This Week in Harrisburg

Legislation that would standardize the state process for designating species of fish, wildlife or plants as threatened or endangered was examined at a public hearing conducted by two House committees this week in Schuylkill County. House Bill 1576 would establish a system for a more open review of such requests. Learn more.
 
The House Manufacturing Caucus, of which I am a member, recently toured three plants in Beaver and Lawrence counties as part of its continuing efforts to examine challenges faced by Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector and what the state can do to stimulate job growth. The common concern voiced at each stop by company officials was the difficulty they have in finding skilled workers to fill technical positions. Learn more.   
 
If you change insurance carriers, be sure to contact PennDOT because vehicle owners - not insurance providers - are responsible for reporting new policy information to the department. Failure to do so could result in suspension of your registration. Learn more.    
 
The Capitol Tour Office recently began accepting tour and lunch table reservations for spring 2014. Tours of the Capitol building, the Welcome Center and the State Museum are great educational activities for school groups, families and individuals. Early scheduling is encouraged. Call 1-800-868-7672. Learn more.