Conklin votes yes on funding for Penn State

(Nov 15, 2023)

“As the state representative for the 77th Legislative District, which includes Penn State, I’ve continued to advocate for funding for Penn State and our other state-related universities,” Conklin said. “Now, both chambers of the General Assembly have passed H.B. 1461 to support students at Penn State’s 19 campuses across the commonwealth and our other state-related universities. This bill represents a compromise necessary to support students, families, employees at our state-related universities and communities across Pennsylvania.” Read more

 

House passes Conklin’s bill to arm OSIG law enforcement officers

(Nov 15, 2023)

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our continuous efforts to safeguard Pennsylvanians and the integrity of Pennsylvania’s programs and operations,” Conklin said. “With the expansion of the OSIG’s powers in 2017, this legislation is a stride towards ensuring that our law enforcement officers may execute their duties with the utmost safety.” Read more

 

Conklin, Takac vote to pass funding for state-related universities

(Oct 31, 2023)

“House Bill 612 would provide the necessary funding for Penn State University and the other state-related universities,” Conklin said. “This will support Penn State students in Centre County and students all across Pennsylvania.” Read more

 

Pennsylvania students call on lawmakers to end ‘archaic’ closed primaries

(Oct 30, 2023)

“You should not be kept out of the voting booth because you do not agree with the Democrat or Republican,” Conklin said. “It’s time that we allow every vote count.” Read more

 

Conklin: House State Government Committee will consider legislation to create open state primaries

(Oct 11, 2023)

“Our laws should be framed in a way to encourage broad participation at the ballot box, not to discourage it," Conklin said. "Opening up our primary elections, as many other states have done, would ensure that this large and growing segment of our population has a say in who represents them.” Read more

 

Patton Township recognizes Conklin for crucial support in sinkhole crisis; successfully disperses funds to impacted residents

(Sep 15, 2023)

STATE COLLEGE, Sept. 15 – This week marked a milestone for Patton Township as it honored state Rep. Scott Conklin and his executive director, Nicholas Himebaugh, on Wednesday for their advocacy and support in helping residents displaced by the massive sinkhole that engulfed a Georgetown Park townhome complex last Christmas. Conklin, D-Centre, was instrumental in securing $180,000 in state funds for immediate relief, which the township has successfully dispersed to help severely impacted residents with emergency shelter needs and the costs of engineering assessments, inspections and renovations. “My team and I are humbled and deeply moved by the proclamation and standing ovation we received,” Conklin said. “I extend my gratitude to Supervisor Robb, the entire board and the township staff for their dedicated work in this collaboration. My executive director, Nicholas Himebaugh, has been pivotal in ensuring these funds were secured and effectively delivered.” “Working alongside Representative Conklin to serve the Patton Township community has been profoundly rewarding,” Himebaugh said. “His unwavering commitment to the residents of the 77th District showcases his passion for serving as their voice in the People’s House.” Conklin noted that last year, 3.3 million Americans were displaced because of natural disasters – a figure that increases substantially when accounting for “unnatural' Read more

 

Conklin announces intention to consider Kenyatta H.B. 1634 and S.B. 224 to adjust PA’s presidential primary date

(Aug 28, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 28 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, majority chair of the PA House State Government Committee, announced today his intention to give committee consideration to both S.B. 224 (sponsored by state Sen. David Argall) and a House bill sponsored by state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta. Both pieces of legislation would move up the date of the next presidential primary in Pennsylvania. "The democratic process is one of the cornerstones of our nation, and it's our duty to ensure that the voices of all Pennsylvanians are heard," said Conklin. "I am pleased to support the Kenyatta bill, which thoughtfully moves the presidential primary to April 2. This not only gives Pennsylvanians a greater voice in national politics but also starts the petition process on January 2, after the holiday season, allowing for a more family-friendly and inclusive timeline." Kenyatta provided his insights: "When I introduced this legislation, I’d hoped the idea would garner bipartisan buy-in, and I'm happy that is the case. Pennsylvania is a critical battleground nationally, and we deserve to be heard earlier in the process. We also need to be respectful of the Passover holiday. My proposed date of April 2 would put Pennsylvania’s elections on the same date as Wisconsin -- another battleground -- and our regional neighbors of Delaware and New York. I look forward to working with Senate sponsors to get this Read more

 

Conklin: $190,880 state grant awarded to College Township

(Aug 15, 2023)

STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 15 – As a part of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Green Light-Go program, College Township will receive a $190,880 grant, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. “Proactive, strategic investments that strengthen Centre County’s traffic safety is a good government initiative that appeals to everyone,” Conklin said. “It is vital we continue exploring every available avenue that promulgates this underlying objective. I applaud this funding and look forward to seeing this envisioned project become a reality,” he added. The grant will be utilized to enhance the vehicle detection system along Benner Pike (Route 150) in College Township . The Green Light-Go program was enacted in 2013 as a mechanism to enhance traffic safety in the commonwealth. Additional information regarding the most recent round of awarded grants through the program can be found here . Read more

 

House Majority Leadership sound SOS on education in Centre County

(Aug 02, 2023)

“As we’ve visited communities around Pennsylvania, one thing is clear: every community – rural, urban or suburban – they all want the best opportunities for their students,” Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, said. “And as a state we owe them that much. It is enshrined in our Constitution. We need to start living up to the promise we make our students and the promise we’ve made in our state’s future.” Read more

 

Conklin introduces bill to create statewide arsonist registry

(Jul 19, 2023)

Megan’s Law-type database would aid investigators, help firefighters Read more

 

House adopts Conklin resolution designating Sept. 18, 2023 as ‘State Grange Day’

(Jul 06, 2023)

“From the time of its first meeting in September 1873, when members of 25 local Granges united in their mission to strengthen rural communities, the Grange has evolved from a small farmer's fraternity into a multifaceted organization with thousands of members, all united by the same spirit of fellowship and a desire to see their communities thrive,” Conklin said. Read more

 

Conklin proposes resolution to recognize Pennsylvania’s Grange legacy

(Jun 12, 2023)

“Emerging from the ashes of the Civil War, the Grange stood as a beacon of hope and solidarity for our rural communities,” said Conklin, who is a sixth-degree Grange member. “One hundred and fifty years later, its influence continues to echo through its advocacy for rural issues, educational advancement, and commitment to community service." Read more

 

Conklin: More than $200K secured to help low-income residents

(Jun 09, 2023)

STATE COLLEGE, June 9 – New funding of $210,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will help low-income homeowners in Centre County stay safer at home and manage energy costs and provide education and mitigation services for landlords and tenants, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding – awarded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency – includes home repair assistance, energy counseling and other programs to help homeowners, prospective homeowners and landlords and tenants. “For low-income residents, housing stability includes having the resources to maintain safe premises and afford heating and other home-related costs. Securing this funding will help ensure residents have the resources they need to make critical safety repairs, an understanding of how to lower their energy bills, and the counseling and services that can help them on the path to homeownership.” Conklin said the funding – which comes from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund – includes: $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County, Inc. for a Home Repairs program that will help residents in need make critical repairs that can affect health and safety. $55,000 to the HOME Foundation’s Energy Case Management Program, which will help low- to moderate-income households reduce their energy cost Read more

 

Conklin introduces legislation for K-9 heat detection and protection

(Jun 07, 2023)

“This proposed legislation draws from painful experiences,” Conklin said. “Integrating these heat-detection devices into our police vehicles would prevent future tragedies, providing a safer environment for our K-9 officers.” Read more

 

Conklin introduces legislation to fortify school safety

(May 24, 2023)

"By providing first responders with access to up-to-date, detailed building layouts, we would empower them to better navigate the chaos of these crises and speed lifesaving intervention," Conklin said. Read more

 

Conklin: Centre Region Active Adult Center awarded nearly $12K for programs and services

(May 17, 2023)

“Having a broad range of programs and services is key to keeping our area’s active seniors engaged and connected, and the center does a terrific job with plenty of classes and activities of all kinds,” Conklin said. Read more

 

Conklin: Up to $400K secured to fight substance use disorder

(May 11, 2023)

STATE COLLEGE, May 11 – New funding of up to $400,000 will boost Centre County resources to fight substance use disorder, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding from the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs will allow Pinnacle Treatment to expand programs for residents in Centre and Washington counties. “Although existing programs and outreach have made inroads in the fight against substance use disorder, too many residents and the families who love them still feel the devastating impact of addiction,” Conklin said. “Securing this funding will allow us to expand the kinds of evidence-based treatment programs, recovery and peer supports, education and other resources that can get more folks back on the path to productive lives.” The funding – which is provided from the opioid settlement funds appropriated to DDAP by the General Assembly – is for a 12-month period beginning July 1, through June 30, 2024. Funds may be applied to a range of activities, including building infrastructure, staffing and evidence-based programming. More about the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DDAP_details.aspx?newsid=275 . Read more

 

Committee approves Conklin pre-canvassing legislation

(Apr 24, 2023)

"By giving election workers the time they need to tabulate votes, my bill would expedite the process and help eliminate the delays that can slow or obstruct a fair, democratic process.” Read more

 

Conklin reintroduces pre-canvassing legislation

(Apr 10, 2023)

HARRISBURG, April 10 – Today, state Rep. Scott Conklin, majority chairman of the Pennsylvania House State Government Committee, announced the reintroduction of his pre-canvassing legislation, H.B. 847 . The reintroduced legislation would allow pre-canvassing of ballots up to seven days prior to Election Day, among other improvements to the election process. Under current law, pre-canvassing of absentee and mail-in ballots cannot begin until 7 a.m. on Election Day. “Pre-canvass” is defined in the Election Code as the inspection and opening of all envelopes containing official absentee ballots or mail-in ballots; the removal of such ballots from the envelopes; and the counting, computing and tallying of the votes reflected on the ballots. It does not include the recording or publishing of the votes reflected on the ballots. “With more and more people voting by mail-in ballot, tabulating ballots and releasing election results is taking county boards of elections much longer,” Conklin said. “In House State Government Committee hearings we heard from numerous experts, including county election officials from both parties, who testified that our state should allow counties to pre-canvass mail and absentee ballots much earlier than the morning of the election. Many believe that delays in tabulating election returns can lead to voter suspicion and unfounded conspiracies.” Bipartisan support has been growing for the legislation, with Read more

 

Conklin secures emergency grant for sinkhole victims

(Mar 20, 2023)

Proposes legislation to provide relief to future victims Read more

 

Conklin votes yes on funding for Penn State
Nov 15, 2023

House passes Conklin’s bill to arm OSIG law enforcement officers
Nov 15, 2023

Conklin, Takac vote to pass funding for state-related universities
Oct 31, 2023

Pennsylvania students call on lawmakers to end ‘archaic’ closed primaries
Oct 30, 2023

Conklin: House State Government Committee will consider legislation to create open state primaries
Oct 11, 2023

Patton Township recognizes Conklin for crucial support in sinkhole crisis; successfully disperses funds to impacted residents
Sep 15, 2023

Conklin announces intention to consider Kenyatta H.B. 1634 and S.B. 224 to adjust PA’s presidential primary date
Aug 28, 2023

Conklin: $190,880 state grant awarded to College Township
Aug 15, 2023

House Majority Leadership sound SOS on education in Centre County
Aug 02, 2023

Conklin introduces bill to create statewide arsonist registry
Jul 19, 2023

House adopts Conklin resolution designating Sept. 18, 2023 as ‘State Grange Day’
Jul 06, 2023

Conklin proposes resolution to recognize Pennsylvania’s Grange legacy
Jun 12, 2023

Conklin: More than $200K secured to help low-income residents
Jun 09, 2023

Conklin introduces legislation for K-9 heat detection and protection
Jun 07, 2023

Conklin introduces legislation to fortify school safety
May 24, 2023

Conklin: Centre Region Active Adult Center awarded nearly $12K for programs and services
May 17, 2023

Conklin: Up to $400K secured to fight substance use disorder
May 11, 2023

Committee approves Conklin pre-canvassing legislation
Apr 24, 2023

Conklin reintroduces pre-canvassing legislation
Apr 10, 2023

Conklin secures emergency grant for sinkhole victims
Mar 20, 2023