The state House of Representatives on Monday approved a bill sponsored by state Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, that calls for a sales tax holiday to promote energy conservation.Pennsylvanians would save money on certain energy-efficient home appliances bought during the first full week of December and the first full week of May, according to the measure."By creating a sales tax holiday for two weeks, one in the late spring and one in early winter, Pennsylvanians who are thinking of purchasing a new dishwasher, refrigerator or other appliance for their home can save money by choosing one that is considered to be environmentally friendly," Ellis said.He said elimination of the sales tax on those items for two weeks would put roughly $2 million in savings back in the pockets of Pennsylvanians.The bill has been referred to the Senate for consideration.State Rep.

Frank LaGrotta, D-10th, said the House of Representatives this week approved an amendment he sponsored to protect Pennsylvania children from repeat sex offenders."My amendment would add sexual abuse of a child to the list of crimes that stays on a person's record forever," LaGrotta said.He said that under current law, sex crimes against children are among the crimes that can be expunged from one's criminal record after an abuser successfully completes an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program.LaGrotta's amendment was attached to legislation that passed unanimously in the House and is presently in the state Senate for consideration.U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, on Tuesday called for the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, during a speech to the Institute for International Economics in Washington."Now, more than decade old, the significant shortcomings of the trilateral agreement have become apparent," said English, a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee."Having gained additional experience in developing effective trade negotiations since NAFTA was signed, I believe we must join together and create an agreement that will strengthen, not hinder, out trading relations."NAFTA, which took effect Jan. 1, 1994, removed most barriers to trade and investment among the United States, Canada, and Mexico.English said the United States, Canada and Mexico should work to make improvements to NAFTA, arguing that the agreement has failed to deliver fully on its promises.U.S.

Melissa Hart, R-4th, and U.S. Sen.

Rick Santorum, R-Pa., introduced legislation Wednesday designed to remove technical barriers to the tax code and spur research and development in the biotechnology industry.The Biotechnology Future Investment Expansion Act of 2005 would serve as a catalyst for innovation for start-up biotechnology firms and boost job creation by giving these companies more flexibility to use operating losses as tax deductions."By helping companies invest in research and development, the biotechnology industry can be an engine for job growth in Pennsylvania as they take advantage of the amazing research facilities and talent pool we have in our state," Hart said."By updating this provision in the tax code to meet the unique needs of the biotechnology sector," Santorum said, "these companies will be encouraged to invest in the research and development of new pharmaceuticals and vaccinations which could lead to treatments and cures for devastating diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, AIDS, and Parkinson's.State Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, was recently appointed to two subcommittees on the House Finance Committee to examine various tax reform proposals during the special legislative session dealing with property taxes.Ellis has been named to both the Subcommittee on Property Tax Reduction and the Subcommittee on Income Tax Initiatives.Ellis, a member of the Finance Committee, is one of two freshmen House members to be assigned to a special subcommittee.During the special session, which officially began Sept. 28, the state Senate and House finance committees will examine all of the property tax proposals that have been introduced, the pros and cons of each, and the time each package needs to deliver viable relief to taxpayers.For information about any of the property tax legislative proposals, contact Ellis' office at 724-283-5852, or visit his Web site atwww.RepEllis.com.U.S. Sen.

Rick Santorum, R-Pa., this week announced that the Senate Agriculture Committee took a major step to extend the Milk Income Loss Contract Program that expired at the end of September.The extension, introduced by Santorum, would run through 2007 when Congress plans to consider all major farm programs, if approved by the full Senate and House.The Milk Income Loss Contract Program supplements dairy producers during market downturns by providing dairy farmers with a compensatory payment whenever the minimum monthly market price of milk falls below a trigger price.District Judge

Clifford Woessner of Slippery Rock has been recertified as a member of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System following completion of his 2005 continuing legal education work.The weeklong instruction program is required for all district judges.