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October 30, 2009, 12:45 pm
Governor Rendell this morning called on the legislature to return November 9 and sent table games and gaming reform to his desk that same day. The governor argued there is no reason why compromised cannot be reached by that time, noting that payments to students and hospitals are being held up due to this delay. Furthermore, Governor Rendell discussed recent disaster declarations of President Obama and the City of Philadelphia due to the spike in cases of H1N1 (swine flu). He emphasized that Pennsylvania is well prepared to deal with the illness.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today.
October 29, 2009, 12:29 pm
Speaking today at the Capitol’s media center, Acting Physician General Dr. Stephen Ostroff and Deputy Secretary for Health Planning and Assessment Michael Huff addressed mounting public frustration regarding the lack of available Swine Flu vaccines for the public. Dr. Ostroff reported that certified pre-registered vaccine providers have thus far requested more than 1.8 million doses in the Commonwealth, compared to an available supply of only 788,600 doses.
Dr. Ostroff reported that current projections estimate that by January 15, more than 6 million doses will have been made available, meaning roughly half the state could be inoculated against Swine Flu by that time. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
October 29, 2009, 9:17 am
ARGALL INTRODUCES MEASURE TO REDUCE SIZE OF THE LEGISLATURE
If passed, legislation announced by Senator Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) yesterday would reduce the size of the legislature at a rate of one Senate seat and ten House seats per decade through 2053, ultimately leaving the size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly at a total of 45 Senate seats and 153 House seats. Speaking at a press conference, Senator Argall said the time is right to re-consider the measure, which has been floated unsuccessfully a number of times in the past. While not a cure-all for Pennsylvania’s budgetary woes, he added it would show that legislators can “lead by example†in cutting costs. Though the overall reduction would not be complete until the middle of the 21st century, Senator Argall said a gradual reduction is key to winning acceptance among lawmakers. Too abrupt a reduction, he indicated, and the measure would not stand a chance. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.
ROHRER UNVEILS LEGISLATION TO ASSIST LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Rep. Sam Rohrer (R-Berks) yesterday unveiled legislation that would assist local governments during the economic crisis by allowing them to temporarily suspend certain unfunded mandates from the state. He explained
Continue reading Eye Opener – October 29, 2009
October 28, 2009, 4:27 pm
At the end of nearly every blog post on FYI by PLS, you’ve probably noticed the addendum, “Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.” Well for those of you who aren’t PLS subscribers, the full story is something you may not even know you’re missing. Therefore, once a week from now on, we will be posting a full PLS story to the blog, so non-subscribers can see precisely the quality and comprehensive reporting our subscribers have come to rely on. It’s free, premium content, and we’re calling it “Freemium.” So when you see the following banner, you’ll know you’re reading something normally exclusive only to subscribers.
And if you’d like to sign up for a free month-long trial, a link will be available beneath each Freemium story.
October 28, 2009, 1:46 pm
Speaking on a conference call today, Governor Rendell picked the Philadelphia Phillies to win the World Series in 6 games, and said he expects either Cole Hamels or Jimmy Rollins to be named series MVP. The governor also revealed the details of his friendly wager with New York Governor David Paterson. The winning team’s state will get to send two of its citizens to the loser’s city for 4 days and 3 nights, with travel provided by Amtrak, and accommodations, meals and entertainment paid for by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation should the Phillies lose. The winning couple will also get to have lunch with the losing governor.
Governor Rendell said Pennsylvania will run an online contest to determine its winners, with entrants having to write a 250 word essay on “Why I love the Phillies.”
While Governor Paterson has agreed on record to don a Phillies skirt should the Yankees lose the series, Governor Rendell said he will not do the same if the Phillies lose, “based on the simple fact that I don’t think people of the Commonwealth are ready to see my legs in a skirt.”
October 28, 2009, 1:12 pm
Legislation announced by Senator Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) today would reduce the size of the legislature at a rate of one Senate seat and ten House seats per decade through 2053. Ultimately the size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly would be reduced to 45 Senate seats and 153 House seats. Speaking at a press conference, Senator Argall said the time is right to re-consider the measure, which has been floated, unsuccessfully, a number of times in the past. Reducing the size of the legislature would require a constitutional amendment, which must be approved in two consecutive session and then pass a voter referendum. The earliest Senator Argall’s measure could be put on the ballot is November 2011. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
October 28, 2009, 12:06 pm
Over 150 Pennsylvania Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) held their 9th Annual Youth Rally in the Capitol Rotunda to call attention to their U-Turn Campaign aimed at reducing underage drinking and driving in the Commonwealth. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
October 28, 2009, 10:54 am
Rep. Sam Rohrer this morning unveiled legislation to help local governments and school districts weather the poor economic climate. He proposes to give municipalities the option to suspend certain programs and requirements mandated, but not funded, by the state. He was joined by Rep. Ron Miller and representatives of the major local government associations in support of the proposal.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox early this afternoon.
October 28, 2009, 10:03 am
The House Aging and Adult Older Services Committee held a hearing this morning on the impacts of Alzheimer’s Disease on the state of Pennsylvania. Community outreach programs, governmental programs, and the caregiver experience were also discussed. Testimony came from the Department of Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the story.
October 28, 2009, 8:14 am
REP. ROHRER TO UNVEIL LEGISLATION TO RELIEVE LOCAL GOV’T OF UNFUNDED MANDATE BURDEN
Rep. Sam Rohrer (R-Berks) will be joined by local government representatives this morning to unveil Emergency Mandate Relief Legislation. The Emergency Mandate Suspension Act (EMSA) would temporarily free local governments and school boards from the excessive burdens of unfunded mandates. The press conference will take place at 10:00 a.m. in the Capitol Media Center. The complete story will be available in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.
BONUSGATE PROBE WINDING DOWN
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the probe by the Attorney General’s office into legislative corruption appears to be nearing an end, as a statewide grand jury this week is expected to wrap up deliberations about House Republicans. About 10 current and former GOP legislators and staffers received the equivalent of “target letters,” with invitations to testify, according to legislative aides, a lawmaker and a lawyer familiar with the case. It’s part of a broader investigation of legislators suspected of using state resources for political purposes. A letter of the sort sent to House Republicans puts officials on notice and gives them a chance to tell their sides of the story; it doesn’t mean
Continue reading Eye Opener – October 28, 2009
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