Following the rejection of the I-80 tolling plan that has poked a $2 billion hole in Pennsylvania’s transportation funding scheme, House Republican lawmakers held a public hearing Monday in Harrisburg to identify what new policies need to be put in place to help meet the state’s transportation needs. Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry) said Pennsylvania is facing a huge burden to upgrade and improve transportation infrastructure and he feels the work is essential to increase safety for drivers on Pennsylvania roads. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.

The Pennsylvania House reconvened in Harrisburg this week and voted to move legislation to legalize table games into a House-Senate conference committee for further negotiations. However, Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry & Franklin) said he feels the governor’s threat to lay off state workers if the bill is not passed this week, including state police personnel, reflects a disregard for public safety. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.

A package of legislation that could help municipalities save money on materials and services has been introduced in Harrisburg. House Republicans have sponsored a package of 13 bills designed to increase the spending limits for local governments before contracts must go through the entire advertising and bidding process. Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry) said that these bills would allow local governments to achieve more with less taxpayer money. Chuck Nichols Reports - Story and Bite available.

Lawmakers from Central Pennsylvania are calling on the Governor to come to the negotiation table to solve the state budget stalemate before the threatened furlough of thousands of state workers. Rep. Mark Keller of Perry County said a number of state workers have emailed him to encourage legislators to hang tough on the increases in state spending sought by Governor Rendell. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.