The state House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation sponsored by Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, that would extend protections of Pennsylvania’s whistleblower law to employees of nonprofits and private sector companies that receive money from a public entity.The measure is a component of the House Republicans’ Pennsylvania Agenda for Trust in Harrisburg reform package.“This legislation would permit employees to participate in and cooperate with investigations involving their employer for alleged misuse and abuse of taxpayer dollars without fear of retaliation,” Ellis said.“State government must put policies and mechanisms in place to prevent misuse of public dollars and weed out illegal, corrupt behavior.”In addition to the group of employees covered under Ellis bill, it would impose severe penalties on employers that violate its provisions.Those found guilty would face a fine of $10,000, currently $500, and would be banned from receiving public money for a period of seven years, currently six months, for interfering with disclosure of criminal activity.In addition, the bill would require the courts to award attorney and witness fees to employees who prevail in a civil action.The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.———State Sen.

Mary Jo White, R-21st, joined in a news conference for legislation that would create a new class of corporation in Pennsylvania.The bill, sponsored by Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery, would provide for the recognition of Benefit Corporations businesses that have the ability to more positively impact their communities.The Benefit Corporation class would reclassify the fiduciary duties of corporation directors, allowing them to take nonfinancial interests into consideration when making decisions for the corporation.She said this would “establish a new voluntary class of corporation that would be appealing to those investors looking for dividends that go beyond financial to include a host of needs such as education, housing, health and the environment.”Under the measure, companies that see value in making a positive social and environmental impact on their communities would be able to make those “for benefit” operations part of their corporate mission. Other corporation classes do not allow directors to take not-for-profit benefits into account.Under the new corporate classification model, Benefit Corporations could not be held liable for lost monetary value as a result of socially-conscious decisions made.“Simply put, this legislation would allow businesses to use their power and influence to solve social and environmental problems without needing to muddle through red tape and the current corporate legal environment,” Leach said.———The Butler County Republican Committee on Feb. 24 will host a caucus at 6:30 p.m. at Butler Days Inn on Route 8 in Butler Township.Republican candidates for county office in 2011 can speak.Candidates for county row offices, commissioner and magisterial district court may participate. They should register by calling committee chairman

Art Rauschenberger at 724-287-2794.