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
Rep. Conklin's 2021 Capitol Scenes calendar is available to download. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 16 – State Rep. Scott Conklin today announced approximately $76,879 in Safe Schools Targeted Grants earmarked for the State College Area School District and to three private schools in Centre County. Conklin, D-Centre, said the grants, awarded by the state Department of Education, are aimed toward preventing and reducing violence incidents. The funds can also be used to purchase safety and security-related equipment and provide training and compensation of school resource and police officers. “Our schools can – and should – be safe places to learn, and these funds are wise investments to ensure they remain safe environments for students, teachers and staff,” Conklin said. PDE’s Office for Safe Schools offers four types of safety grants: equipment grants of up to $25,000; program grants of up to $20,000; school police officer grants of up to $40,000; and school resource officer grants of up to $60,000. The grants are designed to help schools to: Reduce unnecessary student disciplinary actions and promote an environment of greater productivity, safety and learning. Enhance anti-violence efforts between schools and parents, local governments, law enforcement and community organizations. A school police officer grant in the amount of $39,999 was awarded to the State College Area School District. Equipment grants were awarded to the following schools: Nittany Christian Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Oct. 9 – Approximately $37,036 in crisis grants have been awarded to two local volunteer fire companies, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conkin, D-Centre said the grants were awarded by the Office of State Fire Commissioner to offset expenses related to the pandemic. “Our fire and EMS companies have been hurting across our state, especially because they haven’t been able to conduct normal fundraising activities and are beyond essential in responding to emergencies in our communities,” Conklin said. “This funding will be a huge help to keep these companies open and ready to answer the call.” The grants were awarded to the following companies: Alpha Fire Co. : $25,342. Reliance Fire Co. No. 1 : $11,094. The funding may be used for operational expenses, including apparatus repair, fuel, personal protective equipment, utilities, insurance and lost revenue related to pandemic restrictions. The grants may also be used for cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting equipment and property or other expenses needed to prevent the spread of disease. The funds must be used for expenses initiated on or after March 6 and completed on or before Dec. 30 to be eligible for the grant program. Additional information is available here . Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Oct. 2 – A $50,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will help support and protect waterways along the Susquehanna River Watershed, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said the Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant will allow the Chesapeake Conservancy Inc. to begin construction of 7 acres of riparian forest buffers to help control erosion and keep the waterways clean. “These proactive steps we take now will ensure our Susquehanna River stays beautiful and clean for years to come,” Conklin said. “It’s important we do all we can to protect our environment for future recreational opportunities for our residents and visitors alike, and this grant is certainly a step in the right direction .” C2P2 grants fund planning, acquisition and development of public parks, recreation areas, motorized and non-motorized trails, river conservation and access, and conservation of open space. More information is available here . Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, issued the following statement regarding today’s postponement of House session due to state Rep. Paul Schemel, R-Franklin, announcing he tested positive for the COVID-19 virus: “Yet again, the people’s business was shut down, because House members who believe that COVID-19 is a hoax refuse to wear a mask on the House floor, not to mention House leadership continues to hold up any action on a masking resolution. Now, just weeks before Election Day, every member exposed to Representative Schemel must quarantine for 14 days. “I pray for a speedy recovery for him, but what is it going to take to get House leadership to enforce masking rules at the state Capitol? “The people’s business has now been placed on hold until Oct. 19 because of their political grandstanding. We face serious challenges in the coming months, and it’s time for these cynical games to stop! “We must enact safe measures to keep the House open and working for the people we were elected to represent.” Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 26 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, has joined several of his colleagues in urging the Wolf administration to take action to help frontline workers across Pennsylvania, especially those who have not received hazard pay. Conklin said last week’s announcement of $516,000 in federal CARES grants to employers so they could offer their employees hazard pay was helpful, but it left out emergency medical services staff, grocery store employees, pharmacy technicians and many other frontline employees. “I understand that these grants are, by nature, limited and do contain restrictions, but excluding many frontline workers from receiving hazard pay just isn’t right and it certainly isn’t fair,” said Conklin. “That’s why I joined forces with my fellow House colleagues to urge the administration to take further actions to help these workers, including the creation of another hazard pay program. “These men and women have worked under extremely stressful and trying conditions to take care of others since the start of this pandemic and moving forward they should be included in any future assistance and support programs.” This week, Conklin joined several of his colleagues in submitting a letter to the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, which outlines their concerns and urges the creation of an additional hazard pay program to help Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 10 – An area school district and intermediate unit will receive $33,000 in grants to ensure school students have the resources they need to access remote and online learning, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said the Continuing of Education Equity Grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education were awarded to the following: Central Intermediate Unit - $9,600 Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District - $23,400 “With many of our schools providing remote learning options for the upcoming school year, it’s vital students have access to the tools they need to stay engaged, and for many, that could mean a laptop or assistance with internet access,” Conklin said. “This funding will ensure they have the resources they need to succeed and learn.” CEEG grants may be used to purchase computer equipment, such as laptops, tablets, and internet hot spots, or used toward providing instructional materials, such as paper lessons and coursework. Schools with the highest percentages of students lacking access to resources were given priority in receiving these grants. More information on these grants can be found at the following link: https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-19/ContinuityEducation/Pages/default.aspx . Read more
STATE COLLEGE, July 17 – State Rep. Scott Conklin announced that $2 million from the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund has been awarded to repair four roadways in Rush Township, Centre County. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding will be used to pave and install guiderails on Casanova Road, Casanova Spur, Chestnut Street, and McCord Road. “We know that safe, reliable transportation is critical to connecting our communities and I fully support these vital investments to keep our roadways safe for residents and visitors alike,” said Conklin. Act 89 of 2013 established a dedicated Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides funding for ports and rail freight, increases aviation investments, establishes dedicated funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and allows targeted funding for priority investments in any mode. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.penndot.gov/about-us/Pages/Act-89-Funding-Plan.aspx Read more
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