News
Concussion Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk
A concussion is a brain injury, and the Safety in Youth Sport Act is written to protect Pennsylvania’s children from traumatic brain injuries. “It strengthens our overall protocols when it comes to the safety of our children in scholastic sports, in order to reduce the incidences and potential risks of traumatic head injury,” says State […]
New Department in Limbo
The first new state department since 1995 was to be created in July, under Act 50 of 2010. To date, however, the Corbett administration has not taken the steps to establish a new, cabinet-level Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Budget Secretary Charles Zogby appeared before the House Human Services Committee to explain the delay, […]
Lawmakers, Environmental Groups Call for More Control of Air Emissions From Drilling Industry
Some state lawmakers and a number of environmental groups say there’s not enough attention being paid to air pollution caused by Marcellus Shale drilling. Representative Greg Vitali (D-Del.) says the Department of Environmental Protection must do more to address air pollution caused by drilling activity. Vitali says a lot of the pollution comes from […]
Texting While Driving Ban on its Way to Governor’s Desk
Pennsylvania could soon become the 35th state to ban all drivers from texting behind the wheel. With a 45 – 5 vote in the Senate, Tuesday, a bill to ban texting while driving is on its way to Governor Tom Corbett’s desk. “It’s no question that it’s distractive, it’s no question that it’s dangerous, and […]
Governor, First Lady in the Halloween Spirit
Governor Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett welcomed Harrisburg trick-or-treaters to the Governor’s residence, which was all decked out for Halloween. “We had a lot of things donated from the community, candy bars, pumpkins,” First Lady Susan Corbett said. “So everyone has been really great in helping us put together this evening, turning the […]
Preliminary Legislative Redistricting Plan Approved Along Party Lines
A preliminary legislative redistricting plan was approved by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission on Monday. The vote was split along party lines. The approval came after a half hour recess to allow the legislative leaders time to look over each side’s final proposed maps. The preliminary plan moves a senate district from the Pittsburgh area, now held by […]
Texting While Driving Bill Clears House With Amendments
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill that would ban texting while driving. Senate Bill 314 bans sending, reading or writing texts for all drivers. It would make it a primary offense and establishes a fine of 50 dollars. A primary offense means a police officer could stop a driver if they […]