Here you will find audio clips about important events that have taken place during the current and past Legislative Sessions. en Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST HouseRep RSS v1.0 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Download Story :50 | Download Bite :30

The Pennsylvania House worked into the evening on Wednesday to pass an on-time state budget for the upcoming fiscal year and lawmakers offered their assessment of the $28 billion compromise spending plan. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Butler & Mercer) said this year’s budget looks good on the surface but he has concerns about the plan depending on uncertain Federal revenues. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.

]]> Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:06:00 EST Download Story :54 | Download Bite :27

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. Dick Stevenson (R-Butler & Mercer) said he feels lawmakers in the special session need to look at alternatives that do not place the full burden for transportation funding on the backs of Pennsylvania taxpayers. Mike Davies reports ...

]]> Wed, 05 May 2010 21:01:00 EST Download Story :42 | Download Bite :18

Federal transportation officials have once again rejected the application to impose tolls on Interstate 80, put forth by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and PennDOT. Lawmakers who opposed the plan that would have crippled economic activity along the I-80 corridor are praising the Federal Highway Administration for their decision. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer, Butler) said that this decision adhered to the letter of the law, and was also the right move to protect the people who live along I-80. Mike Davies Reports - Story and Bite available.

]]> Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:18:00 EST Download Story :63 | Download Bite :37

As public funding options for infrastructure repair and replacement in PA become harder to find, House Republican Lawmakers are seeking alternatives that may help take some of the burden off taxpayers. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer, Butler) co-chaired a hearing on Tuesday in Grove City to explore the use of Public Private Partnerships that could harness the financial resources necessary to address some of the infrastructure projects that state government cannot afford to support. Mike Davies Reports - Story and Bite available.

]]> Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:31:00 EST Download Story :46 | Download Bite :23

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. Dick Stevenson (R-Butler & Mercer) said he feels the bill fails to provide needed reforms to gaming oversight in Pennsylvania. Mike Davies Reports - Story and Bite available.

]]> Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:47:00 EST Download Story :44 | Download Bite :20

A public hearing on the growing use of project labor agreements to allow only union workers on publicly funded projects was held by House Republican lawmakers this week in Harrisburg. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Butler & Mercer) said project labor agreements create unfair situation for the overwhelming majority of non-union contractors and their workers, who would be cut out of publicly funded projects. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.

]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:10:00 EST Download Story :54 | Download Bite :29

Legislation that would eliminate the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and fold its responsibilities into the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has been introduced in Harrisburg. The Turnpike Commission has recently come under investigation for a series of ethically questionable circumstances which have cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer) said that the Turnpike Commission’s inability to handle its current responsibilities demonstrates why it should have nothing to do with the tolling of I-80. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.

]]> Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:14:00 EST Download Story :57 | Download Bite :32

House lawmakers reacted on Wednesday to testimony about efforts by the Rendell Administration and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to reapply to the federal government for the right to institute tolling on I-80. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Butler & Mercer) said legislators are deeply concerned that testimony has revealed flaws in the I-80 toll plan and indicates the route may not be a good candidate for conversion to a toll road. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available

]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:15:00 EST Download Story :41 | Download Bite :22

The joint House/Senate conference committee on the state budget met for the first time in Harrisburg on Wednesday, in an effort to achieve a compromise on the spending plan, which is nearly a month overdue. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer) said that he hopes that the conference committee will recognize that a tax increase is not a realistic option during budget negotiations. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:34:00 EST Download Story :57 | Download Bite :33

In a surprise move House Democrats introduced a last minute amendment to the Governor’s budget bill on Monday that would eliminate $1.2 billion in state funding for higher education and college’s from Pennsylvania’s state budget. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Butler & Merer) a member of the Appropriations Committee, said he feels this surprise funding cut is an unfair tactic by House Democrats to scare lawmakers into supporting tax increases. Mike Davies reports...

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:15:00 EST Download Story :52 | Download Bite :31

A Senate sponsored state budget plan that would have ensured no tax increases for Pennsylvanians was voted down in the House Appropriations Committee Monday in a party line vote. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer & Butler), a member of the committee, said he was disappointed that House Democrats voted to kill the Senate budget bill and that the House needs to advance a new spending plan to ensure a timely state budget. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.

]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:24:00 EST Download Story :54 | Download Bite :29

Despite a $3.2 billion dollar revenue shortfall in the current year’s state budget, Governor Rendell appears to remain committed to spending almost a billion more in next year’s plan, and his Democrat allies in the House Appropriations Committee are now hinting that an income tax increase may be the easiest way to balance the budget. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer) says that by making cuts across the board to all departments, a fiscally responsible budget could be crafted without new taxes. Chuck Nichols Reports - Story and Bite available.

]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:28:00 EST Download Story :58 | Download Bite:35

Legislation that will help retailers clear out their inventory of non-fire safe cigarettes was approved today in the Pennsylvania House. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer/Butler), author of the proposal, said the legislation helps retailers to recoup their expenses and ensures state government will not lose valuable tax revenues in this challenging economic climate. The bill now goes to the state Senate for consideration. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.

]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST Download Story :56 | Download Bite :32

Lawmakers heard testimony in Harrisburg on Thursday about the possible effects of the conservative state budget plan approved earlier this month by the state Senate. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R- Butler & Mercer), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said that given an existing $3 billion budget deficit, the state needs to live within its means this year and not increase the burden on Pennsylvania taxpayers. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.

]]> Thu, 21 May 2009 22:28:30 EST Download Story :43 | Download Bite :21

Making sure that the state stops passing the costs of mandated government programs down to the local and county level is the aim of legislation introduced this week in Harrisburg. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R- Mercer & Butler), a co-sponsor of the bill, said it would make a long needed change to Pennsylvania’s constitution to protect local governments and taxpayers from growing state mandates. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:52:03 EST Download Story :52 | Download Bite :30

A coalition of thousands of sportsmen, gun owners and activists rallied in the state Capitol rotunda on Tuesday at the fourth annual Right to Keep and Bear Arms rally. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R- Mercer & Butler) joined a large number of lawmakers in offering support for second amendment rights in Pennsylvania and in voicing opposition to recent proposals by Governor Rendell to pass new gun control laws. Mike Davies Reports - Story and Bite available.

]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:09:24 EST Download Story :54 | Download Bite :35

During the last day of House budget hearings in Harrisburg lawmakers heard testimony from the state Department of Education about Governor Rendell’s plans to fund Pennsylvania’s public schools and state supported universities. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer) said that he is concerned with the Administration’s plans to expand gaming in order to provide some students with financial aid. Chuck Nichols Reports - Story and Bite available.

]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:40:38 EST Download Story :56 | Download Bite :37

As lawmakers await the budget address on Wednesday, many in Harrisburg are beginning to react to the contents of the Governor’s budget, including some of the funding cuts and new taxes he intends to impose in order to make up for a predicted revenue shortfalls in his spending plan. Rep. Dick Stevenson of Mercer and Butler Counties said he feels the state needs to make reductions in spending and not increase taxes. Mike Davies Reports - Story and Bite available.

]]> Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:57:55 EST Download RT :48 | Download Bite :39

Lawmakers in Harrisburg are working to soften the blow for electricity consumers who may face higher bills as electricity rates in Pennsylvania are deregulated over the next two years. Rep. Dick Stevenson of Mercer County said the extension of rate caps could be bad news for consumers and a House Republican plan to phase in the change will offer some relief for consumers. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.

]]> Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:45:25 EST Download Story :47 | Download Cut :26

The State House is considering legislation that would provide funding to municipalities for upgrades of sewer and water systems and other infrastructure improvements like road and bridge repair. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer) said it is important that money is available to offset the costs to municipalities of upgrading aging sewer and water systems. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Cut available.

]]> Fri, 04 Jul 2008 02:15:14 EST Download Story :56 | Download Bite :30

Legislation to expand access to community based health care centers was approved this week in Harrisburg. Rep. Dick Stevenson of Mercer and Butler Counties said passage of the bill is particularly meaningful for the citizens of his district. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.

]]> Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:51:18 EST Download Story :57 | Download Bite :32

Lawmakers worked through the weekend in the state capitol, waiting for some sign of progress in negotiations that might lead to the possibility of an on-time budget for the state of Pennsylvania. Rep. Dick Stevenson of Mercer County said he is discouraged by the administration’s failure to come to terms on a new state spending plan. Mike Davies reports...story and bite available.

]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:23:06 EST Download Story :57 | Download Bite :34

House Republican lawmakers reacted today to progress made on the state budget, as the Senate approved its version of the bill calling for a 2.8% increase in spending, significantly less than proposals put forth by the Governor and House Democrats. Rep. Dick Stevenson of Mercer County said he was worried about House Democrat’s Plan to raid the “Rainy Day Fund” and voiced his support for a more conservative spending level for state government. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.

]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:36:37 EST Download Story :47 | Download Bite :12

The growing debt burden of state government was teh topic of a pair of public hearings held this week in Harrisburg. The House Finance Committee and the House Republican Policy Committee held hearings on the Rendell administration's plan to increase debt to bankroll additional spending in this year's budget. Rep. Dick Stevenson(R-Mercer) said borrowing needs to be brought under control. Mike Davies Reports - Story and Bite Available.

]]> Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:14:53 EST Download Story :63 | Download Bite :37

Taxpayer subsidized healthcare plans are busting state budgets in states like Massachusetts and are now even meeting with resistance in California. And legislators in Harrisburg are beginning to ask if the Governor’s healthcare proposal may not bring the same bad fiscal news to Pennsylvania taxpayers. Rep. Dick Stevenson of Mercer County says lawmakers fear the Governor’s proposed state run healthcare plan would financially hamstring state government in Pennsylvania. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.

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