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GOP budget doesn't reflect commitment to jobs
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House Democrats held a news conference this week to focus on the misplaced priorities in the governor's and House GOP budget bill, which invests even LESS in Pennsylvania than what the governor originally proposed in February.
Pennsylvania needs jobs and it's long overdue for the state budget to help put people back to work.
VISIT THE HOUSE DEMOCRATS' YOUTUBE PAGE TO WATCH MORE HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATORS TALK ABOUT THE BUDGET PRIORITIES THAT PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THEIR LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS ARE CALLING FOR.
House Democrats blast GOP budget proposals on jobs and economy
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The group outlined its opposition saying that once a leader in job creation, Pennsylvania has hit an employment plateau, and that the unemployment rate has been higher than the national rate for nearly 10 months.
Noting that some of the corporate tax breaks endorsed by GOP leaders have created undue obstacles for small businesses, House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny, "It is time to reinvest in our state’s work force, and take steps to level the playing field for Pennsylvania’s own small, family-owned businesses that want to add jobs."
Neilson introduces dyslexia screening legislation
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The legislation, which would establish a Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program in at least three school districts, was introduced in both chambers this week.
“If left undiagnosed or untreated, dyslexia can have a devastating effect on a child’s performance in school and later in life,” Neilson said. “Screening and intervention efforts have been shown to offer these children a real opportunity to overcome this challenge and have a real chance at leading a successful life.”
Goodman's bipartisan bill would help maintain state prison safety
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Fleck and Goodman were joined by a psychologist and a union official Wednesday at a Capitol news conference to discuss their bill.
Goodman said psychologists are an important part of the teams at both facilities that ensure employees’ and residents’ safety during and after an inmate’s incarceration.
House approves Keller bill to break unemployment claims logjam
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Keller's bill (H.B. 26) would supplement federal funding for the administration of unemployment compensation by transferring funds from currently existing revenue to assist with processing claims, including in the state's troubled UC Service Centers. The money would come from existing employee tax contributions as mandated by law and be paid over four years, with $40 million transferred in the first year.
Keller said his legislation is directed at widespread reports of problems encountered by claimants when seeking help with unemployment compensation. Among the problems residents have experienced are repeated busy signals when calling UC Service Centers, long wait times on the phone and delays in claims processing, including receiving an initial check.
House approves Freeman bill that would give municipalities more flexibility and resources to maintain parks
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Municipalities receive recreation fees from new development, but under current law, that money only can be used for building a park in that development, usually resulting in an underutilized pocket park. Freeman's bill would permit municipalities to use the money to operate, maintain or expand any recreational facilities within the municipality.
"Parks, playgrounds and other recreational facilities are important to our quality of life," Freeman said. "They promote green space in the community, safeguard the environment and give people of all ages a place for exercise and recreation. My bill would ease the restrictions on the use of the recreation fees they receive from developers, so they can be more wisely used to benefit all residents in a municipality."
Matzie praises Treasurer McCord for halting NICUSA payments
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“The administration was able to sell this no-bid contract to the public because it was supposed to come at no cost to the state,” Matzie said. “The no-bid nature is problematic enough, but then the company started to request millions of dollars in payments. From that, it seems clear that this contract was bad for Pennsylvania and bad for Pennsylvanians from the start.”
McCord rejected four invoices submitted this year by Pennsylvania Interactive. He cited failure on behalf of the administration to obtain necessary approval from the Attorney General, insufficient justification of specific payments amounts requested and an inadequate basis for granting a no-bid contract.
Miller begins first term representing 42nd Legislative District
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“It’s a tremendous honor to be elected and able to represent the citizens of the 42nd Legislative District,” Miller said. “I look forward to working for them and being their voice in Harrisburg to ensure their needs and concerns are dealt with.”
Miller said his legislative priorities include fiscal responsibility, restoring funding to education and reforming the Pennsylvania property tax system.
Schreiber sworn in to first term as state representative
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Schreiber said he will strive to promote a healthy economic climate for small businesses and working families in York County and across the state.
“I'm eager to work to create jobs and strengthen our economy locally and on behalf of all Pennsylvanians,” said Schreiber, who served as Community and Economic Development Director for the city of York.
Children and Youth Committee approves legislation to preserve family unity
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"This committee is passing meaningful legislation that will help protect children and keep families together," said Bishop, Democratic chairperson of the committee.
House Bill 1101 outlines guidelines for the county to pay child-care providers within a 30-day period. In addition, the bill would establish a task force to evaluate reasonable rate adjustments for mandated children and youth services and programs.
Roebuck: GOP cyber/charter bill deserves a D+, doesn't save nearly enough
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"I have introduced a bill that would save $365 million in the first year and include more financial accountability and more comprehensive reforms to these publicly funded schools. The Republican bill doesn't even come close, and I and other Democrats plan to offer amendments to it in the full House. Without changes, this bill deserves a D-plus because it doesn't save nearly enough," Roebuck said.
Roebuck is pleased the Republican bill, H.B. 618, would remove a "double dip" for cyber charter schools that lets them receive extra funding for pension costs, but he is disappointed the bill would not make the same change to brick-and-mortar charter schools, of which Pennsylvania has nearly 10 times as many. Roebuck also questioned why the cyber-only change would be made for only two years while a commission studies funding – "this needs to be fixed and we should fix it," he said.
HDPC looks at child care funding and availability
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The House Democratic Policy Committee
heard from children’s advocates and care providers at a public hearing
May 31 regarding the cost and availability of quality child care.State Reps. Stephen Kinsey and Michelle Brownlee, both D-Phila., requested the hearing and served as co-chairmen.
“We need to ensure that child care is affordable because of the important role it can play in socialization and education of our children,” Brownlee said. “Parents and caregivers also need to be confident that when they drop their kids off at their child care establishment that their safety is paramount.”
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