News Releases

Smith, Mustio and Moon Twp. partner to host free shredding event in June

MT. LEBANON, May 21, 2013 – - State Senator Matt Smith (D-Allegheny/Washington) is partnering with state Rep. Mark Mustio (R-Allegheny) and Moon Township to offer a free shredding event for constituents.   The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15 in... » Read More

State Senator Vincent Hughes and Haddington Multi Services for Older Adults Inc. Present Unleash the Power of Age!

Philadelphia, PA – On Friday, May 17, 2013 from 7:30 AM to 1 PM, State Senator Vincent Hughes and Haddington Multi Services for Older Adults Inc. will present the Unleash the Power of Age expo at the Salvation Army Kroc Center located at 4200 Wissahickon Ave. The event... » Read More

Teplitz: Families Can Fish for Free this Memorial Day, Independence Day

HARRISBURG, May 17, 2013 – Families can “catch the fun of fishing” this summer with two upcoming free fishing days along Pennsylvania waterways, according to state Sen. Rob Teplitz. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has designated May 27 (Memorial Day) and... » Read More

Stack to Tackle Home Invasions During Friday Press Conference

HARRISBURG, May 16, 2013 — State Sen. Mike Stack will join Rep. John Sabatina, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 17, for a press conference to push legislation that would make home... » Read More

State Senator Larry Farnese to Introduce Legislation to Protect Groups from Frivolous Lawsuits

PHILADELPHIA (May 16, 2013) – State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Phila.) today announced that he is introducing legislation that will protect groups who are the subject of SLAPPs, or Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. Strategic Lawsuits Against Public... » Read More

Johnstown Company to Receive $500,000 Grant

HARRISBURG, May 16, 2013 – A Johnstown transportation company will receive a $500,000 state grant toward the conversion of its trucking fleet to natural gas fuel, state Sen. John N. Wozniak announced today. “The transportation fuel of the future is being produced right... » Read More

Lawmakers Introduce Resolution Honoring Life of Gov. Leader

HARRISBURG – Today the Senate unanimously adopted a condolence resolution sponsored by Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) and Senator Rob Teplitz (D-Dauphin/York) to honor former State Senator and Governor George M. Leader who passed away on May 9, 2013, at the age of 95. Born... » Read More

Teplitz: Budget Funds to ALS Support Services in Jeopardy

HARRISBURG, May 14, 2013 — As Pennsylvania recognizes May 2013 as “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania, state Sen. Rob Teplitz today pointed out that state budget funds that provide support to ALS patients are in jeopardy. The governor’s... » Read More

Dinniman Introduces Keystone Exam Moratorium Legislation

Harrisburg – May 14, 2013 –  State Sen. Andrew Dinniman today introduced legislation that will halt  implementation of the modified Keystone Exams until the state Department of Education answers critical questions about the local impact of the modifications. The... » Read More

Brewster Joins Protest of $300 Million Education Common Core Mandate

Brewster speaks about his legislation to revamp current system of student testing Harrisburg, May 14, 2013 – State Sen. James Brewster joined with his Senate Democratic colleagues at a news conference this week to decry a new unfunded education mandate that could saddle... » Read More

Sen. Smith Introduces Bill to Prevent Allergy Deaths in Schools

HARRISBURG, PA, May 14, 2013 – Pennsylvania Sen. Matt Smith, D-Allegheny/Washington, today introduced legislation that would require schools to maintain a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors, commonly known as EpiPens, in a secure location to be used by designated personnel to treat an anaphylactic reaction. » Read More

Lawmakers Honor Local Wrestling Standouts for Selfless Act

HARRISBURG, May 14, 2013 — State Sens. Rob Teplitz and Pat Vance recognized two local standout high school wrestlers on the Senate floor on Monday for a selfless act that has sealed a friendship between the two rivals. Halifax High School senior Joey Kaufman and Camp Hill... » Read More

Sen. Williams Applauds Unanimous Committee Vote on SESAME Bill

HARRISBURG, May 14, 2013 – The unanimous approval of a bill that would prevent schools and school districts from “passing” sexual predators from job to job ahead of any criminal investigation has that proposal’s sponsor, state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams,... » Read More

Senator Vincent Hughes: Time for Senate to Vote on Medicaid Expansion

HARRISBURG – May 14th, 2013 – Senator Vincent Hughes announced today that he has filed a discharge petition in an effort to get a vote on Senate Bill 12, which would require Pennsylvania to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The... » Read More

Stack Denounces Corbett Administration’s Unfunded Common Core Standards Mandate

PHILADELPHIA, May 13, 2013 – State Sen. Mike Stack today said Gov. Tom Corbett needs to put the brakes on changes to an education testing plan that creates huge unfunded mandates for school districts and could prevent many highly qualified high school students from... » Read More

MEDIA ADVISORY: Sen. Smith to Introduce Bill to Prevent Allergy Deaths in Schools

MEDIA ALERT   For additional information, contact: Jason Snyder                                                                                                       ... » Read More

$300 Million Education Common Core Mandate Threatens Graduation

Harrisburg, May 13, 2013 – A new unfunded education mandate now being quietly pursued by the Corbett administration will soon saddle school districts with a $300 million expense and threaten graduation for thousands of students across Pennsylvania, Senate Democrats said today at a Capitol news conference. » Read More

PA Senate Manufacturing Caucus Holds First Meeting

Harrisburg, May 13, 2013 – The bipartisan Pennsylvania Senate Manufacturing Caucus, chaired by Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) and Sen. Wayne Fontana (D-42), held its first meeting today, bringing together manufacturers, legislators and experts to discuss ideas for boosting growth... » Read More

Brewster Pleased With Retention of Allegheny/Westmoreland County Based Senate Seat

McKeesport, May 13, 2013 – Following last week’s PA Supreme Court Decision to uphold the legislative redistricting plan, state Sen. James Brewster today said that he is pleased that the 45th District Senate seat will remain in Western Pennsylvania. “I am pleased that... » Read More

Smith: Mother’s Day Offers Perfect Opportunity to Ensure Fair Treatment of Pregnant Women

HARRISBURG, May 10, 2013 — As Mother’s Day approaches, State Senator Matt Smith (D-Allegheny/Washington) says now is the time to make sure pregnant women are protected in the workplace. “As we take this weekend to honor the mothers in our lives, I am renewing my... » Read More