Latest news with #LouSchmitt
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania rep. introduces legislation to protect cemeteries from eminent domain
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A proposed Pennsylvania bill would prevent government agencies from using eminent domain to acquire cemetery land. Following public outcry over the suggestion that Blair County Commissioners could use eminent domain to acquire land beside the Alto-Reste cemetery a local representative has introduced legislation. Representative Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) is set to introduce legislation titled the Hallowed Ground Bill. This comes as Blair County Commissioners look to build a new prison in the county. The current one has multiple problems and they've been looking for proper spaces to potentially build a new one. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Blair County residents petition against proposed new jail site Whilst commissioners have since tabled the discussion to use eminent domain to acquire a portion of the Alto-Reste Park Schmitt still feels as though protective legislation may help in the future. 'The people of the district and all of Blair County have been very vocal in their opposition to this plan. I have heard directly from them and so have the commissioners,' Schmitt said. 'It appears the only course forward is a legislative approach to protecting cemeteries.' Under current law, portions of cemeteries where burial plots are occupied are protected from eminent domain. However, a loophole exists that allows government agencies to obtain unused parts of cemeteries. Schmitt's bill would not permit eminent domain to be used on any cemetery property. Schmitt hopes to introduce the bill in the coming days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Proposed bill would improve transparency, protect Pennsylvania seniors
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A bill that has been advanced to the Pennsylvania House is hoping to improve transparency and protect older adults across the Commonwealth. The legislation, House Bill 372, was advanced out of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee with bipartisan support. It would require that the Department of Aging list any local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that is not compliant with regulations and corresponding corrective action plans on its website. Pennsylvania to join 17 states that have 'state pledge' if bill passes According to Representative Lou Schmitt (R-Blair), the Department of Aging had kept non-compliant AAAs from public view, releasing information once a year in a report that is rarely, if ever, seen by the public. Adding that he wants more transparency from the department. 'As representatives, there are many areas where we can make a positive difference. From my perspective, there's nothing more important than keeping our citizens safe and free from abuse and financial exploitation. My legislation will promote transparency and demonstrate areas where more work is needed,' Schmitt said. In a release, he added that as many as one-third of the 52 Pennsylvania AAAs have been out of compliance with state regulations. The legislation is now in the full House for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
