PA Capitol Digest Blog: May 2011

May 31, 2011

Tuesday NewsClips

Op-Ed: No Magic Bullet To Improve Education
Temple Bracing For 25 Percent Cut In State Aid
No Texting Bill Faces Political Roadblocks
Will New Self-Defense Laws Increase Safety?
LCB Urges Responsible Drinking At Sporting Events
Santorum To Announce Run For President
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips

May 30, 2011

Monday NewsClips

Changes Sought To Health Plans Of PA Lawmakers
Corman: Senate Might Increase Higher Ed Spending
State Dems To Remind Voters Of GOP Budget
Clock Is Ticking For Jobless Benefits
Perry Contests Ad Saying He Wants To Punish Jobless
New Corrections Secretary Wants To Change PA Prisons
Applicants' Unsavory Links Scrubbed Gaming Investigation Finds
Op-Ed: Embrace Change In PA Education System
Editorial: School Mergers, The State Must Sweeten The Deal
Malpractice Cases Decline, Providers Want More Changes
Montco GOP Donors Open Their Pockets To Democrats
Good Samaritan Bill Offers Some Protections For Underage Drinkers
Legislators Take On Religious Garb In Classrooms
Capitol Matters: To Tax Or Not To Tax
Click Here for today's of Environmental NewsClips

May 27, 2011

May 30 PA Environment Digest Now Available

May 30 PA Environment Digest now available. Click Here to print Digest.

Penncrest High School Wins 2011 Pennsylvania Envirothon

Penncrest High School in Delaware County took home first place honors in the 2011 Pennsylvania Envirothon this week at Susquehanna University and Shikellamy State Park. Rounding out the top 10 teams were:

-- York Homeschoolers, York County;

-- Blue Mountain High School, Schuylkill County;

-- Carmichaels Area High School, Greene County:

-- MMI Preparatory, Luzerne County;

-- Bald Eagle High School, Centre County;

-- Warren Area High School, Warren County;

-- Oley Valley High School, Berks County;

-- Emmaus High School, Lehigh County; and

-- Palmyra High School, Lebanon County.

The Pennsylvania Envirothon awarded scholarships to the first, second, and third place teams. The scholarships were sponsored by The Hershey Company and EXCO Resources (PA). Each of the top ten teams received a plaque and other prizes. Click Here to read more...

Friday NewsClips

Gambling Oversight May Move Under AG
Grand Jury Criticizes Gaming Board Over Casino Probe
Editorial: Gaming Board Should Take Recommendations Seriously
Editorial: Gaming Board Games
Editorial: PA Sits On Tax Reserves, Needs Go Unmet
Editorial: Corbett Could Land With Egg On His Face
Spending Per Pupil In PA Reached $12,512 In 08
Editorial: Give Taxpayers A Chance At Bat
Perry's Loss, Could Be Gordner's Gain On Unemployment Fund
Freshman Lawmaker Wants To Reduce Size Of Legislature
Recount To Begin For Commonwealth Court Seat
Santorum To Announce Presidential Bid In June
June 6: D-Day For Santorum In State
PA Court Strikes Down Sex Offender Law
Scarnati Defends Marcellus Impact Fee
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips

May 26, 2011

Thursday NewsClips

Grand Jury's Scathing Casino Report Sparks State Hearings
Gaming Board Spends Thousands On Probe Defense
Gaming Report: Public Wasn't Protected
Gaming Board Lawyer Was There For DeNaples
Senate Dems Worried Conaboy Wouldn't Play Ball
Editorial: Grand Jury Calls For Fixes In Casino Board
Editorial: State Budget Theater, It's Dark
School Officials Offer 2 Cheers For Restored Funds
School Groups Warn Of Financial Chaos
School Groups Face Tougher Choices If Voters Gain More Power
Bill Would Require Voter Approval Of School Property Tax Increases
Groups Fighting Changes To School Tax Referendums
Race To The Top Not Over For PA
State Leaders Split On Jobless Benefits
Voter ID Bill Poised For House Action
Blog: Disability Advocates Occupy Capitol Hallway
Protesters See Bind In Urged State Cuts
PA Congressman Bans Meeting Recordings
Feds Want Fumo's Jail Sentence To Be Extended
Federal Judges Dubious Of Fumo's Prison Term
Do Wine, Liquor Cost More In PA?
Medical Malpractice Cases Continue to Decline Statewide
Pasonick Admits Bribing NE PA School Board Member
Drilling Impact Fee: It's A Tax, Says Norquist
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips

May 25, 2011

Does Proposed Marcellus Impact Fee Violate No Tax Pledge? Scarnati Says No

Grover Norquist, of the Washington, D.C.-based Americans for Tax Reform and the self-described opponent of all tax increases, wrote to several members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly recently charging the proposed Marcellus Shale natural gas impact fee proposed by Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) violates his group's no tax increase pledge.
Gov. Tom Corbett and 34 of Pennsylvania's 253 state lawmakers have signed Norquist's pledge.
Responding to the charge in a letter, Sen. Scarnati said Senate Bill 1100 does not impose a tax on the Marcellus Shale industry because:

-- Not one penny of the impact fee is deposited into the General Fund;

-- The fee is entirely dedicated to local and statewide impacts associated directly or indirectly with gas drilling;

-- The impact fee is modeled after the municipal waste fee currently set forth in Pennsylvania law; and

-- The fee is a fixed amount per well.

Sen. Scarnati's response goes further saying, "Your letter unfortunately offers no specific justifications concerning why you believe the fee imposed under Senate Bill 1100 to be a tax. You allowed yourself to be the spokesperson for the Commonwealth Foundation which does not have a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and the needs of the Shale industry.

"For example, it is simply inaccurate to say that monies from the fee will be deposited into a slush fund for "pet projects." The permissible worthwhile efforts to be funded from the fee are specifically delineated in the legislation: impacted local roads and bridges, conservation clean-up projects, emergency preparedness, watershed protection, dam safety projects and plugging abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells, to name several.

"I ask that you-- over the course of the next few weeks-- take a few minutes to discuss my proposed fee legislation with the leaders of Range Resources, Chief (Oil and Gas), Chesapeake (Energy), or other companies investing in Pennsylvania. They will all reinforce their belief that a reasonable, responsible severance fee is a welcomed proposal that will aid in their efforts to be good corporate citizens, will go directly to local impacted areas, and will not impair their economic competitiveness."

Sen. Scarnati noted the no tax increase pledge promoted by Norquist has an offset provision. "Currently we are considering several business tax reductions that would benefit shale companies and I believe enactment of those changes would more than exceed the fee collection estimates associated with Senate Bill 1100."

NewsClips:

Drilling Impact Fee: It's A Tax, Says Norquist

Norquist: That Fee Is A Tax, Scarnati: No, It's Not

Wednesday NewsClips

House Passes $27.3 Billion Budget
House GOP Sends Budget To Senate
House Passes State Budget
House GOP Passes Budget Over Dem Objections
Hospitals To Lose Millions On State Deal
Column: PA's Annual Budget Session About To Start
Grand Jury Issues Scathing Report On State Casinos
Grand Jury Wants Tighter Gambling Oversight
Grand Jury Cites Gaming Problems, Recommends Changes
Lawmakers At Odds Over Bill To Revise Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment Comp Bill Hits Snag, Will Return Later
Jobless Benefits Deadline Nears In PA
Senate OKs Bill To Preserve Jobless Benefits
Bill Requires Contractors To Prove Workers Are Legal
Editorial: A Wake Up Call for Educrats
Editorial: Wake Up Call For School Boards
Corbett Seeking To Consolidate PA Loans To Businesses
House Panel Bills Tackle Corruption
Editorial: Juvie Bills Merit Swift Approval
Editorial: Needed, LCB Fee Distribution Process Updated
Sexting May Soon Be Misdemeanor Offense
Pittsburgh Pension Fund Still Precarious, Auditor General Says
Wagner Raises Concerns On Pittsburgh Pension Fund
Second Veon Trial Delayed Until 2012
Request By Musto To Suppress Evidence Rejected
U.S. Suit Sees Manipulation Of Oil Trades
Harrisburg Act 47 Coordinator Talks County Sales Tax, Bankruptcy
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips

May 24, 2011

Senate Approves Unemployment Benefits Changes To Save State Money

The Senate today unanimously approved legislation that will continue federal unemployment compensation benefits through the end of the year, and at the same time, institute reforms in the Pennsylvania unemployment compensation system that will result in an estimated $50 to $60 million in annual savings. Senate Bill 1030 (Gordner (R-Columbia), now moves to the House of Representatives.
“On June 11, approximately 45,000 unemployed Pennsylvanians who currently qualify for federal extended benefits will be dropped from the unemployment rolls unless we slightly modify the state law,” said Sen. John Gordner. “It costs the state no money to qualify for these fully funded federal benefits through the end of the year, and results in an estimated $150 million in economic benefits.”
Senate Bill 1030 contains several provisions by Sen. Gordner to institute reforms in the Unemployment Compensation law, as well as update obsolete provisions in the law. These reforms include:
-- A new requirement for unemployment compensation recipients to search for work, replacing an obsolete and unenforceable provision in current law;
-- A partial offset for those who receive severance payments in addition to unemployment compensation;
-- A change in the way the maximum weekly benefit is calculated to slow benefit growth; and
-- Automatic relief from compensation charges for employers when it is later determined a former employee does not qualify for benefits.
The legislation also contains provisions to institute a voluntary work share agreement in workplaces to avoid mass layoffs. Under work share, employees and the employer may agree to reduce hours for workers instead of reducing the workforce, and then allowing the employees to qualify for partial benefits.
“None of these changes reduce current benefits, but will save the state at least $50 million annually by slowing the rate of benefit growth,” said Sen. Gordner. “This is an important first step in addressing our unemployment compensation debt.”
Sen. Gordner noted that the federal extended benefit program will expire at the end of 2011 because Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate has dropped below 8 percent, which is considered a High Unemployment Period by the federal government. In addition to the 45,000 unemployed Pennsylvanians who will continue to receive benefits with the enactment of Senate Bill 1030, another 65,000 residents may qualify for the federal program until it expires.

House Democrats Successful In Halting Vote On Unemployment Benefits Bill

Rep. Mike Hanna (D-Clinton) said House Democrats earlier today successfully led an effort to halt voting on a Republican bill that would reduce unemployment compensation benefits and eligibility for out-of-work Pennsylvanians and force the unemployed to pay the cost to restore the state's strained unemployment compensation fund.
By a vote of 79-122, the House defeated the measure-- House Bill 916 (Perry-R-Cumberland) on second consideration that would make a number of changes to the state's UC law, including making it harder for workers to qualify for benefits, cut benefits for unemployed workers who do qualify and slow the growth of benefits for future UC claimants.
"Pennsylvanians who lose their jobs through no fault of their own rely on unemployment compensation benefits to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads while they look for other work," Rep. Hanna said. "This proposal by House Republicans would have made it worse for them, and I am proud that we were able to defeat this bill."
Rep. Hanna, who serves as House Democratic Whip, said Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund has borrowed $3.8 billion from the federal government since 2009 in order to pay the hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who lost their jobs as a result of the recession.
"However, this fund is not broke because of people who are unemployed," Rep. Hanna said. "Instead, Pennsylvania has failed to modernize the taxable wage base on which employers are taxed or lift arbitrary caps placed on the fund in the 1980s to limit the amount of money that could be generated for it to only $544 million."
Pennsylvania's UC Fund is not part of the General Fund. It pays up to 26 weeks of regular benefits before any federally-funded extensions kick in. Federal extensions have no bearing on its solvency.
The average weekly benefit for an unemployed person is about $315. Rep. Hanna said House Bill 916 would decrease those benefits to $277 per week in 2013 and reduce it further in following years by changing various calculations used to determine weekly benefit rates. The bill also would change formulas used to determine financial eligibility so that low-wage workers would have a harder time even qualifying for benefits when they are laid off.
"House Bill 916 would have done nothing more than penalize workers and attack those who are unemployed through no fault of their own," Rep. Hanna said.
"House Republicans again and again want to break the backs of working Pennsylvanians and middle-class families," he added. "From their proposed state budget to House Bill 916 and more, Republicans are introducing and passing legislation that would hurt working people during tough economic times."
The bill was defeated on second consideration, when amendments are normally added.

House Democrats Oppose Budget Calling It Extreme, Anti-Middle Class

House Democrats tonight said they stood firm against a Republican budget that would cut nearly $2 billion from public schools, universities and health care programs for Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens – all while the state sits on unexpected tax revenues of more than $1 billion.
"This Republican budget is driven by ideology and is a direct assault on middle-class families," said Democratic Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny). "It will inflict excruciating pain on women, children, the elderly, the disabled and the chronically ill. And it will shift the burden to local property taxpayers, many of whom are already just scraping by to keep their homes."
The House voted, 109 to 92, to approve House Bill 1485 (Adolph-R-Delaware), the $27.3 billion Republican budget plan. Republicans control both chambers of the General Assembly by large margins, as well as the Governor's Office.
Dozens of House Democrats stood on the House Floor to speak out against the devastating Republican cuts, which include: $976 million in cuts to K-12 education funding, nearly $300 million in cuts to higher education, and nearly $500 million in cuts to health care and human service programs for women, children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and the chronically ill.
Although Democrats agree some spending cuts are necessary, they said Republicans overreached and cut too deeply, especially in light of more than $1 billion in tax revenues available for next year that was not anticipated. The state already has more than $500 million in extra 2011 revenues in-hand, but Republicans refused to use any of it to lessen the impact of their cuts.
"It is irresponsible to move forward with a budget that punishes children in public schools, raises tuition for Pennsylvania college students, and inflicts undue pain on vulnerable citizens, all while House Republicans leave a billion dollars in taxpayer money on the table," said Democratic Whip Mike Hanna (D-Clinton). "And it is irresponsible to pass a budget that will raise property taxes on middle-class families. Make no mistake: This budget will cause property tax increases across Pennsylvania."
"When we have $1 billion available, there is no rational reason for choosing to make Pennsylvania's working and middle-class families suffer when we can avoid much of the pain in this Republican budget," said Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny), Democratic chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "This is a crystal-clear example of extreme ideology run amok, and it's an embarrassment to the people of this Commonwealth."
"We have a moral imperative to use the obvious surplus we have so that we can avoid catastrophic harm to Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens," said Democratic Caucus Chairman Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny). "Pennsylvanians are strong and resilient, but the backs of our students, seniors, and children just cannot bear the weight of this mean-spirited and hurtful budget proposal."
House Democratic leaders decried the Republican budget as short-sighted and counter-productive to the goal of moving Pennsylvania forward.
“Pennsylvania’s economic recovery depends on job-creating businesses having a well-trained, well-educated workforce ready to fill the high-tech jobs of the modern economy,” said Democratic Caucus Secretary Jennifer L. Mann (D-Lehigh). “Unfortunately, the plan pushed through the House today cuts funding for the schools, colleges and universities charged with preparing that high-tech, high-wage workforce. I hope that cooler heads will prevail in the state Senate and we can continue to invest in our financial future.”
"This Republican budget is wrong-headed and it's bad for Pennsylvania," said Caucus Administrator Ron Buxton (D-Dauphin). "Middle-class, working families will lose as local property taxes skyrocket all across the state because of this unfair, irresponsible budget."
"If Pennsylvania really were like a family, as the House Republicans and Governor Corbett often suggest, then it's a dysfunctional family,” said Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster). “A thoughtful family would consider all the revenue options, ask every member to contribute what they can, and not leave $1 billion of the taxpayers’ money that they sent for educating their children on the table while making painful cuts. House Bill 1485’s redistribution of the same arbitrary spend number the governor proposed in March is unrealistic and irresponsible.”

Turzai: House Sends Responsible $27.3 Billion Budget To Senate

The House tonight passed a state budget-- House Bill 1485 (Adolph-R-Delaware)-- that spends more state dollars for the state’s Basic Education Funding appropriation than ever before, Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) announced.
The House budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year spends $27.3 billion and has no tax increases. It represents a 3 percent reduction in spending compared to the current budget, which was supplemented by nearly $3 billion in federal stimulus dollars. The House budget restores more than a half-billion dollars to basic and higher education which was reduced in Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget plan.
“It is prioritized spending, it is responsible spending, and it does not increase taxes, it does not borrow and it will be done on time,” Rep. Turzai said. “This budget spends $27.3 billion... that is billions of dollars to help Pennsylvanians who need it and billions to help students.”
The state budget had to deal with the loss of the following federal stimulus dollars: welfare, $1.7 billion; education, $1.1 billion; and corrections, $180 million.
Under the House budget, K-12 education would receive a $210 million net funding increase when compared to the governor’s budget. The proposal would allot $100 million for the highly successful Accountability Block Grant program that provides school districts with flexible funding often used for pre-kindergarten, full-day kindergarten, and tutoring programs.
The House budget also gives an historic investment of state dollars to the Basic Education Funding line item, as it redirects an additional $100 million back into the fund. BEF is the primary funding stream for all 500 school districts in Pennsylvania.
The House budget also restores substantial funding for higher education – an additional $387 million. The 14 state-owned universities that make up the State System of Higher Education will have $195.2 million more funding than Corbett proposed – 85 percent of the current year’s funding levels.
State-related universities (Penn State, Temple, University of Pittsburgh and Lincoln University) will receive an additional $184 million, which is75 percent of the current year’s funding levels.
The Department of Public Welfare will receive $10.7 billion, or 40 percent of the General Fund budget, representing an increase of $136 million over the current year’s budget. The current budget (2010-2011) includes $1.7 billion in federal stimulus funds making adjustments clearly necessary.
The House budget invests $4.2 billion for medical assistance benefits, $1.3 billion for programs serving children and $2.1 billion for mental health and mental retardation services.
The House budget identifies savings within DPW by instituting co-pays for transportation programs and adjusting child care program co-payments, increased use of generic drugs, and the implementation of new welfare reform legislation that will reduce fraud and abuse in medical assistance programs. Projected growth estimates in some DPW programs were also revaluated and adjusted.
All general administrative department lines were initially reduced by 10 percent to more equitably distribute the fiscal impact caused by the loss of federal stimulus dollars. The House budget also eliminates unfilled vacancies across all departments.
The Legislature’s allocation is reduced by $15.3 million, or 5.1 percent over the current budget.
“Some people in the Capitol have called for higher and higher spending. They seem to forget, it’s not their money,” Rep. Turzai said. “We are stewards of those hard-earned dollars and we can't take it lightly. The House Budget reflects it.”

House Republicans Pass Budget, Democrats Decry Proposal

After more than 8 hours of debate and 74 different speakers (a record Speaker Smith said) on the General Fund Budget bill-- House Bill 1485 (Adolph-R-Delaware), the House voted 109 - 92 to pass the bill and send it to the Senate for their consideration.
Republicans noted the budget holds the line on taxes, actually increases basic education (minus federal stimulus), mitigates the impact of Gov. Corbett's 50 percent cut to higher education to only 25 percent, increases funding to the Department of Public Welfare (but not as much as Gov. Corbett's proposal) and spends to the cap imposed by Gov. Corbett-- $27.3 billion. And, they said, it will be on-time.
Democrats said the budget hurts the middle class and the most vulnerable of Pennsylvania's citizens in the face of an excess $500 million in revenues this year and another $500 million more next year.
Everyone knows this will not be the final budget because the Senate now gets to make its changes.
Note: House Republicans were actually late in passing their version of the budget this year. House Democrats last year passed a budget bill on March 23-- House Bill 2279 (Evans-D-Philadelphia). Everyone knew that budget wasn't real either.

Grand Jury Issues Scathing Report On State Casinos

Grand Jury Issues Scathing Report On State Casinos
Grand Jury Wants Tighter Gambling Oversight
Grand Jury Cites Gaming Problems, Recommends Changes
Gaming Board: Casinos Have Been A Success

Tuesday NewsClips

Democrats Focus Criticism On House GOP Budget
House Democrats At Impasse With GOP Over Budget
State Welfare Cuts May Restore Eduction Funds
House GOP Eyes Restoring Some Education Funding
Speaker Says Budget Could Grow With Better Revenue Prediction
Anti-tax Campaigner Holds A Lot Of Sway In Harrisburg
Op-Ed: Demands On State's Fiscal Budget Must Be Met
Editorial: PA Will Reap Rewards Of Sensible Budget
Blog: Kelly Confirmed As Attorney General
Juvenile Justice Bills Advance To Vote In Senate
House Approves Teen Sexting Bill
Bill Eases Seeking Help For Underage Drinkers
Editorial: Report Shows True Cost Of Private Prisons
Impeached Supreme Court Justice Denied Pension Increase
Editorial: Break Seal On Court Records
Senate Passes Bill To Step Up State Vehicle Accountability
Casino License Decision Based On Revenue, Popularity, Location
Gas Prices, Shortages Easing In Western PA
Event Aims To Combat Childhood Obesity
Column: Harrisburg, Dauphin County Division Grows
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips

May 23, 2011

House Positions General Fund Budget Bill For Final Vote

After hours of debate, the House positioned the General Fund budget bill-- House Bill 1485 (Adolph-R-Delaware)-- for a final vote on Tuesday after defeating repeated attempts by House Democrats to amend, table or delay a vote on the bill.

Senate Confirms Linda Kelly As Attorney General

The Senate today confirmed Linda Kelly to be Pennsylvania's Attorney General, becoming the first woman to hold that position since it became an elected office in 1981.
Kelly spent most of her career in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Pittsburgh.

Speaker Smith Says Budget Could Grow With Better Revenue Prediction

Monday NewsClips

House Prepares For Budget Vote
Debate Looms Over $3.7 Billion State Owes Feds Unemployment Fund
House GOP Budget Would Cut DPW Funding
Benefit For Children At State Universities Top $20 Million
Health Program Saves Medicaid Billions
Op-Ed: Tobacco Funds Should Go To Health Care
Editorial: Commonwealth Bloat, Salary Dichotomies
Editorial: Castille's Court Funding Plea
Editorial: Tolling Necessary, States Stuck With Poor Roads
Editorial: Wagner Right On Disclosure
Editorial: Public Notices Promote Transparency
Op-Ed: Abortion Clinic Legislation Is Misguided
Editorial: Tough Rules For Abortion Clinics, Not Unfair
Erie Casino Trains More Dealers For Summer Rush
Op-Ed: Poor Need Education Escape Route, Gov. Corbett
Op-Ed: Teacher Furloughs Should Be Based On Performance
Buxton: Piccola Act 47 Bill Overreaching
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips

May 22, 2011

Sunday NewsClips

Scramble Is On To Maintain Jobless Benefits In PA
Bumsted: Your Right To Know
Editorial: Greenleaf's Tort Reform Bill Fairer
Child Abuse Registry Posts Names Before Due Process
Whispers: Santorum, 14th Trip To Iowa, Torture For Whom?
Independent Voters Help PA Keep Its Electoral Clout
Fumo's PACS Still Viable
Editorial: Signs Of Life Inside City GOP
Op-Ed: PA Locks Away Too Many Juveniles Forever
Trouble Getting Online In Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Gets First Distillery Since Prohibition
Departing E-Town Presidents Urges Grads To Lead For Others
Editorial: Harrisburg Mayor Should Pay Her City Taxes
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips

May 20, 2011

May 23 PA Environment Digest

May 23 PA Environment Digest now available. Click here to print this Digest.

Sen. Scarnati Introduces Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Langauge

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) this week introduced the language for a local impact fee on Marcellus Shale companies as Senate Bill 1100 which he said will raise $121.2 million in FY 2011-12.

"While I recognize that even though the language has been put into legislative form, this issue is still a work in progress," Sen. Scarnati stated. "My main objective with this bill is to ensure our local municipalities, where drilling takes place, receive a fee to assist with road improvements, water and sewage issues, as well as other community enhancements."

According to Sen. Scarnati, there has been significant progress made over the past couple of weeks to improve the proposal. Click Here to read more…

Friday NewsClips

Schools Foresee Larger Classes, Program Cuts, Tax Hikes
Montgomery County Democrats Bash Corbett Budget, Agenda
State Unemployment Rate Drops To 7.5 Percent
Editorial: Property Transfer Fees
Editorial: Partial PLCB Bills Must Be Stopped
Editorial: Juries Know Better (Death Penalty)
Editorial: Offering And Accepting Gifts
Bills Seek To Overhaul PA Unemployment Trust Fund
Lawmakers Considering Cost Of Public Notices
Piccola Seeks Teeth For Harrisburg's Act 47 Plan
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips

May 19, 2011

Thursday NewsClips

House Members Win Primaries For Local Offices
Commonwealth Court Race Within Recount Margin
Governor Leaves Hospital Feeling Really Good
John Baer: Casey's Back At Bat, Unlikely To Strike Out
Nonprofits Rally Against Proposed State Budget Cuts
Public-Private Partnerships On Roads Moving Forward
Suits Against Doctors, Hospitals Lowest In A Decade
Medical Malpractice Suits Drop In PA
Legislators To Hear Testimony On Online Legal Ads
House Moving School Tax Referendum Bill
Editorial: Stop Partial PLCB Bills
LCB Head Named Chair Of National Group
Coca-Cola Bottler Speaks To Lehigh Chamber
Census Shows Fresh Proof Of Graying Of PA
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips

May 18, 2011

Wednesday NewsClips

GOP-Endorsed Judge Hopefuls Win Statewide Races
Raja vs. Fitzgerald In Allegheny County
Reichley Awaits Fall Foe For Lehigh Executive
Nutter Wins Philadelphia Mayor Nomination
Wet Day Dampens PA Voter Turnout
Santorum: McCain Doesn't Understand Effectiveness Of Torture
Editorial: ID, Please, Or You Can't Vote
Editorial: Don't Cripple Our Schools
Op-Ed: Castle Doctrine Would Restore Right To Self-Defense
Op-Ed: Gun Law Fosters Violence, Not Self-Defense
Letter: Fire Sprinkler Law Sends Bad Message
DCED Blocked From Joining Harrisburg Incinerator Debt Suits
Editorial: Harrisburg Isn't Alone In Debt Crisis, But Is Responsible
Pileggi: Impact Fee Not Necessarily Connected To Budget Deal
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips

May 17, 2011

Tuesday NewsClips

Election Officials Expect About 25 Percent Of Voters To Turn Out
Editorial: Voters ID Bills Are Wrong Signal
Senate GOP Must Answer Robo Call Contract Lawsuit
PA Lags In Taxing Outside Of Its Borders
Corbett Expected To Fully Recover From Spinal Surgery
Corbett Back Surgery Called Successful
Op-Ed: School Boards Must Have Flexibility To Make Changes
Editorial: Last Chance For Real Votes On School Funding
Op-Ed: Performance-Based Budgeting Ties State Spending To Results
Editorial: Regulating Abortion Clinics
Editorial: Add To PA's Legacy By Outlawing Discrimination
Former CCAC Student Files Civil Rights Suit Against College
High-Ranking Senator Introduces Bill To Impose Shale-Well Fee
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips

May 16, 2011

Sen. Scarnati Introduces Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Langauge

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) today introduced the language for a local impact fee on Marcellus Shale companies as Senate Bill 1100.

According to Sen. Scarnati, there has been significant progress made over the past couple of weeks to improve the proposal.

"We have and will continue to work with the environmental community, the industry, and local and state officials to make sure we get this bill right," Sen. Scarnati added. "I am hopeful that we will arrive at a final product that will be in the best interest of the citizens of the Commonwealth by summer recess.

"As I have said before, we have tremendous opportunity with the Marcellus Shale industry, but we must be vigilant in ensuring our communities and our environment are taken care of now and in the future," Scarnati concluded.

A copy of the bill and supporting summary and other background are available on a special Marcellus Shale Impact Fee webpage on Sen. Scarnati's website. Click Here for original announcement and reaction.

Gov. Corbett Recuperating After Successful Surgery

Tom Corbett underwent successful back surgery this morning at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
The surgery, performed by orthopaedic spinal specialist Dr. Mark A. Fye and orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Patrick J. DeMeo, was considered to be routine for the treatment of spinal stenosis.
The surgeons described the procedure as successful and said Corbett was resting comfortably. Corbett’s wife, Susan, was at the hospital during the procedure.
In accordance with articles of the state constitution, Lt. Gov. James Cawley was acting governor while Corbett was under general anesthesia. Corbett was awake and alert by 10:30 a.m. and physicians cleared him to resume the powers and duties of his office.
After spending one or two nights in the hospital, Corbett will recuperate for a few days at his home in suburban Pittsburgh. Doctors expect Corbett will return to Harrisburg within the week.
The governor suffered from spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal cord, which results in a compression of nerves, leading to persistent pain and decreased physical activity. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is the natural aging process. Left untreated, the physicians told Corbett it could lead to permanent damage.
Corbett, 61, underwent a series of medical tests in preparation for the surgery and was otherwise considered to be in excellent health.
NewsClips
Corbett Expected To Fully Recover From Spinal Surgery
Corbett Back Surgery Called Successful

Monday NewsClips

Judicial Pay Soars, Top Jurist Says Courts Underfunded
John Baer: Which GOP Will Prevail On Budget Issues?
Budget Cuts Complicate Campaign Donor Tracking
House GOP Budget Would Restore Some Education Money
Editorial: Bad Budget For Education
GOP Lawmakers Moving Slowly On Their Stated Priorities
Blog: Lingering Problem Of Transportation Funding
State's Jurors Found Wary Of Death Penalty
Editorial: Keep Public Notices In Newspapers
Editorial: House Uses Clinic Tragedy To Hurt Women
Editorial: Civil Rights Aren't Limited To School Districts
Malpractice Fund Ordered To Pay
Jury Awards $1.8 Million For Cancern Treatment Delay
Some Kids Love Energy Drinks, Others Worry About Risks
Harrisburg's Source Of Debt May Turn Into Financial Asset
Harrisburg Can't Seem To Catch A Break
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips

May 15, 2011

Sunday NewsClips

Another Budget Balancing Act
Editorial: Surplus State Funds Should Go To Education
Op-Ed: PA Losing Out By Not Collecting Tax On E-Commerce
Nearly 3,600 State Employees Make Over $100K
Bumsted: Warrior Turzai
Bills Mandate Proof Of ID To Vote
Editorial: Legal Notices, Stay The Course
Editorial: Keep Legal Notices In Newspapers
State Judicial Candidates On Ballot Tuesday
Column: Can Murphy Make History In AG Run?
Philly GOP On Comeback Trail?
Op-Ed: Obama Can't Win Without PA
PA Mulls Using Familial DNA To Locate Suspects
Rarely Used Death Penalty Headache For Both Sides
Poll: PA Residents Support Teen Driving Restrictions
Column: Harrisburg Isn't First To Propose Selling Assets
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May 13, 2011

May 16 PA Environment Digest Now Available

May 16 PA Environment Digest now available. Click here to print this Digest.

PA Environmental Council, CBF Propose Changes To Marcellus Shale Drilling Laws

Two major environmental organizations in Pennsylvania have joined forces in submitting a legislative proposal to the Corbett administration and state lawmakers that is designed to help ensure safe and responsible Marcellus Shale drilling and gas extraction in Pennsylvania.

This proposal, submitted this week by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation provides a detailed prescription of amendments that must be made to the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Act so that state law can effectively regulate and manage deep shale and unconventional drilling techniques that were never contemplated when the law was enacted. Click Here to read more…

Corbett To Undergo Back Surgery Monday

Gov. Tom Corbett will undergo back surgery for treatment of spinal stenosis on Monday morning, May 16, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

The surgery, to be performed by orthopaedic spinal specialist Dr. Mark A. Fye and orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Patrick J. DeMeo, is considered to be a routine procedure, but will require Corbett to stay in the hospital one or two days.

Corbett expects to resume his duties by Tuesday, while recuperating at his home in Shaler Township, and return to Harrisburg by the end of the week.

During the time when the governor is under general anesthesia, Lt. Gov. James Cawley will be “acting governor,’’ in accordance with articles of the state constitution, until Corbett is able to resume the powers and duties of the office.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in a compression of nerves, which leads to persistent pain and decreased physical activity. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is the natural aging process. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage.

Corbett, 61, who recently underwent a series of medical tests in preparation for the surgery, is otherwise considered to be in excellent health.

Members of the media will be notified of a specific time and location for the briefing on Monday. The hospital is located at 320 E. North Ave., Pittsburgh.

NewsClip: Corbett To Undergo Spinal Surgery Monday

Friday NewsClips

Due to a service outage at Blogger.com, PA Capitol Digest Blog was not available for more than 24 hours and previous posts were lost.

Corbett Defends His Budget Cuts

House GOP's Budget Plan Angers Human Services Advocates

School Officials Said Funding Restoration Not Far Enough

One Step Back For Corbett Education Priorities

Editorial: Save Full-Day Kindergarten In PA

Group Opposes State Fund Cuts To Nonprofits

Lt. Governor Optimistic On School Vouchers On Well Site Tour

State Pension Boss Braces For Trouble With Pittsburgh's System

Editorial: LCB's New Tune

Editorial: A Government Takeover Of Legal Notices

Political Turf Wars Stymie Castle Doctrine Expansion

Editorial: Campus Drilling Suggestion Ignores Simplest Solution

Hearings Near On Highmark, Delaware Blues Affiliation

Editorial: Political Gifts? Investment?

Musto Wants Evidence Suppressed

Santorum Tipped Off Sen. Ensign On Mistress

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Thursday NewsClips

House Panel Approves GOP Budget Alternatives
House GOP Budget Advances
New Budget Won't Stop Philadelphia Cuts
Senate Committee Recommends New Welfare Secretary
Senate Panel Recommends Gary Alexander For Welfare
Reapportionment Commission Promises Fairness
Senate Passes Bill Allowing School Districts To Lay Off Teachers
Column: Corbett's School Voucher Proposal Shortsighted
Editorial: Solanco School District Pays Students To Come Back
House OKs Tightening Abortion Rules
Editorial: Lawmaker Must Pass A Distracted Driving Ban
PA Table Games Eat Into Atlantic City Profits
Editorial: Next, Casinos In Dining Halls
State Supreme Court Takes Up County Ethics Rules
Corbett OKs Scranton Stadium Cash
Gasoline Shortage Hits Western PA
Allegheny Exec Candidates Spar Over Drilling
Harrisburg Act 47 Report Will Not Be Ready Until Mid-June
Op-Ed: Harrisburg Taxpayers Will Be Losers In Frydman Deal
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May 12, 2011

Thursday NewsClips

May 11, 2011

Wednesday NewsClips

House GOP Budget Proposal Reduces Cuts To Education
Higher Ed Relief In GOP Budget Plan
House GOP Puts Stamp On Budget
House GOP Wants More For Schools
House GOP Proposes Welfare Cuts To Help Schools
Editorial: How Can Republicans Let Pennsylvanians Suffer?
Editorial: Use Technology To Trim Costs
Column: Corbett's Liberty Fund Gets Failing Grade
Looming Deficit Worries PA Officials
Sen. Piccola: House Education Tax Credit DOA In Senate
Scholarship Tax Bill Clears House, Lacks Senate Support
House Passes Education Tax Credit Bill
House Committee OKs School Tax Referendum Bill
Panel OKs Measure To Require Voter ID
Editorial: Pointless Law Restricts Voting
House OKs Bills On Distracted Or Young Drivers
2 Bills Target Distracted Young Drivers
House Eyes Tougher Abortion Clinic Standards
Senate Votes To Expand Health Clinics Again
Editorial: Legislative Fraud Worse Than Vote Fraud
Developers Sidestep Deed Transfer Taxes
Op-Ed: The E-Commerce Tax Dodge
Government Money Could Be Harder To Get
Groups Urge Castle Gun Doctrine Broadening
Grand Jury Hears Testimony From Ex-Mellow Staffers
Editorial: Santorum Wins SC Dinner Poll
Harrisburg Can't Afford Free Legal Work
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May 10, 2011

House Republicans: Budget Makes Education Priority Over Welfare

Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Delaware), Majority Chair of the Appropriations Chairman, introduced a budget proposal for the 2011-2012 fiscal year today would restore a half-billion dollars to basic and higher education that was reduced in Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget plan.

“We are committed to easing what we believe was an unfair burden placed on local school districts, colleges and universities,” Rep. Adolph said.

The proposal-- House Bill 1485 (Adolph-R-Delaware) -- does not exceed $27.3 Billion and has no tax increases. The $27.3 Billion represents a 3 percent reduction compared to the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 budget which was supplemented by nearly $3 billion in federal stimulus dollars distributed throughout the state budget. The areas which received the largest percentage of stimulus Money: Welfare with $1.7 billion, Education with $1.1 billion, and corrections $180 million.

Under the House Republican proposal, K-12 education would receive a $210 Million net funding increase when compared to the governor’s budget.

The proposal would allot $100 Million for the highly successful Accountability Block Grant program that provides school districts with flexible funding often used for Pre-k programs, full day kindergarten, and tutoring programs. The House Republican budget also redirects an additional $100 million back into the Basic Education Funding line item, the primary funding stream for all 500 school districts in Pennsylvania.

“Restoring this funding for basic education demonstrates our commitment to preparing Pennsylvania’s youth for a successful future as well as the legislature’s dedication to controlling local property taxes,” Rep. Adolph said. “There are only two ways to limit the growth of local school property taxes: financial support from the state and efficient management by local school administrators. This commitment to funding education will relieve the pressure to raise property taxes as our economy slowly to recovers.”

The House Republican budget also restores substantial funding for higher education. In the House Republican Budget, higher education receives $387 million in additional funding, of that, the budget dedicates $195 million to the 14 state-owned universities that make up The State System of Higher Education. Gov. Corbett proposed funding higher education at 53 percent of FY10-11 levels. House Republicans raised that to 85 percent of FY10-11 funding levels.

State related universities (Penn State, Temple, University of Pittsburgh and Lincoln University) will receive an additional $184 Million, which is75 percent of FY10-11 funding levels.

“As the economy improves, businesses will expand in states that have a skilled workforce,” Rep. Adolph said. “Making more funding available for higher education will ensure more students will be prepared for the high-tech jobs of tomorrow. This is an investment in our kids, our economy, and an investment in our state’s future.

To find the money necessary to make education a priority, House Republicans instituted several strategies to improve efficiency in all departments, identified further cost savings in the Department of Public Welfare, and more equitably distributed the fiscal impact caused by limited revenue and the loss of federal stimulus dollars.

In March of 2009, Governor Rendell’s Secretary for DPW, Estelle Richman, testified that there is a known error rate within DPW of 4 percent which was also certified by the federal Center for Medicare Services in Washington, D.C. House Republicans applied this more conservative estimate and reduced DPW program lines according to this 4-percent error rate.

The total departmental reduction for DPW is $471 Million which still represents a 1.3 percent increase over Fiscal Year 2010-2011 funding levels.

More savings were identified within DPW by instituting co-pays for transportation programs and adjusting child care program co-pays, increased use of generic drugs, and the implementation of new welfare reform legislation that will reduce fraud and abuse in Medical assistance programs. Projected growth estimates in some DPW programs were also revaluated and adjusted.

All general administrative department lines were initially reduced by 10 percent to more equitably distribute the fiscal impact caused by the loss of federal stimulus dollars. The Republican budget proposal also eliminates additional unfilled vacancies across all departments.

“These adjustments to DPW are conservative and nowhere near the reductions that would result from a 14 percent error rate identified by others looking at DPW operations. House Republicans meticulously studied DPW’s budget and eliminated discretionary spending, targeted documented waste and abuse and crafted a budget that ensures those who need important safety net services are the ones who are receiving them,” said Rep. Adolph.

Recognizing more equity was needed to deal with the fiscal reality of losing $3 Billion of federal stimulus funds, the Legislature reduced its own allocation by $ 15.3 Million.

“Reducing the Legislature’s appropriation to make funds available for important priorities like early education and providing students with access to higher education was an easy decision,” Rep. Adolph said. “The legislature, like every other department, must do more with less.”

The House Republican proposal will be considered in the House Appropriations Committee on May 11 and by the House of Representatives the week of May 23rd.

“This proposal is the House Republican’s effort to improve upon the proposal currently on the table by embracing the input from members in the House of Representatives and residents of Pennsylvania,” Rep. Adolph said. “We recognize that budget negotiations are ongoing and details are subject to change, particularly when the Senate unveils their budget proposal.

“This is another step to ensure the legislature passes a budget on-time.”
NewsClip: House GOP Budget Proposal Reduces Cuts To Education

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