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.
Feb. 06, 2018 Download
The Governor unveiled his 2018-19 state budget proposal before a joint session of the Pennsylvania House and Senate in Harrisburg on Tuesday. The Governor’s plan calls for $33 Billion in state spending, approximately $1 Billion more than the Commonwealth spent last year.
Jun. 21, 2017 Download
Legislation that would amend the Newborn Protection Act to allow parents to relinquish newborns to emergency medical responders at fire stations was approved by the Pennsylvania House recently in Harrisburg. House Bill 11139 would increase the number of locations parents could surrender a newborn, ensuring proper care and medical treatment for the infant. Rep. Jesse Topper (R- Bedford, Fulton & Franklin), prime sponsor of the bill, said the Newborn Protection Act has provided a vital service, and this measure only increases the likelihood that more children can benefit.
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.
Jun. 16, 2016 Download
Legislation designed to increase access to quality healthcare providers by employing telemedicine was the topic of a press conference held recently in Harrisburg. House Bill 1619 would allow Pennsylvania to join the Federation of State Medical Boards, allowing licensed physicians in one state to treat patients in other states via telemedicine. Rep. Jesse Topper (R- Bedford, Fulton & Franklin), prime sponsor of the bill, said people in rural and underserved areas should be able to get the best care available.
Mar. 24, 2016 Download
At a press conference held at the State Capitol on Wednesday, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that he intends to allow a budget approved by the General Assembly last week to become law without his signature. The move signals the end of a nine-month fiscal impasse in Pennsylvania. The 30 billion dollar spending plan allows money to flow to schools, corrections, and agriculture programs that had been held hostage during negotiations.