Local Government Commission
Rep. James was honored to be appointed by House Speaker Mike Turzai to serve on the Local Government Commission of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The Local Government Commission is a bicameral, bipartisan legislative service agency that was created in 1935. It is one of the oldest agencies of its kind in the country. The Commission provides research assistance to the members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and their constituents on local government issues.
Specialist Kephart Memorial Bridge
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Rep. James participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Clarion County Community Bank branch in Franklin. With James are Peter Winkler from Congressman Glenn Thompson's office, Clarion County Community Bank President Jim Kifer, Chairman of the Clarion County Community Bank Board of Directors William Hager III, state Sen. Scott Hutchinson and Franklin City Mayor Doug Baker. Rep. James and his staff visited Fluid Recovery Services (FRS) in Franklin and had an opportunity to tour the facility. FRS provides water management services to the oil and gas industry in the Commonwealth. From left to right in this photo are Plant Manager Lee Patrick, CEO Devesh Mittal, Manager Michael Nawrath and President Paul Hart, who took time to meet with James and district office staff (also in the photo), Kim Scott and Becky Hedglin. Rep. James participated in a House Republican Policy Committee hearing at the Penn State Fayette campus where he and his colleagues learned about efforts and initiatives to reform Pennsylvania’s welfare system and reduce welfare fraud. Rep. James participated week in a rally at the state Capitol in support of Pennsylvanians' right to bear arms. This right is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution. Rep. James participated week in a rally at the state Capitol in support of Pennsylvanians' right to bear arms. This right is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution. Rep. James participated in a House Republican Policy Committee hearing in East Brandywine Township in Chester County, where he and his colleagues heard compelling testimony about the opioid crisis affecting people in communities across Pennsylvania. Participants heard from a mother whose young son passed away as the result of an opioid overdose and also heard from a young man who is in recovery after struggling with opioid addiction. Rep. James met in his district office with James Miller, the new northwest regional director of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Miller’s territory covers the counties of Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren. Burt and Donna Kephart, the parents of Specialist Jonathan R. Kephart, joined Rep. James in the state House as he urged his colleagues to support a bill he introduced that would rename after their late son a portion of U.S. Route 62 over the Allegheny River in Oil City. They are pictured here with House Speaker Mike Turzai. Rep. James and his wife, Maureen, met with Oil City Middle School students Haillee, Abigail, Connor and Logan when the two spoke to Mrs. Kim Eberle’s class about citizenship and volunteerism. James and his wife spoke to the class after they were interviewed by the students for a project in their social studies class. Rep. James visited the State Museum of Pennsylvania to view the Penn Charter, which is sometimes referred to as Pennsylvania’s “birth certificate.” Learn more about this important historical document here: http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/portal/communities/documents/1681-1776/pennsylvania-charter.html Rep. James and his district office staff met with representatives from the Northwest Commission, which is helping local employers connect with military veterans who are seeking jobs. The Northwest Commission will provide employers access to RecruitMilitary, a tool that can bring together military veterans and prospective employers. Interested local employers should contact the Northwest Commission at 814-677-4800. James and Cathe Miller recently traveled to Harrisburg to tour the state Capitol. Sen. Scott Hutchinson and Rep. James met with them during their visit. Rep. James met with Gen. Frank Grass and Maj. Gen James Joseph, who were in the Capitol to meet with a bipartisan group of legislators from the state House and Senate to discuss issues regarding the readiness of the Pennsylvania National Guard and other military units that defend the Commonwealth and the United States. Sen. Scott Hutchinson, Rep. James and Denny Toy worked the Franklin Chamber apple pie and apple strudel booth at Franklin's 33rd Annual Applefest. Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe attended Rep. James’ public meeting to talk with gun owners in our area. Venango County Sheriff Eric Foy addressed the crowd at Rep. James’ meeting to discuss Pennsylvania laws that affect gun owners. Venango County District Attorney Shawn White spoke at Rep. James’ event about legal issues surrounding the rights of Pennsylvanians to carry concealed weapons. Rep. James, Sen. Scott Hutchinson, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin and Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry and Tourism CEO John Phillips were in downtown Oil City to discuss the prospects of a grant for a multi-modal transportation hub in northwestern Pennsylvania. The grant application process is very competitive and applicants from across the Commonwealth apply for funding. Rep. James and some supporters walked in the North Washington Rodeo parade. The event kicked off a nationally recognized week of rodeo competition in northeast Butler County. Pictured with James are Amanda Hippenstiel, Kim Scott, Dave Hippenstiel and Becky Hedglin. Cindy Swendsen is the newest member of Rep. James’ district office staff. She received a nametag and key to the office. Oil City firefighter, EMT and CPR instructor Darryl Scott trained Rep. James and his staff to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator. For the third year in a row, Rep. James attended the rally on the state Capitol steps supporting the right of Pennsylvanians to legally own firearms. Residents and legislators from across the Commonwealth attended the rally. Legislators vowed to remain vigilant against any attempt to infringe on the rights of Pennsylvania firearm owners. As a member of the bipartisan 2nd Amendment Caucus in the state House, James is dedicated to standing up for the legal right to own firearms. Rep. James met with representatives from the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs. He is pictured here with Bev Gruber, a former Venango County resident and tourist promotion specialist. She works across the state to support and promote rural fairs. Rep. James and some of his colleagues in the state House met with a group of Blue Star Mothers, who support active duty military service personnel and veterans. James has a special respect for Blue Star Mothers because his wife, Maureen, serves as one. Their son has been deployed three times to Iraq. James appreciates all of the Blue Star Mothers who support the men and women who served or are serving in the Armed Forces. Rep. James met with U.S. Senator Pat Toomey and Congressman Glenn Thompson in Venango County to discuss Pennsylvania's economy. They talked about the future outlook of the economy and the recovery from the Great Recession. The lawmakers discussed the great potential for continued economic growth in the Commonwealth due in part to the development of the oil and natural gas industries. Rep. James participated in a Capitol news conference about legislation he co-sponsored that would reduce construction costs for school districts, which would save taxpayers money. The bill would exclude school districts from prevailing wage provisions that drive up the cost of construction projects. Rep. James (right) participated in a town hall meeting about Second Amendment issues with Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (left), state Rep. Brad Roae (center left) and state Rep. Kathy Rapp (center right). Rep. James traveled to the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., as part of a Penn State Extension Rural-Urban Leadership (RULE) Program. The seminar included approximately 40 students from Pennsylvania and across the globe. In this picture, James was climbing the spiral staircase to view the planet Jupiter and four of its moons. Rep. James presented a citation to the Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department commemorating its 75th anniversary. He presented the citation at the monthly board of directors meeting. Chief Gerry Rea accepted the citation. Board President Harry VanZandt is in the back with the red shirt. They were joined by other board members, firefighters and auxiliary members. Rep. James has been appointed to serve on four House committees. To learn about his assignments and the experience he brings to each, <a href="http://www.repjames.com/NewsItem.aspx?NewsID=22455" target="_blank">click here</a>. Rep. James and his staff are excited to begin a new two-year legislative session and serve the people in the 64th Legislative District. From left to right are Kristy Beasom Walters, Becky Hedglin, James and Kim Scott. Kristy works in James’ Harrisburg office while Becky and Kim work in the district office. Rep. James walked in the Franklin Light-Up Night parade, which included several floats, high school bands and other musical performances. The parade celebrates the beginning of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. This photo was taken and submitted by Greg Knox. Rep. James rode in the car with Sen Scott Hutchinson (behind me) and Bill Pettit, executive with PennDOT District One, up the newly opened Route 38 on Emlenton Hill. They were driven by Mike Salusky, owner of the 1962 Ford Mustang which carried them up the hill. Rep. James visited the Venango County CareerLink to learn about the services offered there. Site Administrator Janet Gatesman provided a tour and discussed the ways the center helps local job seekers. Rep. James, who served in the Navy from 1966-72, attended an event in the Main Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg in honor of the 91,000 U.S. servicemen and women still unaccounted for since World War I. The event included the unveiling of a POW-MIA Chair of Honor, which will be placed in the state Capitol as a reminder of those missing in action and those who endured as prisoners of war. Rep. James received this 2013-2014 Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business. The award was presented to James and other legislators who voted for bills in the state House that would help small businesses to create jobs in Pennsylvania. Rep. James traveled to the Limerick power plant with my colleagues on the state House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. The plant has a very high level of internal and external security to deter would-be intruders. The company takes the safety of its workers very seriously. With James from left to right are Reps. Mark Gillen, Stephen Barrar, Chris Sainato, Will Tallman and Pat Harkins. Rep. James and Rep. Donna Oberlander listened to Larry Bendal, owner of Bendal’s Berry Patch, during a tour of his farm. Agriculture is one of Pennsylvania’s leading industries. Prior to participating in the North Washington Rodeo parade, Rep. James had his picture taken with R. Claire Gladd (left) and "Deal'n" Dave Hippensteil (middle). Rep. James had his picture taken with Carol Williams, who drove a red pickup truck owned by Dave Hippensteil in the Pleasantville Community Days Festival Parade. The artwork of several talented local people was displayed in the state Capitol. These pieces were developed by Rep. James’ wife, Maureen James. Rep. James talked with constituents at a town hall meeting in Titusville. Rep. James visited the Pennsylvania Farm Show, where Barb Gross and Barbara Warden showed him some of the displays in the family living section. Rep. James participated in a Capitol news conference highlighting legislation he co-sponsored that would provide a tax credit to teachers who purchase classroom supplies with their own money. Rep. James attended a news conference in the Capitol Rotunda to raise awareness about childhood cancer. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania thanks to a resolution adopted by the state House earlier in the year. Rep. James’ district office manager, Kim Scott, recently attended the McClintock Trail ribbon-cutting ceremony on his behalf. At the event, she delivered comments informing the participants that James was very proud of the amount of work and cooperation that went into making the project a success. Rep. James visited Pennwest Homes, which employs more than 100 full-time workers, during the annual dealer show. During the visit, he met with Erv Bontrager, senior vice president of The Commodore Corporation, and Todd Griffith, sales manager with Pennwest Homes. On Monday, Rep. James and his district office manager, Kim Scott (second from left), met with four educators from Clarion University, along with the government relations associate director from the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF), to discuss issues in the area of secondary and post-secondary schooling. The group plans to meet periodically to exchange information for the improvement of education opportunities for students in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Pictured from left to right are Joe Croskey II; Scott; Laura Saccente, associate director of government relations; Dr. Rick Sabousky; Dr. Barry Sweet; James; Dr. Bell O’Neil; and Dr. Ray Feroz. Rep. James, his wife, Maureen (right), Sen. Scott Hutchinson (left) and Rep. Kathy Rapp (second from left) walked in the Titusville Oil Festival Parade on Saturday, Aug. 10. Reenie (front row, right) and Clyde Mason (back row, right) received the 2013 Outstanding Fair Volunteer award for their many years as Venango County Fair 4-H Club volunteers. The award was presented by Boots Hetherington (back row, center), special adviser to the governor with the Department of Agriculture. Also pictured are Rainy Linn (front row, center), treasurer; state Sen. Scott Hutchinson (back row, left); and Rep. James’ chief of staff, Kim Scott (front row, left). Rep. James participated in a “Cash Mob” in downtown Oil City, where he visited a store with other participants. Cash Mobs are groups that gather at a local small business with the intent to help the retailer by making purchases. In this photo, James is talking with Ron Gustafson, a local building contractor and member of city council. Rep. James toured Venango Steel and met with company President Michael Ruhlman. The manufacturing sector in general and the steel industry in particular played an important part in making Pennsylvania what it is today. Both also will play a key role as the Commonwealth’s economy progresses in the future. Rep. James recently addressed a crowd of supporters at the Barkeyville Church of God at a service honoring World War II veterans. The three men sitting in the front all served in the armed forces during that conflict. Beginning at the left, they are William C. Coursen, Don C. Buchanan, and Richard D. Ferguson. Coursen was accompanied by his wife, Della, and Ferguson was joined by his wife, Leatrice. At far right is Marine Cpl. Andy McFeaters. James thanked the men – and their wives – for their sacrifices on behalf of their country. Rep. James attended a news conference in the Governor’s Reception Room at the State Capitol where lawmakers spoke in favor of a program that empowers county governments by providing flexibility in the way they can spend state health and human services dollars. Rep. James visited the State Correctional Institution in Forest, where he met with the staff and observed a demonstration from the Department of Corrections’ Drug Interdiction Unit and dog handlers. The dog handlers demonstrated the types of searches used to look for drugs or attempt to find contraband. Problems with drugs have reportedly dropped by approximately 90 percent at the facility since the dogs began their searches. Rep. James attended a rally supporting the Second Amendment rights of Pennsylvanians on the front steps of the Capitol. Rep. James, many of his colleagues and Second Amendment supporters from across the Commonwealth gathered in Harrisburg for a rally. Rep. Lee James (second from right) listened at a House Finance Committee meeting in Harrisburg while colleagues debated before approving a bill to allow families to pass a business from one generation to the next without paying the Commonwealth’s inheritance tax. Rep. James stood next to the butter sculpture at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. The sculpture depicts various agricultural good produced in the Commonwealth. While he was at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, Rep. James had an opportunity to meet and talk with Bob Jacques with the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council. Forest products are a key part of the Commonwealth's economy. Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Butler) was in Harrisburg on Tuesday to take the oath of office and begin his first term as the state representative from the 64th Legislative District. Meet the ten newly elected Republican members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Front row from left: Mindy Fee (Lancaster County), Tommy Sankey (Clearfield County), Becky Corbin (Chester County), Steve Mentzer (Lancaster County), Keith Greiner (Lancaster County). Back (from left): Lee James (Butler & Venango Counties), Hal English (Allegheny County), John McGinnis (Blair County), Mike Regan (Cumberland & York Counties), Greg Lucas (Crawford & Erie Counties).
 
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