A weekly summary of important events on Capitol Hill Provided by Rep. Julie Harhart (R-Lehigh/Northampton) 

House GOP Elects New Appropriations Chair, Reiterates Budget Priorities

Rep. William Adolph (R-Delaware County) was elected this week as the new House Republican Appropriations Committee Chairman.  Former Appropriations Chairman Rep. Mario Civera (R-Delaware County) resigned as chairman upon his election to the Delaware County Council.  Both Adolph and House Republican leaders emphasize that they will continue to work toward restraining government spending and fighting for no new or increased taxes to protect Pennsylvanians and get the state on the road to economic recovery.  Adolph takes the reins as the House Appropriations Committee began 2010-11 budget hearings this week. 

Legislation Introduced To Protect Health Care Freedoms

Concerned citizens and lawmakers joined House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Stan Saylor (R-York) and Reps. Matt Baker (R-Bradford/Tioga) and Curt Schroder (R-Chester County) this week in announcing legislation aimed at protecting Pennsylvania’s 10th Amendment right to reject a massive federal government intrusion on health care.  Baker has authored House Bill 2053, the “Health Care Freedom Act,” which would preserve individual rights in choosing not to participate in a government-run health care plan, while also safeguarding important patient-doctor relationships.  Schroder’s House Bill 2179 is a joint resolution which would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to protect a citizen’s right to choose his or her own health care plan and to purchase health care insurance from the company of his or her choice.  Estimates show that if implemented, a government-run health care program would hit Pennsylvania with more than $1 billion in increased costs and also greatly infringe on an individual’s right to make his or her own health care decisions. 

Proposal Bans Text Messaging While Driving

The House this week approved legislation banning junior drivers from using any wireless communication devices while driving, and prohibiting all drivers from text messaging or using hand-held cell phones behind the wheel.  Attempting to address concerns that cell phone users aren’t the only drivers who may become distracted, Rep. Chris Ross (R-Chester County) offered an amendment assessing an additional fine on drivers distracted by things such as reading newspapers or books, applying makeup, shaving or eating.  The amendment was not included as part of the final bill, which passed 189-6 and is now on its way to the Senate for consideration.   

Budget Hearing Highlights Economic Outlook

Members of the House Appropriations Committee held a hearing this week on Pennsylvania’s economic outlook.  Those testifying, including James Diffley of Global Insight and Richard Lang of the Federal Reserve Bank, reiterated that although some signs of the recession are over, jobs and the economy are unlikely to show any signs of real growth until 2012.  House Republicans remain concerned that the governor’s proposed spending increases for the 2010-11 budget will be unsustainable and are again calling for a responsible budget that controls growth and reflects today’s economic conditions. 

Rep. Julie Harhart

183rd District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

(610) 502-2701

(610) 760-9805

(717) 772-5398

www.JulieHarhart.com

Contact:  Tricia Lehman

House Republican Public Relations

(717) 772-9840

www.pahousegop.com