Rick Taylor
State Representative - Pennsylvania's 151st District
Blog
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Taylor brings house insurance committee to district to talk about the Health Care Cost Containment Council
Posted Aug 23 at 12 PM
August 14, 2008
The Health Care Cost Containment Council, an independent agancy, monitors the cost and quality of the state's health care system and prepares public reports on everything from hospital finances and practices to length of hospital stays as well as statistics on mortality rates, infections, complications and readmission rates. . . one newspaper to called it “the best value in state government.”
Hosted by state Rep. Rick Taylor, a Montgomery County Democrat, and chaired by state Rep. Tony DeLuca, a Democrat from Allegheny County, the commission's aim was to collect testimony to bring back to Harrisburg for review. The hearing was the second of the week held in Montgomery Township. Monday's hearings addressed how to help people gain health insurance under Pennsylvania's Access to Basic Care proposal. <read_more>
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Taylor to bring the insurance committee to the district to talk about health insurance
Posted Aug 11 at 7 PM
August 9, 2008
On August 11, State Rep Rick Taylor will bring the state house insurance committee to Montgomery Township to talk about PA ABC which would help uninsured workers and small businesses afford health insurance. Other legislation would prevent insurers of small businesses and individuals from denying affordable coverage to people with pre-existing medical conditions and to women of child bearing years. Both of these bills passed through the house with bi-partisan support and are now waiting for the state senate to act. <read_PA_Health_Access_Networks_email>
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Interview on "Senator Bob Rovner talks to the Stars"
Posted Aug 11 at 7 PM
By Rick
August 4, 2008
On August 2, Senator Bob Rovner and Councilman Frank Rizzo invited me to be interviewed on the WWDB 860 AM radio show “Senator Bob Rovner talks to the Stars.” We started off by discussing consumer rights and the importance using plain language in insurance contracts.
We also discussed my legislation to protect our most vulnerable from sexual predators. I have worked closely with the state District Attorneys Association on eight bills that will provide for closer monitoring of offenders while on parole including GPS and internet activity monitoring and close loopholes in Megan’s Law.
We also spoke about the importance of the future of Willow Grove Naval Air Station for national security and emergency preparedness. It turns out Councilman Rizzo trained at Willow Grove.
Speaking of the past, we also talked about Speaker Dennis O’Brien appointing me to the PA Historical and Museum Commission and the importance of remembering our collective history. Such as the birthplace of top Civil War hero Winfield Scott Hancock in Montgomery Township which is now where an L.A. Fitness sits.
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Speaking at Camp Wellstone
Posted Aug 11 at 6 PM
By Rick
July 28, 2008
On July 27, I was honored to have been asked to share my experiences as a candidate and representative to students at Camp Wellstone when it came to Philadelphia. If you have read my biography, you know I served as an intern for the late Senator Paul Wellstone and consider him an important influence in my philosophy on public service.
Though I spoke for an hour, the speech can be boiled down to this: “If you want to represent people, you need to get out of the office and talk to them. You need to ask them what’s important to them. And you need to wear out your shoes walking where they live.”
Camp Wellstone trains civic activists, progressive candidates and people who want to work on campaigns. Camp Wellstone describes itself as “an intensive and energizing training program that is open to anyone interested in gaining practical skills in progressive political action. Over 16,000 people have graduated from the camps since they began in 2003, and we have held camps in 39 states to date.” To learn more about the program visit www.wellstone.org and click on programs. -
Taylor's Bill would ban legislative bonuses
Posted Aug 10 at 12 PM
July 27, 2008
Taylor's bill addresses a ban only for legislators, and he aims to fast-track it through the legislative process and later focus on banning bonuses elsewhere in state government.
''Let's take away these tools used as political levers,'' he said. ''I think it's easier to get this part done, and we can spend time looking at the other areas that have these problems, too, if there are other areas where it could happen.'' <read_more> -
Interview on "Comment Please"
Posted Aug 09 at 7 PM
By Rick
July 29, 2008
On Friday, July 26, I was happy to be invited by Darryl Berger, WNPV host of "Comment Please," to discuss issues. Mr. Berger gave me the opportunity to discuss the Willow Grove Naval Air Station (NASJRB) - Joint Reserve Base as well as reforms I have supported during my freshman term in the state house.
The Governor's plan is to make Willow Grove NASJRB into a homeland security hub, providing for homeland security and emergency preparedness. It is similar to what the 9/11 Commission suggested be done. I think it is a forward thinking plan.
In June, State Senator Stewart Greenleaf and I brought Governor Rendell to meet with Horsham officials to discuss the future of the base. My goal is to continue to facilitate these meetings so we can create a future for the land that will not negatively affect the quality of life for the residents.
Mr. Berger and I also discussed the reforms I helped bring about so far in my first year and a half in office. Included in these reforms is more transparency of state government. Representatives' votes are now posted online. Because transparency is very important to me, I am one of only a small number of lawmakers to post my expenses online.
We've done a lot to make government more open, but there's still more to do. I support a constitutional convention and re-districting reform and am a strong advocate for campaign finance reform. I have been working with Common Cause (a citizen reform group) to draft campaign finance reform legislation.
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Legislators with high environmental marks
Posted Aug 04 at 7 PM
July 22, 2008
The "Green 6" of Southeastern PA - State Reps Roebuck, Josephs, Lentz, Rick Taylor and Vitali with David Mazur, Director of PennEnvironment
Of the five state representatives in adjacent Montgomery County, one, state Rep. Rick Taylor, D-151, scored a 100 percent.
Only two senators and 13 state representatives scored 100 percent, according to the scorecard. <read_more>
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GPS monitoring for sex predators
Posted Aug 04 at 7 PM
July 22, 2008
Today I stood with the Auditor General and four other law makers to demand the legislature act to protect our most vulnerable citizens. I have already introduced a bill that would provide for GPS monitoring. The bill (H.B. 2612) is now in the House Judiciary Committee.
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PennEnvironment names environmental heroes
Posted Aug 04 at 7 PM
July 21, 2008
PennEnvironment's David Mazur presents the award
PennEnvironment disclosed the "Green 6" of Southeastern PA. I was proud to stand with the other five members of the legislature from the Southeast who were recognized for our 100% environmental voting records. Of the 253 legislators in the state, only 15 achieved a perfect score. "PennEnvironment applauds State Representatives Josephs, Leach, Lentz, Roebuck, Rick Taylor and Vitali for being environmental heroes," said PennEnvironment Director David Masur. The press release is here. The scorecard and description of the votes can be found here.
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Two freshmen lawmakers draft bill to ban legislative bonuses
Posted Aug 04 at 6 PM
July 16, 2008
Two freshman House Democrats are pushing to formally ban bonuses to legislative employees. Reps. Gene DePasquale, D-York, and Rick Taylor, D-Montgomery, are seeking sponsors for a House bill to ban bonuses. <read_more>
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The Budget is signed
Posted Aug 04 at 6 PM
July 5, 2008
On July 4th, Governor Rendell signed the budget with no tax or fee increase.
Highlights of the PA Budget
• Energy - Pennsylvanians are currently sending more than $30 billion per year out-of-state to purchase energy. Investing in energy generated in PA will mean lower bills as well as the creation of new businesses and jobs we need here.
• Education - All schools will see a minimum of a 3 percent increase in their basic education subsidy. We fought for and won an increase in early childhood education.
• Bridges and roads - We are taking seriously investing in our infrastructure. As any homeowner knows: if you don't fix a problem now, it will only be more expensive later. -
PA DEP supports adding BoRit to the National Priorities List
Posted Aug 04 at 6 PM
July 6, 2008
Following my letter requesting that the BoRit asbestos site be added to the National Priorities List, I received word from the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) that they were supporting the effort. The appeals of myself and concerned citizens were answered and should lead to securing further remediation efforts.
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Honoring a fallen Wissahickon firefighter
Posted Aug 04 at 6 PM
June 26, 2008
On June 25, I was joined by the entire state house to honor fallen Wissahickon Firefighter Ray Simons III, who died following an alarm last December. His family as well as Fire Chief John Leadbeater, Capt. Steve Blodgett and Ambler Mayor Bud Wahl were present as the resolution passed unanimously. -
Update June 23
Posted Aug 04 at 6 PM
June 23, 2008
June 13, Governor Rendell and a number of legislators traveled to Ambler and our own Ambler Theater to sign the smoking ban bill. I was proud to stand next to the Governor as he signed the first state-wide smoking ban in PA as an important part of improving the health of Pennsylvanians. This bill goes a long way to protect the health of the people. I applaud Rep Gerber and Senator Greenleaf for their commitment to this fight. <read_the_entire_newsletter>
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Celebrating Ft Washington Fire Company's 100th Anniversary
Posted Aug 04 at 6 PM
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Ft Washington Fire Company's charter, State Representative Rick Taylor was instrumental in having this flag ceremoniously flown at the Capital Building in Harrisburg on April 6th, 2008 exactly 100 years to the day that the charter was signed. Pictured above, Rep Taylor presents the flag to Fire Company President Jeff Fogel, Anniversary Committee Co-Chair Ernie Racz and Co-Chair Gordon Languell. <read_more>
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"Leading the good fight"
Posted Aug 04 at 3 PM
June 16, 2008
State Rep. Rick Taylor, D-151st Dist., said the proposed legislation, which passed the state House with bi-partisan support and is supported by the governor, would provide health insurance for the working poor and for those with pre-existing conditions and provide incentives for small businesses to provide health care for their workers. <read_more>
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Smoking ban takes hold in Pennsylvania
Posted Aug 04 at 3 PM
June 13, 2008
State Rep. Rick Taylor, D-151, whose district includes Ambler, the site of the bill signing, noted prior to the event that he had voted for the bill, which he termed "better than nothing." The bill is a "first step," he said, adding efforts will continue to be made to give municipalities the right to enact stronger measures.
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Lawmakers to gather in Montco to promote health-care plan
Posted Aug 04 at 3 PM
June 12, 2008
A bipartisan group of state legislators will come together today in Montgomery County to urge the state Senate to pass a health-care bill that passed the House in March.
Among them: Democratic County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel; Montgomery County Democratic state Reps. Daylin Leach and Rick Taylor; Republican state Rep. Jay Moyer; and staff from the offices of Democratic Reps. Mike Gerber and Josh Shapiro. <read_more>
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Update for June 9, 2008
Posted Aug 04 at 3 PM
June 9, 2008
We just went national
With the endorsement of 21st Century Dems, this campaign went national. I am honored to be one of nine candidates in the entire country to be endorsed in this round of endorsements. This includes a Governor as well as Senate and Congressional candidates. <read_more> -
Rendell quells concerns on Willow Grove
Posted Aug 04 at 2 PM
June 15, 2008
At the meeting - facilitated by Rep Rick Taylor and Sen Stewart Greenleaf - with Gov. Ed Rendell over his plan to retain the Willow Grove NASJRB as a homeland security hub has temporarily assuaged the fears of Horsham officials.
"For this vision to work, everyone needs to work together," Taylor said. "This meeting was a good starting point." <read_more>
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Rendell meets with Horsham officials on Willow Grove
Posted Aug 02 at 5 PM
June 7, 2008
At the request of Rep Taylor, Governor Rendell came to Philadelphia to meet with Horsham officials to address concerns about the future of Willow Grove Naval Air Station.
“It is my sincere hope that everybody understands that they are doing what's right for their constituency. That it is honorable. It was important that Horsham could hear what the governor was thinking,” Taylor said. <read_more>
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Introducing Women for Rick
Posted Aug 02 at 4 PM
May 28, 2008
The main focus of Women for Rick is to get Rick re-elected to work on the important issues like health care, education and protecting the environment. We plan to do this through volunteer activities, events and recruiting friends and neighbors.
If you haven’t heard from one of the founding members (Linda Hee or Carole Ritting), you can contact me in the campaign office at 215-774-9615 or Jeanne@taylorforpa.com. <read_more> -
Upper Dublin HS groundbreaking
Posted Aug 02 at 3 PM
April 23, 2008
The Upper Dublin community came together to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new high school and watch the fireworks display. <read_more>
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Upper Dublin HS introduces new technology
Posted Aug 02 at 3 PM
April 21, 2008
"It really is amazing to see the technology here that is being applied in the curriculum. We are in a global market and we need to get these tools so we can compete in the future," Taylor said. <read_more>
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Rendell reveals plans for base
Posted Aug 02 at 3 PM
April 12, 2008
"Given the alternatives of turning Willow Grove into a homeland security hub or allowing for suburban sprawl, the governor's announcement reflects the best choice for the quality of life for the citizens of Horsham," Taylor said in a statement. <read_more>
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Campaign Newsletter April 8, 2008
Posted Aug 02 at 3 PM
April 8, 2008
What a great start to the 2008 elections!
We had a great fundraiser with the Governor March 19th. Thank you to all who came out or sent a donation! <read_more> -
Report: Best use for Willow Grove Base is security hub
Posted Jul 29 at 8 PM
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
State Rep. Rick Taylor said he's been a proponent of maintaining the base to address post-Sept. 11 security concerns.
Taylor said his main concern now is making sure that, whatever happens to the base, that the plan is tax-neutral to Horsham residents. He also emphasized that any surplus land ought to have its use determined by Horsham's land reuse authority.
Taylor said Horsham residents have expressed two concerns, first and foremost, about the Willow Grove base: making sure the facility stays up and running, and keeping a civilian airport from clogging the skies with airplanes.
Taylor introduced a bill last July that would prevent a civilian airport from taking over land left by the Navy. <read_more> -
6 ABC covers Willow Grove base
Posted Jul 29 at 8 PM
Monday, March 3, 2008
State Rep Rick Taylor says the plan looks good and his legislation will ban commercial flights into the base. <watch_report_here> -
Navy base plans to be revealed
Posted Jul 29 at 8 PM
Sunday, March 2, 2008
A report on the future of the former Willow Grove military base will be made public Monday, state officials said.
“It gives a few different options on what the footprint would be and what is the economic feasibility of those footprints,” said state Rep. Rick Taylor. <read_more>
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Change in open records is just the first step
Posted Jul 29 at 8 PM
Column by Rick Taylor
Monday, February 25, 2008
"Before taking office in 2006, I argued that the single best reform government could accomplish was to be open and make its activities transparent. In the last year, I backed that argument with active support of effective open records legislation." <read_more> -
Assembly passes new open-records law
Posted Jul 29 at 8 PM
Thursday, February 14, 2008
"I believe taxpayers should have the right to inspect documents," freshman Rep. Rick Taylor, D-151, said. "Most legislatures and even the U.S. Congress exempts themselves, which befuddles me. Openness and transparency ought to be the goal of government." <read_more> -
Strong showing for Taylor
Posted Jul 29 at 8 PM
Thursday, February 12, 2008
With nearly 1200 petition signatures turned in to the state election board, State Rep Rick Taylor collected nearly four times the state required 300 signatures. <read_more> -
House approves open records measure
Posted Jul 29 at 8 PM
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
House members voted 199-0 to pass open records legislation.
Documents at all levels of government would be presumed open, and government officials would have the burden of proving that documents should be kept private. <read_more> -
Taylor in Harrisburg
Posted Jul 29 at 8 PM
Wenesday, February 6, 2008
During his freshman stint in the state House, Taylor, D-151st District, contributed language to a law that would allow seniors to enter a nursing home without having to liquidate their assets to apply for Medicaid.
He submitted a bill that would strengthen legal control over convicted sexual predators, and worked to prevent private airplanes from using the Willow Grove Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, which the military is scheduled to close in 2010.
“I do what’s best for my district.” <read_more> -
Three Montco Reps answer questions January 31
Posted Jul 29 at 8 PM
Monday, February 4, 2008 - Above Average Jane blog
Report on a multi-legislator forum hosted by League of Women Voters of Abington, Cheltenham and Jenkintown, and Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. Legislators attending were Rick, Rep Shapiro and Rep Curry. <read> -
Comment Please from January 18, 2008
Posted Jul 29 at 8 PM
Monday, January 21, 2008 - Above Average Jane
Transcript of a program broadcast on Friday 1/18. <read> -
Stop gap funding for hazardous sites
Posted Jul 29 at 8 PM
Wednesday, December 4, 2007
"It's beyond me why we have not been able to reach an accord," said State Rep. Rick Taylor (D., Montgomery), whose own bill to keep the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund afloat never made it to a vote this year. "We're talking about the safety of people . . . remediation of brownfields . . . people's jobs." <read_more> -
Stopgap funding for hazard sites
Posted Jul 29 at 7 PM
Wednesday, December 4, 2007
"It's beyond me why we have not been able to reach an accord," said State Rep. Rick Taylor (D., Montgomery), whose own bill to keep the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund afloat never made it to a vote this year. "We're talking about the safety of people . . . remediation of brownfields . . . people's jobs." -
Lawmakers seek $30M for environmental cleanup
Posted Jul 29 at 7 PM
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
“I don't see much other option to fully fund [the program] the way it needs to be,” Taylor said. “You are not taking away money from anybody and you are not raising taxes. This is money that is already surplus.” <read_more> -
PARC Hails Bill to Fund Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Posted Jul 29 at 7 PM
Monday, September 17, 2007
Pennsylvania Alliance for Restoration and Conservation (PARC) said that they were pleased by today’s introduction of HB 1810 which would use $30 million of the state’s budget surplus to fund the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program (HSCA) for this fiscal year. The bill was introduced by Rep. Rick Taylor (D-Montgomery) and Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) with 76 bi-partisan co-sponsors. <read_more> -
PA lawmaker advocates for updates to Megan's Law
Posted Jul 29 at 7 PM
Thursday, August 16, 2007
“This bill makes a provision for any solicitation online can be a criminal offense...” Taylor said. In addition, Taylor’s bill would forbid a convicted sex offender from living within twenty-five hundred feet of an elementary school, daycare and public parks. And while on parole, those convicted of offenses against a minor would have to wear an electronic monitoring device. <read_more> -
Rick Taylor's Planned Legislation on PA's Megan's Law - Above
Posted Jul 29 at 7 PM
Average Jane blog
Tuesday, August 14, 2006
State Rep Rick Taylor (D-151) is preparing legislation to close loopholes in Megan's Law. <read_more> -
House OKs Willow Grove civilian flight ban
Posted Jul 29 at 7 PM
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Rep. Rick Taylor, D-Montgomery County, introduced the legislation that would ban regularly scheduled commercial passenger or cargo flights and other nonmilitary operations at the base.
“We are very proud of Willow Grove Air Station,” he said. “We would love to see it continue. However, we don't buy into that it has to become a commercial air operation.” <read_more> -
Air base bill glides past House panel
Posted Jul 29 at 7 PM
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
A bill that would ensure that the Willow Grove base's runway is never used by commercial and cargo planes sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Rick Taylor passed unanimously Monday in the House Transportation Committee.
It further states that the property will be used by the Pennsylvania National Guard, Department of Defense components, federal, state and local government agencies and associated users to perform national defense, homeland security and emergency preparedness missions. <read_more> -
Lawmakers to limit air traffic at new security hub
Posted Jul 29 at 7 PM
June 4, 2007
“My neighbors don’t want to see a loaded 747 landing in their backyard,” said Taylor, who represents the 151st District which includes the base. <read_more> -
Personal Care Home Problems
Posted Jul 29 at 7 PM
May 30, 2007
State Rep. Rick Taylor, who represents sections of Montgomery County, will introduce legislation in the next few weeks to bolster the number of state inspectors to help address the backlog. <read_more> -
Join the Campaign
Posted Jul 20 at 12 PM
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