News Releases 2024

Baker Reports 2023-24 Legislative Accomplishments
December 30, 2024

Baker Reports 2023-24 Legislative Accomplishments

The recently concluded two-year legislative session ended as a productive one for securing reforms to the justice system and increasing community protections, Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) reports.   [Read More]

Senator Baker Issues Statement on President Biden’s Commutation of Conahan’s Sentence
December 12, 2024

Senator Baker Issues Statement on President Biden’s Commutation of Conahan’s Sentence

Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) issues the following statement:  [Read More]

Baker Announces Legislative Package to Strengthen Ethics and Transparency in Government
December 12, 2024

Baker Announces Legislative Package to Strengthen Ethics and Transparency in Government

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) unveiled a package of four legislative reform proposals aimed at enhancing ethical standards, ensuring accountability and rebuilding public trust in government.  [Read More]

Baker Reappointed to Senate Leadership Team as Majority Caucus Administrator
December 6, 2024

Baker Reappointed to Senate Leadership Team as Majority Caucus Administrator

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) has been reappointed to serve as the Senate Majority Caucus Administrator, continuing her role as a key member of the Senate Republican leadership team.  [Read More]

State Grants Secure Future of Luzerne County Fair Sports Dome Project, Bringing New Sports and Community Hub to NEPA
November 15, 2024

State Grants Secure Future of Luzerne County Fair Sports Dome Project, Bringing New Sports and Community Hub to NEPA

An exciting joint venture between the Back Mountain Soccer Club and the Luzerne County Fair and its nonprofit partners will strengthen and enhance recreational amenities and opportunities for resident of northeastern Pennsylvania.  [Read More]

Baker Endorses Ward for Continued Service as Interim President Pro Tempore of Pennsylvania Senate
November 14, 2024

Baker Endorses Ward for Continued Service as Interim President Pro Tempore of Pennsylvania Senate

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) officially seconded the nomination of Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) yesterday to serve as interim president pro tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate from Dec. 1, 2024, until Jan. 6, 2025.  [Read More]

Building a Safer Pennsylvania: What We’ve Done to Fight Crime
October 30, 2024

Building a Safer Pennsylvania: What We’ve Done to Fight Crime

Every October we observe Crime Prevention Month.  [Read More]

Baker’s Bill to Extend and Strengthen PA One Call Signed into Law
October 30, 2024

Baker’s Bill to Extend and Strengthen PA One Call Signed into Law

Sen. Lisa Baker’s (R-20) bill to amend and extend the Pennsylvania Underground Utility Line Protection Law, widely known as the PA One Call Law, was signed into law this week.  [Read More]

Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Bill to Protect Pets in Domestic Violence Cases
October 22, 2024

Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Bill to Protect Pets in Domestic Violence Cases

The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), this week advanced legislation that would provide additional protection for domestic violence survivors and their companion animals.  [Read More]

Baker Announces $1 Million to Enhance Broadband Access in Wyoming County
October 10, 2024

Baker Announces $1 Million to Enhance Broadband Access in Wyoming County

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) today announced that Wyoming County Healthcare Center has been awarded $1 million in grant funding to bolster internet access within the community, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

Baker’s Bill Improving Elevator Safety in Pennsylvania Passes Senate
October 10, 2024

Baker’s Bill Improving Elevator Safety in Pennsylvania Passes Senate

The Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation today to improve elevator safety standards in Pennsylvania, according to the bill’s sponsor Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

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October 2, 2024

Senate Passes Baker’s Bill to Extend and Strengthen PA One Call Law, Marking 50 Years of Protecting Utility Workers

The Pennsylvania Senate today passed Sen. Lisa Baker’s (R-20) bill to amend and extend the Pennsylvania Underground Utility Line Protection Law – commonly known as the PA One Call Law – marking a significant milestone as the law celebrates its 50th anniversary. The legislation ensures the continued protection of Pennsylvanians and the workers who maintain essential underground utilities such as gas, water, telecommunications and more.  [Read More]

Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender Registry
October 1, 2024

Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender Registry

The Pennsylvania Senate today approved legislation to protect children from sexual predators by closing a loophole in existing state law, according to bill sponsors Sens. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Scott Martin (R-13).  [Read More]

TUESDAY: Senate Judiciary Committee Holding Voting Meeting
September 30, 2024

TUESDAY: Senate Judiciary Committee Holding Voting Meeting

The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), will hold a voting meeting tomorrow, Oct. 1, off the floor in the Senate Rules Room of the Capitol Complex, Harrisburg.  [Read More]

Senate Approves Baker’s Juvenile Justice Reform Bills, Paving the Way for Second Chances and Stronger Accountability
September 18, 2024

Senate Approves Baker’s Juvenile Justice Reform Bills, Paving the Way for Second Chances and Stronger Accountability

The Pennsylvania Senate passed two critical pieces of legislation to reform the state’s juvenile justice system. Introduced by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), the bills implement key recommendations from Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice Task Force.  [Read More]

TOMORROW: Senate Judiciary Committee Holding Voting Meeting
September 16, 2024

TOMORROW: Senate Judiciary Committee Holding Voting Meeting

The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), will hold a voting meeting, tomorrow, Sept. 17, at 11:30 a.m., in the Senate Majority Caucus Room, Room 156 of the Capitol Complex, Harrisburg.  [Read More]

Baker Introduces Bill to Ensure Fair Compensation for Law Enforcement Agencies Serving PFA Orders
September 10, 2024

Baker Introduces Bill to Ensure Fair Compensation for Law Enforcement Agencies Serving PFA Orders

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) has introduced legislation to ensure fair distribution of service fees related to Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders in Pennsylvania. The bill would revise an outdated provision of the state’s Protection from Abuse Act, ensuring law enforcement agencies that serve PFA orders are appropriately compensated.  [Read More]

Baker: Modernizing the Scope of Practice of Athletic Trainers in Pennsylvania
July 26, 2024

Baker: Modernizing the Scope of Practice of Athletic Trainers in Pennsylvania

Athletic trainers can now deliver a wider scope of health care services to more individuals thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

Baker’s Trust Modernization Legislation Signed into Law
July 17, 2024

Baker’s Trust Modernization Legislation Signed into Law

A bill signed by the governor this week seeks to modernize and enhance Pennsylvania’s trust laws, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), who sponsored the measure.  [Read More]

PA Senate Completes Work on Empowering, Pro-Family, Pro-Growth Budget
July 12, 2024

PA Senate Completes Work on Empowering, Pro-Family, Pro-Growth Budget

The Pennsylvania Senate approved a fiscally responsible 2024-25 state budget that is honest with taxpayers, creates new job opportunities for state residents, includes no new taxes and addresses the economic and demographic challenges the state faces in the years ahead, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

Baker’s Bill Modernizing Professional Licensure for Engineers, Surveyors and Geologists Becomes Law
July 3, 2024

Baker’s Bill Modernizing Professional Licensure for Engineers, Surveyors and Geologists Becomes Law

Legislation modernizing the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law was recently signed into law, according to the bill’s sponsor Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force Finalizes Report on Flood Insurance Access and Affordability in Pennsylvania
July 1, 2024

Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force Finalizes Report on Flood Insurance Access and Affordability in Pennsylvania

The Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force has presented Gov. Josh Shapiro and the General Assembly with the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force Final Report, which includes recommendations designed to improve the affordability and accessibility of flood insurance, bolster flood resiliency, increase flood risk mitigation and protect Pennsylvanians from incurring flood damage that often results in thousands of dollars of uncovered losses, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

Scenes from the 20th District Photo Gallery Celebrates Community, Creativity
June 28, 2024

Scenes from the 20th District Photo Gallery Celebrates Community, Creativity

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) announced today that she is inviting residents of the 20th Senatorial District to showcase their photography skills and capture the beauty and unique character of the community by submitting their favorite shots for inclusion in the Scenes from the 20th District photo gallery.  [Read More]

Baker: Senate Bill Expanding Access to Telemedicine Services Heads for Enactment
June 27, 2024

Baker: Senate Bill Expanding Access to Telemedicine Services Heads for Enactment

Legislation expanding access to telemedicine in Pennsylvania received final Senate approval today and is set to be signed into law, Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) said.  [Read More]

Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Key Bills for Law Enforcement, Enhanced Public Safety
June 26, 2024

Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Key Bills for Law Enforcement, Enhanced Public Safety

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed two significant bills this week aimed at enhancing public safety and protecting Pennsylvanians, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), chair of the committee.  [Read More]

TOMORROW: Senate Judiciary Committee Holding Voting Meeting and Confirmation Hearing
June 24, 2024

TOMORROW: Senate Judiciary Committee Holding Voting Meeting and Confirmation Hearing

The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), will hold a voting meeting, tomorrow, June 25, at 11:30 a.m., in Hearing Room 1, North Office Building of the Capitol Complex, Harrisburg.  [Read More]

Baker: Senate Advances Bills to Combat AI-Generated Revenge Porn and Child Sexual Abuse Material
June 13, 2024

Baker: Senate Advances Bills to Combat AI-Generated Revenge Porn and Child Sexual Abuse Material

A package of bills aimed at protecting children from sexual predators and the criminal use of generative artificial intelligence (“AI”) was approved by the Senate this week, said Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

Baker: Senate Approves Bill to Help Protect Property Owners from Squatters
June 12, 2024

Baker: Senate Approves Bill to Help Protect Property Owners from Squatters

The Senate today approved legislation to establish more certainty for homeowners, law enforcement and landlords who encounter squatters, announced Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

Baker Introduces Legislation to Equip Deputy Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers with Body Cameras
June 6, 2024

Baker Introduces Legislation to Equip Deputy Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers with Body Cameras

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) recently introduced legislation to authorize deputy law enforcement officers with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Game Commission to wear body cameras.  [Read More]

Baker, Fritz, Olsommer Announce More Than $900,000 for Community Projects
May 22, 2024

Baker, Fritz, Olsommer Announce More Than $900,000 for Community Projects

State grants totaling $929,713 were awarded to local projects through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Reps. Jonathan Fritz (R-111) and Jeff Olsommer (R-139).  [Read More]

Baker, Cabell, Kaufer, Ryncavage Announce More than $3 Million for Community Projects
May 21, 2024

Baker, Cabell, Kaufer, Ryncavage Announce More than $3 Million for Community Projects

State grants totaling $3,183,890 million were awarded to local projects through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Reps. Mike Cabell (R-117), Aaron Kaufer (R-120) and Alec Ryncavage (R-119).  [Read More]

More Than Nostalgia: AM Radio Essential for Public Safety, Free Speech
May 16, 2024

More Than Nostalgia: AM Radio Essential for Public Safety, Free Speech

As we navigate the rapidly advancing digital landscape of our modern world, it’s important to recognize the long-lasting value of AM radio in our society beyond mere nostalgia.  [Read More]

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May 7, 2024

Baker Votes in Favor of Historic Tax Cuts for Working Families

Working families, job creators and energy consumers in Pennsylvania would see their taxes reduced by approximately $3 billion a year under a bill approved by the Senate today, said Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

Baker Votes for Bill to Get Pennsylvanians Off Unemployment and Back to Work
May 3, 2024

Baker Votes for Bill to Get Pennsylvanians Off Unemployment and Back to Work

Unemployed Pennsylvanians who engage in job dodging by sabotaging their own efforts to get hired would jeopardize their Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits under a bill voted for by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) that was recently approved by the Senate.  [Read More]

Senate Acts to Establish Sweeping New Energy Framework to Meet PA’s Power Needs
May 2, 2024

Senate Acts to Establish Sweeping New Energy Framework to Meet PA’s Power Needs

Acting to establish a sweeping new energy framework for Pennsylvania, the Senate approved legislation creating the Independent Energy Office (IEO) and Pennsylvania’s Opportunity with Energy Reliability (POWER) Board, said Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

Argall, Baker, Culver, Flynn Announce $4.3 Million in Grants to Expand Access to High-Speed Internet in Luzerne County
April 18, 2024

Argall, Baker, Culver, Flynn Announce $4.3 Million in Grants to Expand Access to High-Speed Internet in Luzerne County

State Sens. Dave Argall (R-29), Lisa Baker (R-20), Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) and Marty Flynn (D-22) today announced the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is awarding more than $4.3 million in grants to expand access to reliable, high-speed internet in Luzerne County.  [Read More]

Baker, Brown, Flynn Secure More than $23 Million to Improve High-Speed Internet Access in Northeastern Pennsylvania
April 18, 2024

Baker, Brown, Flynn Secure More than $23 Million to Improve High-Speed Internet Access in Northeastern Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced today that northeastern Pennsylvania is being awarded more than $23 million to increase access to reliable, high-speed internet, according to Sens. Lisa Baker (R-20), Rosemary Brown (R-40) and Marty Flynn (D-22).  [Read More]

Baker: Senate Approves Stricter Penalties for Threats Against Schools in Pennsylvania
April 10, 2024

Baker: Senate Approves Stricter Penalties for Threats Against Schools in Pennsylvania

Legislation that would create heightened penalties for individuals who make terroristic threats to a school passed today in the Senate, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

Luzerne Legislators Announce More than Half a Million Dollars  Awarded for County Infrastructure Upgrades
March 26, 2024

Luzerne Legislators Announce More than Half a Million Dollars Awarded for County Infrastructure Upgrades

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Reps. Aaron Kaufer (R-120), and Mike Cabell (R-117) announced today $585,160 in state funding for two infrastructure improvement projects in Luzerne County.  [Read More]

Senate Passes Baker’s Bill Extending Megan’s Law Requirements to Human Traffickers for Enhanced Community Safety
March 20, 2024

Senate Passes Baker’s Bill Extending Megan’s Law Requirements to Human Traffickers for Enhanced Community Safety

The Senate passed legislation that would extend Megan’s Law requirements to human traffickers, according to Sen Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

Baker’s Athletic Training Bills Passed by Senate
March 18, 2024

Baker’s Athletic Training Bills Passed by Senate

Two bills modernizing the capabilities of athletic trainers in Pennsylvania were passed by the Senate today, according to the sponsor, Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).  [Read More]

Baker Issues Statement Following Governor’s Budget Address
February 6, 2024

Baker Issues Statement Following Governor’s Budget Address

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) today issued the following statement regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s annual budget address during a joint session of the General Assembly:  [Read More]

Baker to Serve on Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force
January 9, 2024

Baker to Serve on Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) has been appointed to serve as a member of the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force (the Task Force) established by Act 22 of 2023 to study flood insurance issues and make recommendations to help improve affordability and expand access to coverage.  [Read More]

Saying Goodbye to a Good and Gentle Soul – Pocono Raceway’s Michele Rose Mattioli-Kulick
January 4, 2024

Saying Goodbye to a Good and Gentle Soul – Pocono Raceway’s Michele Rose Mattioli-Kulick

One of my sincere joys in life has been my friendship with the Mattioli family.  We are all aware of the achievements and contributions of the late Drs. Joe and Rose, and the legacy they left.  As we know, their genes for living gracious, generous, and productive lives were passed on to their children and grandchildren.  [Read More]

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