School Mandate Relief Reviewed by Senate Education Committee
The burden of state mandates on public schools was reviewed in depth during a public hearing of the Senate Education Committee today, according to Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), who chairs the committee. [Read More]
Citing Sound Fiscal Management, Fitch Upgrades Pennsylvania’s Bond Rating
As a result of Pennsylvania’s sound financial management and strong budgetary reserves, one of the nation’s leading credit rating agencies announced it would upgrade the state’s bond rating, according to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Scott Martin (R-Lancaster). [Read More]
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward Statement Shapiro’s RGGI Appeal Demonstrates Lack of Leadership
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s decision to appeal the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that the Commonwealth’s entrance into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) without legislative approval violates the Pennsylvania constitution. [Read More]
Shapiro’s RGGI Appeal is a Misguided Approach
Today, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) issued the following statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s decision to appeal the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that entrance by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and state Environmental Quality Board (EQB) into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) without legislative approval violates the Pennsylvania Constitution. [Read More]
Mastriano Bill Would Divest PA from Companies Benefitting Chinese Government
As the state of California and City of San Francisco this week welcomed communist Chinese President Xi Jinping, here in Pennsylvania, state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) is sending a different message by introducing a bill to divest all commonwealth holdings in companies controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). [Read More]
Senate Approves Funding, Additional Transparency for State-Related Universities
The Senate voted overwhelmingly to support funding and additional transparency measures for Pennsylvania’s state-related universities today, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13). [Read More]
Robinson, Kane, Haywood Announce Legislation Addressing Lead in School Water
Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) was joined by Sens. John Kane (D-9) and Art Haywood (D-4), along with industry professionals to announce legislation that would require testing and mitigation for lead in Pennsylvania schools’ drinking water. [Read More]
Argall Bill to Punish Looters Wins Bipartisan Senate Approval
In the aftermath of widespread looting in Philadelphia and many other cities, the Senate approved Sen. Dave Argall’s legislation to prevent these crimes by a bipartisan vote of 46-4 today. [Read More]
Senate Approves Martin Resolution Evaluating Success of School Safety Programs
The Senate approved a resolution today to initiate a comprehensive study of Pennsylvania’s approach to school safety to build on recent successes to keep kids safer in the classroom, according to the resolution’s sponsor, Senator Scott Martin (R-Lancaster). [Read More]
Senate Advances Key Education, School Safety Budget Priorities
The Senate approved budget implementation language today that will drive out critical funding to schools and present a more streamlined approach to school safety, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13). [Read More]