Fall 2018
SIGNING OFF
After eight years of serving as your representative in the
Pennsylvania General Assembly, I will be ending my tenure
on Nov. 30. I want to first start by thanking my constituents,
who have made this responsibility much more sacred with
the respect and courtesy you’ve shown me.
Eight years ago, I made my way to the Legislature through
hard work and several promises to all of you. You elected
me under a few principles I stood for - not raising taxes, not
taking a pension, trying to eliminate the school property
tax, bringing the Castle Doctrine to the Commonwealth,
defending the unborn, and reforming government. I’m
proud to say I delivered on all these promises.
During my tenure, I didn’t vote for one tax increase. I led
the fight against Gov. Tom Wolf’s $5 billion tax increase and
voted against Gov. Tom Corbett’s gas tax, even under great
pressure. I have always thought about the hard-working
individuals in my district, people with who I interact on
a daily basis, and thought of what it would do to their
families, their livelihoods if we invaded their wallets with
more taxes.
By knocking on all those doors and meeting you at
events, I realized your No.1 concern was soaring property
taxes. This issue especially affected our senior citizens, who
after years of paying for their homes, found themselves in
financial ruin because of increasing property taxes. Last
November, voters approved a constitutional amendment
which allows local districts to exempt 100 percent of the
assessed value of their homes. I co-sponsored and pushed
this legislation. I still support House Bill 76, which would
eliminate school property tax completely and replace the
revenue with a 1 percent increase in sales tax. It’s what you
told me you wanted and I have worked tirelessly on this
issue.
I kept my promise to defend the Second Amendment
and in 2011, we enacted the Castle Doctrine which has
been a complete success. You also sent me to Harrisburg
to make our communities safer, something that I’ve taken
as a sacred responsibility. Just last year, my legislation
(Act 67 of 2017) was signed into law which allows the
state attorney general the authority to use administrative
subpoenas to identify child sex predators transmitting
child pornography. It has been extremely successful in
removing hundreds of child sex predators from the streets.
I promised to privatize the liquor stores and we have been
able to move wine and beer into grocery and convenience
stores, which is a huge step toward total privatization. You
told me to shrink the size of the Legislature and I voted five
times for this constitutional amendment which looks like it
RepSaccone.com • Facebook.com/RepSaccone
may make it to the voters for final approval next year. We
also passed drug testing for welfare recipients, an issue
that a majority of you wanted to see approved.
I have kept my promise to veterans, from adopting the
veteran’s designation on driver’s licenses, to exempting 100
percent disabled veterans from property tax, to placing a
veteran on the Civil Service Commission to help returning
veterans find jobs. Two pieces of my legislation, which
made stolen valor a crime and added new decorations to
our military and veterans service, became law in 2017. All
the while, I have been actively speaking at veteran events
and creating our highly popular veterans’ picnic each year.
I refused the state pension and reduced my official
spending, actually giving money back each session.
In the last eight years my wife, Yong, and I have
attended over 1,500 local events, including Eagle Scout
presentations, community days, parades, 100th birthday
parties, firefighter’s banquets and many more. We have
served you with all our hearts. As I sign off with my last
official newsletter, I want to thank you for the privilege to
serve you. Yong and I will never forget this opportunity,
and we will stay active in the community. Thank you for the
gratitude and the respect you’ve shown us. It’s been a high
honor to represent the 39th District in Harrisburg.
God Bless,
Rick IR
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IB IN D E P E N DE
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In God We Trust
I was proud to secure funding for the Venetia Bridge project in 2016.
This widened the bridge to two lanes and alleviated traffic concerns.
 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Protecting Our Babies
Looking to protect our babies, I have introduced
legislation that would halt abortions if a physician
detects a heartbeat from the baby. This bill has been
nationally recognized as the “Heartbeat Bill.”
As you may be aware, the federal government is
moving legislation which would create an upper limit
on abortion at 20 weeks. While this is a significant
move in the right direction, the fact is, that even at
20 weeks, abortion stops a baby’s beating heart.
My legislation would require all physicians,
before proceeding with an abortion, to determine
whether the baby has a heartbeat. If a heartbeat is
detected, then the abortion cannot be performed.
If a heartbeat is detected, the baby is protected.
You may have heard the slogan that “Abortion stops
a beating heart,” but as with the federal legislation
introduced in Congress, a beating heart will stop
abortion!
This legislation will be another great rallying cry
for us to save babies around this state and possibly
around the nation.
Property Tax Elimination Update
Legislation that would eliminate school property taxes for
Pennsylvania’s 500 public school systems was reintroduced in both the
House and Senate earlier this session. Both bills are currently under
committee consideration.
Otherwise known as the Property Tax Independence Act, the
legislation would replace the revenue generated by the property tax
for public schools with an increase to the Personal Income Tax rate
from 3.07 percent to 4.95 percent and an increase in the Sales and Use
Tax from 6 percent to 7 percent. The tax would also be expanded to
cover more goods and services that are currently exempt. It also would
require future increases in school spending to be approved by a voter
referendum.
In addition, legislation has been introduced related to the passage
of a constitutional amendment last November that would allow local
governments to exclude up to the full assessed value of a primary
residence from a homeowner’s tax bill. House Bill 2329 would increase
the Personal Income Tax to cover the amount needed to offset the loss
of that revenue.
Property tax elimination remains a priority for me, and I will continue
working with my House colleagues to provide relief for homeowners in
our district and across the state.

MAJOR PROMISES KEPT

Since I took the oath of office, I’ve promised to stand up for the taxpayer, your Second Amendment rights, the Castle Doctrine,
shrinking the Legislature and much more. I have never wavered from those principles during my time as your representative.
Here’s how I voted on some of the major issues facing our Commonwealth during my term:
Act 10 of 2011– Castle Doctrine – Known as the Castle Doctrine, this law addresses the right to use force, including deadly
force, in self-defense and the defense of others. It contains several topics dealing with self-defense.
Voted: ✓ YES

House Bill 2138 (2017) - Welfare Work Requirement - Under the bill, able-bodied citizens enrolled in MA would either have to
be employed or attending a job training program for 20 weeks or more, or complete 12 job training program-related activities
in a month.
Voted: ✓ YES

Act 22 of 2011 – Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients - Makes several reforms, including drug testing recipients, to the state’s
welfare system to help protect taxpayers by curbing waste, fraud and abuse within the system.
Voted: ✓ YES

Act 5 of 2017 – Pension Reform - Shifts the risk of future pension cost explosions from taxpayers to the pension beneficiaries.
Voted: ✓ YES

Act 89 of 2013 – Gas Tax - Under this new, gasoline prices have gone up about 28 cents over the next four or five years.
Voted: X NO

House Bill 153 (2018) – Shrinking the Legislature - Reduces the size of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 203
members to 151 members.
Voted: ✓ YES

Senate Bill 3 (2018) – Dismemberment/Abortion - Legislation amending the Abortion Control Act to reduce the maximum
gestational age for legal abortions from 24 to 20 weeks.
Voted: ✓ YES

Act 43 of 2011 – Fireworks Law – Allows residents to purchase and use consumer grade fireworks, which were previously
banned.
Voted: ✓ YES

Act 39 of 2016 – Liquor Code Amendment – Allows wine sales in grocery stores for the first time since Prohibition. Under the
new legislation, stores that are already licensed to sell beer can purchase permits to sell wine. Act 39 will also loosen restrictions
on direct shipment of wine to customers.
Voted: ✓ YES
 OUT AND ABOUT!

At a highway dedication, I had the honor

This summer, I attended a press conference at the of recognizing Gen. Carl “Tooey” Spaatz, a
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Pennsylvania native, who was the first chief of
Council No. 57 to kick off “Construction Opioid Awareness staff of the United States Air Force.
Week” in Pennsylvania. House Resolution 981 works in concert Gen. Spaatz commanded the Allied air
with an effort by the Keystone Contractors Association, which campaign against the Nazis. After retiring from
has partnered with the National Safety Council, to organize the Air Force, Gen. Spaatz served as the first
educational resources and promote awareness of the problem chairman of the Civil Air Patrol National Board.
and potential solutions. Industry and labor groups, including It is imperative that we recognize our nation’s
the trade unions, chose this week as it is the height of the heroes, especially ones who are in our own
construction season. backyard.
I have spent much effort battling the opioid crisis. We
have passed 12 major pieces of legislation to help combat
the nation’s growing opioid epidemic. I have also attended
hearings across the state, worked with drug companies
and health care providers, law enforcement and ambulance
companies to find a soulition to this problem that has plagued
our Commonwealth for far too long.

→ I presented the Ringgold Rams Boys Baseball team with a

House citation in recognition of winning their first-ever PIAA
State Class 4A Baseball Championship. Congrats boys!

← At a press conference this summer, I restated my intent

to fight to reduce the size of the General Assembly. I have
supported legislation to do so since taking the oath of office
in 2011.
We need to listen to the people of our Commonwealth,
who have voiced their over-whelming support in favor of
Legislature reduction. To hear my thoughts on this topic, visit
the homepage of www.RepSaccone.com.

← It was my honor to help secure an $80,000 grant

for the Bethel Park Police Department, which helped
construct this state-of-the-art firing range. This grant is
well deserved and will allow easier means for training.

→ I stood with A.B.A.T.E and their supporters in giving motorcyclist

the freedom of choice in the use of helmets at a rally this summer.
 2018-19 BUDGET UPDATE
I voted in support of the 2018-19 state budget bill. Once again, our PA House GOP has avoided raising taxes, which is what
Gov. Wolf has called for over the last four years. The last thing our hard-working taxpayers need is the government/governor
invading their wallet.
Overall, this budget is the product of a booming state economy, thanks in large part to President Donald J. Trump.
The $32.7 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2018-19 is just 1.7 percent higher than last year’s budget – an increase below
the rate of inflation – and it does not raise taxes or fees on hard-working Pennsylvanians. This budget is also putting money into
the Rainy Day Fund for the first time since the Great Recession of 2006-07. Improvement in the national economy and restrained
state spending over the past three years have helped put our Commonwealth on a solid path to financial stability.
Funding for education has never been higher. The budget invests $100 million more for basic education, $25 million more for
early childhood education and an additional $15 million for special education. This equates to $12.3 billion for prekindergarten
through 12th-grade education.
The budget includes a 3 percent increase for Pennsylvania’s
state-related universities and community colleges; a 3.3 General Fund Spending | 2018-19 #PABudget
percent boost for the State System of Higher Education; and
$32.7 Billion
$30 million more for career and technical education.
The budget also includes a new, $60 million initiative to ensure
Pennsylvania’s children are in a safe learning environment Criminal
Justice
tailored to their needs and are available for: $2.5
All Other 8%
- School resource officers; Debt Service $2.5
$1.1 9%
- Metal detectors. 3% PreK-12 Education
- School safety assessments. $12.3
38%
- Facility upgrades and more.
Recognizing that each school’s needs are different, the
block grants, to be distributed to schools throughout the Health & Human
Services
Commonwealth, can be used for a variety of tools to fight All Other Spending: $12.1
Agriculture 37% Higher
violence, including metal detectors, school resource officers, DEP Education
school safety assessments and preplanning, and other DCNR
Judiciary
$1.7
5%
upgrades to ensure a safe learning environment. State Police
DCED
With many ambulance companies in our area and across Legislature
the state struggling financially, I’m pleased to report the 2018- Etc. (billions)

19 budget includes funding for a much-needed increase in

Medicaid reimbursements for these life-saving services.
This is great news for our emergency responders, and for each and every one of us who rely on them to answer the call for
help.
I will continue to work on other initiatives to help our EMS, fire and police forces.
The budget also includes funds to help protect communities by training more state police troopers, caring for those with
intellectual disabilities and supplying services for families affected by the opioid crisis.

Thank you to all of our emergency responders for their hard work and commitment to saving lives!

Rep. Rick Saccone Serving the 39th Legislative District

MAIN OFFICE:
1002 Old Hickory Lane, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025
Phone: 412-653-1025
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
District Office Manager: Char Tibbitt
Constituent Outreach Specialists: Lisa Gosliak
and Melissa Barclay
Finleyville Borough Building
3515 Washington Ave., Finleyville
By appointment only; call 412-653-1025 to schedule.
Forward Township Borough Building
1000 Golden Circle Drive, Elizabeth
By appointment only; call 412-653-1025 to schedule.

Email: rsaccone@pahousegop.com Bethel Park Municipal Building

Online at: www.RepSaccone.com 5100 W. Library Ave., Bethel Park
www.Facebook.com/RepSaccone By appointment only; call 412-653-1025 to schedule.

SATELLITE OFFICES: Harrisburg Office:

Elizabeth Township Municipal Building Room 430 Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202239
522 Rock Run Road, Elizabeth Harrisburg, PA 17120
Second and fourth Tuesday of each month, Phone: 717-260-6122
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Harrisburg Secretary: Chelsea Harlfinger