Million From PA Hunters

Sep. 27, 2023 /

Last week, the Senate, with a nod from Gov. Josh Shapiro, violated the federal Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and moved forward with a fiscal code (House Bill 1300), part of the unfinished House Democrat budget, and took $150 million from the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to put into the Clean Streams funding.

Kail to Host Policy Hearing on Higher Education Expenses

Sep. 26, 2023 /

WHAT: As students struggle with the finances necessary to pursue their lifelong dreams, House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) will host a hearing to delve into the escalating expenses of higher education.

Gaydos Voter Motor Efficiency Bill More Vital Than Ever After Shapiro Action

Sep. 25, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – In light of the governor’s recent announcement to implement an automatic voter registration when Commonwealth residents obtain or renew a PennDOT driver’s license or photo identification card, Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) today called on the House to act on her bill to automatically interconnect all state agency data and information collection and services so that records match, government can operate more efficiently and citizens may get the most of the government for which they pay.

Marcell, Tomlinson Sponsor Legislation to Post Suicide Crisis Line in State Parks

Sep. 25, 2023 /

HARRISBURG- Reps. Kristin Marcell (R-Richboro) and KC Tomlinson (R-Bensalem) have co-sponsored legislation to require the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to prominently post information about suicide awareness and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in all state parks and forests throughout the Commonwealth.

Stop the Raid on the PA Game Fund

Sep. 25, 2023 /

There is a plan afoot to raid the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Game Fund for $150 million and transfer it to the Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Streams Fund. While I agree we must keep our waterways clean and pristine for generations to come, stealing from the Game Commission is not the way to do it.

School Leaders Back Nelson, White Bill to Replace PSSA Testing

Sep. 22, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – With the support of area school superintendents, Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland) and Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia), Republican Caucus Secretary, unveiled a plan to eliminate the annual Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) testing system used by public schools and replace it with benchmark testing technology.

Twardzik Tobacco Settlement Protection Bill to Get Governor’s Signature

Sep. 22, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) to protect hundreds of millions of dollars in promised monies from the landmark 1998 Tobacco Settlement Agreement may be signed into law as early as next week. The agreement was the outcome of a 46-state lawsuit against major tobacco companies to recoup health care costs of smoking-related illnesses.

Gaydos, Kinkead Hear from Constituents Concerning Assistance for Landslide-Prone Victims

Sep. 21, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – During a town hall meeting on Wednesday in Sewickley, Allegheny County, state Reps. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) and Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny) discussed their legislation to create a new insurance program for homeowners living in landslide-prone areas, as well as assistance to local governments that wish to mitigate the risk of landslides within their communities.