PA Capitol Digest Blog: January 2018

Senate Republican leaders Tuesday announced the Senate will decline to take action on the Governor’s nominee to lead the Department of Labor and Industry. The leaders did ask for the nomination to be recalled, but Gov. Wolf declined.

In response, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-Centre) have issued the following statement:

“The majority of the Senate Republican Caucus expressed serious reservations about the qualifications and abilities of Jerry Oleksiak. At the same time, we wanted to balance those concerns with the understanding that the Governor should have the ability to establish his own team.

“Our lack of confidence stems from concerns for his fitness to lead this agency that were then underscored during meetings with Mr. Oleksiak. Allowing the time for consideration on Mr. Oleksiak to lapse means the Governor’s nominee assumes the post of Secretary but without the affirmative vote of the Senate.”

The move by the Senate is unprecedented. Under law, Oleksiak will become Secretary of L&I since he has been under consideration by the Senate for 25 legislative days.

The Constitution gives the Senate a maximum of 25 legislative days to take action on an Executive Nomination. Any nomination that remains on the Executive Nomination Calendar and has not been considered by the full Senate by the close of the 25th legislative day will automatically be deemed confirmed.

NewsClip:

Murphy: Fmr PSEA President Assumes Role As L&I Secretary

The PA Gaming Control Board Monday announced information and the first applications to permit qualified truck stops to operate Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) are now available. Applications will be accepted beginning May 7.

The date for acceptance of VGT Manufacturer and Supplier applications as well as Interactive Gaming-Related applications will be posted at a future time.

The process for all VGT applications will be as follows:

-- Once an application is submitted, the applicant will receive instructions for how to be fingerprinted.

-- After the PGCB receives the fingerprint results and all other deficiencies in the application are cured, the application will be deemed complete.

-- The completed application for each individual and entity will undergo a background investigation.

Up to 5 VGT's can be located in Truck Stop Establishments that meet the following criteria:

-- Is equipped with diesel islands used for fueling commercial motor vehicles;

-- Has sold on average 50,000 gallons of diesel or biodiesel fuel each month for the previous 12 months or is projected to sell an average of 50,000 gallons of diesel or biodiesel fuel each month for the next 12 months;

-- Has at least 20 parking spaces dedicated for commercial motor vehicles;

has a convenience store;

-- Is a PA Lottery Sales Agent. and,

-- Is situated on a parcel of land of not less than 3 acres.

Additional information on VGTs at truck stops can be found within the Frequently Asked Questions section accessible from the homepage of the Board's website.

January 31, 2018

PA State Police Looking For Equine Donations

Wednesday PA Capitol Digest NewsClips

January 30, 2018

Senate Declines To Take Action On PSEA President For L&I Secretary, But He Still Assumes Office

PA Gaming Board: Video Gaming Terminal Applications Now Available

Tuesday PA Capitol Digest NewsClips

January 29, 2018

Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project Funding Now Open For Applications

Monday PA Capitol Digest NewsClips

January 28, 2018

Sunday PA Capitol Digest NewsClips

January 27, 2018

Saturday PA Capitol Digest NewsClips