State Senate Republicans this week re-elected their leadership team, which includes two Butler County lawmakers, for the 2005-06 legislative session.

Sen. Bob Robbins, R-50th, will serve as majority caucus secretary. Robbins, in the post, will deal with all executive nominations submitted to the Senate for approval.

He will coordinate the review of the background and experience of nominees and ensure that proper documentation is submitted.

Sen. Mary Jo White, R-21st, as majority caucus administrator, will be responsible for scheduling activities before the caucus and working with Senate leaders to set the agenda and advance Republican policy.

Others retained to serve in leadership posts are Sen. Robert Jubelirer, R-Blair, president pro tempore; Sen. David Brightbill, R-Lebanon, majority leader, Sen. Jeff Piccola, R-Dauphin, majority whip; and Sen. Noah Wenger, R-Lancaster, majority caucus chairman.

State Rep. Frank LaGrotta, D-10th, is co-sponsoring legislation that would allow Pennsylvania residents to buy prescription drugs from pharmacies in Canada or the United Kingdom.

"Prescription drug prices have become so inflated over the past few years; Pennsylvanians really should have the opportunity to shop around for the best prices," LaGrotta said in a news release. "As far as safety concerns go, the FDA has never given proof that prescription drugs from Canada or the U.K. are more dangerous than those purchased in the U.S."

According to LaGrotta, other states have already taken steps to allow residents to buy their medications from other countries.

"The fact of the matter is that patients in these countries haven't been hit with an epidemic of tainted medications," said LaGrotta in the news release.

"If Pennsylvanians can get safe medications at a lower cost in Canada or Europe, I think it's only fair that they be allowed to."