My Audio Updates
Here you will find audio clips about important events that have taken place during the current and past Legislative Sessions.
Rep. Simmons Comments on House Passage of Constitutional Amendment to Allow for Property Tax Elimination in PA - 5/3/2012
Download Story :58 | Download Bite :30
Legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to allow for the exclusion of up to 100 percent of the value of a principal residence from property taxes has been approved by the state House. Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh & Northampton) said House Bill 2300 is a good first step toward the elimination of property taxes in the Commonwealth. The constitutional amendment process requires the legislation to be passed by two consecutive sessions of the legislature, and then approved by voters in a statewide referendum. Chuck Nichols reports... story and bite available.
Rep. Simmons Comments on House Passage of Legislation to Reduce Size of PA General Assembly - 4/5/2012
Download Story :43 | Download Bite :16
Landmark legislation to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly was approved Wednesday by the House of Representatives. Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh, Northampton) said reducing the size of the legislature could result in significant cost savings and greater government efficiency. Chuck Nichols reports – story and stand alone bite available.
Rep. Simmons Introduces Legislation to Remove Sunset Provisions on PA’s Research and Development Tax Credit - 1/18/2012
Download Story :53 | Download Bite :22
Legislation to prevent the sunset of Pennsylvania’s research and development tax credit program has been introduced in Harrisburg in an effort to support long-term job growth in the state. Bill sponsor Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh & Northampton) said the program provides support for growth industries and is particularly important right now considering the expiration of the federal research and development tax credit program last year. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.
Rep. Simmons Unveils Child Safety Legislation in Harrisburg - 11/14/2011
Download Story :60 | Download Bite :37
A pair of bills designed to improve child safety in Pennsylvania by imposing stronger penalties for crimes involving children were unveiled in Harrisburg on Monday. The legislation was introduced to address circumstances similar to the recent Caylee Anthony case in Florida. Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh & Northampton), prime sponsor of House Bill 1842, said his bill would make it a felony to conceal the death of a child. Chuck Nichols reports... story and bite available.
Rep. Justin Simmons Comments on Introduction of Legislation to Privatize Liquor Sales in Pennsylvania - 7/13/2011
Download Story :56 | Download Bite :31
Legislation to bring Pennsylvania out of the post-Prohibition era by finally moving the sale of wine and liquor into private hands has been introduced in Harrisburg. The bill is designed to privatize wholesale and retail sales of alcohol while reforming the tax structure, strengthening enforcement efforts and enhancing alcohol education programs. Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh, Northampton) said state government has no business controlling liquor sales in Pennsylvania. Chuck Nichols Reports - Story and Bite available.
Rep. Justin Simmons Comments on Legislation to Outlaw Teacher Strikes in Pennsylvania - 6/7/2011
Download Story :52 | Download Bite :38
At a time when Pennsylvania holds the unenviable title as the “Teacher Strike Capital of the United States,” lawmakers in Harrisburg have introduced new legislation that would outlaw public school teacher strikes. Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh) said he supports the bill because legal precedents protect the right of students to receive an uninterrupted and strike free education. The STRIKE-FREE Education Act would immediately outlaw teacher strikes and provides financial penalties that include teachers losing two days of pay for each day of an illegal strike. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.
Rep. Simmons Comments on House Action to Move Forward with the State Budget Process - 5/23/2011
Download Story :49 | Download Bite :26
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. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh) said House Republicans have made a few changes to the plan in order to put more money into funding education programs. Mike Davies reports... stories and stand alone bites available.
Rep. Justin Simmons Legislative Report/Podcast - 3/4/2011
Download RT 5:00
A new Legislative Report Program with Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh, Northampton) is now available on the House Republican Radio News Service. You may use this brief public affairs report in its entirety or edit it down for actualities to use in your state government news coverage.
Rep. Simmons Comments on Inauguration - 1/4/2011
Download Story :49 | Download Bite :30
Lawmakers were sworn-in to office for the 195th session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Tuesday. Among the legislators taking the oath of office for the first time was Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh, Northampton), who said he is excited about getting to work on ways to reduce out-of-control spending and balance the state budget. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.