News Center

House Commerce Committee approves Conklin resolution calling on PIAA to hold separate playoffs for public and private schools

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – The Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee on Tuesday advanced a resolution by Majority Chairman Scott Conklin urging the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to establish separate playoffs and championships for public schools and private/charter schools. Conklin said he introduced H.R. 443 to encourage the PIAA to reform a system that gives private school athletes an unfair advantage over their public school counterparts, both on the field and beyond. “Unlike public schools, which must recruit student athletes from within their district’s geographic boundaries, private and charter schools can hand-select the best athletes from anywhere they choose,” Conklin said. “The result is that they end up with all-star teams and a deeply unfair advantage over public schools. “The impact goes far beyond a win or a loss. It leaves public school athletes behind when it comes to important life opportunities like scholarships and recruitment for college and pro sports. Public school is supposed to be about opening doors for students and teaching them the importance of fair play, and PIAA needs to help reinforce those lessons. “The association has the authority to make this change. It’s my hope that this resolution will bring them closer to doing so.” The committee approved the resolution by a vote of 24-1. Read more

 

Conklin highlights bills at Capitol news conference to combat domestic violence

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – As Pennsylvania and the nation begin observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, state Rep. Scott Conklin held a Capitol news conference today to highlight legislation he has introduced to prevent domestic abuse and protect survivors. Conklin, D-Centre, discussed his bill that would allow electronic monitoring of domestic abusers and his newly introduced legislation that would bar convicted abusers from holding public office. “The statistics involving domestic violence are grim,” Conklin said. “According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women, one in four men and nearly half of LGBTQ+ people will experience this abuse in their lifetime. Sometimes, that abuse will turn deadly. Worse still, the statistics have been moving in the wrong direction.” Conklin discussed how a friend’s murder prompted him to introduce H.B. 1982 , which would permit the use of electronic ankle bracelets to monitor the movements of someone with a protection from abuse order. “My long-time family friend – Traci Ann Raymond – was stalked and murdered by her estranged husband,” Conklin said. “If she had had more warning regarding his presence, Traci might still be alive today.” Conklin also discussed his newly introduced legislation – H.B. 2580 – that would prohibit those convicted of domestic violence from Read more

 

Conklin: Nearly $2 million secured to boost Centre County criminal justice programs, supports and services for survivors

(Sep 18, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

STATE COLLEGE, Sept. 18 – Nearly $2 million in grant funding is coming to bolster Centre County’s criminal justice system, expand services and programs for crime victims and at-risk youth, and support crime-prevention measures, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will support a wide range of programs and services for the region. “The new funding will allow the county and area organizations to bolster crime prevention, expand services for victims, assess needs for at-risk youth and provide drug treatment and other services to help folks transition back to the community,” Conklin said. “Some of the new funding will also allow the public defender’s office to add caseworker services that can help folks with mental health, intellectual disabilities or substance use disorder access needed services. “They’re investments that are going to help people heal and put people back on a path to a better life.” The funding includes: $750,000 to Pennsylvania State University for oversight/administration of the 2025 and 2027 Pennsylvania Youth Surveys. $577,197 to Centre Safe to expand services for survivors of sexual or domestic violence. $220,833 to the Centre County Commissioners for the Public Defender Caseworker Program. $130,625 to Pennsylvania State University for maintenance Read more

 

KOZ program Rep. Burns spearheaded bears fruit in Cambria County

(Sep 13, 2024) Northwest Delegation

EBENSBURG, Sept. 13 – State Rep. Frank Burns, who spearheaded creation of 375 acres of Keystone Opportunity Zone in Cambria County by ensuring it was included in the 2019 state budget, is commending county and school district officials’ recent actions to take advantage of the job-creating program. Burns, D-Cambria, said the Cambria County commissioners and Central Cambria School District board of directors have agreed to the required temporary tax relief in exchange for business development of KOZ acreage in Elder and Cambria townships, and Hastings Borough. “It’s heartening to see this valuable tool taking hold the way I envisioned it back in 2019 when I pushed my leadership and the governor’s office hard to make sure Cambria County finally got a KOZ program,” Burns said. “I made sure we had a level playing field with the rest of Pennsylvania when it came to offering state and local tax benefits in exchange for business investment and job creation. “I did my part as an elected official in Harrisburg. But those at the local level had a part to play, too. This is truly working together to get things done, and I thank all of those who recently voted to put the KOZ concept to work in Cambria County. ““This is really an economic development tool, and I’m glad to see municipalities and school districts taking advantage of the Read more

 

Conklin: Nearly $106,000 secured for State College Area School District environmental repairs

(Sep 10, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, Sept. 10 – A grant of $105,906 to the State College Area School District will fund building repairs and improvements to ensure students and staff have the healthiest possible learning environment, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the grant was awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Environmental Repairs Grant program, which funds projects to eliminate school environmental hazards such as lead, mold, asbestos and other problems. “Dedicated teachers and school staff are the No. 1 reason our students thrive, but they also depend on a safe, hazard-free learning environment,” Conklin said. “That’s why I worked to secure budget funding that addresses all our district’s educational needs – from staffing and curriculum to building improvements that ensure safe and healthy classrooms. With this new funding, State College Area School District will have the resources needed to identify and eliminate any building hazards so students and staff can stay safe and focus on the business of learning.” The funding is part of a package of $75 million awarded to schools statewide under the PDE Environmental Repairs Grant program and secured in the state’s 2023-24 budget. Schools can use the money to improve water infrastructure and eliminate contamination, install point-of-use treatment devices to reduce lead and other contaminants, Read more

 

Burns delivers $116,872 for Summerhill Borough, Forest Hills EMS

(Sep 10, 2024) Northwest Delegation

EBENSBURG, Sept. 10 – After meeting with Summerhill Borough officials and afterward attending their Little League All-Star game for a firsthand assessment of their request for funding, state Rep. Frank Burns worked singlehandedly in Harrisburg to deliver a $116,872 state grant. “This funding will provide new lighting to a ballpark used by several youth teams and will upgrade Freedom Park with a gazebo, benches, sidewalks and handicapped accessibility,” Burns said. “It will also fill another need by enabling purchase of ballistic vests for members of the Forest Hills Area Ambulance/EMS, increasing their safety when responding to incidents.” Burns, D-Cambria, said the third component of the grant is important because the ambulance service covers 92 square miles and serves 15,000 people in Summerhill, Ehrenfeld and South Fork boroughs, and Summerhill, Croyle and Adams townships. ______________________________________________________________________ “ Frank Burns had everything to do with these grants … there were no other legislators involved. If it wasn’t for him, we would not have been able to secure funding for any of these three projects.” – Mayor Eric Miller, Summerhill Borough. ______________________________________________________________________ Eric Miller, who serves as Summerhill Borough mayor and Forest Hills Read more

 

Burns: $1.3 million secured for 72nd District school repairs, improvements

(Sep 09, 2024) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Sept. 9 – Building on his commitment to ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today that school districts and technical and career schools in the 72 nd Legislative District have secured more than $1.3 million in new funding for environmental repairs. Burns, D-Cambria, said the funding awarded under the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Environmental Repair Grant program includes $894,732 to Central Cambria School District, $266,589 to Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center and $147,527 to Admiral Perry Area Vocational Technical School. “I will always fight to ensure that our students have the resources they need to succeed, and that includes making sure our school buildings are safe, secure and free of environmental hazards like mold or asbestos,” Burns said. “That’s why I’ve worked to help secure budget funding for school upgrades and improvements. With this new funding, our schools can move forward to remedy any potentially dangerous or unhealthy conditions so that our students are free to focus on what’s important – learning, thriving and charting their best futures.” The funding is part of a package of $75 million awarded to schools statewide under the PDE Environment Repairs Grant program and secured in the state’s 2023-24 budget. Schools can use the money to improve water Read more

 

Conklin: $78,000 secured for Rush Township stormwater management, roadway improvements

(Aug 21, 2024) Northwest Delegation

STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 21 – A $78,000 grant from the Multimodal Transportation Fund will fund work to bring safer travel for Rush Township residents, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. “Frequent and more severe storms are challenging our communities’ stormwater management capacity and increasing the risk of flooding that can threaten motorists and impact our roads,” Conklin said. “Securing this new funding will allow Rush Township to move forward with needed stormwater management work and roadway improvements on Medical Center Drive so traffic flows as smoothly and safely as possible.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides financial assistance to municipalities, government councils, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies and ports and rail freight entities. By improving transportation assets, the program seeks to enhance communities, pedestrian safety and transit revitalization. More about the funding statewide is available here: https://www.pa.gov/en/governor/newsroom/2024-press-releases/gov-shapiro--51-million-dot-mtf-grants-66-projects.html . Read more

 

Conklin: $220,000 secured for local firefighting resources, community center upgrades

(Aug 13, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 13 – New grant funding of $220,000 will support firefighting resources for Hope Fire Co. and community center upgrades for Huston Township, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin said the funding includes $200,000 to Hope Fire Co. in Philipsburg to help the company purchase a utility vehicle, personal protective gear and other firefighting equipment. “Our district is fortunate to have highly dedicated first responders who answer the call 24/7, regardless of tight budgets, staff constraints and other logistical challenges,” Conklin said. “Securing this funding should help ease some of the burden for Hope Fire Company so the department can ensure that their frontline heroes have the resources they need to stay safe on the job.” Conklin said that in addition, Huston Township will receive $20,000 for building upgrades, including ADA compliance work, for the township’s community center. Read more

 

Conklin: $133,100 in new funding to boost adult literacy

(Jul 18, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, July 18 – Centre County residents will benefit from expanded adult literacy resources, thanks to new grant funding of $133,106 to Penn State University, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the grant – awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education – is part of a package of funding to five school entities to train and support volunteer adult literacy education instructors, or tutors, who instruct students in adult education and literacy programs. “Literacy holds the key to so many life opportunities, from finding good-paying jobs and successfully navigating community resources to helping one’s children with homework,” Conklin said. “But too many adults still struggle with basic literacy needs. This new funding will bring those essential skills to more residents, including many for whom English is a second language, so they can chart a more productive future for themselves and their families.” More about the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/education-details.aspx?newsid=1479#:~:text=Harrisburg%2C%20PA%20%2D%20The%20Pennsylvania%20Department,adult%20education%20and%20literacy%20programs . Read more

 

Conklin: Nearly $740,000 secured to preserve District 77 farms

(Jun 14, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, June 14 – New funding of nearly $740,000 – including a state investment of $628,000 from the Department of Agriculture – will ensure preservation of farms in the 77 th Legislative District, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin said the funding awarded under the state’s Farmland Preservation Program will allow the state to purchase development rights for two local farms to protect the land from future residential or commercial development. “These farms are critically important to our community, but their benefits extend far beyond the fences that border them,” Conklin said. “Under the talented stewardship of our local farmers, these lands strengthen our regional food supply and bolster the health of our local, regional and state economies. This new funding is going to help ensure they are around now and far into the future, where we can all continue to reap the benefits.” Conklin said the funding will be used to purchase development rights to the following farms: Carl R. Gates Farm, Ferguson Township, 193-acre crop and livestock farm. Thomas W., Cynthia B., and William H. Hall, and Janis H. Goodman Farm, Halfmoon Township, 88-acre crop and livestock farm. The funding includes $627,972 from the state, $100,000 from the county, and $11,956 from Ferguson Township. More about the funding is available here: Read more

 

Burns asks governor to open state police substation in Johnstown

(Jun 13, 2024) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, June 13 – Seeking additional resources to battle one of the highest crime rates in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Frank Burns has asked Gov. Josh Shapiro to establish a state police substation in Johnstown. Burns, D-Cambria, outlined the pressing need in a letter to Shapiro, citing: A Johnstown law enforcement system “seriously strained” by a “massive influx of low-income, transient public housing residents,” coming largely from Philadelphia. The 1-in-24 chance one has of being the victim of a violent or property crime in Johnstown. The staffing shortage at the Johnstown Police Department, which as of last fall had 31 active-duty officers – 10 short of the 41 budgeted. ______________________________________________________________________ “As the City of Johnstown struggles under the weight of a devastating mix of poverty and crime, fueled by a huge transient public housing population coming largely from Philadelphia, I am asking for your help to bring things under control by establishing a State Police Substation in the city.” – Rep. Frank Burns, to Governor Josh Shapiro. ______________________________________________________________________ “Everyone who lives here and is a law abiding citizen can attest to how bad the situation has become. It is no coincidence – nor was it a big surprise to Read more

 

Conklin introduces bill to update Pennsylvania’s recreational vehicle law

(Jun 11, 2024) Northwest Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 11 – Pennsylvania’s recreational vehicle law would receive needed upgrades and stronger consumer protections under a bill introduced today by state Rep. Scott Conklin. Conklin, who is chairman of the House Commerce Committee, said H.B 2410 would update and clarify parts of the law governing the RV industry to help ensure reliable, efficient and cost-effective warranty service for consumers. “The RV industry is different enough from the automotive industry that Pennsylvania has separate laws governing RV manufacturers and dealers,” Conklin said. “But areas of the law – particularly as it relates to warranty services – need to be updated to better protect consumers and provide clearer guidance for dealers. “My bill would accomplish that by adding provisions that ensure more efficient warranty repairs, more consistent rate-setting and prices for warranty service and stronger consumer protections from rogue dealers who host pop-up-style RV events.” Conklin said his bill would: Help ensure warranty repairs are completed efficiently by clarifying that RV dealers may purchase available warranty parts from a supplier other than the manufacturer. Clarify the language regarding labor rates for warranty service, which is currently based on “reasonable compensation,” to mirror the automotive dealers’ formula for establishing Read more

 

Merski bill would ban misuse of artificial intelligence in campaigns

(Jun 11, 2024) Rep. Robert Merski

HARRISBURG, June 11 – State Rep. Bob Merski and colleagues have introduced legislation that would prohibit the misuse of generative artificial intelligence in campaigns. Merski, D-Erie, said he and several colleagues introduced H.B. 2353 to impose needed guardrails on the use of misleading digital content that jeopardizes the integrity of the electoral process. “The freedom to go into the voting booth and choose candidates who reflect our values and beliefs is at the very heart of our democracy,” Merski said. “But the proliferation of AI-generated ‘deepfakes’ impersonating public officials and political candidates to spread disinformation threatens to undermine the whole point of free and fair elections. “We have to act now to protect the sanctity of our elections by erecting sensible guardrails for how generative AI may be used in campaigns. Fourteen other states have already recognized the threat and passed legislation. It’s time for Pennsylvania to step up and do the same.” Merski said the bill would establish the Fraudulent Misrepresentation of a Candidate Prevention Act, which would create civil liability and potential court penalties for disseminating an AI-generated impersonation of a candidate within 90 days before an election that is designed to misrepresent their words, actions or beliefs. Addressing First Amendment concerns, Merski noted that Read more

 

Port Matilda Emergency Medical Services dedicates new ambulance in honor of Conklin

(May 20, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

PORT MATILDA, May 20 – As Pennsylvania observes National EMS Week to recognize the lifesaving work of its frontline medical responders, Port Matilda Emergency Medical Services expressed its own appreciation for state Rep. Scott Conklin on Saturday by naming a new ambulance after the lawmaker. Conklin, D-Centre, expressed thanks during the ceremony – held to recognize his longtime support for EMS workers – but said the spotlight should remain on the first responders who continue to serve the community with vigilance despite work that can be risk-filled and challenging. “I am deeply humbled that the first responders at Port Matilda EMS have chosen to dedicate this ambulance in my name, but they are the true heroes,” Conklin said. “They are the ones who stand ready 24/7 to render lifesaving care, regardless of the dangers or challenges involved. “We can never do enough for our EMS workers and other first responders, and we can never thank them enough. But we can do everything in our power to support them and try to ensure that they have the resources they need to carry on their lifesaving work.” At the ceremony, Port Matilda EMS staff thanked Conklin and recognized his support and efforts to strengthen resources for first responders. Read more

 

House passes Conklin bill to boost funding for minority-owned businesses

(May 02, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, May 2 – The House yesterday passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Scott Conklin that would help Pennsylvania’s minority-owned businesses secure the capital they need to grow and remain competitive. Conklin, who is majority chairman of the Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee, said he introduced H.B. 2202 – which would establish the Minority Business Development Program to provide low-interest loans and equity financing to ethnic-owned businesses – to get vital resources flowing to traditionally underserved business communities. “Minority-owned businesses have a critical role to play in Pennsylvania, but for too long, they have faced financing hurdles that have prevented them from growing and expanding,” Conklin said. “It’s time to level the playing field by connecting these businesses with the resources they need to thrive. Doing so creates jobs, adds healthy competition, grows our local and state economies, and empowers business owners to give back to their communities. It’s a win-win all around.” The fund established by Conklin’s bill would provide eligible businesses with means ranging from $3 million for one or more projects to a maximum of $5 million for up to three projects. Minority-owned businesses in counties of the First or Second Class would be eligible for a maximum of $10 million per applicant. The funds would be used as equity and Read more

 

Conklin issues statement on need to reform PIAA playoff system

(May 01, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, May 1 – Following his Pennsylvania Capitol news conference yesterday with school sports officials and student athletes, state Rep. Scott Conklin issued these remarks to shed further light on why Pennsylvania’s approach to school sports competitions should be reformed to model other states that recognize the difference between national all-star teams in private schools (non-boundary schools) and the teams in public schools (boundary schools): “In Pennsylvania, private schools are not restricted as to where they can recruit student athletes, whereas public schools may only recruit within the school district’s geographical location. “This allows private schools to create all-star teams that are providing an unfair advantage over public schools in playoffs. It’s not just about winning a championship. It’s about life opportunities – including scholarships and recruitment for college sports and professional sports – that our public school students are losing out on. “K-12 sports should be about teaching values and competitiveness, giving children a second option that keeps them in school, and allowing opportunities for a brighter future. “I am not against non-boundary schools. They provide many young athletes a chance for a better future, which is great. The change I am proposing would not reduce the opportunities for private school students, but would introduce Read more

 

Conklin, PA sports officials highlight need for PIAA competition reform

(Apr 30, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, April 30 – State Rep. Scott Conklin joined school sports officials and student athletes at the Pennsylvania Capitol today to urge support for his proposal that would better protect players in Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association competitions. Conklin – whose H.B. 1983 would allow the PIAA to establish alternative playoffs and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools – spoke about how the current system jeopardizes student safety by pitting public school teams against private, charter and parochial school teams that are often larger and better equipped. “By leaving public schools no option but to compete against larger, more powerful teams recruited by private schools, the PIAA’s current system is putting student athletes from public schools at a huge disadvantage before they even set foot on the field,” Conklin said. “It’s a system that sets kids up for failure, sends the wrong message and – worst of all – exposes them to the risk of serious injury. “We need to reform the playoff rules by allowing the PIAA to set up alternate playoff systems and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools. Having separate playoffs would not hurt the element of competition – it would merely ensure those contests are waged on a level playing field.” Hall of Fame Football Coach Jim Cantafio and Bald Eagle Athletic Director Doug Read more

 

Merski: Nearly $100,000 secured for Wesleyville Borough police vehicles, in-car computers

(Apr 29, 2024) Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, April 29 – New funding of $96,200 from the Department of Community and Economic Development will help fund new police vehicles and in-car computers for the Wesleyville Borough Police Department, state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today. Merski said the funding will help ensure officers have state-of-the-art technology to protect and assist them. “Our police deserve state-of-the-art vehicles equipped with technology that can make their jobs safer, easier and more effective,” Merski said. “In addition to the latest safety technology, having vehicles equipped with in-car computers will allow officers to complete tasks like filling out paperwork, recording witness statements and uploading crime scene photos right on site, which will speed their work and strengthen investigations. “I’m grateful to DCED for the funding, because Wesleyville’s finest deserve the finest resources we can provide.” Read more

 

Conklin: More than $530,000 secured for school safety and mental health resources

(Apr 26, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, April 26 – Stronger security measures and expanded mental health resources are coming to schools in the 77 th Legislative District, thanks to new grant funding of nearly $537,000, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will ensure schools have the resources needed to maintain a safe and secure environment. “Learning is never a one-size-fits-all proposition, but one thing is universally true – all students need a safe and supportive environment to learn and thrive,” Conklin said. “This new funding will ensure our schools have the resources they need to provide that environment, so students and staff are free to focus on academic success.” State College Area School District – 231,714. Bald Eagle Area School District – $154,131. Centre Learning Community Charter School – $70,000. Young Scholars of Central PA Charter School – $70,000. Central Intermediate Unit 10 - $10,825. More information about the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/PCCD-details.aspx?newsid=105 . Read more

 

House Commerce Committee approves Conklin resolution calling on PIAA to hold separate playoffs for public and private schools
Oct 02, 2024

Conklin highlights bills at Capitol news conference to combat domestic violence
Oct 01, 2024

Conklin: Nearly $2 million secured to boost Centre County criminal justice programs, supports and services for survivors
Sep 18, 2024

KOZ program Rep. Burns spearheaded bears fruit in Cambria County
Sep 13, 2024

Conklin: Nearly $106,000 secured for State College Area School District environmental repairs
Sep 10, 2024

Burns delivers $116,872 for Summerhill Borough, Forest Hills EMS
Sep 10, 2024

Burns: $1.3 million secured for 72nd District school repairs, improvements
Sep 09, 2024

Conklin: $78,000 secured for Rush Township stormwater management, roadway improvements
Aug 21, 2024

Conklin: $220,000 secured for local firefighting resources, community center upgrades
Aug 13, 2024

Conklin: $133,100 in new funding to boost adult literacy
Jul 18, 2024

Conklin: Nearly $740,000 secured to preserve District 77 farms
Jun 14, 2024

Burns asks governor to open state police substation in Johnstown
Jun 13, 2024

Conklin introduces bill to update Pennsylvania’s recreational vehicle law
Jun 11, 2024

Merski bill would ban misuse of artificial intelligence in campaigns
Jun 11, 2024

Port Matilda Emergency Medical Services dedicates new ambulance in honor of Conklin
May 20, 2024

House passes Conklin bill to boost funding for minority-owned businesses
May 02, 2024

Conklin issues statement on need to reform PIAA playoff system
May 01, 2024

Conklin, PA sports officials highlight need for PIAA competition reform
Apr 30, 2024

Merski: Nearly $100,000 secured for Wesleyville Borough police vehicles, in-car computers
Apr 29, 2024

Conklin: More than $530,000 secured for school safety and mental health resources
Apr 26, 2024