Republican Floor Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) met with reporters this afternoon to respond to questions surrounding the recent charges filed against former Speaker of the House, Rep. John Perzel (R-Philadelphia). When asked, Rep. Smith cautiously answered questions regarding his knowledge and involvement in renewing GCR and Aristotle contracts for the Republican Caucus, and told reporters that he always asked if the contracts were legal and to what legislative purpose they served. Rep. Smith indicated that after reviewing the allegations in Attorney General Tom Corbett’s presentment- if they are true, he can’t help but say in hindsight that he “should have seen something.” Rep. Smith also expressed disappointment with the allegations because he said he always believed the caucus spent a lot of time and effort in making sure campaigns and daily government operations were kept separate. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
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Posted by PLS Intern | Tags: Ben Franklin Institutes for Technology, bonusgate | Category: PLS Interview, Press Conference | Leave a comment | Share:
The committee voted unanimously to report as committed HB 1616 which adds the chemical Dextromethorphan to the list of specific chemicals subject to registration under the Non-Controlled Substances Reporting and Registration Act. Also unanimously reported as committed was HR 285 directing the Department of Health to conduct a study on the accessiblity and effectiveness of sickle cell services in the Commonwealth. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Jeff Cox | Tags: Department of Health, dextromethorphan, non-controlled substances, sickle cell anemia, unfunded mandate, uniform construction code, union, unions | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, House Gaming Oversight, House Health | Leave a comment | Share:
The committee held a public hearing on Intermediate Units (IUs) this morning. Committee members heard testimony from two IU Executive Directors: Amy Morton and Dr. Joseph O’Brien;  and the Executive Director of the PA Association of Intermediate Units Dr. James Fields. The testifiers spoke about how IUs were formed, what role they play in interacting with school districts, and how they are useful at saving school districts money. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story. Rep. Darryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) and Rep. Todd Rock (R-Franklin) announced a Strike-Free Education Pact this morning, which would work to prohibit teachers unions from striking. Rep. Metcalfe introduced HB 2092, the “Strike-Free Education Amendment” to constitutionally ban teacher strikes and public school lockouts in Pennsylvania. Rep. Metcalfe stated that teacher strikes are “disruptive to communities” and that each student in Pennsylvania has the right to a “thorough and efficient education,” which he says teacher strikes have prohibited. Rep. Rock has introduced HB 1369, or the “Strike-Free Education Act,” which would outlaw teacher strikes and lockouts at the statutory level and includes a $5,000 fine. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the story. The House Local Gov’t Committee met this morning and reported three bills without amendments and discussed a fourth bill, SB 168. Chairman Freeman explained he has mixed feelings about the bill and after hearing from proponents and opponents he invited members of the committee to contact him with their thoughts about moving forward. Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today. Posted by Kim Collins | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, House Liquor Control, House Local Government | Leave a comment | Share:
By a vote of 18-8 this morning, the House Judiciary Committee voted Rep. Josh Shapiro’s ethnic intimidation bill, HB 745, to the floor. The bill significantly expands the possible victims of the crime of ethnic intimidation to include those targeted based on actual or perceived ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity. Several amendments offered by Rep. Tim Krieger (R-Westmoreland), who opposed the bill, would expand applicability to veterans and other, broader groups. Each failed or was withdrawn. The committee also voted on several other bills. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Mike Howells | Tags: ethnic intimidation, hate crimes, unemployment, unemployment compensation | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, House Intergovernmental Affairs, House Judiciary | Leave a comment | Share:
The House Labor Relations Committee held an informational meeting this morning regarding House Bill 1780. According to the prime sponsor Representative Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) HB 1780 would amend the Workers Compensation Act to allow insurers to provide workers compensation to sole proprietors, partners of a partnerships, or officers of a limited liability company. Rep. Frankel said the bill would close a gap in Pennsylvania’s Workers Compensation Act and bring Pennsylvania up to speed with surrounding states. Testifying in support of the bill were representatives of the insurance industry, as well as Liz Crum of the Department of Labor and Industry. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for more information. Posted by PLS Intern | Tags: insurance coverage, state parks, television, workers comp | Category: House Judiciary, House Labor Relations, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Leave a comment | Share:
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES SECOND WAVE OF FURLOUGHS Secretary of Administration Naomi Wyatt announced yesterday that a further 319 state employees will be furloughed, beginning today. The layoffs come across ten state agencies, with DEP and PHMC the hardest hit, losing 138 and 85 employees respectively. Of the 319 laid off in this round of furloughs, 224 individuals were described as “rank and file†employees, while 95 are management. Secretary Wyatt said that the layoffs are “unfortunate, but not unexpected,†as the state struggles to make up a $3.25 billion revenue shortfall. Savings as a result of the job cuts are estimated to be $7.9 million this fiscal year and $16.7 million over the next 12 months. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story and view the Budget Impact for DEP and PHMC. PERZEL CONTINUES TO VOTE IN HOUSE He might be indicted, but John Perzel showed up to work in Harrisburg on Monday. The former Speaker of the House participated in the afternoon’s voting session despite Attorney General Tom Corbett charging him with 82 criminal counts last week in connection with alleged misuse of more than $10 million in taxpayer money. The charges against Perzel Continue reading Eye Opener – November 17, 2009 |
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