Vaccine Distribution Remains Critical as Wolf Demands Record Tax Hike

Feb. 19, 2021 /

While much of the media and public conversation in Pennsylvania swirls with concern and uncertainty about obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. Wolf on Wednesday used his annual budget address to propose the highest Personal Income Tax hike in Pennsylvania history.

$6.2 Million in Grants for Lancaster Restaurant, Hospitality Businesses

Feb. 19, 2021 /

My office continues to receive calls from folks who are unable to get the unemployment benefits they deserve and small business owners struggling to stay alive as a result of the ongoing pandemic. In an effort to help these individuals, I recently voted to approve a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package that will bring some relief to Lancaster County.

Applications for 2021 Pennsylvania House Scholarship Now Available

Jan. 15, 2021 /

High school seniors interested in receiving financial assistance to help pay for college can now apply for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship. Each year the program awards a four-year scholarship to two students preparing for post-secondary education. The scholarship is privately funded by individual and corporate donors; no tax or other public funds are used.

COVID-19 Testing Sites and Vaccination Update

Dec. 18, 2020 /

You are encouraged to help limit the spread of the virus by practicing good hygiene, such as hand washing; wearing a mask or other type of face covering; and maintaining a safe distance of at least 6 feet from others. By slowing the spread of the virus, we can ensure our hospitals and health care systems aren’t further overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients.

Thanking Our Veterans

Nov. 11, 2020 /

This Veterans Day, while ceremonies may be limited due to Covid-19, our thanks and appreciation for the men and women who have served our country is as strong as ever.

Supporting PA’s ‘Helpers and Heroes’

Oct. 27, 2020 /

Two pieces of legislation designed to protect our communities and address the financial needs of our hard-working emergency responders are on their way to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk as part of our Helpers and Heroes initiative.

Standing with Patients and Doctors

Oct. 21, 2020 /

I have partnered with State Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) to craft legislation that would reform insurance tactics that are delaying care and increasingly undermining decisions made between physicians and patients.

Pay Freeze Bill Headed to Governor’s Desk

Oct. 02, 2020 /

During these unprecedented and challenging economic times, my colleagues and I voted to freeze the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for state government officials through 2021. House Bill 2487 received unanimous approval in both the House and the Senate and is now on its way to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Slow Down for School Buses

Sep. 03, 2020 /

With some students returning to school for in-person classes, school buses are back on the roads. Motorists, parents and children are encouraged to refresh their memories about how to share the road safely.

Lancaster Delegation Urges Governor to Sign Bipartisan Transparency Bill

Jul. 22, 2020 /

HARRISBURG - The Lancaster County Republican Delegation – House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom), Mindy Fee (R-Manheim), Keith J. Greiner (R-Upper Leacock), Dave Hickernell (R-West Donegal), Brett Miller (R-East Hempfield), Steve Mentzer (R-Lititz) and Dave Zimmerman (R-East Earl) – issued the following statement after the announcement from Gov. Tom Wolf at yesterday’s press conference that he plans to veto House Bill 2463. The bill would ensure Right-to-Know (RTK) requests are answered during state of emergency declarations and it was passed unanimously by the General Assembly.

Lancaster Delegation Votes in Support of Commissioners

May. 14, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – As Pennsylvania’s unemployment statistics continue to rise, and the COVID-19 ‘curve’ is flattened, the House of Representatives sent a plan to allow counties to develop and implement their own COVID-19 mitigation plans for businesses to the Governor’s desk.

New School Funding Formula

Mar. 23, 2020 /

In 2014 the legislature passed Act 51. This was passed on the direction of a bipartisan, bicameral commission established by the legislature to deal with the inequities in the current education funding formula. Lancaster County was represented on that Commission by then- Senator Smucker and Representative Sturla. They came up with an excellent compromise on a formula that would be more equitable for every school district across the state.

School Property Tax Reform

Mar. 06, 2020 /

It is my distinct privilege to serve the constituents of the 97th Legislative District. A concern I hear frequently is, when will the General Assembly pass property tax reform? The fact of the matter is that all Pennsylvanians, should they choose to retire and stay here, will be dealing with constantly rising school property taxes while on a fixed income.

Fair Funding and Hold Harmless

Mar. 06, 2020 /

Property tax reform and how we fund our schools are issues that go hand in hand. Over the next several weeks, I would like to share with you the challenges our State has in implementing reforms.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance Available

Feb. 25, 2020 /

Tax season is upon us. For many people, this means having to choose between paying high fees to have their taxes prepared by a third party or attempting the filing process on their own.

Governor Says More Spending More Debt and More Taxes

Feb. 18, 2020 /

Gov. Tom Wolf recently outlined his vision for the upcoming state budget to a joint session of the General Assembly. His budget proposal shows that his administration has already overspent the current budget by nearly $600 million. This Governor is now seeking another $1.5 billion in new spending for next year’s budget. Over 80% of that new spending is in the Department of Human Services.