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The Senate Appropriations Committee held a budget hearing with Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding this morning. Members asked questions about cuts to funding for state fairs and county conservation districts, dairy pricing, restaurant inspections, weights and measures, biofuels, and a number of other topics. Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon. Posted by Kim Collins | Tags: agriculture, Biofuel, fairs, milk pricing | Category: Budget Hearing, Senate Appropriations | Leave a comment | Share:
This morning the House Agriculture and State Government committees held a joint hearing on food safety bill HB 174 and the consequences of the many health code violations found during a December 17th Ag Department inspection of the capitol cafeteria, which is run by Aramark. DGS Secretary Jim Creedon reported the trees planted around the cafeteria have been removed, and various holes capped off, which he believes will go a long way towards preventing future infestations. Aramark representative Bruce Walton also appeared before the committee to discuss why Aramark employees did not come forward to report the obvious presence of mice, and assure that such a situation will not be allowed to happen again. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Mike Howells | Tags: agriculture, capitol cafeteria, DGS, mice | Category: House Agriculture & Rural Affairs, House State Government, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Leave a comment | Share:
Effective September 12th, Department of Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff will resign. Governor Rendell has nominated Russell Redding, a department executive deputy secretary. Redding’s nomination as secretary is dependent upon Senate confirmation. Posted by Rebecca | Tags: Act 44, agriculture | Category: Administration | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Agriculture Committee considered two bills. HB 1330 was reported as committed, and transfers responsibility of parking meters to local governments. HB 1742 was reported as amended, and generated conversation on the funding of fairs, and whether moving restricted money from gaming revenues to fund the fairs for an interim period is appropriate. The bill was voted out of committee with Representatives Haluska, Josephs, and Mirabito voting in the negative. Chairman Hanna also briefly discussed the impact that a lack of federal funding will have on agricultural programs at Penn State University, and urged the committee members to speak with their committee chairmen on the need to fund agriculture in Pennsylvania. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the complete story. Posted by Lindsay Andrews | Tags: Act 44, agriculture, bleeding disorders, Budget, Environmental Hearing Board, gaming, independence, local governments, Rail Freight Preservation & Improvement Act, state fairs | Category: House Aging, House Agriculture & Rural Affairs | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Ag Committee met informally this morning to discuss the Department of Agriculture’s budget. Rep. Kessler pointed out that the department has a much deeper cut than other departments and solicited suggestions to reduce that cut so it is more inline with the other departments. While no answers were forthcoming, the members all agreed the cuts are excessive and would continue to work to find solutions. Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox this afternoon. Posted by Kim Collins | Tags: Act 44, agriculture | Category: House Aging, House Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Comments are closed | Share:
The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee met today with multiple representatives of Pennsylvania’s agricultural community to discuss budget and recession concerns facing the Commonwealth’s number one industry. Department of Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff was also present to provide short testimony and answer questions from committee members. Check the Capitol Tool Box later for more information. Posted by PLS Intern | Tags: Act 44, agriculture, bleeding disorders, Budget | Category: Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs | Comments are closed | Share:
The reduction in the overall budget for the department and the cutting and elimination of several programs were the topics of discussion between committee members and Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Jeff Cox | Tags: Act 44, agriculture | Category: Budget Hearing, Senate Appropriations | Comments are closed | Share:
Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff responded to questions from members regarding proposed cuts in various department programs and the potential impact on agriculture in the Commonwealth. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Jeff Cox | Tags: Act 44, agriculture | Category: Budget Hearing, House Agriculture & Rural Affairs, House Appropriations | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Aging and Older Adult Services committee met today to discuss proposed assisted living regulations. Fifteen testifiers (including Secretary Estelle Richman of the Department of Public Welfare) took the stand arguing for and against particular provisions of the proposed regulations. While numerous provisions were discussed, staffing requirements, ombudsman provisions, marketing and minimum square foot provisions were discussed at length. Check PLS later today for a complete summary of the meeting. Posted by Eric Failing | Tags: agriculture, assisted living | Category: Freemium Content, House Aging, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Leave a comment | Share:
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