My Audio Updates
Here you will find audio clips about important events that have taken place during the current and past Legislative Sessions.
Rep. Jerry Knowles Comments on Ceremony Honoring Vietnam-Era Medal of Honor Recipient - 8/22/2011
Download Story :54 | Download Bite :24
A memorial marker honoring Medal of Honor recipient Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger was unveiled Monday during a ceremony at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Grove at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. Etchberger was killed during a classified mission during the Vietnam Conflict in 1968. Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Schuylkill, Berks) said he is glad that Etchberger’s heroic actions in helping to rescue 3 wounded comrades while exposing himself to enemy fire, have finally been recognized. Chuck Nichols Reports - Story and Bite available.
Rep. Jerry Knowles Comments on Bill to Privatize Wine and Liquor Sales in PA - 7/14/2011
Download Story :46 | Download Bite :18
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 modernize and privatize wholesale and retail sales of alcohol while reforming the tax structure, strengthening enforcement efforts and enhancing alcohol education programs. Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Schuylkill) said privatization of liquor sales makes sense because the retail sale of alcohol is not a core function of government. Mike Davies reports, full story and stand alone bite available.
Rep. Jerry Knowles Comments on House Passage of Budget - 6/29/2011
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The Pennsylvania House approved a $27.15 billion state budget Wednesday in Harrisburg, that cuts state spending, holds the line on taxes, and gives the state its first on-time spending plan in 8 years. Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Schuylkill & Berks) said he was glad to finally see timely action on a budget plan that actually spends less than the previous year without new taxes or borrowing. Mike Davies Reports – Story and Bite available.
Rep. Jerry Knowles Comments on House Passage of Legislation to Protect Firefighters - 6/22/2011
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Legislation that would amend the Workers’ Compensation Act to include cancer as an occupational disease for firefighters has been passed by the Pennsylvania House. Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks, Schuylkill) said that firefighters, who are regularly exposed to carcinogens, should be protected if they develop a work related illness. Chuck Nichols reports, wrap and stand alone bite available.
Rep. Knowles Comments on House Passage of the State Budget Plan - 5/25/2011
Download Story :50 | Download Bite :27
The Pennsylvania House approved its version of the state budget Tuesday in Harrisburg. The $27.3 billion budget plan includes no new or increased taxes and stays within spending limits set by Governor Corbett earlier this year. Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks & Schuylkill) said he was pleased that the House was able to make some improvements on the governor’s plan without raising the overall spending number. Mike Davie reports... story and bite available.
Rep. Jerry Knowles Comments on Governor's Budget Address - 3/8/2011
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Governor Corbett delivered his first budget address before a joint session of the House and Senate Tuesday in Harrisburg, laying out a 27.3 billion dollar plan that represents an overall 3.1% reduction in state spending. Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks, Schuylkill) said the Governor has delivered a reasonable spending plan, and that legislators can work within this outline to craft a final budget. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.
Rep. Jerry Knowles Introduces Legislation to Curtail Illegal Immigration - 3/2/2011
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A package of legislation aimed at helping Pennsylvania state government find solutions to the growing problems created by unchecked illegal immigration has been proposed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Harrisburg. Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks, Schuylkill) said his legislation would allow victims to hold municipalities liable for the crimes committed by illegal aliens who take refuge in so-called “sanctuary” cities. The package includes legislation to give local law enforcement authority to apprehend illegal immigrants, ensure employers enroll in a federal E-Verify program to screen workers, and prevent illegal aliens from collecting taxpayer funded benefits in Pennsylvania. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.
Rep. Knowles Comments on House Passage of Natural Gas Tax Bill - 9/30/2010
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Legislation that would institute a severance tax on the extraction of natural gas in Pennsylvania was passed by the House on Wednesday. Senate Bill 1155 would impose the largest tax in the nation on gas gleaned from the Marcellus Shale formation. Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Schuylkill, Berks) said this tax is less about protecting the environment, and more about collecting more revenue to pay for increased state spending. Chuck Nichols Reports - Story and Bite available
Rep. Knowles Comments on House Passage of State Budget - 6/30/2010
Download Story :51 | Download Bite :33
The Pennsylvania House worked into the evening on Wednesday to pass an on-time state budget for the upcoming fiscal year and lawmakers offered their assessment of the $28 billion compromise spending plan. Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks, Schuylkill) said he could not support the budget due to another spending increase. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.
Rep. Knowles Says Lawmakers Looking for Spending Cuts Rather Than Tax Increases in This Year's State Budget - 6/22/2010
Download Story :45 | Download Bite :22
As the countdown continues to the end of the fiscal year, lawmakers in Harrisburg are beginning to voice some strong opinions on what direction Pennsylvania’s budget plan needs to take for the coming year. Rep. Jerry Knowles (R- Berks & Schuylkill) said members of the Republican Caucus are supporting reductions in this year’s state budget rather than the tax and spending increases called for by Governor Rendell. Mike Davies reports...