A weekly summary of important events on Capitol Hill
Provided by Rep. Mike Peifer (R-139) 

House Transportation, Policy Committees Continue Series of Hearings

The House Transportation Committee, along with the House Republican and House Democrat Policy Committees, held two hearings in Center Valley and Philadelphia to focus on several Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) regional transportation issues.  The hearings aim to formulate bipartisan solutions to address Pennsylvania’s transportation funding issues.  Speakers included representatives from PennDOT Districts 2 and 3, a member of the American Concrete Pavement Association and the owner of a state trucking company.  They all offered ideas to fund the repair of the state’s more than 5,600 structurally deficient bridges and more than 7,000 ailing roads.  As part of the special legislative session on transportation, multiple sustainable funding solutions are under consideration to map out a long-term plan for Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.  For the latest news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Lawmaker Unveils Legislation to Update PA Child Labor Laws

On the heels of a recent House Republican Policy Committee hearing addressing Pennsylvania child labor laws in relation to media productions in the state, Rep. Thomas Murt (R-Montgomery/Philadelphia) and several House Republican colleagues unveiled legislation to update the current statute.  The legislation would apply specifically to television and film production in the Commonwealth and protect child actors and performers.  In an event in Montgomery County, Murt introduced House Bill 2515, which would restrict the amount of hours a minor can work on a set and require a state-certified teacher to be present at all times during the filming of a production.  For the latest news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Legislators Hold Hearing Addressing Welfare Fraud in Pennsylvania

In view of Pennsylvania’s $1.23 billion budget deficit, Reps. Mike Reese (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) and Tim Krieger (R-Westmoreland) hosted Chairman Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York) of the House Republican Policy Committee for a hearing on welfare fraud and abuse.  The hearing, held in Westmoreland County, focused on reducing state spending by eliminating prevalent instances of misuse.  Featured speakers included several individuals from a local business and a research associate with the Commonwealth Foundation.  The hearing was held after Auditor General Jack Wagner recently reported several irregularities in Pennsylvania’s welfare system.  House Republicans have made eliminating wasteful welfare spending a priority as the state attempts to balance its budget.  For more information on welfare reform legislation, visit PAGOPPolicy.com.

Tax Amnesty Deadline Draws Near

Pennsylvania’s Tax Amnesty Program gives taxpayers the opportunity to pay back taxes without penalty until June 18.  So far, applications totaling $76.9 million have been filed with the Department of Revenue.  The program was launched April 26.  The state hopes to garner $190 million from the program to help fill Pennsylvania’s growing budget deficit, which has now reached $1.23 billion.