State House News
Morning Times Republican officials and candidates at all levels of government, including Lt. Governor Jim Cawley, dined with some of … Continue reading
Endorsed Republicans File With Nearly 25,000 Signatures | Posted on: February 15th, 2012PAGOP Endorsed Republicans File With Nearly 25,000 Signatures Team Earns Strong Showing of Grassroots Support Throughout Pennsylvania HARRISBURG, PA – … Continue reading
House GOPers: Marcellus bill a win for jobs | Posted on: February 10th, 2012Central Penn Business Journal Wednesday’s passage of Marcellus Shale legislation marks a big win for Pennsylvania’s economy, state House Republicans … Continue reading
Corbett budget out today | Posted on: February 7th, 2012Standard Speaker HARRISBURG – Political tensions are running high as Gov. Tom Corbett unveils a proposed state budget today likely … Continue reading
Pa. gas-drilling bill would yield estimated $190M | Posted on: February 7th, 2012Associated Press HARRISBURG, PA. — Pennsylvania’s booming natural gas industry would pay an estimated $190 million in fees in the first year, … Continue reading
Cumberland County Republican Committee Endorses Candidates for 2012 Primary Election | Posted on: February 6th, 2012Members of the Cumberland County Republican Committee gathered at the New Kingstown Fire Company in New Kingstown, PA to discuss … Continue reading
Corbett tells legislators to send him a Marcellus Shale bill ‘as soon as possible’ | Posted on: February 2nd, 2012Patriot-News Gov. Tom Corbett sent a letter to legislative leaders in both houses Tuesday urging them to send him a … Continue reading
House Speaker Sam Smith announces re-election bid | Posted on: January 31st, 2012Punxsutawney Spirit Monday, State Rep. Sam Smith (R-66) announced he will run for re-election to Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives this … Continue reading
Local elected officials gather for mixer | Posted on: January 31st, 2012Cumberland Sentinel More than 130 local elected officials, from school board members and borough council members to township supervisors, state … Continue reading
House leader introducing RACP reform bill | Posted on: January 30th, 2012Republican Herald A bill to greatly reduce the scope of a state redevelopment program that has helped pay for stadium … Continue reading
GOP blasts Justice Baer for Pa. remapping comments | Posted on: January 27th, 2012Philadelphia Inquirer The Pennsylvania Republican Party, in a funk over the state Supreme Court’s move to kill a legislative redistricting … Continue reading
Senate Approves Bill to Accelerate Critical Utility Infrastructure Improvements | Posted on: January 26th, 2012PA Senate GOP HARRISBURG — The state Senate today unanimously approved legislation that will provide a critical tool to accelerate … Continue reading
Turzai running for Congress in 12th | Posted on: January 23rd, 2012Early Retruns How bad is it in Harrisburg? Even the Majority Leader of the state House would rather be a backbencher … Continue reading
Republicans kick off state campaigns | Posted on: January 23rd, 2012Citizens Voice WRIGHT TWP. – On a frigid, snowy day, Mike Arnold had a pretty good reason to be standing … Continue reading
As parties lose voters, Republicans chip away at Democrats’ advantage | Posted on: January 20th, 2012Morning Call As the presidential election looms, Republicans are ever so slowly chipping away at Democrats’ sizable voter registration edge in Pennsylvania … Continue reading
Pilot Program to Drug Test Welfare Recipients Coming to County | Posted on: January 18th, 2012Sen. David Argall MAHANOY CITY – Senator David G. Argall (R-29) announced today that the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare … Continue reading
Politics tested Pa. GOP leaders, court in 2011 | Posted on: December 27th, 2011By PETER JACKSON Associated Press In the world of Pennsylvania politics, 2011 will be remembered as a year of mixed … Continue reading
Pa. House OKs capital budget Senate passed in June | Posted on: December 20th, 2011Lancaster Online The state House voted Monday to approve a bill that authorizes $1.7 billion in new state borrowing, a … Continue reading
Imperfect bill will help prevent fracking damage | Posted on: December 5th, 2011Senator Lisa Baker, published in the Pocono Record After months of meetings, site visits and public forums, and thousands of … Continue reading
Senate approves flood aid | Posted on: November 17th, 2011Times Leader HARRISBURG – Two months after destructive flooding hit the Susquehanna River Basin, the Senate approved a package of … Continue reading
Hempfield lawmaker’s bill would broaden abuse-report duties | Posted on: November 16th, 2011Pittsburgh Tribune Review University officials at Penn State and statewide would be legally required to report suspected child abuse under … Continue reading
Lawmakers Want Tougher Penalties For Crimes Against Children | Posted on: November 15th, 2011NBC News HARRISBURG, Pa. — Two state lawmakers are pushing for tougher penalties for people convicted in crimes against children. … Continue reading
School voucher program approved by Pennsylvania Senate | Posted on: October 27th, 2011Brad Bumsted, Pittsburgh Tribune Review HARRISBURG — A taxpayer-paid tuition voucher program approved by the Senate on Wednesday faces an … Continue reading
Report: Privatizing LCB would generate $1.6 billion | Posted on: October 26th, 2011Philadelphia Inquirer HARRISBURG – When it comes to the future of Pennsylvania’s wine and liquor stores, one word applies: privatize. … Continue reading
Study calls for more than 1,250 private liquor stores | Posted on: October 24th, 2011Charles Thompson, Patriot News A draft of a study commissioned by the Corbett administration to find the best way for … Continue reading
Pennsylvania Senate passes Harrisburg takeover bill with a 37-13 vote | Posted on: October 19th, 2011Jan Murphy, Patriot News Legislation that would hand control of Harrisburg to a receiver is heading to the state House … Continue reading
Grove to sponsor small-business seminar Thursday | Posted on: October 18th, 2011York Daily Record York, PA - A seminar with information about starting a small business will be held at Thursday, 7 … Continue reading
Representatives talk transportation, liquor system | Posted on: October 14th, 2011Standard Speaker Gov. Tom Corbett has said fixing the state’s roads and bridges will cost $3.5 billion. State Rep. Jerry … Continue reading
Private liquor sales gain support | Posted on: October 12th, 2011Chambersburg Public Opinion A bill that would privatize wine and spirits sales in Pennsylvania now has the support of the … Continue reading
Legislators: Transportation is top issue | Posted on: October 10th, 2011Pottsville Republican Herald WEST HAZLETON – All four members of Schuylkill County’s state legislative delegation agreed Friday, that refurbishing Pennsylvania’s … Continue reading
House panel OKs punishing illegal immigrant hires | Posted on: October 5th, 2011Associated Press, Marc Scolforo Pennsylvanians who knowingly hire illegal immigrants would lose their professional licenses under a bill that passed … Continue reading
House panel OKs restrictions to prevailing wage law | Posted on: October 4th, 2011Tom Barnes, Pittsburgh Post Gazette HARRISBURG — Republican legislators scored a significant victory today in an attack on one of … Continue reading
Senate Finance Committee hearing examines pension issues, possible solutions | Posted on: September 30th, 2011CBS News The Senate Finance Committee took a closer look at the financial challenges of state and municipal pension systems … Continue reading
Pa. passes tougher rules on new teen drivers | Posted on: September 29th, 2011Amy Worden, Philadelphia Inquirer HARRISBURG – When it comes to carloads of passengers and unbuckled seat belts, Pennsylvania is finally … Continue reading
Op Ed: The Coming State Legislature Session Must Preserve Job Growth | Posted on: September 28th, 2011by Rep. Warren Kampf From jobs to shale to liquor sales, State Rep. Warren Kampf offers his take on Autumn … Continue reading
Baker’s bill would preserve sportsmens’ right to hunt and fish | Posted on: September 22nd, 2011Sharon Corderman, Wellsboro Gazette With Pennsylvania’s big game hunting seasons coming up through the next couple months a piece of … Continue reading
State senators tout bills in response to Lee flooding | Posted on: September 20th, 2011By Rick DandesThe Daily Item HARRISBURG — Five state senators — including John Gordner, R-27, Berwick — said this afternoon … Continue reading
Pennsylvania lawmakers return to full docket | Posted on: September 19th, 2011Newsworks The Pennsylvania Senate will reconvene Monday after its summer recess with a full plate of issues to address. In … Continue reading
Pa. government should get out of the liquor business | Posted on: September 19th, 2011Pottsville Mercury Gov. Tom Corbett and some state lawmakers have an idea for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board: They want … Continue reading
State Losing Control of Pennsylvania Liquor | Posted on: September 13th, 2011Competitive Enterprise Institute Privatizing Pennsylvania’s liquor stores has been a subject of debate for decades. Proposals in the past have … Continue reading
Liquor store sale bill makes appearance | Posted on: September 8th, 2011by Robert Swift, Towanda Daily Review HARRISBURG – State officials would face a busy schedule transforming the state-owned liquor sales … Continue reading
State Sen. Lisa Baker aims to create a state fund for victims of catastrophes | Posted on: September 7th, 2011By Steve Mocarsky, The Times Leader State Sen. Lisa Baker hopes to create a state fund to aid victims of catastrophes … Continue reading
Revisions would aid teens and employers | Posted on: August 31st, 2011By Rep. Sheryl Delozier. From the Morning Call. I have introduced legislation that deals with our state’s outdated child labor … Continue reading
U.S. Treasury official to lead independent fiscal office | Posted on: August 31st, 2011From the Morning Call. — A senior economist in the U.S. Treasury Department has been named to run the state’s new … Continue reading
Lawmakers push for change in Pa.’s prevailing wage | Posted on: August 23rd, 2011Pennsylvania’s prevailing wage rules force taxpayers to subsidize worker income just because it’s a public project, a York County lawmaker … Continue reading
Pennsylvania now has a redistricting website | Posted on: August 19th, 2011The first-ever website for redistricting inPennsylvania has been unveiled, Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) announced in a press release … Continue reading
Alloway supports texting legislation | Posted on: August 18th, 2011The state senator who represents Adams County in Harrisburg announced Tuesday that he supports legislation that would ban motorists from … Continue reading
GOP raps Sturla for STD remark | Posted on: August 18th, 2011In retrospect, the state representative from Lancaster city said, he regrets his use of the word “womenfolk” to describe Pennsylvania’s … Continue reading
New laws benefit Pa. taxpayers, seniors and homebuyers | Posted on: August 17th, 2011House Republicans accomplished much in the first half of this year, passing 136 pieces of important legislation. In addition to … Continue reading
Effort to cut size of Pa. General Assembly gains support | Posted on: August 10th, 2011HARRISBURG – Proposals to trim the size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly have been floated, and swiftly shot down, for … Continue reading
Newsmaker Q&A: Mike Turzai | Posted on: August 8th, 2011If you’re looking for the man to praise – or blame – for this year’s push to privatizePennsylvania‘s more than … Continue reading
Pa. lawmakers move to update Child Labor Law | Posted on: August 8th, 2011HARRISBURG — For the first time in nearly a century, Pennsylvania’s child-labor laws may be completely revamped and allow for … Continue reading
Pennsylvania Sen. Jeffrey Piccola’s known for ‘standing his ground’ on tough issues | Posted on: August 8th, 2011State Sen. Jeffrey Piccola is swinging a big stick at the Capitol again. Deal with it, people. If you look … Continue reading
Moving Pennsylvania in the Right Direction | Posted on: August 5th, 2011by State Senator Jane Earll We are more than halfway through the first year of a new Administration and Legislative … Continue reading
Sunday Hunting: What some area legislators say | Posted on: August 4th, 2011Rep. Mark M. Gillen, Mohnton Republican: “I would say I am an ardent defender of the Second Amendment as you … Continue reading
House panel is delving into Turzai’s liquor privatization proposal | Posted on: July 29th, 2011Members of the Liquor Control Committee listened Wednesday to testimony from House Speaker Mike Turzai on his plan to sell off the state’s … Continue reading
Pileggi talks to seniors at Maris Grove | Posted on: July 18th, 2011By DANIELLE LYNCH dlynch@delcotimes.com CONCORD — Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-9, of Chester, discussed issues facing Pennsylvanians during the … Continue reading
Saylor goes to bat for Stewartstown Railroad | Posted on: July 17th, 2011Saylor goes to bat for Stewartstown Railroad CHARLIE LARDNER The York Dispatch Posted: 07/16/2011 12:02:12 PM EDT The Stewartstown Railroad is getting … Continue reading
Long-awaited bill to privatize Pa. liquor store system is unveiled | Posted on: July 14th, 2011By Angela Couloumbis Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau MARC LEVY / Associated Press House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, announcing details of the … Continue reading
State Budget Holds the Line on Taxes, Cuts Spending | Posted on: July 12th, 2011by Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) Sen. Mike Brubaker When the General Assembly began working on the state budget in … Continue reading
Turzai launches effort to sell state stores | Posted on: July 7th, 2011Turzai launches effort to sell state stores By Brad Bumsted TRIBUNE-REVIEW Thursday, July 7, 2011 Last updated: 11:10 am HARRISBURG — … Continue reading
Analysis: Pennsylvania budget plan is lean and on time | Posted on: June 30th, 2011Analysis: Pennsylvania budget plan is lean and on time Published: Wednesday, June 29, 2011, 11:51 PM Updated: Thursday, June 30, … Continue reading
Budget passes House, on its way to governor | Posted on: June 30th, 2011Budget passes House, on its way to governor By Brad Bumsted TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, June 29, 2011 HARRISBURG — A $27.15 billion … Continue reading
‘Fair Share’ civil liability now law in Pennsylvania | Posted on: June 29th, 2011Business interests scored a big victory Tuesday as Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett signed legislation into law that will alter the mechanics … Continue reading
Credit Republicans for getting budget done on time with no tax increases | Posted on: June 29th, 2011Credit Republicans for getting budget done on time with no tax increases Published: Wednesday, June 29, 2011, 6:00 AM By Patriot-News … Continue reading
Fair Share Act limiting damages in civil lawsuits advances | Posted on: June 27th, 2011By Brad Bumsted and Sari Heidenreich TRIBUNE-REVIEW Monday, June 27, 2011 HARRISBURG — The state House today is expected to give … Continue reading
These numbers don’t lie: School vouchers are Pennsylvania’s only choice | Posted on: June 21st, 2011These numbers don’t lie: School vouchers are Pennsylvania’s only choice Published: Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 5:30 AM By Jay Ostrich … Continue reading
Bills tackle corruption, juvie justice | Posted on: June 15th, 2011Bills tackle corruption, juvie justice Measures authored by Toohil and Boback pass state House and now head to Senate. … Continue reading
Lawmakers Take Aim At ‘Sidewalks To Nowhere’ | Posted on: June 13th, 2011Lawmakers Take Aim At ‘Sidewalks To Nowhere’ Dwayne Parker | Reporter Maidencreek Twp., Pa. — It’s government at its worst, … Continue reading
Folmer’s vehicle law passes | Posted on: May 27th, 2011A bill championed by Sen. Mike Folmer for several years unanimously passed the state Senate this week. Senate Bill 104 … Continue reading
State house passes sexting legislation | Posted on: May 25th, 2011York, PA - On Monday, the state House of Representatives approved legislation written by state Rep. Seth Grove, R-Dover Township, to … Continue reading
Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passes bill to step up accountability on state vehicle usage | Posted on: May 25th, 2011By JAN MURPHY, The Patriot-News Spotting a state vehicle could get a lot easier under legislation that unanimously passed the state … Continue reading
Senate Approves Scarnati Legislation To Deny Public Benefits to Illegal Aliens | Posted on: May 24th, 2011HARRISBURG—Legislation sponsored by President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, which would ensure illegal aliens who live in Pennsylvania are not receiving … Continue reading
Possible Do Not Text Registry | Posted on: May 24th, 2011Possible Do Not Text Registry People frustrated by text messaging ads might soon have an answer to their problem. Pennsylvania … Continue reading
Teen driving bill sponsored by state Rep. Kathy Watson passes in House | Posted on: May 24th, 2011House Bill 9, sponsored by state Rep. Kathy Watson, R-144, that aims to make the state’s roads and highways safer … Continue reading
Students discuss government with legislators | Posted on: May 24th, 2011May 23, 2011 The Times Observer Diploma program students made a two-day trip to Harrisburg recently to learn about … Continue reading
Linda Kelly approved as PA attorney general | Posted on: May 24th, 2011Kelly unanimously approved as Pa. attorney general May 23, 2011 By Scott Detrow The Pennsylvania Senate has unanimously confirmed Linda Kelly … Continue reading
Sen. Jeffrey Piccola seeks teeth for Harrisburg’s Act 47 plan | Posted on: May 20th, 2011With Harrisburg’s Act 47 state assistance plan in the works, the city’s state senator is drafting legislation that, were it in … Continue reading
Pa. legislative caucus aims to preserve military bases | Posted on: May 17th, 2011CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.—State Sens. Richard Alloway II and John Blake announced last week the formation of a legislative caucus to help preserve … Continue reading
Warrior Turzai | Posted on: May 15th, 2011By Brad Bumsted, TRIBUNE-REVIEW Sunday, May 15, 2011 With his gravelly voice, House Majority Leader Mike Turzai could probably do a … Continue reading
Pennsylvania House panel advances plan to require ID to vote | Posted on: May 10th, 2011By KARI ANDREN, The Patriot-News The House State Government Committee approved a measure today that would require voters to show a … Continue reading
Analysis: The push toward privatizing | Posted on: May 10th, 2011By John L. Micek, CALL HARRISBURG BUREAU HARRISBURG — When officials in Connecticut needed to renovate 23 highway service plazas, they … Continue reading
Pennsylvania House panel advances plan to require ID to vote | Posted on: May 9th, 2011The House State Government Committee approved a measure today that would require voters to show a photo ID at the … Continue reading
Toohil Says Corbett Budget Starts Pennsylvania in a New Direction | Posted on: March 9th, 2011Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) today issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget: “The budget shortfall and eight years of excessive spending are catching up with state government. Governor Corbett laid out a budget that recognizes that fact and begins to require Pennsylvania government to live within its means just like so many of my constituents do every day. Continue reading
Rapp Casts Votes to Repeal Job-Extinguishing Home Sprinkler Mandate and Expand Right to Use Lethal Force in Self Defense | Posted on: March 9th, 2011State Representative Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) voted in favor of two individual pieces of legislation this week to expand both economic … Continue reading
Krieger Says Now Is The Time for Fiscal Discipline | Posted on: March 9th, 2011State Rep. Tim Krieger (R-Delmont) issued the following statement today regarding Governor Tom Corbett’s 2011-2012 state budget proposal: “I agree with Governor Tom Corbett that it is time for fiscal discipline in state government. As I have said before, Harrisburg does not have a revenue problem so much as a spending problem. Continue reading
Stevenson Joins Effort to Reduce Youth Sports Injuries | Posted on: January 28th, 2011Joined by former professional football players and an official from the National Football League (NFL), Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer/Butler) enlisted … Continue reading
Alloway Re-Introduces Legislation to Expand Self-Defense Law | Posted on: January 28th, 2011HARRISBURG – Senator Richard Alloway II (R-33) re-introduced legislation today that would expand the Castle Doctrine in Pennsylvania to protect … Continue reading
Browne, Briggs Introduce Proposed Safety in Youth Sports Act | Posted on: January 28th, 2011HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 – State Sen. Pat Browne and State Rep. Tim Briggs today held a joint media event with … Continue reading
Senate Majority Policy Committee Examines Local Impacts of Marcellus Shale Drilling | Posted on: January 28th, 2011Harrisburg – The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), held a public hearing Wednesday exploring the … Continue reading
A raft of challenges for new Pennsylvania House leader | Posted on: January 4th, 2011His name is not yet etched into the mahogany panels of the door of the state House leader’s office.But Rep. … Continue reading
Pa. Legislature to swear in 32 freshmen on Tuesday | Posted on: January 4th, 2011Nearly three dozen newly minted lawmakers are about to be sworn in as members of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly.Thirty-two first-term legislators … Continue reading
GOP to give up state fleet cars, pay on health coverage | Posted on: December 16th, 2010Brad Bumsted The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Republicans who will control the state House in January neared agreement yesterday on a plan … Continue reading
State House Republicans propose to trim perks, ban state fleet cars | Posted on: December 15th, 2010Brad Bumsted Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Republican House members who will control the chamber in January have come to a consensus to … Continue reading
Newly elected state lawmaker touts fiscal conservatism | Posted on: December 3rd, 2010Margaret Smykla Pittsburgh Post-Gazette A first-time fiscal conservative running for state office at a time when voters are railing against … Continue reading
House GOP: No lame-duck slots awards | Posted on: December 2nd, 2010Mike Wereschagin Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Some House Republicans want the state Gaming Control Board to hold off on awarding its last … Continue reading
New lawmaker Evankovich works to perfect his juggling act | Posted on: November 22nd, 2010Daveen Rae Kurutz Pittsburgh Tribune-Review While handling the obligations of family, work, farming and campaigning, Eli Evankovich became a pretty … Continue reading
Senate Republicans Elect Leadership Team for New Session | Posted on: November 17th, 2010Press Release Senate Republicans today elected their leadership team for the 2011-12 legislative session.Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) has been nominated … Continue reading
GOP picks Smith, Turzai as new Pennsylvania House leaders | Posted on: November 10th, 2010Amy Worden The Philadelphia Inquirer House Republicans chose two Western Pennsylvanians to lead them Tuesday, ushering in an era of … Continue reading
Toohil wins 116th, ousts House Majority Leader Eachus | Posted on: November 3rd, 2010Steve Morcarsky The Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader In what might very well be the biggest upset in the history of the 116th … Continue reading
GOP takes full control of Pennsylvania Statehouse | Posted on: November 3rd, 2010Amy Worden The Philadelphia Inquirer Republicans riding the wave of anti-incumbent sentiment took control of both chambers of the legislature … Continue reading
