Improving Infrastructure, Easing Congestion

Nov. 30, 2017 /

The completion of Sixth Street to connect Orange Street and Rothsville Road on either side of Lititz has been a priority for the Lititz region for well over a decade. It was identified as a major transportation priority in 2004 specifically to improve traffic flow and pedestrian access through the borough by providing a much-needed east-west alternative to PA Route 772.

Reducing the size of the PA Legislature

Nov. 16, 2017 /

Could having 52 less legislators make it easier to reach agreement and pass a balanced budget on time? I agree with both the former Speaker of the House Sam Smith and our current Speaker of the House, Mike Turzai in supporting the concept of a reduction in the size of the Legislature.

New Unemployment Compensation Legislation

Nov. 09, 2017 /

In last week’s column, I outlined problems with the state’s Unemployment Compensation program (UC) that have arisen due to mismanagement. This week, I want to explain legislation that I support which is being drafted by Rep. Rob Kauffman, the chairman of the Labor and Industry Committee on which I serve.

Pennsylvania Needs to Better Reduce and Manage its Debt

Nov. 03, 2017 /

The House of Representatives earlier this month advanced debt reduction legislation similar to what I have been advocating for the past several years. Last session, I authored House Bill 80 that would have restricted the debt load the state is allowed to carry at any given time.

Wolf Vetoes Welfare Reform Bill

Oct. 23, 2017 /

By Rep. Steve Mentzer (R-Lititz) Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf chose to veto House Bill 59, the comprehensive Human Services Code bill that would have helped provide critical treatment to opioid abusers; prevent fraud, waste and abuse within the welfare system; pave a pathway to prosperity for those who can work; and save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars through reforms.

Budget Update, Part II

Oct. 02, 2017 /

By Rep. Steve Mentzer (R-Lititz) In last week’s outlining the issues surrounding the 2017-18 state budget, I promised readers a detailed timeline of all budget-related events that have transpired this year. Here is that timeline:

Ceremony to Honor Vietnam Veterans

Sep. 22, 2017 /

The state representatives and senators representing Lancaster County are holding a commemorative ceremony honoring U.S. Vietnam War veterans on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Hempfield High School, Performing Arts Center, 200 Stanley Avenue, Landisville.

Don’t Be Scammed by Skimmers

Sep. 22, 2017 /

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is warning consumers to be on the lookout for credit or debit card skimmers that steal your information when the card is swiped or inserted.

Helping Survivors of Hurricane Harvey

Sep. 08, 2017 /

As a tremendous number of people, businesses, and service organizations throughout the country begin collecting and donating goods and services to assist storm survivors in Texas, I want Pennsylvanians to know how they can best help and not hinder rescue and recovery efforts while also protecting themselves.

Beware of Scams Targeting Veterans

Aug. 25, 2017 /

Veterans are reminded to be aware of scams targeting the military community and their families. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General offers the following advice to those who have sacrificed for our country so they can take the proper precautions to safeguard their savings and hard-earned benefits.

A Ballot Question for November

Jul. 29, 2017 /

After seven years, one of the legislative efforts to reform school property taxes has taken a significant step forward, and the best part is it allows voters to decide. On July 11, the Senate voted 46-2 to approve House Bill 1285, legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to allow for 100 percent reduction of property taxes on a homestead or farmstead, i.e. principal places of residence.

A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out

Jul. 17, 2017 /

Last week, I joined with my colleagues in the state House in voting to approve legislation to ensure our Medicaid assistance program remains solvent and available to those who truly need it.

Welfare Fraud Costs Us All

Jul. 03, 2017 /

With the 2017-18 state budget sent to the governor’s desk it is worth noting that more than $11 billion of Pennsylvania’s total annual spending is spent on welfare.

Fix for REAL ID Signed by Governor

Jun. 12, 2017 /

Senate Bill 133, which I supported, was signed into law by Governor Wolf on May 26, as Act 3 of 2017. This legislation was needed to bring Pennsylvania into compliance with the federal REAL ID Act. Under the new law, residents will be able to choose between a REAL ID or a standard driver’s license or photo ID. Residents who choose the standard form of identification would have to have a passport or other REAL ID-compliant identification to board an airplane or enter a federal building once the new system is in place.