This week, the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus discussed its prioritization of COVID-19 relief, and ensuring robust vaccine deployment in light of Governor Tom Wolf’s budget proposal that increases the state’s Personal Income Tax by 46% on working Pennsylvanians and small businesses.  The House is expected to pass Senate Bill 109, legislation appropriating nearly $1 billion to small businesses, the hospitality industry, and those needing rent and utility assistance. The plan also includes a grant program for the hospitality industry funded by $145 million from the Workers Compensation Security Fund.  The House is also expected to take up and pass House Bill 326, which would utilize the Pennsylvania National Guard in developing vaccine distribution infrastructure.

A Selinsgrove man has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault after a domestic incident Tuesday in Snyder County.  The incident happened on South Old Trail in Monroe Township.  State Police say 43-year-old Dustin Albright physically and sexually assaulted a female victim over the course of several hours.  Albright was placed in the Snyder County Jail after failing to post $150,000 bail.  

PennDOT is partnering with pizzerias in Centre, Clinton, Elk and McKean counties to urge designated driving ahead of Sunday’s matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The partnership coincides with a national impaired driving enforcement campaign running today through Sunday, February 7th. While party plans for the big game may be different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PennDOT urges responsible party hosting. For more information on the dangers and consequences of impaired driving, visit www.penndot.gov/safety.