Jul. 01, 2019 Download
Landmark legislation that represents a big win for Pennsylvania National Guard members and their families was signed into law Monday in Harrisburg. The new law offers a free college education for a Pennsylvania National Guard member as well as their spouse and children in exchange for a a six-year reenlistment. The benefit can be used to attend any Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education school free or for partial tuition benefits at other institutions of higher learning approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton), a combat veteran and U.S. Army helicopter pilot in the Pennsylvania National Guard said he feels this will be a great enlistment retention tool as well as a reward for the families of those who serve in the PA Guard.
Mar. 25, 2019 Download
Lawmakers, students and supporters of improving workforce development programs rallied in Harrisburg on Monday to acknowledge the successful passage of a Good Jobs for Pennsylvania package of legislation by the full House. The 11-bill package would help match up interested students and individuals with the best training for their career paths. The bipartisan, career and technical education (CTE) package includes measures to address workforce shortages in business and industry, strengthen educational partnerships with employers, increase access to career oriented technical training and alleviate misperceptions regarding vocational education programs. Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) sponsored a bill in the package to help inform students and parents about job training opportunities.
Jan. 03, 2017 Download
The Pennsylvania House opened its 201st legislative session Tuesday in Harrisburg with the swearing in of a 121 member Republican majority, which represents the largest Republican House majority in decades. This includes 12 newly elected Republican members of the House. Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) was also formally re-elected to a second term as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The House Republican leadership team also includes: Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana County); Majority Whip Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster); Appropriations Chair Stan Saylor (R-York); Republican Caucus Chair Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery); Policy Committee Chair Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre & Mifflin); Caucus Administrator Kurt Masser (R- Columbia, Montour & Northumberland); and Caucus Secretary Donna Oberlander (R-Armstrong, Clarion & Forest). Rep. Mako offered his observations as a new member of the House and outlined personal priorities for the coming session.