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December 3, 2009, 3:22 pm
Governor Rendell announced this afternoon that Harley Davidson’s board of directors met earlier in the day and have ratified a decision to remain at their York plant. He reported he is “gratified” by the news, but expressed disappointment that nearly 950 Harley workers will lose their jobs. By staying in York, Harley will receive $15.4 million in grant money from the state, a “very attractive package” the governor said helped beat back challenges from possible relocation sites in Kentucky and Indiana.
The governor also offered comments on a variety of other issues, including Revenue Secretary Steve Stetler’s invitation to testify before a grand jury on the Bonusgate scandal, table games, rate caps, and the future of DPW Secretary Estelle Richman, who he said has been offered a job with the Obama Administration. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
June 8, 2009, 12:12 pm
Members of the Joint Legislative Conservation Committee attended an Environmental Issues Forum hosted by American Geo-Energy Solutions (AGES), a Pennsylvania based renewable energy company. The panel consisted of the President, CEO, and Chairman for AGES, who explained to the audience and members of the committee, the environmental and economic advantages of using underground mine water as renewable energy sources. The Chairman of AGES, Stephen Krentzman called the treatment and use of polluted mine water sources as a renewable energy “turning lemons into lemonade.” Check the Capitol Tool Box later for more information.
April 30, 2009, 12:29 pm
The House Health Committee held a public hearing on the Department of Public Welfare’s “Smart Pharmacy” proposal. The committee questioned the department extensively on the proposal, and DPW maintained that the state will save money under the proposal without compromising patient care. The committee heard from consumers and MCOs who offered testimony in contradiction to the department’s claims that consumers will not be affected.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox this evening.
March 4, 2009, 5:11 pm
Majority Leader Todd Eachus, along with Speaker Keith McCall, Appropriations Chair Dwight Evans, and other members of House Democratic leadership commented this afternoon on the results of a day-long caucus retreat spent at Harrisburg University, and offered their thoughts on the House Democratic policy agenda for the spring. Beyond the obvious necessity of negotiating the budget, Rep. Eachus reported other priorities of the caucus include job creation, improving access to healthcare, and investing in transportation and energy projects. He also advised the caucus is still working to achieve a consensus related to video poker legislation. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
March 3, 2009, 1:17 pm
The House Appropriations Committee held a budget hearing with DPW Secretary Estelle Richman, who fielded questions for three hours on topics ranging from fraud to TANF cash grants to the impact of the federal stimulus. Secretary Richman continually emphasized her desire to fund all programs and providers adequately while defending the proposed cuts in the budget in light of the current economic climate.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this evening.
February 4, 2009, 5:04 pm
The Departments of Public Welfare, Insurance and Aging joined with the Governor’s Office of Health Care Reform this afternoon to review their respective parts of the Governor’s proposed budget, dubbed the Caring for All Pennsylvanians Budget Briefing. They collectively acknowledged the difficulties of the economy and stressed they have sought to preserve services while making cost reductions where possible. Secretary Richman highlighted that the budget situation is not as dire as it could be due to the expected federal economic stimulus, but she stressed this will not be enough to avoid all painful cuts. Two proposals of DPW are to implement a statewide MCO assessment and the Smart Pharmacy Initiative. Acting Secretary Hall discussed the proposal to create the Department of Aging and Long-Term Living to create a more uniform system. Commissioner Ario provided an overview of a recent study which found the number of uninsured adults in PA is increasing, which segued into Director Torregrossa’s overview of the proposed plan to double adultBasic enrollment.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this evening.
November 19, 2008, 1:03 pm
Governor Rendell today announced that PA has received a bonus of $4.6 million for strong management of its Food Stamp Program for the third year of his administration. He explained when he became Governor, PA was sanctioned for its poor management, making these bonuses particularly exceptional.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.
October 8, 2008, 8:11 pm
A bittersweet Governor Rendell reviewed the week’s work of the general assembly this evening, identifying a number of successes and two glaring disappointments. While he praised the House and Senate for passing a comprehensive energy bill, improvements to the state’s Dog Law, mandatory minimum sentencing for shooting in the direction of a police officer, and banning mandatory overtime for select healthcare workers, he criticized Senate Republicans for not passing compromise healthcare legislation, and blamed “unrealistic” utility companies for not agreeing to rate cap mitigation provisions.
Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
October 8, 2008, 2:30 pm
The Senate is currently discussing HB 2200 on final passage, regarding electric utility companies.
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