State Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, announced Wednesday that the House of Representatives this week passed five of the 15 bills in the Keystone Manufacturing Initiative package."With the passage of the Career Development Credit bill on March 29 and now these five bills, the House has shown overwhelming support for this legislation and I hope that the members will be just as supportive of the remaining bills when they are up for vote," Ellis said.The bills approved this week would reform the state's business tax structure, make interest earned in Health Savings Accounts and withdrawals free of state income tax, and provide a tax credit to small businesses offering employee health insurance benefits through new Health Savings Accounts.Additionally, state agencies would have to consider the negative impact on small businesses before imposing regulatory mandates under another measure that passed.Ellis, a third-generation small-business owner, said he recognizes the benefits the bills would provide to employers while strengthening Pennsylvania's manufacturing industry.For more information about the bills in the KMI package, visit www.PaJobPlan.com.---U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, last week joined with two other House colleagues in unveiling a measure that would require more frequent reporting by independent political groups known as 527 organizations."It is well established that 527s accepted and spent hundreds of millions of dollars to influence the outcome of the 2004 election," English said. "The campaign organizations which are in the same business as 527s have to report their expenditures monthly, while 527s only have to report quarterly."English, joined by U.S. Reps.

Clay Shaw, R-Fla., and

Mark Foley, R-Fla., said the 527 Transparency Act of 2005 would correct "this double standard."The measure would put 527 groups in line with other political organizations and require them to disclose contributions and expenditures with the same regularity. In addition, 527 groups would have to begin to file reports with the Federal Election Commission.---The state Senate Tuesday adopted a resolution introduced by Sen.

Don White, R-41st, honoring the American Gold Star Mothers.The organization was established in 1928 to unite the mothers of American servicemen and women killed in combat."Even as the continued unrest in Iraq and in Afghanistan remind us of the service of our men and woman in uniform, it is also important that we honor the mothers who have made the ultimate sacrifice," said White, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.---State Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, and office staffers will attend Buffalo Township Community Day on Sunday at the Lernerville Speedway to discuss matters of state government with constituents.The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.Meanwhile, Ellis reminds residents that the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will sponsor its 2005 "Fish for Free Days" on May 28 and June 5.On these days, the Fish and Boat Commission will allow anyone to legally fish for some of Pennsylvania's top in-season species such as trout, walleye and panfish at no cost.Although normal licensing requirements will be waived on the Fish for Free Days, anglers must still follow the normal rules and regulations, specifically those dealing with seasons, sizes and creel limits.For more information regarding details surrounding the days' events or tips to help plan for a successful day of fishing, access the state Fish and Boat Commission's Web site at www.fish.state.pa.us.