My Audio Updates
Here you will find audio clips about important events that have taken place during the current and past Legislative Sessions.
House Speaker Sam Smith’s Bill to Shrink the Size of the Legislature Passed by Committee, Heads to Floor for Consideration - 1/24/2012
Download Story :60 | Download Bite :28
Legislation to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives was approved by the House State Government Committee this week and now heads to the House floor for consideration. House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana & Armstrong) author of the bill said he feels this is an opportunity to “right-size” Pennsylvania government and that a smaller group of lawmakers could deal more efficiently and effectively with the major issues facing the state. Mike Davies reporting... full story and a stand-alone bite are available.
House Speaker Sam Smith Says a Large Number of Exhibitors from his District Did Well at This Year’s PA Farm Show - 1/12/2012
Download Story :64 | Download Bite :35
The 96th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show is underway this week in Harrisburg. The event is the largest indoor agricultural exposition in America, with 10,000 competitive exhibits under roof in the Farm Show complex. House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana & Armstrong) noted that this was a good Farm Show for exhibitors from his district, who received awards in a wide variety of competitions. From Harrisburg... Mike Davies reporting.
House Speaker Sam Smith Calls for Action to Resolve Differences on Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Legislation - 12/28/2011
Download Story :57 | Download Bite :29
A disagreement between Pennsylvania House and Senate versions of legislation that would empower county governments to enact impact fees to help cover the local effects of Marcellus Shale gas drilling continues to cast a shadow over the state’s fastest growing industry. House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana & Armstrong) says he hopes to see quick action by a House-Senate conference committee to forge a compromise that will bring peace of mind to both drillers and citizens from the areas affected by drilling. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.
House Speaker Sam Smith Comments on Passage of Congressional Reapportionment Map - 12/22/2011
Download Story :38 | Download Bite :58
The Pennsylvania House has approved a new redistricting map for the 18 congressional seats in the Commonwealth. House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana, Armstrong) said that the final Congressional map meets constitutional muster for population requirements, and is far superior to alternatives that were offered, splitting fewer counties and municipalities between the new districts. Chuck Nichols reports... story and bite available.
House Speaker Sam Smith Comments on the Future of the Natural Gas Industry in PA - 11/4/2011
Download Story :54 | Download Bite :35
The future of the natural gas industry in the Commonwealth is a topic of serious discussion in Harrisburg. House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana, Armstrong) says lawmakers must act carefully to balance the needs of the impacted communities with the need to create more jobs and provide a much needed boost for Pennsylvania’s economy. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.
House Speaker Sam Smith Comments on Passage of Texting-While-Driving Ban - 11/3/2011
Download Story :48 | Download Bite :18
Legislation that would ban all drivers in Pennsylvania from texting while behind the wheel has been approved by the PA House. Senate Bill 314 will make reading, writing, or sending of electronic text messages when the vehicle is in motion a primary offense. House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana, Armstrong), said that while he agrees texting is a serious safety concern, there needs to be a broader focus on discouraging all forms of distracted driving on Pennsylvania roads. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.
House Speaker Sam Smith Comments on House Action to Put a Financial Recovery Plan in Place for the City of Harrisburg - 10/20/2011
Download Story :62 | Download Bite :33
The state House took final action on a plan to deal with the financial crisis facing Harrisburg city government on Wednesday by approving legislation that gives the governor power to declare a financial emergency and appoint a receiver who would be responsible for developing and implementing a financial recovery plan. House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana, Armstrong), said that lawmakers felt they must act to ensure the stability of the economically distressed capitol city. The bill was signed into law on Thursday by Governor Corbett. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.
House Speaker Sam Smith Comments on Job Creation Hearings - 9/1/2011
Download Story :44 | Download Bite :26
Improving Pennsylvania’s business climate in order to create more jobs was the goal of a series of hearings held recently by the House Republican Policy Committee. House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana, Armstrong), said that lawmakers must eliminate roadblocks to economic recovery and make it easier for companies to expand and hire new employees. Chuck Nichols reports... story and bite available.
House Speaker Sam Smith Testifies Before House State Government Committee on Legislation to Reduce Size of PA Legislature - 8/9/2011
Download Story :48 | Download Bite :30
Legislation that proposes a Constitutional Amendment that would reduce the size of the Pennsylvania Legislature was the topic of a public hearing held by the House State Government Committee on Tuesday at the State Capitol. Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana, Armstrong), prime sponsor of House Bill 153 said a smaller legislative body would make it easier to do business. Chuck Nichols reports... story and bite available.
House Speaker Sam Smith Comments on Timely Passage of a State Budget with Reduced Spending and No New Taxes - 7/1/2011
Download Story :52 | Download Bite :41
The Pennsylvania House this week approved a $27.15 billion state budget that cuts state spending, holds the line on taxes, and gives the state its first on-time spending plan in more than eight years. Speaking at the bill signing late Thursday, House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana & Armstrong) said he was glad to see a budget approved that meets the state’s needs yet puts the Commonwealth on a firm footing to deal with tough economic times. Mike Davies reports... story and bite available.