My Audio Updates
Here you will find audio clips about important events that have taken place during the current and past Legislative Sessions.
Governor signs Rep. Benninghoff’s Boating Under the Influence Bill into Law - 7/26/2011
While the mother and relatives of a 12-year-old boating accident victim looked on, Rep. Tom Corbett signed new legislation into law this week to strengthen penalties against persons convicted of driving a watercraft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Sponsor of the bill Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) said he was gratified that those who irresponsibly operate boats and watercraft will now receive the same penalties as the drunk drivers who take lives on Pennsylvania highways. Benninghoff’s bill originated after the 2009 death of Valerie Heidt, who was killed in a Susquehanna River boating accident caused by a man operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol. Mike Davies reports, wrap and stand alone bite available.
Rep. Benninghoff Comments on House Action to Move Forward with the State Budget Process - 5/23/2011
The budget process began in earnest Monday in Harrisburg as the state House began floor debate on a $27.3 billion budget bill that holds spending within the limits set by Governor Corbett with no increase in taxes. Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre & Mifflin) said lawmakers are forging ahead with the proposal now so Pennsylvanian’s can have an on-time state budget. Mike Davies reports... stories and stand alone bites available.
Rep. Benninghoff Comments on Administration's Plans to Modernize PA Tax Collection - 3/14/2011
Gov. Tom Corbett's acting Revenue Secretary Daniel Meuser fielded questions from the House Appropriations Committee as hearings on Corbett's $27.3 billion budget opened Monday in Harrisburg. The yet to be confirmed Revenue Secretary said Pennsylvania does face challenges in bring in existing tax revenues and Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre & Mifflin), chairman of the House Finance Committee said he was impressed with proposals outlined to improve and modernize the Departments’ collection efforts. Mike Davies reports, wrap and stand alone bite available.
Rep. Benninghoff Comments on His Bill to Expand Penalties for DUI on Water - 3/4/2011
Legislation that would increase the penalties for operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs has been approved by the House Game and Fisheries Committee. Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre), prime sponsor of House Bill 78, said this legislation will bring the penalties for boating under the influence in line with the penalties for drunken driving. Chuck Nichols Reports - Story and Bite available.
Rep. Kerry Benninghoff Comments on Package of Reform Legislation - 2/1/2011
The Pennsylvania House considered a package of legislation designed to reform state government procedures and restore public confidence in Harrisburg. Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre) said these new bills will help save money by providing employees an avenue to report fraud, waste, or abuse in state programs. The package of reform bills now awaits final approval by the House next week. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.
Rep. Benninghoff Appointed as House Majority Finance Committee Chairman - 1/21/2011
The Pennsylvania House concluded reorganization efforts this past week for the new legislative session. Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre & Mifflin) was appointed as Majority Chairman of the House Finance Committee and said his committee will be looking to help the new Corbett administration put policies in place to stimulate job growth in Pennsylvania. Mike Davies reports, wrap and stand alone bite available.
Rep. Benninghoff's Bill to Require ID for Sponsors of Political Robo-Calls Passes PA House - 3/17/2010
Legislation to close a loophole in state law that has allowed anonymous political ‘Robo-Calls’ to be directed at Pennsylvania voters has been approved this week by the state House. Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre & Mifflin) Republican Chairman of the House State Government Committee said his bill would for the first time give citizens the right to know who is behind these automated political calls that often interrupt the dinner hour in Pennsylvania households around election time. Benninghoff’s bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.
Rep. Benninghoff Comments on Robocall Legislation - 3/9/2010
Legislation to close a loophole in state law that allows Pennsylvania voters to be deluged by anonymous political "robo-calls" is moving forward in the state House. Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre, Mifflin), Republican chairman of the House State Government Committee, said his bill would, for the first time, give citizens the right to know who is behind these automated calls. Mike Davies Reports - Story and Bite available.
Rep. Benninghoff Comments on Governor's Budget Address - 2/9/2010
Governor Rendell proposed nearly a billion dollars in new state spending during his budget address Tuesday before a joint session of the General Assembly in Harrisburg. Details of the plan include a broadening of state sales and business taxes to help pay for a predicted increase of state expenses in the coming years. Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (Centre) said state government should be looking for ways to decrease spending instead of increasing taxes. Mike Davies Reports – Story and Bite available.
Rep. Benninghoff Comments on "Healthcare Freedom" Rally in Harrisburg - 1/27/2010
House lawmakers joined hundreds of citizens at a “Health Care Freedom” rally Wednesday in the state capitol to support new legislation that would to help prevent a future takeover of Pennsylvania’s health care system by the federal government. Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre & Mifflin) said he feels these bills are a reaction to a desire by Pennsylvania citizens to have control over their own health care without intervention from the federal government. Mike Davies Reports - Story and Bite available.