Nov. 22, 2019 Download
Topics discussed in this week’s program include:
• Fetal Remains Legislation
• Healthy PA Package of Legislation – Pharmacies, Telemedicine
• Hidden Predator – Child Sexual Abuse
• House Moves New Tobacco/Tobacco Related Products Bills
• Look Ahead at Minimum Wage Debate
Oct. 30, 2019 Download
The Pennsylvania House this week continued work on a package of bills designed to bolster the volunteer fire and ambulance companies that form the backbone of the Commonwealth’s emergency response network. The Helpers and Heroes Package addresses the crisis facing our first responders, with most companies having lost more than three quarters of their volunteer force.
Apr. 30, 2019 Download
House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) and fellow legislators unveiled “Energize PA,” a pro-growth, pro-jobs legislative package that will create jobs and redevelop infrastructure with no new fees or taxes. Turzai and House Republican bill sponsors spoke at a Capitol press conference this week in Harrisburg about the package that is designed to create jobs, re-use abandoned manufacturing sites, and streamline permitting processes for brownfields and other sites. Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) is the prime sponsor of a bill in this package.
Apr. 09, 2019 Download
Lawmakers and county transportation officials recently spoke in support of bipartisan legislation to delay upcoming changes to the Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), that provides shared rides to medical appointments for MA recipients when other means are unavailable. Changes made last year to the state’s Human Services Code included a requirement that the Department of Human Services revamp the widely used transportation program to require providing services through a statewide or regional broker. While the shift may help urban counties to improve the delivery of services and achieve savings through increased federal reimbursements, there is deep concern among lawmakers that the new system could increase transportation difficulties and costs for rural areas. At a press conference held Tuesday in the state capitol, bill cosponsor Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) said hearings on implementation of these changes are necessary for determining what works best in PA's rural counties.
Jun. 20, 2018 Download
The Fiscal Year 2018-19 General Appropriation bill (House Bill 2121) is on its way to the state Senate for consideration after the House of Representatives passed it Thursday by a vote of 188-10. The $32.7 billion spending plan increases growth by 1.7 percent, which is below the rate of inflation (2.13 percent), requires no additional taxes or revenues and officially erases a deficit. The budget also includes a record high $12.3 billion investment in education from pre-k through 12th grade, with additional increases in funding for career and technical education as well as higher education. The budget bill is expected to be sent to the governor prior to June 30, after anticipated Senate passage.
Apr. 04, 2017 Download
House Republican lawmakers moved to adopt a new state budget plan Tuesday in Harrisburg that would provide greater government efficiency, reduce overall state spending and avoid broad based tax increases. The $31.52 billion House budget is $246 million less than the current state spending plan and $815 million less than the budget proposal put forth by Governor Wolf earlier this year. The House budget also increases basic education funding by $100 million and provides an additional $25 million for both early childhood education and special education programs. House Bill 218 passed the House by a vote of 114 to 84 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna, Wayne) offered comments on the budget legislation following the vote.
Feb. 07, 2017 Download
Governor Tom Wolf delivered his annual budget address before a joint session of Pennsylvania’s House and Senate on Tuesday in Harrisburg. The Governor proposed a $32.3 billion spending plan with no new major taxes for the upcoming fiscal year. House Republicans were encouraged by the Governor’s decision to work with lawmakers to explore several cost-saving measures in order to balance the budget.
Jan. 03, 2017 Download
The Pennsylvania House opened its 201st legislative session Tuesday in Harrisburg with the swearing in of a 121 member Republican majority, which represents the largest Republican House majority in decades. This includes 12 newly elected Republican members of the House. Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) was also formally re-elected to a second term as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The House Republican leadership team also includes: Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana County); Majority Whip Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster); Appropriations Chair Stan Saylor (R-York); Republican Caucus Chair Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery); Policy Committee Chair Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre & Mifflin); Caucus Administrator Kurt Masser (R- Columbia, Montour & Northumberland); and Caucus Secretary Donna Oberlander (R-Armstrong, Clarion & Forest). Rep. Friitz offered his observations as a new member of the House and outlined personal priorities for the coming session.