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.
Jun. 30, 2017 Download
The Pennsylvania House has passed a bipartisan, responsible spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year which holds the line on state expenditures by consolidating agencies and streamlining government programs. House Bill 218 spends $32 Billion, representing an increase of less than one percent over last year’s spending plan. The budget also increases funding for education, ranging from early childhood to institutions of higher learning. House Bill 218 now awaits the Governor’s signature.
Jun. 08, 2017 Download
Legislation designed to reform Pennsylvania’s state employee and public school employee retirement systems has been approved by the Pennsylvania House. Senate Bill 1 would establish a hybrid retirement benefit plan, including defined benefit and defined contribution components. New employees would be mandatory members of the new hybrid plan. Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) said this reform pension legislation is a step toward addressing the state's financial crisis.
May. 24, 2017 Download
The Pennsylvania House has approved House Resolution 349, recognizing the efforts of Mission 22, an organization dedicated to preventing veteran suicide. Resolution sponsor Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) said we must honor the dedication and service of all veterans, and use all resources available to combat the epidemic of suicide among those who served our nation.
Apr. 05, 2017 Download
Advocates who are opposed to the consolidation of state social service agencies, including the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, into a larger state bureaucracy rallied in the state Capitol Wednesday. Public testimony was heard about budget related agency consolidation proposals and questions were raised about the future status of specific state programs, the effects on customer service and how consolidation could limit input from populations served by as many as four state agencies. State lawmakers joined in the show of support for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and how it has played a positive role in helping many citizens to recover from opioid drug addiction. Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) offered comments on this issue.
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. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) offered comments on the budget legislation following the vote.
Mar. 13, 2017 Download
A package of bills designed to reduce illegal immigration curtail the government incentives that draw noncitizen aliens to Pennsylvania was unveiled on Monday in Harrisburg. The National Security Begins at Home package of bills would mandate employer compliance with the national E-Verify program, introduce penalties for those who knowingly employ illegal aliens, and require state and local law enforcement compliance with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
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.