Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Northwest Delegation | News Center

Conklin proposal would open door to affordable housing when state sells former prison land

(18 hours ago)

STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Scott Conklin today unveiled a proposal that would address a major quality-of-life issue for Pennsylvanians by requiring the state to reserve a portion of any former correctional facility land it plans to sell and make that portion available to the county for affordable housing. Speaking at a news conference at his State College district office, Conklin said his soon-to-be-introduced bill would give the county where a former SCI is located the option to receive a transfer of up to 2% of the land. “Safe, affordable housing is a major factor in quality of life, but shortages here at home and statewide are driving up housing costs and increasing the burden on lower-income families,” Conklin said. “My bill would help ease the shortage by ensuring that any time the state decides to sell former prison land, a small portion of that land is set aside and offered to the county for affordable housing use.” Under Conklin’s proposal, counties would not be required to accept the land, but if they did, they would be required to use it for affordable housing and to take certain steps within certain timeframes to ensure availability of that housing. Conklin is currently in the process of gathering co-sponsors for the proposal, which will then be introduced in the state House. This is the second measure Conklin has announced in the wake of the state’s decision to close Read more

 

Conklin votes for 2025-26 state budget plan, citing strong investments for Pennsylvania public schools, health care

(1 day ago)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Scott Conklin cast a “yes” vote for the state’s $50.1 billion spending plan, which has cleared the General Assembly and is on its way to the governor’s desk. “Although my House colleagues and I were frustrated by the Senate’s failure to come to the table and vote on the budget bills we sent earlier this year, I am encouraged that we are finally moving forward with a solid agreement. The new budget delivers for our students, funds essential programs and services for residents, and will get critical dollars flowing to our schools, counties and municipalities – all without raising taxes.” Conklin said the new spending plan includes a $105 million increase for Basic Education and a nearly $40 million increase for Special Education statewide. District 77 schools will see the following increases in Basic and Special Education funding: Bald Eagle Area School District: $80,273 increase (0.8%) in Basic Education funding and $35,789 increase (2.2%) in Special Education funding. Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District: $136,556 increase (1.0%) in Basic Education funding and $59,289 increase (3.2%) in Special Education funding. State College Area School District: $249,978 increase (1.8%) in Basic Education funding and $59,409 increase (1.6%) in Special Education funding. Tyrone Area School District: $49,539 increase (0.5%) in Basic Education Read more

 

Burns bill would require American-made flags at state facilities

(Nov 06, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 6 — As part of his career-long efforts to support American workers and uphold American values, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has introduced bipartisan legislation to require that all American flags purchased and displayed by the commonwealth be made in America. Read more

 

Committee advances Conklin bill to expand access to baby diaper changing stations in men’s restrooms

(Oct 29, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 –The Pennsylvania House Children and Youth Committee today approved state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would address the shortage of baby diaper changing stations in men’s restrooms. Conklin’s H.B. 1558 , which would establish the Baby Diaper Changing Station Accessibility Program, would require changing stations in new and totally renovated public restrooms. “Child rearing is much more of a shared responsibility today, with diaper duty now performed by many dads, grandfathers, uncles and other male caregivers,” Conklin said. “Unfortunately, our public restrooms around the state don’t reflect that, with most changing stations still found exclusively in women’s restrooms. My bill would help address the lack of diaper-changing stations in men’s public restrooms so that gender is not an obstacle to this important resource.” Conklin said the federal government has passed legislation requiring baby diaper changing stations in all public restrooms located in federal buildings, and nine states have passed laws requiring changing stations in both men and women’s restrooms. The bill exempts industrial buildings, nightclubs and bars, fitness centers and spas, public lodging rooms and single-patient restrooms in health care facilities, and it contains exceptions for situations in which the installation would not be feasible, would interfere with accessible design Read more

 

Committee advances Conklin bill to help public employee retirement plans operate more efficiently

(Oct 28, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 28 –The House State Government Committee today unanimously approved state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would improve operations for Pennsylvania’s public employee retirement plans by providing more feasible deadlines for the agencies to complete and submit the results of required annual financial testing. Conklin, D-Centre, said he introduced H.B. 1304 in response to a request from the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System and its sister agency, the Public School Employees’ Retirement System, to adjust the deadlines so they better align with the agencies’ annual fiscal year. “Government runs more efficiently when timetables and deadlines are based on real-world logistics,” Conklin said. “Currently, state law requires SERS and PSERS to perform annual stress testing to assess the financial health and resiliency of their pension funds based on different scenarios. The law also sets deadlines for the agencies to complete and submit those tests to state officials, and a deadline for the Independent Fiscal Office to summarize the results into a report. “The problem is that the state-mandated testing and reporting deadlines are not workable. For example, SERS already conducts more rigorous testing than required by state law and has advised that it cannot deliver its comprehensive report by the required July 1 deadline. Both SERS and the IFO have stated Read more

 

House Commerce Committee advances Conklin bill to strengthen security for Pa. businesses

(Oct 08, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – Pennsylvania businesses are a step closer to accessing high-tech perimeter security systems more easily after the Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee yesterday approved committee Chairman Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill to cut the red tape associated with these systems. Conklin said he introduced H.B. 1871 after becoming aware that regulatory red tape often slows or stops businesses from installing electrified security systems. “Security is critical to successful business operations, and there are highly effective, state-of-the-art electrified security systems that can be installed inside a business’s existing fences and walls,” Conklin said. “Unfortunately, red tape prevents many Pennsylvania businesses from accessing the technology. “My legislation would cut the red tape and make it simpler for businesses to install and use these systems. Twenty-nine other states have already enacted similar legislation, and it’s time for the commonwealth to join them, to ensure our businesses remain as competitive as possible. I’m glad we moved a step closer to that today.” The bill is currently being considered by the full House. Read more

 

Burns credited for $101,268 Lower Yoder grant for D Street upgrade

(Jul 22, 2025)

EBENSBURG, July 22 – The main highway corridor to the West Hills region – D Street in Lower Yoder Township – is receiving a major upgrade due to $101,268 in funding supervisors attribute to the efforts of state Rep. Frank Burns. Supervisor chairman William “Bill” Heim said an Elk Run culvert that runs for two blocks that was “totally wiped out in the 1977 flood” had been redone by the Army Corps of Engineers decades ago, but it has deteriorated over the years to the point where PennDOT wanted it rehabilitated as part of a complete redo of D Street. “We called and asked Frank for his help before we even started the project. And (now) you know the rest,” Heim said. “Frank helped us secure the funds to do our part of the D Street Project.” Supervisor vice chairman Al Grandinetti echoed that sentiment, crediting Burns with playing a major role in securing D Street project funding for the 2,500-population township. “I would like to start by expressing gratitude for state Rep. Frank Burns and his collaboration and communication with the small townships surrounding the city of Johnstown. His partnership is most important to all of us here in the West Hills Region,” Grandinetti said. “We feel that this grant, and the entire D Street renovation, is an investment in our community and the entire West Hills region.” Read more

 

Conklin introduces resolution urging governor, department of corrections not to close Rockview Penitentiary and Quehanna Boot Camp

(Jul 07, 2025)

STATE COLLEGE, July 7 – In response to the proposed closure of Rockview Penitentiary and Quehanna Boot Camp, state Rep. Scott Conklin is introducing a resolution urging Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections not to close these facilities. “Closing Rockview Penitentiary and Quehanna Boot Camp would have immediate, negative consequences for our residents, our community and our economy,” Conklin said. “Beyond serving a critical public safety role in securing and rehabilitating offenders, these facilities have served our region for more than a century and are major area employers. The closure would have a devastating impact on nearly 850 workers and their families, with ripple effects throughout our entire economy. The closures would also place an untenable burden on other correctional facilities receiving an influx of new inmates for which they are unprepared. “Beyond the effects to our workforce and regional economy, closing these facilities would upend the progress of rehabilitation efforts that are working to help people in the justice system return to their families and productive lives in the community. Before these institutions are closed for good, I implore the governor and state correctional officials to consider the very real human costs to our region and the impact on lives. “This resolution will clearly demonstrate to the administration where lawmakers stand and can be used as another Read more

 

Burns bill plays key role in addressing health care worker shortage

(Jul 02, 2025)

HARRISBURG, July 2 — Pennsylvania will take a big step forward next week in its efforts to put more health care workers on the job, and a bill sponsored by Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, paved the way for it. Starting July 7, the state will become a full participant in three health care compacts that will make it easier for qualified doctors, nurses, and physical therapists to treat Pennsylvania patients. Health care compacts are multi-state agreements that streamline the licensing process so that professionals can practice in multiple states. Pennsylvania can join those compacts thanks to Burns’ bill to meet a fingerprinting requirement in compacts for criminal background checks. House Bill 2200 of 2023-24 required applicants in health care professions to submit fingerprints as part of their criminal history check and lays out the process that state police and licensing boards must follow in considering them. Previous efforts to join interstate compacts without the use of fingerprinting were not successful. “My bill was the final piece of the puzzle,” Burns said. “My staff and I worked tirelessly to pass this legislation because Pennsylvanians need better access to more health care professionals. Patients deserve to be seen without having to wait days, weeks, or even months to get an appointment.” Burns also said the House Professional Licensure Committee, which he chairs, worked Read more

 

Conklin: Nearly $700K secured for affordable housing projects, housing programs and assistance

(Jun 17, 2025)

STATE COLLEGE, June 17 – New housing resources are coming to Centre County and the region, thanks to $685,000 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding includes $550,000 to support construction on two housing projects, including $200,000 for continued work to transform the historic James Stott Building in downtown Philipsburg into affordable housing and commercial space. “The funding will build on $800,000 we helped secure earlier this year and will support the thid phase of work to create additional housing units,” Conklin said. “When it’s finished, the building will offer 14 affordable housing units plus ground-level commercial space. It’s an exciting project that’s going to help eliminate blight and bring new life to the downtown area.” Conklin also helped to secure $350,000 to support construction of a new community building for the Hillcrest Commons Apartments. “The new building will include a community room with computers, printers, a library, a kitchenette and an ADA-accessible bathroom and will also house an onsite afterschool program,” Conklin said. “The space will provide a safe, engaging environment for youth, peace of mind for their working parents and a place for residents to come together for programs and activities.” In addition to the construction Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to protect small business owners of self-storage facilities

(Jun 03, 2025)

HARRISBURG, June 3 – An overwhelming bipartisan majority of the Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Scott Conklin that would protect owners of small self-storage companies when customers fail to honor their rental agreements. Conklin, who is majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee, said he introduced H.B. 1359 to remedy a problem that frequently confronts the owners of these small businesses. “Self-storage companies are mostly small businesses, and their owners face a difficult problem when a customer defaults or fails to sign their rental agreement,” Conklin said. “With no timeframe in place to enforce the unsigned or unpaid agreement, the unit sits occupied and unrentable, costing the business owner money. “My bill would provide timeframes in which these agreements become enforceable – even if they are unsigned – and would allow access to a unit and its contents to be restricted or denied if the renter is unresponsive. No small business owner should have to suffer because a customer fails to uphold their end of an agreement. My bill would help ease that burden, so these small businesses remain viable.” Under Conklin’s bill, If the unit occupant fails to sign the rental agreement within 30 days, their rent payment or continued use of the unit would be deemed an acceptance of the rental agreement, which could then be enforced by the business owner. The Read more

 

Conklin: $300K secured to fund solar array for new Park Forest Middle School

(May 21, 2025)

STATE COLLEGE, May 21 – A $300,000 grant to the State College Area School District will allow the district to move forward with plans to equip the new Park Forest Middle School facility with solar technology, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin said the grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the Solar for Schools Grant Program will allow the school district to equip the new building with a 630 kW solar array so it can tap into the powerful benefits of cleaner energy. “Sustainability has been an important focus of the new school’s building plan, and a solar array has been a proposed part of the project,” said Conklin, who co-sponsored legislation to establish the Solar for Schools Program. “Securing this grant means that proposal can become a reality. “In addition to slashing carbon emissions, the array will save taxpayer dollars and reduce energy costs, leaving more money for classroom programs and curricula. It’s going to be exciting seeing the new technology go up and begin delivering on those benefits.” Conklin said preliminary estimates show that the solar array will produce approximately 35% to 40% of the building’s energy use, substantially lowering dependence on the electrical grid. The Solar for Schools Grant Program was established in July 2024 to reduce the cost of implementing solar energy systems into schools across the Read more

 

Conklin’s PIAA playoff reform bill advances from committee to full House

(May 12, 2025)

HARRISBURG, May 12 – In a move to level the playing field for Pennsylvania’s public school athletes, the Pennsylvania House Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations Committee today approved state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would allow the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to create separate playoffs and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools. Conklin, D-Centre, said he introduced H.B. 41 because reforming the current PIAA playoff system – which jeopardizes the health and safety of public school athletes – is an urgent priority. “The current system isn’t just putting public school athletes at a disadvantage, it’s endangering their health and safety,” Conklin said. “It’s forcing students from public schools, which must recruit from within district boundaries, to compete against students from private schools, which can recruit from anywhere and amass teams that are larger and stronger. “The system is also depriving public school students of scholarship and recruitment opportunities and teaching them the wrong lessons. K-12 sports are supposed to be about building confidence and reinforcing concepts of fair play and good sportsmanship. We can’t be doing that with a system that puts some students on an unlevel playing field before they even walk out onto the field.” Conklin emphasized that his bill Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: $475,000 secured to bolster STEM-based career and technical education programs

(Apr 30, 2025)

ERIE, April 30 – New funding is coming to bolster career and technical education programs in science, technology, engineering and math at Mercyhurst University and Erie County Technical School, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the funding – part of the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s PAsmart Advancing Grants – includes $400,000 to Mercyhurst University and $75,000 to Erie County Technical School. “The demand for workers who are skilled in STEM fields only continues to grow as tech continues to dominate our top industries,” Merski said. “The new funding will help ensure that Mercyhurst University and Erie County Technical School have the resources needed to continue their excellent programs, so students have the training to step into high-paying jobs and our region’s employers have the highly trained workforce needed to stay competitive.” Harkins said, “STEM skills are some of the most useful our schools can teach, because they encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. They position graduates for better opportunities – not just in traditional science and math fields but in a broad range of workplace settings. The new grant money will help keep those programs going and ensure that our own regional programs remain cutting-edge.” Institutions that received $400,000 grants have planned Read more

 

Pennsylvania Houses passes Conklin bill to regulate virtual currency

(Apr 23, 2025)

HARRISBURG, April 23 – The Pennsylvania House today passed state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would authorize the state to regulate virtual currency. Conklin, who is majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee, said he introduced H.B. 881 to ensure consumer confidence that exchanges made with digital currency are as safe and reliable as money transactions and are regulated in the same manner. “With technology creating new forms of virtual currencies such as cryptocurrency, our laws need to keep pace with those changes to protect Pennsylvanians,” Conklin said. “Consumers deserve to know that the transactions they conduct using digital currencies are as safe and secure as those involving traditional forms of money. “Under current state law, virtual currency is not subject to the state’s Money Transmission Licensing Law, which regulates businesses that transmit money or credit. My bill would expand the law so that it covers virtual currency and requires that it be treated similarly to money transmissions under the act.” Conklin said a number of other states already regulate virtual currency. “It’s time for Pennsylvania to join the other states that are already regulating virtual currency and bringing greater consistency to the way these transactions are conducted.” The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

House passes Conklin bill to allow agents at the Office of State Inspector General to carry weapons

(Mar 18, 2025)

HARRISBURG, March 18 – The Pennsylvania House today passed state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would authorize agents at the Office of State Inspector General to arm themselves for protection on the job. Conklin said he introduced H.B. 36 to address a flaw in existing state law that leaves these officers – the only law enforcement officers in Pennsylvania not permitted to carry firearms while on duty – unable to properly defend themselves. “The Office of State Inspector General is a government watchdog agency that roots out fraud and other misconduct in state programs, and their agents are out there every day fighting bad actors, just like other law enforcement officers,” Conklin said. “Unlike other law enforcement, though, OSIG agents are not authorized to carry a weapon. They are investigating crimes and serving warrants – often facing dangerous situations – without the ability to protect themselves. It’s time to fix the law and ensure these officers have the same ability to defend themselves as their colleagues in other agencies.” Conklin said OSIG officers’ lack of authority to carry a weapon has other repercussions, as well. “Not only does it endanger these officers, but it forces them to rely on local law enforcement, which burdens local departments and creates delays that can allow conflicts to escalate, jeopardizing broader community Read more

 

Burns encouraging area high school seniors to apply for PA House Scholarship

(Feb 27, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 – State Rep. Frank Burns said the annual Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship program is now open for applications. High school seniors may apply for the four-year scholarship, which is awarded annually to two Pennsylvania students preparing for post-secondary education. The scholarship is the value of one semester of tuition at a State System of Higher Education school for each of the four years. “As the cost of a college education continues to rise, families and students are looking for ways to ease the financial burden,” Burns said. “This scholarship is one way to help make higher education more affordable. “One of the very first winners of this scholarship was from our region, and I’m hopeful that future winners will be as well. I know we have a lot of hardworking and deserving students, so if you know someone who is eligible, please share this information with them.” The program is open to graduating high school seniors who are Pennsylvania residents with plans to attend a Pennsylvania college, university or career school as a full-time student. Students must have attained a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in high school to be eligible. Other factors taken into consideration are a student’s commitment to community, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and financial need. Read more

 

Conklin: Nearly $400,000 secured for Patton Township transportation improvements

(Feb 24, 2025)

STATE COLLEGE, Feb. 24 – New grant funding of $390,375 is coming to Patton Township for road and sidewalk rehabilitation projects, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the grants – approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the Multimodal Transportation Fund – include $283,500 for pedestrian safety and pavement improvements on Valley Vista Drive and $106,875 for roadway improvements on North Oak Lane. “The funding is great news for Patton Township, which has identified needed pedestrian and roadway improvements to Valley Vista Drive and North Oak Lane,” Conklin said. “Funding for the Valley Vista Drive project will support milling work, removal and replacement of deteriorating pavement and the addition of curb and sidewalk improvements to ensure accessibility at crossings. “Funding for the North Oak Lane project will support work to repair and rehabilitate aging roadway and stormwater infrastructure in Park Forest Village. Both projects will bring safer, smoother travel for residents.” Conklin said the work to North Oak Lane is a continuation of prior road rehabilitation work, with the new work focusing on the area between Douglas Drive and Highland Drive. More information about the Multimodal Transportation Fund is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/multimodal-transportation-fund/ Read more

 

Conklin: More than $115,200 awarded to District 77 fire and EMS companies

(Feb 20, 2025)

STATE COLLEGE, Feb. 20 – New resources are coming to fire and EMS companies in the 77 th Legislative District thanks to $115,202 in new grant funding, state Rep. Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. “Our firefighters and EMS workers answer the call 24/7, even as their companies face constant challenges from tight budgets, equipment and facility needs and recruitment and retention issues,” Conklin said. “The new funding will help defray some of those expenses to help these frontline heroes continue their lifesaving work.” Conklin said the grants include: $16,322 to Alpha Fire Company. $15,030 to Hope Fire Company No. 2. $15,000 to Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Services. $15,000 to Mountain Top Fire Company (EMS). $12,663 to Mountain Top Fire Company (Fire). $15,000 to Port Matilda Emergency Medical Services. $13,739 to Port Matilda Volunteer Fire Company. $12,448 to Reliance Volunteer Fire Company. The funding was awarded through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner and is available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, fire companies were permitted to Read more

 

Conklin: Proposed budget boosts education, real-world needs

(Feb 05, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Scott Conklin issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget speech yesterday. “The governor’s budget proposals would deliver some powerful investments, and ones I believe we need to keep us moving in the right direction,” Conklin said. “The plan proposes investing more than a half-billion dollars into our schools and communities to continue our commitment to ensuring that students in less affluent ZIP codes get the same quality education as their peers in wealthier districts. The proposed budget also includes more than $100 million to ensure students have the mental health and safety resources they need to stay safe and thrive. “I was especially pleased to see the proposal to continue the $25 million set-aside for the Solar for Schools program I helped pass. With energy bills representing some of the largest expenses our school districts face, the program is an important way to help districts cut costs while reducing harm to the environment. I urge all districts to apply once the next round of grants opens. “To boost higher education, the proposed plan would keep last year’s scholarships in place and include a $60 million increase to fully fund the performance-based formula for Penn State, Pitt and Temple. It would also include a $40 million increase for PASSHE to continue keeping tuition flat. “Beyond Read more

 

Conklin proposal would open door to affordable housing when state sells former prison land
18 hours ago

Conklin votes for 2025-26 state budget plan, citing strong investments for Pennsylvania public schools, health care
1 day ago

Burns bill would require American-made flags at state facilities
Nov 06, 2025

Committee advances Conklin bill to expand access to baby diaper changing stations in men’s restrooms
Oct 29, 2025

Committee advances Conklin bill to help public employee retirement plans operate more efficiently
Oct 28, 2025

House Commerce Committee advances Conklin bill to strengthen security for Pa. businesses
Oct 08, 2025

Burns credited for $101,268 Lower Yoder grant for D Street upgrade
Jul 22, 2025

Conklin introduces resolution urging governor, department of corrections not to close Rockview Penitentiary and Quehanna Boot Camp
Jul 07, 2025

Burns bill plays key role in addressing health care worker shortage
Jul 02, 2025

Conklin: Nearly $700K secured for affordable housing projects, housing programs and assistance
Jun 17, 2025

Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to protect small business owners of self-storage facilities
Jun 03, 2025

Conklin: $300K secured to fund solar array for new Park Forest Middle School
May 21, 2025

Conklin’s PIAA playoff reform bill advances from committee to full House
May 12, 2025

Merski, Harkins: $475,000 secured to bolster STEM-based career and technical education programs
Apr 30, 2025

Pennsylvania Houses passes Conklin bill to regulate virtual currency
Apr 23, 2025

House passes Conklin bill to allow agents at the Office of State Inspector General to carry weapons
Mar 18, 2025

Burns encouraging area high school seniors to apply for PA House Scholarship
Feb 27, 2025

Conklin: Nearly $400,000 secured for Patton Township transportation improvements
Feb 24, 2025

Conklin: More than $115,200 awarded to District 77 fire and EMS companies
Feb 20, 2025

Conklin: Proposed budget boosts education, real-world needs
Feb 05, 2025