The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday voted to repeal the medical device tax set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2013.

The Healthcare Cost Reduction Act (H.R. 436), introduced by Congressman Jason Altmire, D-4th, and Congressman Erik Paulsen of Minnesota repeals the 2.3 percent tax imposed on U.S. manufacturers and importers of medical devices ranging from tongue depressors and lab equipment to pacemakers and MRI machines.

The tax was created in 2010 as part of the health care reform law.

“Southwestern Pennsylvania is a hotbed of medical device innovation. I’ve toured many of these companies and seen firsthand how development of new medical technologies is creating jobs and improving healthcare delivery,” Altmire said. “This tax would stifle American innovation, cost American jobs, and reduce patient access to life-saving devices.”

Marshal Linder, president and COO of medical device maker ZOLL’s Pittsburgh division, said, “We know this bad policy will destroy jobs here in Western Pennsylvania, and we thank Congressman Altmire for his hard work building support for these efforts, and his tireless outreach working with our region’s innovators and job-creators.”

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The state House of Representatives this week approved legislation to reform the state’s unemployment compensation system, House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-28th, said.

According to Turzai’s bill, the measure would provide long-term solvency to the state’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.

The bill now heads to the governor for his signature.

Turzai said, “This legislation will eliminate our $4 billion debt to the federal government and provide important reforms to keep the unemployment compensation fund solvent for the future to ensure dollars are available for workers in need.”

He said that Pennsylvania employers are paying the federal debt through an interest surcharge.

Under the legislation, the state would borrow $4.5 billion to pay down the debt with employer contributions paying for the newly borrowed money — saving employers about $175 million to $200 million.

The new debt, Turzai said, should be paid off in 2019.

He said that no unemployment benefits for current recipients will be reduced. Beginning next year, the measure would freeze the maximum weekly benefit of $573 through 2019.

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The deadline to file for the state Property/Tax Rent Rebate program has been extended to Dec. 31, according to state Rep. Dick Stevenson, R-8th.

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2007.

The program benefits people who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities.

Eligibility income limits for homeowners were expanded to these levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

• $0 and $8,000 — $650 rebate, homeowners and renters.

• $8,001 to $15,000 — $500 rebate, homeowners and renters.

• $15,001 to $18,000 — $300 rebate, homeowners only.

• $18,001 to $35,000 — $250 rebate, homeowners only.

Rebate claim forms are available by contacting the office or visiting the Web site of any state legislator.