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
Jun. 26, 2019 Download
House lawmakers have voted to support a 2019-20 General Fund budget that continues a multi-year effort to hold the line on taxes, fees and spending. Total state spending would be set at $33.997 billion, a 1.8% increase over the current fiscal year, which is in line with the rate of inflation. The plan provides for a record level of spending on education and includes a deposit of more than $250 million into the Rainy-Day Fund, the state’s primary “savings account.” Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) offered the following comments on the spending priorities of the budget plan.
Feb. 05, 2019 Download
Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled his 2019-2020 state budget proposal on Tuesday in Harrisburg. The $34.15 billion spending plan represents a nearly 1 billion dollar increase in state spending over last year. House Republicans said the Commonwealth should be focused on controlling spending and the education and development of our workforce..
Jan. 15, 2019 Download
The House of Representatives was in session Tuesday in the state capitol and members had the opportunity to attend Governor Wolf’s inauguration ceremony for his second term. In his speech, the Governor struck a conciliatory note and called for increased spirit of cooperation between the General Assembly and the administration. Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) said he was generally encouraged by the Governor’s positive tone and and is hopeful this will result in cooperation with lawmakers during the upcoming state budget process.
Jan. 02, 2019 Download
Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives were sworn in on New Year’s Day in Harrisburg with the members taking the oath of office in the House chamber at noon to officially begin the 2019-20 legislative session. Republicans hold a 110 member working majority in the House with 19 newly elected Republican members.This is the fifth consecutive term that Republicans have retained majority control of the PA House. Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) offered the following comments on the swearing-in ceremony and issues expected to be addressed in the new legislative session.
Jul. 02, 2018 Download
This Fourth of July, Pennsylvania residents who had previously been banned from using powerful fireworks, will have their first opportunity to set them off during Independence Day holiday celebrations. Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) is joining public safety officials statewide in encouraging consumers to exercise caution when using fireworks and reminding them that certain rules and safety regulations need to be observed.
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.
Jan. 23, 2018 Download
House Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation to strengthen the fight against Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis by reducing the over-prescription of addictive painkilling drugs in the state’s Workers’ Compensation system. According to recent nationwide studies, Pennsylvania is the second highest state in the number and amount of opioid drugs prescribed per claim. To address this problem, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (Lehigh & Berks), has authored House Bill 18 that would require the Department of Labor and Industry to adopt changes to the official state formulary of medicines that may be prescribed for those within the Workers’ Compensation program. Currently, 21 states, including New York and California, have altered their drug formulary lists for health care payment systems to limit the use of opioids, and those states have significantly reduced the number of injured workers dependent on opioid painkillers.
Rep. Doyle Heffley(R-Carbon) offers his comments on the legislation.
Sep. 27, 2017 Download
Legislation designed to ensure that public benefits are reserved for American citizens was approved by the Pennsylvania House on Tuesday. House Bill 1095 would bring Pennsylvania into compliance with federal law by requiring those seeking public benefits to show proof of citizenship or legal eligibility. Bill sponsor Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) said that considering the Commonwealth’s budget situation, all steps must be taken to ensure proper distribution of public funds. Heffley’s bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Sep. 14, 2017 Download
The Pennsylvania House approved an amended state revenue plan on Wednesday that puts taxpayers first and does not require any increase in state taxes. The revenue plan authored by House Republicans is viewed as a financially responsible effort that not does not rely on additional state borrowing and calls for the utilization of existing funds in dormant state accounts to help balance the nearly $32 billion state budget. The amended revenue plan now returns to the Senate for consideration.
Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) offered his comments following passage of the legislation.