HARRISBURG — The state House this past week passed House Bill 2108, authored by state Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, that would extend protections of Pennsylvania's whistle-blower law to employees of the General Assembly and non-profits/private sector companies who report waste of public dollars by their employer for services or work.In addition to the group of employees covered under this legislation, the proposal would also impose severe penalties on elected officials who violate its provisions. Elected officials found guilty would face a fine of $10,000, currently it is $500, and would be suspended from public office for seven years, currently six months, for preventing 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."State government must work on restoring the public's trust in their elected officials," Ellis said.The bill now goes to the Senate.HARRISBURG — District Judge

Sue Haggerty has again been certified as a member of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System after completion recently of continuing legal education course work.The weeklong instructional program is designed to ensure that district judges remain current in legal topics and management techniques for their district court offices.Continuing education course work is required by law.———The

Slippery Rock Area Democrats will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Sprucewood Commons.Democrats will discuss business pertaining to the elections in May and November.For information call Art Richards at 724-794-5253 or Susan Tenace at 724-421-8028.

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Clayton Crabb, a candidate for the Republican nomination for the 3rd Congressional District, will be at Panera Bread in Butler Commons at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday to talk with residents about issues in that race.