House Republican Leader Sam Smith Comments on Transportation Funding Issues - 7/27/2010
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Lawmakers met recently with Governor Rendell to discuss efforts to bridge the funding gap for highway infrastructure projects created by the federal government’s refusal to approve an I-80 tolling plan. House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson & Indiana) said while he’s pleased the administration is now willing to talk specifics, there continues to be some real differences in outlook on transportation priorities. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.
Republican Leader Smith Glad to See State Funding Approved to Solve Water Contamination Problems in Plumville - 7/22/2010
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$3.4 million in funding for a public water system project in northern Indiana County received approval this week from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R- Jefferson & Indiana) said the funding will go a long way to correcting the water contamination problems experienced by residents in the Plumville area. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.
Republican Leader Smith Says He Opposes Gov's Earmark of State Economic Development Funding for Pet Projects - 7/9/2010
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After passage of the fiscal bills surrounding this year’s state budget, details are beginning to surface about how the Rendell administration has earmarked hundreds of millions in borrowed money that is intended to fund economic development projects. House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson & Indiana) said he opposed the capitol budget bill because it will utilize taxpayer money to fund the governor’s questionable pet projects. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.
Republican Leader Sam Smith Pleased with Reduced Spending in This Year's State Budget - 7/3/2010
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The Pennsylvania House worked well into the July 4th holiday weekend in order to complete action on this year’s state budget. House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson & Indiana) said he was pleased the legislation spends less than initially planned, but added that the uncertainty of federal funding may lead to problems latter in the year with this state spending plan. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.
Republican Leader Sam Smith Says House Republicans Support a Fiscally Conservative State Budget Plan This Year - 6/11/2010
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With a predicted $1.3 billion dollar revenue shortfall casting a negative shadow over state government this year, lawmakers in Harrisburg are gearing up for the annual budget battle later this month. House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson & Indiana) said members of his caucus have already laid out their budget priorities that emphasize a fiscally conservative approach to this year’s state spending plan... Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.
House Republican Leader Smith Says ID Verification Bills Will Help Prevent Loss of PA Construction Jobs to Illegal Workers - 6/10/2010
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A pair of bills that would protect jobs in Pennsylvania by cracking down on the hiring of illegal immigrants in the construction industry was approved with broad bi-partisan support by the state House this week. House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson & Indiana) said the bills are a good start to addressing the issue of job loss to illegal immigrant workers at the state level. Mike Davies reports... story and longer bite available.
Republican Leader Smith Praises Recent Effort to Bring New Jobs to Jefferson County - 5/7/2010
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Good news for the Jefferson County economy was announced by county and state officials Friday at a press conference in Brookville as a new employer who is expected to create 50 local jobs was welcomed to the area. House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) said he was glad to see this cooperative effort to boost local employment come together in a difficult economic time... Mike Davies reports.
Republican Leader Sam Smith Says New Measures Could Save Millions in Taxpayer Dollars - 5/5/2010
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With Pennsylvania facing a potential billion dollar plus deficit and yet another budget impasse, House Republican lawmakers are looking to identify new economies and revenues to help balance the state budget without additional taxes. House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) said state could generate as much as $500 million in revenue and savings by making some basic changes in the way state government does business. Mike Davies reports ...
Leader Sam Smith Says House Republicans to Roll Out Jobs Package to Help Put More Pennsylvanians Back to Work - 4/22/2010
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As news of continuing high unemployment continues to cast a shadow over Pennsylvania’s economy, lawmakers in Harrisburg are looking for solutions that will boost employment without increasing the burden on taxpayers. House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) said this week that House Republicans are rolling out a package of legislation known as the Keystone Jobs initiative, to offer incentives for job creators to put more Pennsylvanians back to work. Mike Davies reports – stories and bites available.
House Republican Leader Smith Says Court Decision to Return Funds Will Make Next Year's Budget Even Tougher - 4/16/2010
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Lawmakers are responding to this week’s court decision ordering the state to transfer up to $808 million from the General Fund back into accounts that help community hospitals and physicians pay their malpractice premiums. House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) said this decision makes the funding deficits faced by state government even steeper and will require a more conservative approach to the coming state budget. Mike Davies reports – stories and bites available.