Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

HARRISBURG - Museums and historical societies in Pennsylvania have been awarded a total of $2 million for 130 grants, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-66). Scarnati explained that the grants were awarded as part of the state’s Cultural and Historical Support program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). The goal of the program is to strengthen the Pennsylvania museum community through providing general operating support to museums and official county historical societies that are not supported by other state agency funding programs. “Our Commonwealth is fortunate to have outstanding museums and historical societies across Pennsylvania,” Senator Scarnati said. “I am glad that these grants will help offer assistance to historical sites so that they can continue to provide excellent educational opportunities within our communities.” “Museums inspire curiosity and allow peo...

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) issued the following statement regarding the retirement of Speaker Sam Smith: Speaker Sam Smith has been an exceptional public servant, working tirelessly to provide extraordinary leadership and strong guidance for our Commonwealth for the past 27 years. I consider it a great privilege to have had the opportunity to work with Speaker Smith for over a decade. Speaker Smith has offered solid direction for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, while spearheading numerous significant legislative accomplishments. Most recently we saw an example of his exemplary leadership with his resolve to facilitate the passage of Pennsylvania’s transportation funding infrastructure investment plan -– putting the safety of Pennsylvania citizens above politics. Chief among his other legislative accomplishments has been his push for educational initiatives. Sam Smith was certainly the “Father” of the educational block grants. The block grants h...

For the first time ever a Pennsylvania teacher is a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year Award. Ryan Devlin, a teacher at Brockway Area High School for seven years, has been selected as one of four finalists for the award. Last year, he was Pennsylvania’s teacher of the year and was the first teacher in this region to receive that award. “We congratulate Ryan for receiving this high honor,” Senator Joe Scarnati said. “Being nominated for the national teaching award is a tremendous achievement and testament to his engaging and innovative approach to helping students learn. Our community is very fortunate to have outstanding teachers, like Ryan, who focus their lives on helping students reach their full potential.” “We are truly fortunate that Ryan has dedicated his career to teaching students in the community where he grew up,” State Representative Sam Smith said. “Ryan’s dedication to his profession shows that he truly cares about young people and continually goes the...

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Speaker Sam Smith (R-66) issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court Ruling on Act 13 Zoning Provisions: The decision made by four Supreme Court Justices today to invalidate a portion of Act 13 of 2012 is incredibly disappointing. While recognizing that a decision of this length will take weeks to fully absorb, we are stunned that four Justices would issue this ruling which will so harshly impact the economic welfare of Pennsylvanians. The majority decision seems to raise significantly more questions than it answers. Chief Justice Castille’s opinion relies in part on inaccurate antidotes and unproven science. The consequences of this decision will likely be the increase of natural gas prices for consumers, while at the same time costing a multitude of jobs in Pennsylvania. It is important to note that this decision resets the clock on zoning prior to the enactment of Act 13, therefore municipalities will contin...

(News Release) HARRISBURG – Two bills to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Senate passed the House today, Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson/Armstrong/Indiana) said. Both bills now head to the Senate for consideration. House Bill 1234, authored by Smith, would reduce the House of Representatives to 153 members from 203 and passed by a vote of 148-50; House Bill 1716 would reduce the Senate to 38 members from its current 50 and passed by a vote of 150-48. “A smaller legislature will be more efficient,” Smith said. “A smaller legislature means state government will be more productive and more responsive. This bill will bring a greater level of understanding between the people crafting legislation. The end product will be more responsive to the needs and concerns of the people of Pennsylvania.” With 253 members, the Pennsylvania General Assembly is the second-largest in the country (New Hampshire’s legislature consists of 424 member...

HARRISBURG – Speaker of House Sam Smith (R-Armstrong/Indiana/Jefferson counties) issued a statement on the death of Rep. Dick Hess (R-Bedford/Fulton/Huntingdon counties). Hess died Friday at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh due to complications resulting from recent leg surgery. “Dick Hess and I came in together as freshmen in 1987, and he was always a good friend, colleague and ally on many issues. “A devoted family man, Dick will be missed by many more than those of us in the state House. His loss will be felt throughout the 78th Legislative District, from constituents, to the schools and many service organizations he belonged to. He’s been a tireless public servant and truly helped so many people.” Hess was 74 years old and died peacefully surrounded by family. Funeral and other arrangements are being finalized. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana, Armstrong) joined Governor Tom Corbett in DuBois City and Jefferson and Clearfield Counties today to meet with local officials and emergency management personnel to assess local flood damage. During a tour of the region, Senator Scarnati, Representative Smith and Governor Corbett were accompanied by Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director, Glenn Cannon, and Adjutant General, Wesley Craig. The group was able to view and evaluate areas affected by the severe thunderstorms and flooding which began impacting the region on Thursday. Scarnati and Smith expressed their gratitude for the quick response and tireless efforts of emergency responders, water rescue crews, local police, municipal workers, local officials and area volunteers who have been working tirelessly to help victims recover from this disaster. DuBois City has sustained the most si...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director The Pennsylvania National Guard's Black Hawk helicopter today took Governor Tom Corbett, House Speaker Sam Smith and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati over areas damaged by Thursday’s flooding. Those areas included Jefferson County, where Scarnati and Smith both live, as well as Clearfield and Clinton counties. During a news conference in DuBois, one of the hardest hit places, Corbett said the three state leaders had a chance to see some of the damage close up. “Obviously it doesn’t look the same after the fact, when the waters have receded,” Corbett said, adding that he and everyone else was watching the skies, hoping they didn’t see a repeat. Rumbles of thunder could be heard during the news conference and a flood advisory is in effect for that area until 10:30 tonight. Corbett said the state would do everything possible to help the areas get federal aid. Glenn Cannon, head of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, s...

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) have announced that a $2 million state grant has been awarded to build a medical center in Punxsutawney Borough. The State Redevelopment Assistance Capitol Program (RACP) awarded $2 million dollars for the project, which will be put towards the building of a Federally Qualified Health Care-anchored multi-service, three-story 45,000 square-foot medical facility. According to the legislators, Primary Health Network (PHN) of Sharon, PA will own and operate the facility. PHN has worked closely with Punxsutawney Hospital, the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce, the Jefferson/Clarion Community Action Commission, the Borough of Punxsutawney, and other social service providers and individuals to collaboratively develop plans for the facility. “This project is an e...

Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives return to Harrisburg on Monday, Jan. 14, to continue the organization process for the 2013-14 legislative session. Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson/Indiana) will announce the composition of each of the House’s 23 standing committees and brief meetings will then be held off the floor for each committee to organize. Committees are the foundation of legislative activity in the House. All bills introduced by lawmakers must first be referred to the appropriate committee and vetted before being sent to the full House for consideration. Committees conduct meetings and public hearings to discuss issues and specific legislation in order to develop the best policies for the Commonwealth. Members have begun circulating memos seeking co-sponsors for proposed legislation. Continuing the commitment to open government, all co-sponsorship memos are being posted publicly for the first time. They can be viewed under the “session” tab a...

HARRISBURG – As you heard first on Monday on 1490 WESB's LiveLine, State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) has been named chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee for the 2013-14 legislative session by Speaker-designate Rep. Sam Smith (R-Punxsutawney). “Hunting and fishing play an important role in our state and regional economies, but more importantly, these activities are a vital part of our heritage,” Causer said. “As chairman of the committee, my top priority will be to protect and preserve that heritage for future generations of sportsmen and sportswomen.” The House Game and Fisheries Committee is responsible for reviewing legislative proposals that impact hunters and anglers in the Commonwealth. The committee also receives and reviews annual reports from both the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. During the 2011-12 session, the committee worked on several bills that are now law, including: Enhancements to th...

HARRISBURG – The 111 members of the incoming Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus today once again elected Rep. Sam Smith (R-Punxsutawney) as their choice for speaker of the House and Rep. Mike Turzai as majority leader for the 2013-14 legislative session. Today’s caucus election comes seven days after Republicans increased their majority from 109 members going into Election Day, to 111 members and retaining control of the state House for the second session in a row. Smith’s and Turzai’s elections were part of today’s reorganization session of the Republican Caucus. The formal election for speaker will take place in the full House when the 2013-14 session begins on Jan. 1, 2013. Republicans hold a 111-92 majority in the state House. “We governed responsibly for the last two years and plan to keep moving in that direction,” Smith said. “We will continue to focus on the economy, private sector job-creation and restoring citizens’ confidence in state government.” “We ran o...

HARRISBURG – Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25), Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-66), Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-28) announced today that the Senate and the House will not convene for a lame-duck session this year. "This will be the third consecutive legislative session in which the Senate does not convene for a lame-duck session," Senator Scarnati said. "This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that members of the General Assembly are accountable to the public for the decisions we make." "This legislative session has seen a remarkable number of reform-related bills signed into law," Representative Turzai said. "New laws will create an online budget database, strengthen the Sunshine Law and reform the regulatory process. This announcement is another significant step forward in our commitment to change how Harrisburg operates." "Fewer than a dozen s...

Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Punxsutawney) released the following statement regarding what he says is the misinformation being perpetuated by some special interests regarding the chemical disclosure language in one paragraph of Act 13, the Marcellus/Utica Shale Impact law: “Doctors will be able to provide all of the information needed to discuss any patient ailment. “It is outrageous to think, let alone for anyone to portray, that the state would actually ‘gag’ a doctor in treating a patient. It is irresponsible for an organization to try and create such hysteria. “The language in the Marcellus/Utica law was advocated by the Environmental Defense Fund and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. “The new law explicitly requires fracking chemical information be disclosed to medical professionals so that they may provide treatment should the need ever arise. This will enable medical professionals to meet their highest ethical obligations and to fully inform their patients. “The law w...

HARRISBURG – Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) announced today that she has been appointed to serve as the House Republican representative to the Interagency Coordinating Council by Speaker of the Pennsylvania House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson/Indiana/Armstrong). The Interagency Coordinating Council was established to advise on basic adult education and literacy services and to promote public awareness of literacy. “As a long-time advocate on the Pennsylvania House Education Committee for early intervention to make sure all our students know how to read at the earliest grade level possible, I am thrilled to accept this appointment, and I look forward to working with the council to promote literacy and adult education,” said Rapp. “No matter how much taxpayer money is thrown at the educational system, too many students are continuing to fall through the cracks. With that said, we must do all that we can to reach out to adults who have not mastered their essential reading skills and...

Watch the video here HARRISBURG – A bill to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Senate passed the House today by a vote of 140-49, Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson/Armstrong/Indiana) said. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. House Bill 153, authored by Smith, would reduce the House of Representatives to 153 members from 203 and the Senate to 38 members from its current 50. “I believe that by reducing the size the House it will make the legislative process more efficient, because members would communicate better and understand the other person’s problem. And I think that will create better legislation at the end of the day.” With 253 members, the Pennsylvania General Assembly is the second-largest in the country. With a current population of more than 12.7 million people, the proposed 153 House districts each would represent about 83,022 people, which is not a significant change from 62,573 with the current 203 districts. ...

State Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) and State Representatives Sam Smith (R-66) and Matt Gabler (R-78) are urging residents to take part in an upcoming public meeting that will focus on a proposal by Flatirons Resources to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway. The Department of Environmental Protection is holding the meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday February 22 at Brockway Area Junior/Senior High School. “This is a great opportunity for Brockway residents to learn more about the permitting process, DEP’s role in enforcement and how the company plans to implement environmental protections,” Scarnati said. “Our goal throughout the development of this growing industry has been to ensure public safety and protect our natural resources. Residents with questions or concerns should take this opportunity to speak with DEP and company representatives.” “This open forum is an excellent opportunity for local residents to listen, learn and ask direct questions of DEP and Flatirons Resources rela...

Harrisburg –Governor Tom Corbett today unveiled his 2012-13 budget to the General Assembly, asking legislators to continue the path of fiscal restraint and to encourage free enterprise for a more prosperous Pennsylvania. “Last year, we accomplished much of real consequence. For the first time in 40 years, we spent less,’’ Corbett said. “Pennsylvania took its first steps toward changing the culture of tax and spend. Together, we showed we can make reforms that count. It is time to show citizens, weary of empty promises…that we can accomplish more. “Today I bring before you a budget grounded in difficult realities but framed in the optimism that we are solving our problems,’’ Corbett said. “Once again, revenues do not match mandated, escalating costs. That means we must continue the course bravely charted by this assembly in the year just passed.’’ The $27.14 billion proposal maintains Corbett’s commitment to balance the state budget. The budget closes a projected revenue shortfall of mo...

HARRISBURG – A bill to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to 153 members, from the current 203 members, heads to the House floor, Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson/Armstrong/Indiana) said today after the bill passed out of committee. The bill, House Bill 153, authored by Speaker Smith, passed the House State Government Committee by a vote of 18-6. “There is nothing magical about the number 203, in fact, it came about by accident, yet reports and studies have indicated that groups more than 150 tend to be less efficient,” Smith said. “Reaching a consensus with 203 people on major and controversial issues has proven more difficult in recent times.” With 203 members, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is the second largest in the country. “In order to right-size Pennsylvania’s government, the Legislature needs to put its own house in order,” Smith said. “Today’s committee vote positions the bill for consideration by the full House in the next se...

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and House Speaker Sam Smith today named members of the Task Force on Child Protection, a panel created by the General Assembly to thoroughly review state laws and procedures governing child protection and the reporting of child abuse. “This task force has a tremendously important job,” Corbett said. “It will provide input to help us strengthen state laws and ensure every Pennsylvania child receives the protection from harm they deserve.” The four members appointed by the governor are: · Hon. David W. Heckler, Bucks County District Attorney; · William Strickland, president and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation; · Dr. Cindy W. Christian, M.D., director of Safe Place: The Center for Child Protection and Health, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; and · Delilah Rumburg, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Corbett also designated District Attorney Heckler, a fo...