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state rep aaron bernstine

August 26, 2021

New Sunshine Act Changes Take Effect, Apply to Local Government, School Board Meetings

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today alerted Pennsylvanians to an upcoming change to the state’s Sunshine Act, which would increase transparency in government. The new provisions will take effect on Sunday, Aug. 29, and require public agencies, including municipalities and school districts, to post public meeting agendas at least 24 hours prior to the start of a meeting. The changes are a result of Act 65 of 2021, which was signed by Gov. Tom Wolf in June. Bernstine championed the measure in the House of Representatives. “With heated school board and local government meetings taking place across the state…

June 29, 2021

Bernstine Votes ‘No’ on State Budget That Increases Spending by 8.8%

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Beaver/Lawrence) today voted “no” on the state budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22. Bernstine issued the following statement citing excessive government spending led to his negative vote. “When it comes to spending taxpayers’ money, I don’t think we ought to look at a budget and say it’s not perfect, but it’s good enough. This budget is an 8.8% increase in government spending, and that will set the stage for excessive borrowing and tax hikes when President Biden’s bailout money disappears. This budget does nothing to help our struggling local businesses or help to rebuild our economy,…

June 14, 2021

New Brighton Historical Society Receives Grant Says Bernstine

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) awarded a $25,000 grant to the New Brighton Historical Society in Beaver County, announced Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence). “The society provides a valuable service to our residents and the state grant will go toward preserving the history and heritage of Beaver County, which dates back more than 50 years,” said Bernstine. “It is very satisfying to know that we are giving a significant piece of local history a new, fresh look. I was pleased to advocate for this important funding.” The New Brighton Historical Society has determined that the preparation and…

May 26, 2021

House Committee Passes Bernstine Constitutional Carry Legislation

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) announced today that his legislation which would no longer require law-abiding citizens to obtain a government-issued license to carry a concealed firearm in Pennsylvania passed the House Judiciary Committee. Bernstine called the current concealed carry process a duplicative abuse of the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners. “House Bill 659 defends the rights of the citizens in our Commonwealth,” said Bernstine. “Those Pennsylvanians who follow the law each day should not be punished or hindered if they choose to carry a firearm.” Constitutional carry, or permitless carry, would provide a new system for concealed…

May 18, 2021

Bernstine Introduces Constitutional Carry Legislation

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today introduced “constitutional carry” legislation, which would no longer require law-abiding citizens to obtain a government-issued license to carry a concealed firearm in Pennsylvania. Constitutional carry, or permitless carry, allows an individual over 21 years of age who has passed a criminal background check upon purchase of a firearm to legally carry a handgun concealed without first having to obtain government permission. Current law does not require citizens to obtain a license to openly carry a firearm in Pennsylvania. Bernstine, a vocal pro-Second Amendment lawmaker, called the current concealed carry process a duplicative abuse…

March 17, 2021

Bernstine’s Markie’s Law Bill Passes House

HARRISBURG – In the wake of the 2019 murder of a child in Lawrence County, the House of Representatives today overwhelmingly passed legislation authored by Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) which focuses on the parole process for violent offenders. House Bill 146, or Markie’s Law, was named after Mark Mason, an 8-year-old boy who was brutally stabbed to death by a man who was paroled at the end of his minimum sentence for homicide, even after committing two separate assaults of other inmates while behind bars. “I applaud my House colleagues for approving this legislation,” said Bernstine. “My legislation will postpone consideration…

February 2, 2021

Bernstine Announces State Grant for Beaver County

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that a $198,000 Strategic Management Planning (STMP) grant has been awarded for the City of Beaver Falls, Beaver County. “This is great news for our area,” said Bernstine. Beaver Falls’ renaissance will be driven by the need to increase community revitalization efforts. This grant is an investment in our community in many areas. It provides assistance and supports jobs that pay for our workers to remain a vital part of our community.” The STMP grant, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, will include the following: Consultant service for…

January 27, 2021

Bernstine Bill on Parole Process for Violent Offenders Passes House Committee

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) announced today that his legislation which focuses on the parole process for violent offenders in the wake of the 2019 murder of a child in Lawrence County, passed the House Judiciary Committee. Markie’s Law was named after Mark Mason, an 8-year-old boy who was brutally stabbed to death by a man who was paroled at the end of his minimum sentence for homicide, even after committing two separate assaults of other inmates while behind bars. “I applaud the House Judiciary Committee for approving this legislation,” said Bernstine. “Markie’s Law bill must get over the…

January 12, 2021

Bernstine Appointed to Four Key Legislative Committees

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that he has been appointed to serve on the House Commerce, Game and Fisheries, Health and Insurance committees for the 2021-22 Legislative Session. Bernstine is serving his third term in the House of Representatives. “I’m excited to work on these committees that focus on the well-being of our citizens as well as important issues that affect the fiscal health of the 10th District and the Commonwealth,” said Bernstine. “Bills begin and end their lives in committees, whether they are passed into law or not. The House’s committees consider bills and issues and…

January 5, 2021

Bernstine Announces Funding for Police Body Cameras In New Brighton Borough

NEW BRIGHTON – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Lawrence/Butler) today announced that New Brighton Borough will receive $15,610 in funding from a federal program that offers grants to purchase camera systems, data storage and other costs relating to implementation or expansion of body-worn camera (BWC) systems for law enforcement and corrections institutions in Pennsylvania. The BWC Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies program supports agencies seeking to establish or expand BWC programs and have specified plans to implement this technology in a manner that maximizes the benefits of BWCs. “I’m pleased we are able to bring home the funds…