Tax Upset Sale Liability

This bill would hold counties and county tax claim bureaus harmless for all properties that are not sold at an "upset sale" or resulting private sale. As the law currently is written, the county is open to a host of unexpected liabilities, such as personal injury, fire insurance, etc., if these properties are not sold. The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania already ruled that the record owners of property in the repository for unsold properties were not criminally liable for violating an ordinance by failing to maintain the property. In doing so, the liability falls on the county. This bill would correct this issue.

Small Disaster Assistance Program

This bill would create a state-level Small Disaster Assistance program to provide grants to homeowners, renters, small businesses and municipalities in Pennsylvania communities that are frequently subject to natural and manmade disasters, but which do not rise to the level to qualify for federal disaster assistance programs.

Fixed-wing Aviation Tax Elimination

This bill would provide a Sales and Use Tax exemption on fixed-wing aircraft sales, parts, maintenance and repairs. By eliminating the tax, as have most of Pennsylvania's neighboring states, Pennsylvania and its 133 regional airports throughout the state will become more competitive in the aviation industry, creating new jobs and making Pennsylvania more attractive to major corporations, who at present may choose not to locate in the Commonwealth due to the high cost of keeping and maintaining an aircraft in Pennsylvania.

Pay as You Go Early Retirement for State Employees

This bill would provide incentives for early retirement for state employees at no net cost to the pension funds or General Fund, creating as many as 4,000 new entry-level state jobs. It would define eligibility as either 30 years’ service, or age plus service equal to 80.

Pay as You Go Early Retirement for Teachers

This bill would provide incentives for early retirement for public school teachers at no net cost to the pension funds or General fund, creating as many as 10,000 new jobs for young teachers. It would define eligibility as either 30 years’ service, or age plus service equal to 80.

Stan Musial Memorial Bridge (H.B. 586)

This bill would name the Donora-Monessen Bridge in Washington and Westmoreland counties the Stan Musial Bridge. Musial lived a remarkable life, playing 22 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was selected an All Star 24 times, named National League’s MVP three times and played on three World Series championship teams. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969, just six years after he retired. He also served his country in the U.S. Navy. To view the bill click here.

Stanley Jurgaitis Memorial Bridge (H.B. 585)

This bill would name a bridge in Carroll Township, Washington County the Stanley Jurgaitis Memorial Bridge. Upon returning to the Mon Valley after his service in WWII, Jurgaitis was a member of the American Legion and sought to honor the others who gave their lives in defending their country, by personally maintaining the honor roll in Hazel Kirk for many years. To view the bill click here.

Kennedy Memorial Interchange (H.B. 584)

This bill would name the Claysville Interchange of I-70 the Sergeant Nathan P. Kennedy Memorial Interchange. Kennedy was a 2004 graduate of McGuffey High School and a three-time section wrestling champion. He was an Army Ranger, serving as a sniper assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division based at Fort Carson, Colo. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend who served his country with devotion and pride. This young man was a true patriot, giving of himself to protect and defend his country. His life and his heroism will never be forgotten. To view the bill click here.

Mentored Youth Hunting Program (H.B. 243)

This bill would expand Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Hunting program by allowing an adult mentor to transfer one antlerless license per year to a participating youth. Currently, mentored youth cannot harvest antlerless deer. The Mentored Youth Hunting program was launched in 2006 by the Pennsylvania Game Commission with a goal of expanding youth hunting opportunities while maintaining safety afield. To view the bill click here.