Mar. 23, 2016 Download
Three pieces of legislation designed to address problems arising from an influx of illegal immigrants in Pennsylvania have been introduced in Harrisburg. Lawmakers introduced bills to tackle issues regarding sanctuary cities, employment, and public benefit distribution. Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) has sponsored House Bill 237, which would prevent those who are here illegally from collecting public benefits.
Mar. 17, 2016 Download
Lawmakers in Harrisburg took the next step toward legalization of Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania on Wednesday with the passage of an amended version of Senate Bill 3, which would allow for the use of cannabis in order to treat specific ailments. The legislation outlines how marijuana-related organizations will be regulated, and establishes an advisory board charged with reviewing Commonwealth law related to the production and distribution of prescription cannabis. Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) said that while he is not opposed to the legitimate medical use of marijuana, he felt this legislation did not offer necessary consumer protections. Senate Bill 3 now returns to the Senate for concurrence of the amendments made by the House.
Mar. 16, 2016 Download
Lawmakers took action Wednesday in the state capitol to provide essential funding for the remainder of the 2015/2016 state budget. The current year’s fiscal plan remains unresolved due to the Governor’s line-item vetoes of more than $6 billion for basic and higher education, as well as money for the Department of Corrections and agriculture programs. The House and Senate put forth the supplemental budget legislation to address funding holes created by the Governor’s vetoes and restore state funding for these programs. The funding bill approved today provides for a 200 million dollar increase for basic education, a 5 percent increase for higher education, and ensures that no schools will close in the Commonwealth. Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) said it is past time to close out this years' state budget in order for the legislature to move on with next year's fiscal plan.
Feb. 09, 2016 Download
House lawmakers offered their reactions to Gov. Tom Wolf’s spending proposal for fiscal year 2016-17, which he announced today in an address before a joint session of the General Assembly. The governor’s budget plan would increase taxes on working Pennsylvanians and employers by $3.6 billion and spending by 10 percent, or $3 billion, and calls for $33.3 billion in total spending. To support his proposed spending plan the governor has proposed 15 new tax increases, including a retroactive increase in the Personal Income Tax on Pennsylvania workers.