My Audio Updates
Here you will find audio clips about important events that have taken place during the current and past Legislative Sessions.
Rep. Grell Comments on Final House Action to Address the City of Harrisburg's Financial Crisis - 10/19/2011
Legislation to deal with the ongoing financial crisis facing the city of Harrisburg was approved by the state House on Wednesday and is on its way to the governor’s desk for his signature. The bill would enable the governor to declare a state of fiscal emergency when local government fails to develop its own financial recovery plan. Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) who sponsored major amendments to the bill early this fall, said he hopes this move will get the ball rolling while helping to protect residents who depend on city services. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.
Rep. Grell Comments Following House Action to Address the Harrisburg Financial Crisis - 9/28/2011
House lawmakers approved legislation on Wednesday to address the ongoing financial crisis facing the city of Harrisburg. The bill would amend the existing Act 47 distressed municipalities law and provide a mechanism for state government to declare a state of fiscal emergency when local governments fail to develop their own fiscal recovery plan. Amendment sponsor Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) said he hopes this move will incentivize distressed municipalities like Harrisburg to take action at the local level. Mike Davies reports – story and stand alone bite available.
Rep. Grell Comments on House Action to Address Ongoing Financial Crisis Facing the City of Harrisburg - 9/27/2011
House lawmakers approved amendments Tuesday to help deal with the ongoing financial crisis facing the city of Harrisburg. Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) joined Sen. Jeff Piccola (R-Dauphin) in presenting a plan to empower the Governor to declare a state of fiscal emergency and direct state officials to develop a plan to ensure the city could continue to provide police, fire and essential services. Rep. Grell said the failure of Harrisburg’s city government to adopt a fiscal recovery plan under the existing distressed municipalities act has forced the hand of state lawmakers. Mike Davies reports – story and stand alone bite available.
Rep. Glen Grell Comments on House Passage of Budget - 6/29/2011
The Pennsylvania House has passed a $27.15 billion spending plan, completing the budget before the constitutional deadline of June 30. The budget includes no tax increases, and reduces overall spending from the previous year. Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) said he felt this year’s plan was notable because it cuts spending while ensuring funding was available for education and social programs for those truly in need. Mike Davies Reports – Story and Bite available.
Rep. Glen Grell Comments on House Republican Budget Proposal - 5/12/2011
The House Republican alternative to Gov. Corbett’s budget plan was unveiled this week in Harrisburg. The proposal provides additional funding for education, offset by a reduction in welfare programs, while preserving Corbett’s original $27.3 billion spending limit. Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) said that restoring some of the funding for education will help students grow into productive members of society. (Mike Davies Reports – story and stand alone bite available.
Rep. Glen Grell Comments on Committee Hearing on State Pension Obligations - 3/22/2011
State pensions and how much they cost Pennsylvania taxpayers was the topic of a House budget hearing on Monday in Harrisburg. House Appropriations Committee member Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) said that lawmakers are working to minimize pension funding spikes, as any increases will lead to higher taxes for homeowners. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Stand Alone Bite Available
Rep. Grell Comments Following Gov. Corbett's Budget Address - 3/8/2011
Governor Corbett delivered his first budget address before a joint session of the House and Senate Tuesday in Harrisburg, laying out a $27.3 billion plan that represents an overall 3.1% reduction in state spending. Rep. Glen Grell (R- Cumberland) said the governor remained true to his stated intention of cutting overall spending and tightening belts in Pennsylvania’s state government. Mike Davies reports, story and stand alone bite available.
Rep. Grell's Procurement Reform Bill Approved by Full House - 2/8/2011
A six bill package of reform legislation aimed at improving accountability and transparency in state government received final approval by the state House on Tuesday. Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) said he was pleased to see his bill that would allow 5 days for public inspection of no-bid, non-competitive state contracts be approved by the House. Mike Davies reports, wrap and stand alone bite available.
Rep. Grell Comments on Appropriations Hearings on Budget Cuts - 2/3/2011
The House Appropriations Committee, in an effort to get a head start on the budget, held a series of hearings this week to gather information on how other states are tackling their financial issues. Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) said that Pennsylvania can use lessons learned in other states to minimize the pain of budget cuts in the Commonwealth. Chuck Nichols Reports - Story and Bite available.
Rep. Glen Grell Comments on Package of Reform Bills - 2/1/2011
The Pennsylvania House considered a package of legislation designed to reform state government procedures and restore public confidence in Harrisburg. Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) said that his bill to mandate no-bid contracts be advertised before they are approved would give vendors the chance to provide a better value to the state. The package of reform bills now awaits final approval by the House next week. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.