By Tom Waring
Wire Staff Writer
U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick last week recognized Made in America Month during a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Fitzpatrick (R-8th dist.) urged support for his bipartisan Made in America Act.
“American-made means American jobs,” he said. “Whether it is the medical device manufacturer that employs hundreds or the family small shop down the road, the jobs and products created by American businesses in our communities are what drive our economy. December is Made in America Month and the perfect time for leaders in both parties to come together around common-sense policies that put American businesses and the American worker first. The bipartisan Made in America Act is just that kind of policy.
“This legislation would connect American consumers to American manufacturers by creating a definitive, standardized labeling for American-made goods. By incentivizing businesses and manufacturers to meet certain Made in America benchmarks for domestic production and providing consumers with reliable and easy-to-understand information, the Made in America Act can meet two very valuable goals: increasing American purchases of American goods and reshoring American businesses and American jobs. Making it in America is crucial to ensuring better jobs and more opportunities for our families across the Nation.”
The Made in America Act has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
The 8th Congressional District consists of all of Bucks County and a portion of Montgomery County.
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State Rep. Tom Murt (R-152nd dist.) will host national service officers from the Disabled American Veterans organization at his district office on Friday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Murt’s district office is located at 19 S. York Road in Hatboro.
DAV national service officers will be available to educate disabled veterans and their families on specific veterans’ benefits and services and assist with the completion of required applications.
“I encourage all disabled veterans to stop by my office to find out what benefits might be available to them,” Murt said. “There is no need for an appointment; walk-ins will be accepted.”
Veterans who attend should bring with them their Social Security number, any claim numbers, their military records and any other pertinent information.
For more information, call Gina Rondinelli at 215–674–3755.
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The district office of state Rep. John Galloway is a dropoff location for this year’s Toys for the Y.
New, unwrapped toys, books, clothing and outerwear for children, and local supermarket gift cards can be dropped off at 8610 New Falls Road, Levittown, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Thursday.
Toys for the Y is part of the Lower Bucks Family YMCA Giving Tree program, which shares gifts and food with local families in need during the holiday season.
“I am proud to have my office and staff participate in this annual event,” Galloway said. “It is too easy to forget those who need help during the busy holiday times. Last year, the piles of toys and gifts brought to my office grew on a daily basis. I anticipate another year of heart-warming generosity from my constituents and friends.”
In 2013, the Giving Tree program served more than 360 children and also provided more than 115 families a supermarket gift card to provide their holiday dinner.
The Giving Tree goal for 2014 is to provide gifts and meals for at least 125 families in the region.
Galloway said his office also has information about programs to help children and families, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
For more information, call 215–943–7206.
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State Rep. Tina Davis is inviting residents of the 141st Legislative District to join her and her staff at a free holiday breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the William Penn Fire Hall, 123 Main St., Hulmeville.
“Pennsylvania greets a new governor and legislature in January, and I want to be sure to represent local residents to the best of my ability,” said Davis, who was re-elected last month to her third term in the General Assembly. “It’s important for residents to know what state resources are available and how my staff and I can help to secure them.”
As of this month, Hulmeville and Penndel boroughs are part of the 141st district.
“We move forward together best as a community, and the breakfast can help forge a strong relationship between Bucks County and Harrisburg,” Davis said. “We can energize the discussion over a free breakfast and entertainment at the fire hall.”
Davis will be sworn in to a new term on Jan. 6.
For more information, call 215–943–8669.
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State Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-10) was appointed to a Republican caucus leadership position by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati.
McIlhinney (R-10th dist.) will serve as caucus administrator. Scarnati also appointed Sen. David Argall, of Schuylkill County, as chairman of the Senate Majority Policy Committee.
“I am pleased to appoint Sen. McIlhinney and Sen. Argall to serve as members of the 2015–16 Republican leadership team,” Scarnati said. “I am confident that they will each bring great perspective and direction as we work together to strengthen our commonwealth.”
The new leadership team took effect on Dec. 1.
