PA Lawmakers Sworn In, Smith Elected Speaker
Smith Sworn In As Speaker, New Session Underway
Legislature Swears In New Members, GOP In Majority
Legislators Convene, Then Take 2 Weeks Off
New Era For NE Harrisburg Delegation
Freshman Class Takes The Field
Family, Supporters Surround Toohil At Capitol
Editorial: Lawmakers Have Chance To Fix Their Rules
Editorial: House Rule More Of Same
Longtime Senate Republican Counsel Steve MacNett To Retire
State Rep. Marries Allegheny County Couple In Rotunda
Cong. Kelly Sworn In As Member Of Congress
Barletta, Marino Moving Into New Era
Editorial: Kanjorski's Time, Good And Bad
Specter To Teach At University Of Pennsylvania
John Baer: Arlen Was Always Good Copy
Corbett Inaugural Ball Pricer Than Other Governor's
Corbett Nominates New York Official For Secretary Of Health
Editorial: Corbett Must Practice What He Preaches
Editorial: Can Corbett Cut Cash Cord?
Toomey Eager to Roll Up Sleeves
Gaming Board Lacks Votes On Casino License
License For Casino Not On Agenda
Gaming Board Puts off Final Casino License Vote
Editorial: Rendell Should Keep Casino Opinion To Himself
Editorial: A Pair Is A Losing Hand In Philly
Op-Ed: State Stores Won't Fix The Budget
Sprinkler Requirement Battle: Safety vs. Cost
It's Not Illegal To Swear At A State Police Officer
Philadelphia Airport OK'd For Expansion
DEP Secretary Defends Rules On Gas Drilling Waste
Click Here for today's Environmental NewsClips
January 5, 2011
January 4, 2011
Scarnati Sworn In As Senate President Pro Tempore
Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) was sworn in as President Pro Tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate for a third time. He will serve this term for the 2011-2012 legislative session.
"Once again, I am honored and humbled to be named President Pro Tempore by my colleagues in the Senate," Sen. Scarnati stated. "Certainly, we have accomplished a lot over the past several years, and I look forward to leading this chamber in the next legislative session."
Sen. Scarnati mentioned that during his swearing-in speech, he wanted to focus his remarks on jobs, the struggles of working families, and the concerns of our job creators.
"We are going through the worst economy since the Great Depression, and I felt it was important to drive home to Pennsylvanians that focus must continue to be on putting people back to work," Sen. Scarnati stated. "With many new faces and ideas, I am confident that we can enact fiscally sound policy that will get workers working and businesses doing business right here in Pennsylvania."
"With that said, a recognition of the fiscal realities of the Pennsylvania family and a reduction in government spending must go hand in hand," Sen. Scarnati added. "Our attention cannot be diverted, as we are clearly living in difficult economic times. Therefore, it is not only necessary, but our responsibility to make difficult budgetary decisions, and ensure that our citizens are keeping more of the money they earn."
According to Sen. Scarnati there will be many issues facing legislators in the 2011-2012 legislative session, such as transportation, education, Marcellus Shale, and others.
"However, I am confident that we will not lose sight of our core mission of not compromising the family budget for that of the state budget," Sen. Scarnati concluded. "Again, I thank my colleagues, and I am ready to continue making Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and raise a family."
"Once again, I am honored and humbled to be named President Pro Tempore by my colleagues in the Senate," Sen. Scarnati stated. "Certainly, we have accomplished a lot over the past several years, and I look forward to leading this chamber in the next legislative session."
Sen. Scarnati mentioned that during his swearing-in speech, he wanted to focus his remarks on jobs, the struggles of working families, and the concerns of our job creators.
"We are going through the worst economy since the Great Depression, and I felt it was important to drive home to Pennsylvanians that focus must continue to be on putting people back to work," Sen. Scarnati stated. "With many new faces and ideas, I am confident that we can enact fiscally sound policy that will get workers working and businesses doing business right here in Pennsylvania."
"With that said, a recognition of the fiscal realities of the Pennsylvania family and a reduction in government spending must go hand in hand," Sen. Scarnati added. "Our attention cannot be diverted, as we are clearly living in difficult economic times. Therefore, it is not only necessary, but our responsibility to make difficult budgetary decisions, and ensure that our citizens are keeping more of the money they earn."
According to Sen. Scarnati there will be many issues facing legislators in the 2011-2012 legislative session, such as transportation, education, Marcellus Shale, and others.
"However, I am confident that we will not lose sight of our core mission of not compromising the family budget for that of the state budget," Sen. Scarnati concluded. "Again, I thank my colleagues, and I am ready to continue making Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and raise a family."
New House Leadership Says Jobs, Fiscal Responsibility, Integrity Top Agenda
The 2011-2012 Session of the House of Representatives opened today with the election of Rep. Sam Smith (R-Jefferson County) as Speaker. Two hundred of the 203 members took their oaths of office today.
The House also adopted a set of rules governing how the body operates.
“It’s a new year, a new session and a new attitude for Pennsylvania,” House Majority Leader Mike Turzai said. “Pennsylvania voters sent a message last year to rein in government and reconnect it to the everyday values of its citizens. Those values will help guide us as we represent working families and fix Pennsylvania through controlled spending, smaller government, greater accountability and a strong free enterprise.”
In a House Chamber packed with family, friends and guests, including Gov.-Elect Tom Corbett, 200 members recited the oath of office administered by Superior Court President Judge Correale Stevens. Judge Stevens is a former member, representing the 116th District in Luzerne County. There are 29 new members, 21 Republicans and 8 Democrats.
Following the administration of the oath, Rep. Brian Ellis (R-Butler County) nominated Smith for the position of speaker; Smith was elected unanimously.
“I have a deep respect for this office, the oldest elected position in America,” Speaker Smith said. “I will do my best to preserve the dignity of the office and help restore the public’s trust in their government and their representatives.”
Following the election of speaker, the House voted to adopt the rules which govern how the body will operate. Some modifications of last session’s rules were made to clarify issues raised by members and leaders to help make the body more effective and efficient. A notable change includes a formal prohibition of campaign activity on legislative work time.
The new House Rules adopted today by the full membership include:
-- House Ethical Conduct Rules - Comprehensive House ethical conduct guidelines to provide clear direction to members and staff regarding legislative activity versus impermissible campaign activities. This addition strengthens caucus (Republican and Democratic) policies already in place.
-- Expanding the 60-day pre-election prohibition on mass communications to include mass e-mails.
-- Strengthening the voice of the whole House by specifically limiting the Appropriations Committee to considering the fiscal aspects of any bill which has already received second consideration on the House floor.
-- The Health and Human Services Committee will be separated into two committees, the Health Committee and the Human Services Committee. The Intergovernmental Affairs Committee has been abolished and its duties transferred to the State Government Committee.
“This chamber will no longer be satisfied with just talking points; we intend to initiate turning points,” Speaker Smith said. “We have a responsibility to govern, and I believe all of us who have taken the oath of office today are committed to making the House and state government as a whole more open and transparent.”
In his remarks, Rep. Turzai reminded members of the mandate handed down by voters last year to rein in state government, reform the legislative process and be more mindful of local concerns and issues.
“Our mandate comes from the people and the very residents of our communities,” Rep. Turzai said. “The real mandate for the elections of 2010 is to move Pennsylvania forward without taking more money from the already over-burdened taxpayers."
Rep. Turzai also spoke of the shared agenda to create a positive jobs climate; pass an on-time, no-tax budget; and restore the faith of Pennsylvania’s residents in their government
The 2011-2012 Legislative Session priorities, according to Rep. Turzai, will be to change Harrisburg from the ground up by making the legislative process more deliberative and open; cleaning up and streamlining state government, including reviewing and evaluating each state agency; and justifying every expenditure – including the legislature’s.
Speaker Smith and Rep. Turzai said they have been examining the costs of the legislature and plan to meet tomorrow with House Democratic leaders to change several House policies dealing with health care, per diems and auto leases.
“Through reform, responsibility and accountability, we will earn the people’s trust again,” Speaker Smith said. “By balancing the budget with reduced or capped spending, responsibly managing welfare (public) entitlements, and lessening the tax burden on Pennsylvania, we will again earn the public’s confidence.”
The House also adopted a set of rules governing how the body operates.
“It’s a new year, a new session and a new attitude for Pennsylvania,” House Majority Leader Mike Turzai said. “Pennsylvania voters sent a message last year to rein in government and reconnect it to the everyday values of its citizens. Those values will help guide us as we represent working families and fix Pennsylvania through controlled spending, smaller government, greater accountability and a strong free enterprise.”
In a House Chamber packed with family, friends and guests, including Gov.-Elect Tom Corbett, 200 members recited the oath of office administered by Superior Court President Judge Correale Stevens. Judge Stevens is a former member, representing the 116th District in Luzerne County. There are 29 new members, 21 Republicans and 8 Democrats.
Following the administration of the oath, Rep. Brian Ellis (R-Butler County) nominated Smith for the position of speaker; Smith was elected unanimously.
“I have a deep respect for this office, the oldest elected position in America,” Speaker Smith said. “I will do my best to preserve the dignity of the office and help restore the public’s trust in their government and their representatives.”
Following the election of speaker, the House voted to adopt the rules which govern how the body will operate. Some modifications of last session’s rules were made to clarify issues raised by members and leaders to help make the body more effective and efficient. A notable change includes a formal prohibition of campaign activity on legislative work time.
The new House Rules adopted today by the full membership include:
-- House Ethical Conduct Rules - Comprehensive House ethical conduct guidelines to provide clear direction to members and staff regarding legislative activity versus impermissible campaign activities. This addition strengthens caucus (Republican and Democratic) policies already in place.
-- Expanding the 60-day pre-election prohibition on mass communications to include mass e-mails.
-- Strengthening the voice of the whole House by specifically limiting the Appropriations Committee to considering the fiscal aspects of any bill which has already received second consideration on the House floor.
-- The Health and Human Services Committee will be separated into two committees, the Health Committee and the Human Services Committee. The Intergovernmental Affairs Committee has been abolished and its duties transferred to the State Government Committee.
“This chamber will no longer be satisfied with just talking points; we intend to initiate turning points,” Speaker Smith said. “We have a responsibility to govern, and I believe all of us who have taken the oath of office today are committed to making the House and state government as a whole more open and transparent.”
In his remarks, Rep. Turzai reminded members of the mandate handed down by voters last year to rein in state government, reform the legislative process and be more mindful of local concerns and issues.
“Our mandate comes from the people and the very residents of our communities,” Rep. Turzai said. “The real mandate for the elections of 2010 is to move Pennsylvania forward without taking more money from the already over-burdened taxpayers."
Rep. Turzai also spoke of the shared agenda to create a positive jobs climate; pass an on-time, no-tax budget; and restore the faith of Pennsylvania’s residents in their government
The 2011-2012 Legislative Session priorities, according to Rep. Turzai, will be to change Harrisburg from the ground up by making the legislative process more deliberative and open; cleaning up and streamlining state government, including reviewing and evaluating each state agency; and justifying every expenditure – including the legislature’s.
Speaker Smith and Rep. Turzai said they have been examining the costs of the legislature and plan to meet tomorrow with House Democratic leaders to change several House policies dealing with health care, per diems and auto leases.
“Through reform, responsibility and accountability, we will earn the people’s trust again,” Speaker Smith said. “By balancing the budget with reduced or capped spending, responsibly managing welfare (public) entitlements, and lessening the tax burden on Pennsylvania, we will again earn the public’s confidence.”
Long-Time Senate Republican Counsel Steve MacNett To Retire
Steve MacNett, long-time counsel to Senate Republicans, will retire at the end of this week. He will be replaced by Donna Memmi-Malpezzi who already serves as a staffer for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware). Steve has been with the Senate since 1966 and has often been called the 51st Senator.
Senate Republicans Name Committee Chairs
Senate Republicans Name Committee Chairs
Aging & Youth -- Kim Ward
Agriculture & Rural Affairs -- Elder Vogel*
Appropriations -- Jake Corman
Banking & Insurance -- Don White
Communications & Technology -- Michael Folmer
Community, Economic & Recreational Development -- Jane Earll
Consumer Protection & Prof. Licensure -- Robert Tomlinson
Education -- Jeffrey Piccola
Environmental Resources & Energy -- Mary Jo White
Finance -- Mike Brubaker*
Game & Fisheries -- Richard Alloway II
Intergovernmental Operations** -- Lloyd Smucker*
Judiciary -- Stewart Greenleaf
Labor & Industry -- John Gordner
Law & Justice -- John Pippy
Local Government -- John Eichelberger
Public Health & Welfare -- Patricia Vance
Rules & Nominations -- Dominic Pileggi
State Government -- Charles McIlhinney, Jr.
Transportation -- John Rafferty, Jr.
Urban Affairs & Housing -- Eugene Yaw
Veterans Affairs & Emergency Prep. -- Lisa Baker
*New Chair
** New Committee
Aging & Youth -- Kim Ward
Agriculture & Rural Affairs -- Elder Vogel*
Appropriations -- Jake Corman
Banking & Insurance -- Don White
Communications & Technology -- Michael Folmer
Community, Economic & Recreational Development -- Jane Earll
Consumer Protection & Prof. Licensure -- Robert Tomlinson
Education -- Jeffrey Piccola
Environmental Resources & Energy -- Mary Jo White
Finance -- Mike Brubaker*
Game & Fisheries -- Richard Alloway II
Intergovernmental Operations** -- Lloyd Smucker*
Judiciary -- Stewart Greenleaf
Labor & Industry -- John Gordner
Law & Justice -- John Pippy
Local Government -- John Eichelberger
Public Health & Welfare -- Patricia Vance
Rules & Nominations -- Dominic Pileggi
State Government -- Charles McIlhinney, Jr.
Transportation -- John Rafferty, Jr.
Urban Affairs & Housing -- Eugene Yaw
Veterans Affairs & Emergency Prep. -- Lisa Baker
*New Chair
** New Committee
Gov.-elect Corbett To Nominate Eli Avila As Secretary Of Health
Gov.-elect Tom Corbett today announced that he intends to nominate Eli Avila, 51, of Hampton Bays, N.Y., as Secretary of Health.
Corbett said that Avila currently serves as Chief Deputy Commissioner of the Suffolk County, N.Y., Department of Health Services, where he oversees a staff of more than 1,600 employees and manages an annual budget of more than $400 million.
Avila is also the Co-Chair of the New York State Bar Association's Medical Research and Biotechnology Committee and is a lecturer in Employment Law at St. John's University School of Law.
"Eli Avila's expansive education and experience as an executive, a doctor and a lawyer will serve him well in this new endeavor," Corbett said. "His expertise and leadership will be a valuable resource to the Corbett-Cawley administration and to the people of Pennsylvania."
Corbett explained that as Pennsylvania's top health regulator, Avila will be responsible for carrying out the Health Department's mission to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent injury and disease and to provide top-quality programs and services that benefit the health, safety and well-being of all Pennsylvanians.
The Department is also responsible for planning and coordinating health resources throughout the Commonwealth. It licenses and regulates a variety of health facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory surgical facilities and other in-patient and out-patient facilities. In addition, the Department supports outreach, education, prevention and treatment services across a variety of program areas.
Avila received his bachelor's degree in biology from Brown University, his M.D. from the Brown University School of Medicine, along with a J.D. from the St. John's University School of Law and a Master of Public Health from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine - New York University.
Avila and his wife have been married for 24 years and have two sons.
Corbett said that Avila currently serves as Chief Deputy Commissioner of the Suffolk County, N.Y., Department of Health Services, where he oversees a staff of more than 1,600 employees and manages an annual budget of more than $400 million.
Avila is also the Co-Chair of the New York State Bar Association's Medical Research and Biotechnology Committee and is a lecturer in Employment Law at St. John's University School of Law.
"Eli Avila's expansive education and experience as an executive, a doctor and a lawyer will serve him well in this new endeavor," Corbett said. "His expertise and leadership will be a valuable resource to the Corbett-Cawley administration and to the people of Pennsylvania."
Corbett explained that as Pennsylvania's top health regulator, Avila will be responsible for carrying out the Health Department's mission to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent injury and disease and to provide top-quality programs and services that benefit the health, safety and well-being of all Pennsylvanians.
The Department is also responsible for planning and coordinating health resources throughout the Commonwealth. It licenses and regulates a variety of health facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory surgical facilities and other in-patient and out-patient facilities. In addition, the Department supports outreach, education, prevention and treatment services across a variety of program areas.
Avila received his bachelor's degree in biology from Brown University, his M.D. from the Brown University School of Medicine, along with a J.D. from the St. John's University School of Law and a Master of Public Health from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine - New York University.
Avila and his wife have been married for 24 years and have two sons.
Slots Casino Revenue Increases Nearly 13 Percent In December
The amount of gross revenue generated in December 2010 through the play of slot machines at Commonwealth casinos rose 12.72 percent over the previous year, according to figures released today by the Gaming Control Board.
The play of slot machines at the ten operating casinos produced $174,772,637 in gross revenue in December 2010 compared to $155,048,230 in December 2009. Tax collections by the Commonwealth on that amount last month was $95,665,380, a per-day average of $3.08 million in tax revenue.
In a comparison of the revenue for just the nine casinos operating in December 2010 that were also open for the full month of December 2009, there was an increase of 6.51 percent.
"2010 was another good year of solid growth in slot revenue," said PGCB Executive Director Kevin O'Toole. "For the fourth year in a row Pennsylvania saw an increase in revenue from legalized casino gaming and, with the popularity of tables games, tax revenue should continue to grow throughout 2011."
From January through December of 2010, tax revenue was $1,248,797,919 compared to $1,080,472,555 in calendar year 2009, an increase of 15.6 percent.
Click here for more details.
The play of slot machines at the ten operating casinos produced $174,772,637 in gross revenue in December 2010 compared to $155,048,230 in December 2009. Tax collections by the Commonwealth on that amount last month was $95,665,380, a per-day average of $3.08 million in tax revenue.
In a comparison of the revenue for just the nine casinos operating in December 2010 that were also open for the full month of December 2009, there was an increase of 6.51 percent.
"2010 was another good year of solid growth in slot revenue," said PGCB Executive Director Kevin O'Toole. "For the fourth year in a row Pennsylvania saw an increase in revenue from legalized casino gaming and, with the popularity of tables games, tax revenue should continue to grow throughout 2011."
From January through December of 2010, tax revenue was $1,248,797,919 compared to $1,080,472,555 in calendar year 2009, an increase of 15.6 percent.
Click here for more details.
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