Politics

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week approved legislation, authored by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence), which would repeal a dormant law that he says could be used as a gateway to implement a state wealth tax on personal property. The bill was included in the House Republicans’ government reform initiative, which aims to eliminate outdated laws and upgrade to a more efficient government, but Bernstine says repealing the measure goes beyond that. “Democrats at the federal level are openly proposing to fund their ‘free’ government handouts with a tax on accumulated wealth, including personal property,” Bernstine said. “Repealing…

The Senate Finance Committee will consider a measure on Wednesday (May 1) that is intended to help new farmers get started in the business, according to Committee Chairman Scott Hutchinson (R-21). The Finance Committee will meet at 10 a.m. in Room 8E-A of the East Wing of the State Capitol Complex, Harrisburg, to consider two bills. Senate Bill 478, introduced by Senator Elder Vogel (R-47), provides a personal income tax credit for landowners who lease or sell their land, buildings and equipment to beginning farmers. Senate Bill 568, introduced by Senator Hutchinson, clarifies the Sales and Use Tax regarding canned…

The Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee will consider two bills at its meeting set for 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 30, in Room 461 of the Main Capitol, Harrisburg, according to Committee Chairman Senator Elder Vogel. Senate Bill 583, sponsored by Senator Ryan Aument (R-36), ensures that agritourism activities are considered and treated as part of agriculture authorized on farms preserved under the state farmland preservation program. Senate Bill 585, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-34), establishes the Pennsylvania Dairy Future Commission to review the current status of the dairy industry in the Commonwealth and make recommendations on…

HARRISBURG – Continuing his mission to increase government transparency and accountability, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) has reintroduced legislation in the state House of Representatives to expand Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act. The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act requires state and local agencies to deliberate and take official action on agency business in an open and public meeting. While agencies are required to give notice when a meeting will be held, they are not required to include the purpose of a meeting. Bernstine’s proposal, House Bill 1069, would require all government bodies to post an agenda 24 hours before a voting meeting that includes a…