Audio/Video - Senator Joe Pittman

Meeting to consider SB 574, SB 763, HB 264, and HB 827

June 15, 2021
Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee | Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | 9:30 a.m. | Senate Chamber and Virtual Participation | [Read More]

Senate Approves Bill Requiring Legislative Approval of RGGI Deal

June 14, 2021
The Senate today (June 14) approved, by a solid 35-15 bipartisan, veto-proof vote, a bill introduced by Senator Joe Pittman (R-41) that would require Legislative approval of the Governor’s proposal to have Pennsylvania join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). [Read More]

Committee Approves Pittman’s Bills Supporting Physician Assistants

June 08, 2021
The Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee today (June 8) unanimously approved legislation introduced by Senator Joe Pittman to help physician assistants work and practice with increased efficiency in Pennsylvania. Listen [Read More]

Committee Approves Pittman Plan to Support Transportation Improvements

June 08, 2021
The Senate Transportation Committee today (June 8) unanimously approved legislation introduced by Senator Joe Pittman to expeditiously reduce the amount of funding diverted each year from essential transportation improvement projects to support State Police operations. Listen [Read More]

Senate Approves SGOC Option for First Responders, Veterans Groups

May 25, 2021
Recognizing that the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to place a severe financial crisis on numerous volunteer and veterans’ organizations, the Senate today (May 25) approved legislation introduced by Senator Joe Pittman that will provide a crucial financial lifeline for those vital community organizations. Listen [Read More]

Committee Approves SGOC Option for First Responders, Veterans Groups

April 27, 2021
Recognizing that the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to place a severe financial crisis on numerous volunteer and veterans’ organizations, the Senate Community, Economic & Recreational Development Committee today (April 27) approved legislation introduced by Senator Joe Pittman that will provide a crucial financial lifeline for those vital community organizations. Listen [Read More]

Committee Approves Bill Requiring Legislative Approval of RGGI Deal

April 27, 2021
The Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee (ERE) today (April 27) approved a bill introduced by Senator Joe Pittman that would require Legislative approval of the Governor’s proposal to have Pennsylvania join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). [Read More]

Meeting to consider SB 157 and SB 439

April 26, 2021
Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee | Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | 10:30 a.m. | Senate Chamber and Virtual Participation | [Read More]

Senate Republicans Link PUC Nominations to RGGI Rejection

April 22, 2021
The Senate Republican Caucus has put the Governor on notice of their intention to block all nominations to the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) until he pulls his unilateral decision to have Pennsylvania join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and work with the Legislature, according to Senator Joe Pittman, who has spearheaded efforts of Legislative involvement in RGGI. Listen [Read More]

Indiana County Projects Receive $2.3 Million in State Grants

April 21, 2021
The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) today awarded grants totaling $2,366,402 to projects in Indiana County, according to Senator Joe Pittman and Representatives Jim Struzzi and Brian Smith. [Read More]

Tour of the Pennsylvania Capitol

April 20, 2021
Join Senator Joe Pittman for a virtual tour of the beautiful and historic Pennsylvania Capitol. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Agriculture

April 08, 2021
Senator Joe Pittman questions Secretary Russell Redding during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the Department of Agriculture. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Labor & Industry

April 08, 2021
VIDEO: Senator Joe Pittman questions Acting Secretary of Labor & Industry Jennifer Berrier during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the Department of Labor & Industry. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Auditor General

April 07, 2021
VIDEO: Senator Joe Pittman questions Auditor General Timothy DeFoor during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the Office of Auditor General. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: DCED

March 22, 2021
Senator Joe Pittman questions Secretary Dennis Davin during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED). [Read More]

Senator Pittman Questions Benefit to IUP of Remaining in SSHE

March 19, 2021
Speaking at today’s (March 18) Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing with the State System of Higher Education (SSHE), Senator Joe Pittman questioned whether Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and its students, staff and faculty were bearing an overly onerous financial burden to keep the system solvent. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: State System of Higher Education

March 18, 2021
VIDEO: Senator Joe Pittman questions Chancellor Dan Greenstein during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the State System of Higher Education. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Education

March 18, 2021
Senator Joe Pittman questions Acting Secretary Noe Ortega during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the Department of Education. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Department of State

March 11, 2021
VIDEO: Senator Joe Pittman questions Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Veronica Degraffenreid during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the PA Department of State. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: DEP, Part 2

March 11, 2021
Senator Joe Pittman questions Secretary Patrick McDonnell during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Part 2 [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: DEP

March 11, 2021
Senator Joe Pittman questions Secretary Patrick McDonnell during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Human Services

March 10, 2021
VIDEO: Senator Joe Pittman questions Secretary Teresa Miller during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the Department of Human Services. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Revenue/Lottery

March 08, 2021
Senator Joe Pittman questions Secretary of Revenue Dan Hassell during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the Department of Revenue / Lottery. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Independent Fiscal Office

March 08, 2021
VIDEO: Senator Joe Pittman questions Director Matthew Knittel during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the Independent Fiscal Office. [Read More]

Energy Industry

February 23, 2021
Senator Joe Pittman speaks on the importance of the energy industry in Pennsylvania, and the damage that is being done by Governor Wolf’s policies. [Read More]

Update on PASSHE (State System of Higher Education)

February 09, 2021
Senator Joe Pittman questions PASSHE Chancellor Daniel Greenstein during a joint hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Education Committee to provide an update on PASSHE (PA State System of Higher Education). [Read More]

Public hearing to provide an update on PASSHE (PA State System of Higher Education)

$912 Million COVID-19 Relief Package Sent to Governor

February 05, 2021
A comprehensive $912 million relief package to help restaurants, schools, employers, and tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic received final legislative approval today (February 5) and was sent to the Governor’s desk, according to Senator Joe Pittman, the prime sponsor of the legislation. Listen [Read More]

ERE Committee Formally Opposes RGGI

February 04, 2021
The Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee today (February 3) approved a letter to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) formally opposing a Regulation to have Pennsylvania join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), according to Senator Joe Pittman, who serves as the committee’s Vice Chairman. [Read More]

Pittman Slams Governor’s Massive Tax & Spend Budget Proposal

February 03, 2021
Senator Joe Pittman issued the following statement after Governor Tom Wolf used a pre-taped video address to unveil his proposed $40.2 billion General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22, which includes a $3.1 billion (8.2 percent) increase in state spending, a substantial Personal Income Tax rate hike from 3.07 percent to 4.49 percent (46.3 percent) and the imposition of Marcellus Shale extraction tax. [Read More]

Senate Approves $912 Million COVID-19 Relief Package

January 27, 2021
The Senate today (January 27) approved a comprehensive $912 million relief package to help restaurants, schools, employers, and tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Senator Joe Pittman, who serves as the prime sponsor of the legislation. [Read More]

Meeting to consider SB 109

January 25, 2021
Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee | Monday, January 25, 2021 | Off the Floor | Senate Chamber (and Virtual Participation) | [Read More]

Senate Sends Bill Requiring Legislative Approval of RGGI to Governor

September 09, 2020
The Senate today (September 9) approved — and sent to the Governor’s desk — legislation that would increase legislative oversight on the proposal to have Pennsylvania join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), according to Senator Joe Pittman, who spearheaded efforts in the Senate to move the bill. [Read More]

Public hearing on status of PHFA Mortgage and Rental Assistance Programs/Impact of Pandemic on Housing

September 04, 2020
Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee | September 8, 2020 |1:30 p.m. | (Senate Chamber and Remote Participation) | [Read More]

Committee Approves Bills Requiring Legislative Approval of RGGI Deal

September 03, 2020
The Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee approved two bills today (September 3) that would increase legislative oversight on the Governor’s proposal to have Pennsylvania join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), according to Senator Joe Pittman, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Committee. [Read More]

Rally in Opposition to Implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

August 26, 2020
Senator Gene Yaw, Senator Camera Bartolotta, Senator Joe Pittman, Senator Kim Ward | 11:30 at Cheswick Generating Station, Springdale, Allegheny County [Read More]

Senate Approves Measure to End Governor Wolf’s Business Shutdown Order

June 09, 2020
Stressing that Governor Wolf’s extended lockdown of Pennsylvania is hurting families and doing irreparable harm to employers, the Senate today voted to approve a measure that would end the statewide shutdown, according to Senator Joe Pittman. Listen [Read More]

Meeting to consider SB 940, SB 1045, HB 896, and HB 1860

June 09, 2020
Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee | June 9, 2020 (approx. 2:00 p.m.) | Off the Floor (Senate Chamber and Virtual Participation) | [Read More]

Senate Approves $507 Million Support Package for First Responders, Nursing Homes, Long-term Care Facilities

May 12, 2020
When Senator Joe Pittman introduced Senate Bill 1122, the measure was intended to provide financial relief to Pennsylvania’s struggling volunteer fire companies and EMS stations. Listen [Read More]

Telemedicine Bill Sent to Governor

April 21, 2020
As Pennsylvania continues to cope with the impact of COVID-19, the Senate today (April 21) gave final approval to a bill that promotes telemedicine as a way to overcome barriers to quality patient care created by distance and reduce the costs of those services, according to Senator Joe Pittman. Listen [Read More]

Committee Approves Grant Program for Volunteer Fire/EMS Companies

April 20, 2020
The Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee today (April 20) reported out legislation introduced by Senator Joe Pittman (R-41st) and Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46th) that would establish a special one-time grant program for Pennsylvania’s volunteer fire companies and EMS squads as they address the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Listen [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Professional Liability Joint Underwriting Association

March 04, 2020
I asked about the amount of surplus money the PA Joint Underwriting Association has in reserves that could safely be appropriated to other causes during a #PASenate #PAbudget hearing. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: DEP (Part 2)

March 04, 2020
The Wolf administration’s proposed carbon tax is already hurting local operations and workers. I questioned DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell about what the administration plans to do for dislocated workers. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: DEP (Part 1)

March 04, 2020
At the Senate budget hearing with the Department of Transportation, I questioned Secretary Patrick McDonnell about the governor’s proposed Transportation Climate Initiative and the increase in gas prices it’s likely to cause, and the local impact of the administration’s plan to impose a carbon tax. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Penn College/Thaddeus Stevens College/Community Colleges

March 03, 2020
I discussed the value of articulation agreements at a #PASenate #PAbudget hearing with @PennCollege, @thaddeusstevens and @NorthamptonComm. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Conservation & Natural Resources

March 03, 2020
At the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, I asked Secretary Cindy Dunn for a justification of the state moratorium on oil and gas leases on state park land, especially given the drop in Oil and Gas Lease Fund revenue. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: State-Related Universities

March 03, 2020
I raised concern about the competition between state system and state-related universities and asked whether satellite colleges should be realigned to reduce costs at a #PASenate #PABudget hearing. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Penn State Ag Research & Ag Extension

March 02, 2020
During the #PASenate #PA Budget on Penn State’s @agsciences & @psuextension I urged the agency to take an active role in promoting participation in the census. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Agriculture

March 02, 2020
During the #PASenate #PABudget hearing with @PAAgriculture, I raised concerns about the USDA’s Farm Service Agency and the proposed transfers from the Race Horse Development Fund. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Human Services

February 26, 2020
At the PA Senate budget hearing with the Human Services Department, I questioned Secretary Teresa Miller about the increase in Medical Assistance Transportation Program costs and how to prevent abuse of this assistance. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: PennDOT

February 25, 2020
At the PA Senate budget hearing with PennDOT officials, I questioned Acting Secretary Yassmin Gramian about plans to shift funding from local roads to interstate highways, as well as my legislation to reduce transfers occurring from the Motor License Fund to fund operations of our State Police. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: LCB

February 25, 2020
During a #PASenate #PABudget hearing with the PA Liquor Control Board, I asked about the number of state stores that operate on limited hours and whether LCB would reevaluate the merit of expanding hours. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Aging

February 24, 2020
During a #PASenate #PABudget hearing with the Department of Aging, I raised concerns about the growth in costs for senior programs and the Department’s reliance on the Lottery Fund. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Auditor General

February 24, 2020
During the #PASenate #PABudget hearing with @PAAuditorGen, I asked about the Governor’s proposed fee for state police service and the Auditor General’s public advocacy of the legalization of marijuana. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Department of State

February 20, 2020
During the #PASenate #PABudget hearing with @PAStateDept, I raised concerns about state licensing issues and asked about public education efforts for the election changes under Act 77. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: State System of Higher Education

February 20, 2020
I asked the @StateSystem Chancellor what Pennsylvania is doing to “right-size” its higher education footprint so that there are not too many schools straining the system. #PASenate #PABudget [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Board of Pardons

February 19, 2020
During the budget hearing with the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, I highlighted the disadvantages of Board members expressing personal opinions on controversial criminal justice topics. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Corrections/Probation & Parole

February 19, 2020
At the Senate Appropriations budget hearing with the Board of Probation & Parole, I asked Board Chairman Theodore Johnson if the state Victim Advocate should be a licensed attorney to represent victims before the panel. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Military & Veterans Affairs

February 19, 2020
During today’s #PASenate #PABudget hearing, I raised concerns with @PADMVA about providing care for homeless veterans and urged support for my legislation to provide property tax exemptions for more veterans in need. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Drug & Alcohol Programs

February 18, 2020
During the #PASenate #PABudget hearing with @PADrugAlcohol, I asked about the effectiveness of faith-based recovery programs, state support for local EMS programs [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Revenue/Lottery

February 18, 2020
During the #PASenate #PABudget hearing with @PARevenue and @PALottery, I questioned the impact of the Governor’s proposed carbon taxes and precautions to ensure Lottery technology upgrades are completed efficiently. [Read More]

Budget Hearing Q&A: Independent Fiscal Office

February 18, 2020
The PA Independent Fiscal Office noted that due to natural gas development, the PA economy is less reliant on oil prices. During the PA Senate budget hearing, I asked about the impact administration proposals on this new independence. [Read More]

Sen. Pittman Urges Governor to Seek Federal Clean Coal Technology Grants

February 18, 2020
The federal government is offering millions of dollars to promote the development of innovative cleaner coal technologies and Senator Joe Pittman wants Pennsylvania to aggressively go after that funding. [Read More]

Senator Pittman Responds to Governor’ Budget Proposal

February 04, 2020
Senator Joe Pittman issued the following statement following today’s joint session of the General Assembly to receive the Governor’s 2020-21 budget proposal. [Read More]

Bill Would Ensure Disabled Veterans Receive Property Tax Exemptions

January 16, 2020
Recognizing the sacrifices made by Pennsylvania’s disabled veterans, Senator Joe Pittman (R-41) is drafting legislation to ensure they receive the state property tax exemption they deserve. Listen [Read More]

Senators Unveil RGGI, Carbon Tax Legislation

November 19, 2019
Senators Joe Pittman (R-41), Gene Yaw (R-23) and David G. Argall (R-29) and other legislators today (November 19) unveiled and discussed bills that will be introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives addressing Governor Wolf’s proposal to have Pennsylvania enter into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). [Read More]

Governor’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Plan

November 19, 2019
Remarks of Senator Joe Pittman at a Senate Republican news conference to unveil and discuss bills that will be introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives addressing Governor Wolf’s proposal to have Pennsylvania enter into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and impose a Carbon Tax. [Read More]

Senator Pittman to Unveil RGGI Legislation on Tuesday

November 18, 2019
Senators Joe Pittman, Gene Yaw and David G. Argall and other legislators will host a press conference at Noon on Tuesday, November 19, in the Media Center of the State Capitol East Wing. | [Read More]

Pittman Legislation Stresses Funding for Transportation Improvements

August 12, 2019
Senator Joe Pittman will soon introduce legislation to reduce the amount of funding diverted each year from essential transportation improvement projects to support State Police operations. Listen [Read More]

Senator Pittman Supports Passage of FY 2019-20 State Budget

June 27, 2019
The Senate today approved a Fiscal Year 2019-20 spending plan that includes no tax increases, makes a substantial investment in the state Rainy Day Fund, and provides more money for road and bridge improvements, according to Senator Joe Pittman. [Read More]

VIDEO: Senate Republicans: Funding What Works

June 27, 2019
Stressing that Senate Republicans support a strong safety net of programs and services to help Pennsylvanians in need, Senator Joe Pittman discussed specific funding in this year’s budget that will help the truly needy while using tax dollars wisely. [Read More]

Senate Republicans – Funding What Works

June 27, 2019
Senate Republicans – Funding What Works [Read More]

Senator Pittman Appointed to PENNVEST Board

June 18, 2019
During his long tenure as Senator Don White’s Chief of Staff, Joe Pittman received extensive experience in working to secure PENNVEST financing for numerous vital water and sewer projects across the 41st Senatorial District. Listen [Read More]

Senator Pittman to Serve on Senate Appropriations Committee

June 13, 2019
With the deadline to adopt a state budget quickly approaching, Senator Joe Pittman will now have a seat on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee that will play a key role in approving the spending plan. [Read More]

Senate Adopts Condolence Resolution for Brian Henry Swatt

June 12, 2019
The Senate today unanimously adopted a Condolence Resolution for Brian Henry Swatt, who served as a field representative in Senator Joe Pittman’s Indiana District Office, Indiana County. [Read More]

Senator Joe Pittman Takes Oath of Office

June 10, 2019
Even as State Senator Joe Pittman was formally sworn into office today (June 10) during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber of the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, the celebration was subdued as he mourned the passing of a member of his staff who died in a tragic traffic accident on Friday (June 7). [Read More]