A plan to address the pension crisis looming over Pennsylvania’s 501 school districts was introduced Monday in Harrisburg by a group of House Republican lawmakers. Rep. Mike Peifer (R-Pike, Wayne & Monroe) said allowing for the use of some federal stimulus money to cover a huge school pension contribution shortfall will help protect local taxpayers. Chuck Nichols Reports - Story and Bite available.

More than 100 sheriff’s department officials rallied in Harrisburg on Tuesday in support of legislation designed to better protect smaller communities in Pennsylvania. House Bill 466 would give sheriffs and deputies the power to investigate crime and to make arrests after completing standard police training. Rep. Mike Peifer (R-Pike) says rural areas could benefit substantially from having sheriffs and deputies acting as law enforcement officers. Chuck Nichols Reports – Full Story and Stand-Alone Cut available.

Legislators held a public hearing on the possible negative effects of the Route 80 tolling plan Wednesday in Stroudsburg. Rep. Mike Peifer of Wayne Pike and Monroe Counties said local residents voice their concerns about the effects the toll plan and accompanying traffic delays would have on the local economy. The House Republican Policy Committee will continue hearings in Stroudsburg on Thursday to discuss the state’s business tax structure and what can be done to improve the business climate in the commonwealth. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.

House Republicans have announced that they plan to introduce legislation to provide property tax relief for Pennsylvania seniors. Rep. Mike Peifer (139-Pike, Wayne) says that property tax reform for seniors is a priority. Under the Senior Property Tax Freeze bill, property tax rates for qualifying seniors would be locked in at the 2007-2008 “base year” levels. Chuck Nichols Reports - Full Story and Stand-Alone Cut available.

Legislation that will make boating on Pennsylvania lakes and waterways safer was approved this week by the state House. Rep. Mike Peifer of Pike, Wayne and Monroe Counties cosponsored the bill that will toughen state laws regarding boating and alcohol use. The bill would puts the Boating Under the Influence Law in line with the vehicle code, adjusting the blood alcohol content level from .10 to .08. House Bill 778 would also update the Fish and Boat Code regarding chemical testing for boating under the influence cases and increase penalties, especially for repeat offenders. The bill now goes to the state Senate for consideration. Mike Davies reports...story and bite available.