Rep. Vereb Supports Revocation of Casino License

Pennsylvania State Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) released the following statement regarding the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's decision today to revoke the license to Foxwoods Casino in Philadelphia:

"For more than a year, I have called for the revocation of this license. Foxwoods ignored deadlines set by the Gaming Control Board and continually delayed construction. Foxwoods was given preferential treatment for far too long and finally today the Gaming Control Board put an end to it. When Foxwoods was awarded one of the Commonwealth's gaming licenses, it had a responsibility to the people of the Commonwealth to fulfill the requirements set forth by the board to help bring additional property tax relief to the people of Pennsylvania.

"Today's board decision is a step in the right direction in removing the cloud of suspicion that has surrounded this industry since the original gaming law was first enacted in 2004. I fully support the board's decision and hope this signifies a new era for the board in which the people of Pennsylvania are put before special gaming interests."

New leadership team for PA House unveiled

Here are your leaders in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives come January, when Republicans will hold a 112-91 majority, the largest in more than a decade.

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Rep. Sam Smith (66th District, Jefferson County). Smith has served as leader since 2003. In 2000, Smith was elected whip until April 2003, when he was elected majority leader after the death of Speaker Matthew J. Ryan. Smith was first elected to the House in 1986, succeeding his father, former Rep. Eugene "Snuffy" Smith.

MAJORITY LEADER: Rep. Mike Turzai (28th District, Allegheny County). Turzai was first elected to the House in 2001. He previously served as whip during the 2009-2010 legislative session. In 2006, he was elected Republican Policy Committee chairman.

MAJORITY WHIP: Rep. Stan Saylor (94th District, York County). Saylor was first elected to the House in 1992. In the 2009-2010 session, Saylor served as the Republican Policy Committee chairman.

APPROPRIATIONS CHAIRMAN: Rep. William Adolph (165th District, Delaware County). Adolph was first elected to the House in 1988. Today, he was elected to his first full term as Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Last year, he was elected to the position to replace former Rep. Mario Civera, who resigned.

CAUCUS CHAIRMAN: Rep. Sandra Major (111th District, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties). Major was first elected to the House in 1994. She was re-elected to her third term as Caucus Chairman.

POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Rep. Dave Reed (62nd District, Indiana County). Reed was first elected to the House in 2002. He is currently chairman of the House Republican Campaign Committee.

CAUCUS ADMINISTRATOR: Rep. Dick Stevenson (8th District, Mercer and Butler Counties). Stevenson was first elected to the House in 2000. This is his first election to House leadership.

CAUCUS SECRETARY: Rep. Mike Vereb (150th District, Montgomery County). Vereb was first elected in 2006. This will be his first term as Secretary.

A couple of quick thoughts: Only one woman on the leadership team? It's 2010 and women make up more than half the population of Pennsylvania. Republicans need to do a better job of getting women elected to the Legislature and giving them real clout. On the other hand, House Democrats have done no better, with just one female on their leadership team over the past two years. Rep. Turzai is a solid conservative and one of the smartest people in the Legislature. He should help usher in a new era of fiscal responsibility in state government. Rep. Mike Vereb, in just four years in Harrisburg, is making one of the quickest leaps to a leadership post in House history. He's a stand-up guy and will give Montgomery County a bigger say in the Legislature.

Read the full release from Rep. Smith's office at the link below:

Rep. Sam Smith - Republican Leader of Pennsylvania House of Representatives - New PA House Republican Majority Chooses 2011-2012 Leadership Team

Rep. Vereb to Host Fourth Annual 'Family Fun/Safety Day'

From the office of state Rep. Mike Vereb:

Rep. Mike Vereb's (R-Montgomery) Fourth Annual Family Fun Day will take place on Friday, June 18, at the Collegeville Pit Stop.

"My Family Fun Day is a great community event for families living in the 150th District," Vereb said. "There will be entertainment and activities for all age groups, as well as informational presentations on programs available to residents. I look forward to spending a fun-filled summer evening with my constituents."

Special guests include: Sunny Face Painting; PECO's Louie the Lightning Bug; the National Guard; Montgomery County Bomb Squad; Montgomery County Bearcat; Montgomery County Command Post; Mason's CHIP (Child Identity Project); Pennsylvania State Police; Montgomery County DARE; Trappe Ambulance Mobile Hospital; Lower Providence Fire Company's Stop, Drop and Roll demonstration; SEPTA's K9 unit; and Franklin Institute's Traveling Science Show. Guests will also be able to enjoy the Pit Stop's newly added track.

Representatives from PECO will also be on hand to answer questions regarding the new rate changes that are going into effect.

Food, rides and entry are all free to the public. This event is funded by community sponsors.

The event will last from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Collegeville Pit Stop is located at 3960 Germantown Pike.