Despite last-minute pleas from Democrats, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to pass a bill Wednesday that would end a program that provides cash grants to Pennsylvanians who don’t qualify for other welfare and assistance programs.

 

House lawmakers voted 106-95 to pass House Bill 33, which would we bring an end to the General Assistance program that provides cash grants of approximately $200 a month to some of the poorest residents in the state.

Governor Tom Wolf signed Rep. Sue Helm's (R-Dauphin) bill, House Bill 619, into law as Act 9 on Wednesday. 

Act 9 designates June 19 as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" and recognizes news of the Emancipation Proclamation reaching Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. 

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced Tuesday that the state’s sports books took in over $2.86 million in revenue on over $35.9 million in handle for the month of May. This includes over $573,000 from PlaySugarHouse.com, the state’s first online book.
 
Pennsylvania joined a handful of other states last month in offering online/mobile sports betting, in addition to retail outlets at licensed facilities. Testing on PlaySugarHouse.com started on May 28 for three days before formally launching on May 31.

"I'll try not to cry, I've been crying all day," Pennsylvania Victim Advocate, Jennifer Storm, stated before talking with The PLS Reporter about Marsy's Law passing unanimously through the Senate. 

Rep. Sheryl Delozier's (R-Cumberland) bill, House Bill 276 which is also known as Marsy's Law, would amend the state constitution by adding a victims' bill of rights, protecting crime victims and their families. 

In an effort to increase transparency across the commonwealth, lawmakers in the House State Government Committee advanced a bill Tuesday that would strengthen transparency requirements for governmental bodies.

 

Under a new proposal from Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Lawrence), the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act would be amended to require government agencies and bodies to post public meeting agendas on their website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.