STATE COLLEGE, June 21 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, issued the following statement on H.B. 1300 : “This bill is disguised as an effort to protect voter integrity and security but, in reality, it is designed to drive down voter turnout and make it harder and more complicated for Pennsylvanians to cast their vote. “Our past two elections in the commonwealth were fairly run, free and transparent. So, why are Republicans pushing for election audits for each county following an election? Why do they want each voter to have a special ID in order to cast their ballot, severely limit drop boxes and put an end to voting by mail? It’s because they want to silence your voice and your right to vote freely and fairly. That should make you very angry and, rest assured, I will fight this bill. “This is an attempted power grab, plain and simple, by the Republican party. This bill would also add unnecessary barriers to your right to vote, put more governmental bureaucracy upon counties and needlessly delay election results. “I’m truly disappointed that, once again, the leadership in the House is playing politics with a bill that will never be signed into law. We should be focused on how best to use the billions of surplus dollars to provide property tax relief and quality education for our residents. Instead, we are wasting valuable time posturing for corporate donors. It’s time to dispense with the rhetoric and focus on Read more
STATE COLLEGE, June 7 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, has issued the following statement regarding the proposed integration plan for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s 14 universities: “The so-called plan that was presented to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors in late April is anything but a good one. This proposal is not financially sustainable and forces a hybrid model upon students, requiring them to take virtual college courses. Many students across our state have technology challenges, including reliable computer and internet access. This plan also lacks details on branch campus oversight, and it does not include any cost savings or tuition rate decreases. “PASSHE was first established in 1983 to provide students and families with an affordable, quality education, and it’s imperative we get back to that mission immediately. We need a plan that stimulates the universities and adequately funds them, not one that puts them on the back burner. We need PASSHE to continue to provide the training and education needed to help students prepare for the demands of our workforce. “I have recently sent a letter to the Board of Governors , urging them to vote “NO” on this consolidation plan. Our students and families deserve better, and I am also urging my colleagues in the House and Senate to join me in fighting for a plan that provides better funding that Read more
STATE COLLEGE, May 27 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, issued the following statement on today’s We The People PA event with Pennsylvania Congresswoman Madeleine Dean at the Montgomery County Courthouse: “I fully support Congresswoman Dean and the We The People PA organization regarding the American Rescue Plan. This plan will benefit all Pennsylvanians as we continue to recover from the economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus has worked together to create the Pennsylvania Rescue Plan . Using the $7.3 billion earmarked for Pennsylvania, our plan makes wise investments in public health infrastructure and preparedness, support for families, workforce development, investments in job creation, technology, and much more. Some of the highlights of the Pennsylvania Rescue plan include $500 million to create jobs and spur economic growth across the state, $250 million to promote affordable housing, $10 million in funds for those whose unemployment checks were delayed, and $75 million to invest in healthcare research and education. “Our job as legislators is to help Pennsylvanians come out of this pandemic stronger, and it’s vital we support these investments as they meet the needs of all residents – families, workers, small businesses and farmers.” Read more
HARRISBURG, May 25 – Eight abandoned, dangerous properties in Rush Township will be demolished and two properties in Philipsburg’s Historic Downtown will be rehabilitated though a combined $170,891 in state funding, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved a $90,000 grant to Rush Township, providing 90% of the cost of its eight-property demolition project. It will include any required lead and asbestos abatement, backfilling and grading of sites, and seeding and mulching for stabilization. Conklin said the CFA’s separate award of $80,891 represents the entire cost of the Philipsburg project, in which the Philipsburg Revitalization Corp. is rehabilitating sites at 110-104 N. Front St. to be marketed as an incubator to artists and entrepreneurs. This reclaiming of unsafe structures includes HVAC installation, updated flooring, and electrical, façade and roof work. “It’s critically important that we remove blighted and unsafe structures from the landscape when they are beyond saving,” Conklin said. “But, it’s equally important to save buildings that are in good enough shape to be repurposed, especially when they are located in an area of historic significance. “I’m pleased to see that with this round of CFA funding, our area will be able to accomplish goals that – while different Read more
STATE COLLEGE, May 13 – State Rep. Scott Conklin has announced approximately $46,601 in grants to Pennsylvania State University and to three school districts in Centre County in support of their ag education and workforce development projects. Conklin, D-Centre, said the following grants were awarded: A total of $24,401 to Penn State to fund hydroponics education and production and for 4-H robotics precision equipment. $7,500 to the Bald Eagle Area Middle/High School for hydroponics and vertical garden education. $7,500 to the Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District for agriculture education. $7,500 to the State College Area School District for a student greenhouse. “Our state has a long and successful agriculture industry, and these grants will ensure its strong and vibrant future, providing the vital support, encouragement and education to its future leaders,” said Conklin. This grant program, part of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, funds projects for ag education and workforce development, equipment purchases and capital projects to promote development in agriculture. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Pages/Ag-and-Youth-Grant-Program.aspx . Read more
STATE COLLEGE, April 28 – State Rep. Scott Conklin is supporting a bill designed to reform the redistricting efforts in both state legislative and congressional districts. Conklin, D-Centre, said H.B. 22 would provide enhanced transparency, allow more input from Pennsylvanians, and create a user-friendly website with data, proposed maps, public comments and related information. “Our residents are beyond tired of partisan politics, especially in the redistricting process, and I am happy to join Fair District PA’s efforts to move this legislation forward,” said Conklin. “The redistricting process should be fair and open, with more participation and accountability.” The legislation would also ban gerrymandering, place limits on splitting counties beyond what’s required by population, end the division of voting precincts, and ensure protection of racial and language minorities against discrimination in the mapping process. House Bill 22 is under consideration in the House State Government Committee. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 21 – State Rep. Scott Conklin has announced nearly $1.75 million in state funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to provide traffic and pedestrian safety in Patton Township and construct a skate park in State College Borough. Conkin, D-Centre, said $1.5 million in CFA funds will be used to expand an intersection along North Atherton and Woodycrest Street in Patton Township and add a new site access road opposite Woodycrest Street. The project will also include replacing traffic signals, adding sidewalks, and creating and lengthening turning lanes. The remaining $250,000 in funds will be used toward the construction of Action Sports Park in State College Borough. This park would be a publicly accessed concrete skate park for bikes, scooters and skateboarders and will also include a rain garden. “These worthwhile investments will ensure better traffic flow and pedestrian safety in an already-busy area of the district, and also provide an enjoyable recreational opportunity for residents and visitors,” Conklin said. “I look forward to seeing both of these projects moving forward very soon.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority provides funding for a multitude of projects that help businesses succeed, including those focused on development, water quality, energy infrastructure and more. To learn more, residents may visit the following link : Read more
HARRISBURG, April 16 – A $2.4 million state grant will provide the necessary funds to construct the Masters Boulevard/Waddle Road Extension project in Patton Township, Centre County, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the project, which will be constructed by Toftrees Development LLC, will include the installation of sidewalks, traffic signals, stormwater management and paving. “Improving our infrastructure is a priority for all residents to ensure their overall quality of life, and this project will provide necessary safety improvements and proper management of water runoff, due to rain or melting snow,” said Conklin. In granting these and other applications for funding, PennDOT considered a variety of criteria, including safety benefits, regional economic conditions, and operational sustainability. More information about the grant is available at this link . Read more
HARRISBURG, April 13 – While Pennsylvania has been seen as profitable by natural gas companies, state Rep. Scott Conklin said it’s time those same companies do their part to ensure the safety of workers at gas well sites and residents in the communities in which these operations reside. Conklin, D-Centre, said while the Marcellus Shale formation has brought well drilling operations and employment opportunities to many parts of the state, it’s also led to an increased risk of drilling-related accidents that can affect the health, safety, and property of residents. “That’s why I am reintroducing legislation that would empower the state Department of Labor and Industry to establish regulations to require the creation of certified and trained response teams to be on site during exploration drilling and any time prior to gas well completion,” said Conklin. “These teams would be experienced and have up-to-date training to ensure they can respond immediately in the event of an accident or emergency and notify local first responders and state officials in a timely manner. My bill, if signed into law, would provide much-needed peace of mind to residents who live near a site where natural gas drilling operations are present.” More information on his pending legislation can be found at this link: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20210&cosponId=34955 Read more
HARRISBURG, April 7 – A measure to make changes to state law to allow small games of chance licensees, including veterans’ organizations, fire departments, and other nonprofit groups, to conduct online games and online transactions passed in the House today, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said H.B.290 will be a true lifeline to these organizations across Pennsylvania. “Many of our volunteer organizations in Centre County and across our state, who give so much of their time and support to our communities, have been gravely impacted during this ongoing pandemic,” said Conklin. “They rely on raffles and small games of chance to keep their doors open, and this bipartisan bill will allow them to stay in operation.” The bill now heads to the Senate for further action. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 30 – In an effort to be more inclusive and ensure the constitutional rights of all Pennsylvanians, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced he will soon introduce legislation that would allow voters who are not registered to take part in primary elections. Conklin, D-Centre, said while there have been several proposals over the years to allow these voters to participate in primary elections, most have only raised legal questions and haven’t led to any substantive changes. “Voting is a constitutional right, one that should not be tainted by larger interests that seek to shut out voters who are not registered as a Democrat or Republican,” said Conklin. “We know that during municipal elections, candidates often run on both tickets during the primary because of smaller numbers of voters they need to contact for support. What ends up occurring is that members of both parties are often voting for the same candidate during a primary as they would during the general election. That means independent voters are only given one choice in the general election unless there is a write-in candidate. We must give the same freedom of choice to independent voters that both Republican and Democratic voters already enjoy during municipal elections.” Conklin said his pending legislation is part of the House Democrats’ “Defending Democracy” platform , which is focused on streamlining voting processes, maintaining voting Read more
HARRISBURG, March 29 – Responding to the Capitol insurrection in January and the signing of new restrictions on voting rights last week in Georgia, House Democrats are taking action to protect American democracy. Today, a website was launched that summarizes policy proposals to defend democracy as well as links to more information and the ability for people to quickly email their elected officials, noting their support of the bills. The House Democratic Caucus has been working on these proposals since a House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing in January, when members were briefed by legal scholars, hate crimes experts and members of Congress on the language of false conspiracy and election fraud being used to undermine democracy. That same language has shifted from encouraging outright attack to what many perceive as insidiously undermining basic voting rights. “We cannot allow the outrage and disgust of the American people watching an armed invasion of our government to be subverted by a slick rebranding into attacks on our right to fair and free elections” Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro said. Members of the House Democratic Caucus have introduced dozens of measures to expand voting rights, preserve election security, protect access to mail-in ballots and polling places, and to clarify and consolidate the often-outdated Election Code. Bizzarro said the site – www.pahouse.com/policy/defendingdemocracy -- will serve as a great Read more
HARRISBURG, March 22 – In an effort to ensure the safety and welfare of dogs and other animals, counties would be allowed to hire individuals as county humane officers under forthcoming legislation from state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre. Conklin said his measure would provide trained individuals with the authority to assess animal cruelty issues and empowered to enforce animal control provisions. These humane officers would be required to meet state requirements contained in the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statues as related to the state’s Dog Law. “Not too long ago, we had an incident in my district where a house fire occurred and required the rescue of several dogs left without shelter, and when residents tried to contact local and state officials to help these dogs, they repeatedly reported difficulty in reaching someone who had the authority to intervene in such an emergency situation,” Conklin said. “My bill would ensure the safety and well-being of these animals regardless of the situation, whether it’s a dog with limited or no shelter left outside in harsh weather, or an animal in need of immediate emergency help.” Conklin introduced a similar bill during the 2019-20 legislative session. Read more
STATE COLLEGE, March 9 – Hearing a number of concerns from many school districts statewide that the current high school sports playoff system is not fair, state Rep. Scott Conkin said he has reintroduced a measure to establish separate playoffs for public and private schools. Conklin, D-Centre, said the current system’s rules, as required by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, which operates all state championship tournaments, provide an unfair advantage to private and parochial schools, which aren’t limited by the geographic boundaries public school districts are required to follow. “That means that many of the private schools’ sports programs have become so large, both in the number and size of participants, and that’s not fair to our public schools,” said Conkin. “My bill would change a nearly 50-year-old law and remove a mandate that these private schools compete with public ones, and thereby allow for separate playoffs systems and championships. I believe my colleagues can work together on this effort and as a result, make our high school team sports safer, more competitive and fun for students again. Let me be very clear – my bill unties the hands of the PIAA to establish a system of their choice. Nothing more, nothing less.” Conklin introduced a similar bill during the 2019-20 legislative session. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, issued the following statement regarding co-sponsorship of his resolution to honor members of the U.S. Capitol Police following the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021: “I’m pleased to report that, at last check, there are 24 co-sponsors of my resolution to honor these brave men and women who answered the call, including Capitol Police Officer Sicknick, who died as a result of the injuries he sustained during that insurrection, and whose funeral was held just last week. “When I introduced this resolution a few weeks ago, I felt it was truly a great way to support these officers who work hard and sacrifice their lives to keep people safe, including the public, members of Congress and their staff. “I am truly puzzled that more of my colleagues have not signed on to honor them and the work they do to keep us safe. I am urging them to consider supporting this effort.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 27 – State Rep. Scott Conklin announced he will soon introduce a measure that would require those under Protection from Abuse orders in connection with a domestic violence case to wear an electronic monitoring device. Conklin, D-Centre, said nearly half of states across the country permit electronic monitoring in such cases, and it’s time for Pennsylvania to do the same. “Almost 11 years ago, Traci Ann Raymond Miscavish, a dear family friend of mine, was murdered by her estranged husband at her workplace, who she had filed a PFA order against,” Conklin said. “She had previously expressed her fear of him, notably because he had firearms and had repeatedly threatened to murder her. Had he been ordered to wear a GPS monitoring device when the PFA order became final, she might be alive today. Study after study has shown that the presence of a firearm increases the likelihood of a domestic violence situation turning deadly, and my measure, once signed into law, will indeed save more lives.” Conklin added that while Act 79, passed in 2018, requires a person who is under an active PFA order to turn over their firearms to local law enforcement within 24 hours of conviction, it still does not reduce the threat of additional violence toward a victim of domestic violence. More information on Conklin’s pending legislation can be found at the following link: Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – Following the insurrection that took place at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., earlier this month, today state Rep. Scott Conklin announced plans to introduce a resolution to honor members of the U.S. Capitol Police. “On January 6, our nation’s Capitol came under attack, and the intent of those who took part in the insurrection focused on hurting, maiming, and possibly kidnapping or killing legislators, executive branch officials and staff within the entire Capitol Complex,” Conklin said. “These brave men and women not only protected our sacred Capitol, but they were ready to lay down their lives in defense of our country, and as we know, one officer did die while answering the call. It’s only right that we take this opportunity to honor them for the work they do to keep all of us safe.” More information on the resolution can be found at the following link: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20210&cosponId=34213 . Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, today took the oath of office, beginning his eighth term representing the 77 th Legislative District. “I am honored to again serve the great communities throughout Centre County and look forward to working with my colleagues to advance smart and sensible priorities,” said Conklin. “The most immediate concern is working together to help our residents who continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, I will continue to work to support policies and initiatives to protect and preserve our state’s wonderful natural resources.” Conklin was also chosen to serve an additional term as Democratic chair of the House Gaming Committee. Known as First Tuesday, today’s swearing-in ceremony in the House chamber marked the beginning of the 205 th legislative session. Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 30 – Pennsylvania State University has been awarded a $164,422 Growing Greener grant to support Master Watershed Steward Program operations in Adams, Crawford, Erie, Franklin, Schuylkill and Warren counties, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the program works with residents, local governments and conservation organizations to train volunteers to work with communities to enhance and protect the health of streams, rivers and other natural resources. “It’s vital that each one of us plays a role in protecting the great natural resources in our state, and the Master Watershed Steward Program is instrumental in educating and empowering residents to keep and maintain clean waterways and natural resources now and for generations to come,” said Conklin. This grant is funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener Program, which supports projects throughout the state designed to enhance watersheds, mitigate acid mine drainage, and support water pollution cleanup programs. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Growing-Greener/Pages/default.aspx Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – Grants totaling $2.29 million to support several community and criminal justice efforts in Centre County have been awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding comes from several grants awarded by PCCD at its most recent quarterly commission meeting. “Now, more than ever, our providers in the criminal justice and victim services fields are feeling the strain and facing enormous demands due to the pandemic, and this funding will help them continue to help our communities and provide the vital support for training, staff or program needs,” said Conklin. Conklin said the grants awarded include the following (broken down by specific PCCD committee): Victims’ Services Advisory Committee -- funding earmarked to help victims of crime: Centre County (STOP Violence Against Women Project): $125,000. Center County Commissioners (funds to support victim witness service agency): $311,090. State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program and Department of Human Services --funding to support programs and services to prevent juvenile delinquency: Pennsylvania State University (funds to be used for its resource center to improve local juvenile justice services and curb recidivism among juvenile offenders): $1.91 million. Pennsylvania State University (funds to be used to support Read more
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