Rep. Christiana Comments on Budget Negotiations - 6/23/2010
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With only one week left until the budget deadline at the end of the fiscal year, many lawmakers are laying out their view of what needs to happen to put a new state spending plan in place. Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) said he has hopes that a timely budget solution is still possible this year. Mike Davies Reports - Story and Bite available.
Rep. Christiana Comments on Transportation Funding Issues Following Opening of Special Session - 5/4/2010
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Transportation funding will be the topic of a special session of the state legislature, with Governor Rendell addressing lawmakers on Tuesday to lay out some of the options Pennsylvania faces to fill the $2 billion revenue hole created by the failure of the I-80 tolling plan. Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) said he feels the administration needs to look at alternatives to placing the full burden for transportation funding on the backs of Pennsylvania taxpayers. Chuck Nichols reports...
Rep. Christiana Says Privatization of Liquor Sales in PA Long Overdue - 4/21/2010
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Legislation to privatize the wholesale and retail sale of wines and liquor in Pennsylvania was unveiled Wednesday in Harrisburg. Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) said the sweeping reform of the system would finally get the state out of liquor business and the added revenue will help deal with the looming budget crisis. Mike Davies reports... stories and bites available.
Rep. Christiana Says Proposed Increase in Federal Oversight for Gas Drilling Not Necessarily Good News for PA - 2/8/2010
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Lawmakers in Harrisburg are responding to calls by Senator Bob Casey for increased federal oversight and regulations governing the drilling of new gas wells in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania. Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) said the hydraulic fracturing process used by gas drillers is best regulated at the state level and the last thing Pennsylvania needs right now is increased federal intervention in our only growing industry. Mike Davies reports... stories and bites available.
Rep. Christiana Comments on Opposition to Gaming Expansion Legislation - 1/6/2010
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A conference committee compromise version of gaming expansion legislation was narrowly approved Wednesday by the state House. The bill would legalize table gaming at the state’s existing slots casinos and would create at least one additional resort gaming license in the future. Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) said he felt the bill failed to provide the best deal for taxpayers or to provide any additional property tax relief for homeowners. Chuck Nichols Reports - Story and Bite available.
Rep. Christiana Says He Hopes for Full Support for Penn-GAP Accountability Database Plan from the Senate and Governor - 12/14/2009
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Legislation to create an on-line government accountability and transparency database to provide full details of state government expenditures to the public has been approved by the Pennsylvania House. Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) said the Penn-GAP bill closely mirrors legislation he sponsored earlier this fall and added he hopes for full support for the measure from the state Senate and the governor. Mike Davies reports... stories and bites available.
Rep. Christiana Comments on Passage of Revenue Bill to Support State Budget - 10/7/2009
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Legislation that will generate $1.5 billion in revenue to support this year’s$27.8 billion proposed state budget was approved Wednesday in the state House on a mostly party line vote. Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) said the bill will dramatically increase the tax burden on Pennsylvania businesses and job creators. Chuck Nichols Reports - Story and Bite available.
Rep. Christiana Concerned About How Latest Budget Plan Could Hurt Businesses - 9/11/2009
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A new $27.9 billion budget compromise was announced Friday in Harrisburg that appears to have support from both Senate Republicans and House Democrats, but some lawmakers have concerns about the details of the plan. Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) said he is glad to see some movement on the budget but is worried about how the taxes that will be required to support this proposal affect small business. Mike Davies reports...
Rep. Christiana Says Rendell & House Democrats Continue Budget Crisis in Search of Higher Taxes - 8/5/2009
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A stopgap state budget bill that will ensure state employees will be paid was signed today by Governor Rendell, but not before he line item vetoed appropriations for many state programs in an effort to leverage higher state spending for this year. Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) said he is glad an Income tax increase seems to be off the table, but said that the Governor and House Democrats continuing demands for higher state spending runs counter to the desires of Pennsylvania’s taxpayers. Mike Davies reports...
Rep. Christiana Comments on Future of State Budget Debate - 7/21/2009
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The state House voted to non-concur with a Senate amended version of the state budget on Tuesday. The Senate plan reduced the overall spending level to #27.1 billion, restored funding to higher education and would not require a tax hike. The House action now moves the bill into a House / Senate conference committee where a compromise budget can be hammered out. Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) said he is glad to see an end to the budget games and that he hopes the process will keep moving to provide a responsible state spending plan for Pennsylvania. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.