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| Legislative Report |
| The latest news from the State Capitol |
Energize PA: Encouraging Job Creation, Redeveloping Infrastructure
On Thursday, I joined with several of my Southwestern House Republican colleagues for a news conference overlooking the Shell manufacturing facility in Beaver County to highlight “Energize PA,” a pro-growth, pro-jobs legislative package designed to encourage job growth and redevelop infrastructure with no new fees or taxes.
For example, the Keystone Energy Enhancement Act (House Bill 1102) is designed to encourage capital investment in Pennsylvania’s natural gas and manufacturing industries by creating 20 Keystone Energy Enhancement Zones whereby businesses will be eligible for state and local tax exemptions and credits for 10 years.
Later Thursday morning, we welcomed U.S. Under Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes for a roundtable discussion specifically focused on Marcellus Shale and the Shell Manufacturing Plant.
Under Secretary Menezes was impressed with the sheer magnitude of energy production in Pennsylvania and the ability to attract the Shell plant, which is currently one of the largest construction sites in the United States.
Menezes’ visit was part of his tour of Appalachia and was a terrific complement to the House Republican Policy Committee’s recent visit to Washington County to tour a drilling site, producing well, compressor station and processing plant.
The last stop on our Energize PA itinerary was a tour of the Shell Ethane Plant construction site, which will provide 600 permanent jobs upon completion.
Shell representatives did an outstanding job showing us how they are committed to keeping people safe, protecting the environment and being good neighbors while redeveloping the brownfield site and bringing economic development to our entire region.
Pennsylvania has already realized significant benefits from homegrown oil and clean-burning natural gas production generating: $45 billion in state revenue; 300,000 family-sustaining jobs; billions of dollars in bonus and royalty payments for Pennsylvania landowners; and significant reductions in air emissions—helping Pennsylvania meet Clean Power Plan goals ahead of schedule and without government interference.
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49th District Events
Popular Concealed Carry Seminar Coming to Charleroi
Our next Concealed Seminar will be held on Saturday, May 25, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Charleroi Sportsman’s Association, 79 Gun Club Road, Charleroi.
Featured speaker Kim Stolfer, Firearms Owners Against Crime will present the facts and answer questions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws, the Castle Doctrine and other valuable information regarding firearms safety and state gun laws.
Whether you are considering applying for a permit or already have one, this no-cost seminar offers a unique opportunity for both prospective and experienced firearm owners to expand their knowledge of existing gun laws and get a better understanding about freely and responsibly exercising your right to keep and bear arms.
Seating is limited and will fill up quickly, so interested individuals must register as soon as possible by calling the Belle Vernon district office at 724- 929-2660.
Belle Vernon District Office Open House and Ribbon Cutting Set for May 28
Residents of the 49th Legislative District are cordially invited to join us on Tuesday, May 28, for an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at our new Belle Vernon district office, located at 10 Main St.
This special event will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with the ribbon-cutting beginning promptly at 5:30 p.m.
This open house is an excellent opportunity to meet me, and my highly knowledgeable staff, learn about the wide range of legislative services that are available, and help us celebrate by enjoying some refreshments and conversation.
Available services include assisting District 49 residents with PennDOT paperwork, driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals; information and applications for senior citizen benefit programs, including Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug programs; securing birth and death certificates (photo identification required); organizing tours of the State Capitol; copies of legislation; and many others.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone there on May 28. Please share with your family, friends and neighbors.
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Supporting Our National Guard Members and Their Families
Recognizing the sacrifices made by the families of PA National Guard Members, the House approved legislation to provide them with education benefits.
House Bill 1324 would extend our current Pennsylvania National Guard Military Education Program by including a Guard member’s spouse or child in this benefit program.
The benefit would pay for 10 semesters/quarters, or five years equivalent, at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education tuition rate.
The Guard member could earn these educational benefits for his or her spouse and/or children by committing to a second obligation of six years with the Pennsylvania National Guard. This would help retain current National Guard members and attract transitioning military service members to Pennsylvania while also supporting Guard families.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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Fish for Free Next Weekend
If you’ve been thinking about trying fishing or wanting to introduce your child or a friend to the joys of fishing, you’ll have a great chance to do so next weekend!
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will host the first of its two annual Fish for Free Days next Sunday, May 26.
On Fish for Free Days, anyone -- resident or non-resident -- can legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways without a license.
All other fishing regulations will still apply.
For your convenience, there are even opportunities to borrow equipment from certain sites at state parks and other locations. You can find those locations by clicking here.
The second Fish for Free day is scheduled for Thursday, July 4, 2019.
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| Office Locations |
| Belle Vernon, 10 Main St. Belle Vernon, Pa 15012 (724) 669-2242 / California, 130 Woodland Court, Brownsville, Pa 15417 (724) 669-2242 |
| B-15 Main Capitol, PO Box 202049, Harrisburg PA 17120-2049 | (717) 783-8655 / 3-8655 |
| Email Address: BCook@pahousegop.com |
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