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June 19, 2013, 7:00 am
SEN. MCILHINNEY REVEALS LIQUOR PRIVATIZATION PLAN
Chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee Sen. Charles McIlhinney (R-Bucks) held a press conference yesterday to discuss his liquor privatization plan which would be accomplished through amendments to his Senate Bill 100. He stated through holding public hearings and listening from those for and against privatization, he believes “we can expand and privatize alcohol utilizing our existing license structure.” Sen. McIlhinney said he would like to expand on the 14,000 licenses currently selling alcohol in Pennsylvania. Sen. McIlhinney said he has enough votes to move the proposal out of committee. However, Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) stated he does not have the 26 votes to pass the bill on the Senate Floor. He stated both he and some members of the Senate Republican caucus have some issues they would like to see refined or explained further, but he is still in support of the bill. Check out the Around the Capital section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.
GOVERNOR SIGNS AMENDMENT TO CRIME VICTIMS ACT
Gov. Tom Corbett yesterday signed HB 492, legislation sponsored by Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) that would allow victims to testify in person before the state Parole Board when it is deciding whether to release an offender from prison. The measure originated from the family of Montgomery County resident Ellen Gregory Robb, who was murdered by her husband, Rafael Robb. The new law will allow victims or their representatives to offer testimony either in person or electronically before a decision is made by the Parole Board to release an inmate. Check out the Around the Capital section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.
AUDITOR GENERAL DEPASQUALE AND REP. TURZAI DISCUSS PA TURNPIKE DEBT FOLLOWING RELEASE OF REPORT
Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today met with the press to discuss the debt on the Pennsylvania Turnpike following his testimony during a House Transportation Committee hearing. Gen. DePasquale was joined by Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) who remarked he thinks DePasquale’s work on the turnpike is going in the “right direction.” DePasquale stated Act 44 in regards to the Pennsylvania Turnpike needs to be addressed soon. He said the later the issue is dealt with the more money it will cost the Commonwealth and taxpayers to fix. “I think any comprehensive transportation proposal has to address that Act 44 debt,” Rep. Turzai said. Check out the Around the Capital section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.
FIRST EVER CAPITOL ALL-STARS CHARITY SOFTBALL GAME AT METRO BANK PARK ON SEPTEMBER 30TH
Nearly one out of every six Pennsylvanians is at risk of hunger and may not know where their next meal is coming from. Now PCN (Pennsylvania Cable Network) and the Pennsylvania Legislative Services (PLS) are joining in the fight to combat hunger in our state by sponsoring the first ever Capitol All-Stars Softball Game. The game, to be played by state legislators, will be held on Monday, September 30th at 5:30 p.m. at Metro Bank Park in Harrisburg. The partnership event will be formally announced during a press conference at the Capitol Rotunda today at 12:00 p.m.
Upcoming Meetings
House State Government
9:00 a.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building
Public hearing on: HB 1350 Ross, Chris Amends Titles 24, 51 & 71 re retirement funds HB 1352 Kampf, Warren Amends Title 24 & 51 re retirement funds HB 1353 Kampf, Warren Amends Title 51 & 71 re state pensions HB 1471 McGinnis, John Amends Titles 24 & 71 re boards
Senate Education
9:00 a.m., Room 156 Main Capitol
To consider: SB 871 Browne, Patrick Amends School Code re diabetes care HB 1141 Saylor, Stanley Amends Pub Schl Code re budget revision SB 1030 Corman, Jake Amends School Code re religious edu. fac.
House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Prepared.
9:15 a.m., Room B31 Main Capitol
To consider: SB 586 Brubaker, Michae Amends Title 20 re disposal of remains HB 1460 Gillen, Mark Amends Title 51 re military duty on transcr HB 972 Brown, Rosemary Amends Title 51 re vet peddlers license HB 1041 Hackett, Joe Amends Title 35 re prohib release of 911 info
House Aging and Older Adult Services
9:30 a.m., Room 60, East Wing
To re-refer: HB 298 Truitt, Dan Act re Family Medical Leave To consider: HR 255 Brooks Res re commission study long-term care serv Immediately followed by an informational meeting on the overview of the PACE program by Director Tom Snedden
Senate Finance
9:30 a.m., Room 8E-A, East Wing
To consider: SB 456 Blake, John Amends Tax Code re Innovate in PA program HB 1172 Christiana, Jim Amends Local Tax Enabling Act HB 1359 Toepel, Marcy Amends Forest Reserves Act re tax-exempt lands SB 922 Brubaker, Michae Amends Titles 24, 51 & 71 re retirement
Senate Urban Affairs and Housing
9:30 a.m., Room 461 Main Capitol
To consider: HB 1122 Gingrich, Mauree Amends Title 68 re condos & planned community HB 1319 Tobash, Mike Amends Housing Auth Law re prof emply contr HB 1363 Taylor, John Amends Prop. Conservatorship re actions
10:00 a.m., Main Rotunda Rep. Barrar to Lead Rally in Support of National Guard Military Technicians
House Labor and Industry
10:00 a.m., Room 39, East Wing
To consider: HB 858 Major, Sandra Amends UC Law re employment def HB 1250 Donatucci, Maria Amends Equal Pay Law re unpaid wage collection HB 1395 Harhart, Julie Amends Wage Payment & Collection Law re payday
House Local Government
10:00 a.m., Room 205, Ryan Office Building
To consider: HB 1193 Saccone, Rick Amends the First Class Township Code HB 1336 Dunbar, George Amends Real Estate Tax Sale Law re cnty bureau
Senate Public Health and Welfare
10:00 a.m., Room 156 Main Capitol
To consider the nomination of Dr. Carrie DeLone as Physician General and: HB 1075 Moul, Dan Amends Public Welfare Code re family finding HB 1190 Cutler, Bryan Amends Health Care Facilities Act
12:00 noon, Main Rotunda Sen. Brubaker, PCN & PLS on Capitol All-Stars Game to Fight Hunger
House Appropriations
Off the Floor, Room 140 Main Capitol
Agenda to be announced
Senate Community, Economic & Recreational Dev
Off the Floor, Rules Committee Conference Room
To consider: SB 643 Waugh, Mike Amends Race Horse Industry Reform Act SB 1013 Scarnati, Joseph Amends Title 4 re Gaming & Tourism Fund HB 290 Brooks, Michele Amends Small Games of Chance Act re games HB 927 Sankey, Thomas Amends the Community Serv Block Grant Act HB 1098 Payne, John Amends Small Games of Chance Act re prof sport
House Rules Off the Floor, Approp Conference Room
Agenda to be announced (expected, not scheduled)
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June 18, 2013, 4:04 pm
 Sen. Charles McIlhinney shares his liquor privatization proposal during press conference Chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee Sen. Charles McIlhinney (R-Bucks) held a press conference today to discuss his liquor privatization plan. McIlhinney announced changes to Senate Bill 100 that he previously offered on liquor privatization. Those changes would include direct wine shipping, package reform, pricing, hour changes, expanded and enhanced permits for existing permit holders. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
June 18, 2013, 3:29 pm
 Gov. Corbett signs HB 492 Governor Corbett today signed HB 492, legislation sponsored by Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) that would allow victims to testify in person before the state Parole Board when it is deciding whether to release an offender from prison.
The measure originated following the murder of Montgomery County resident Ellen Gregory Robb by her husband, Rafael Robb. It would allow victims or their representatives to offer testimony either in person or electronically before a decision is made by the Parole Board to release an inmate.
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), who sponsored companion legislation in the Senate, called the signing a “milestone day” in the commonwealth. In attendance were a number of legislators, law enforcement officials, victim advocates and families of victims. PLS subscribers check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
June 18, 2013, 2:35 pm
Residents from across the state joined advocacy groups in the Capitol Rotunda at noon to call on Gov. Corbett to “come clean” on the extent of water contamination from fracking in Pennsylvania. Representatives from Clean Water Action, The Sierra Club, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and Berks Gas Truth were joined by Filmmaker Josh Fox at the rally. Fox, creator of Gasland said that Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to clean air and water and called for the people of Pennsylvania to vote for a governor who will support a state-wide moratorium on drilling for natural gas in 2014.
June 18, 2013, 11:36 am
Today,Pennsylvania’s Auditor General Eugene DePasquale met with the press to discuss the debt on the Pennsylvania Turnpike following his testimony during the House Transportation Committee hearing. DePasquale was joined by Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) who remarked he thinks DePasquale’s work on the Pennsylvania Turnpike is going in the “right” direction. DePasquale stated Act 44 in regards to the Pennsylvania Turnpike needs to be addressed soon. He said the later the issue is dealt with the more money it will cost the Commonwealth and taxpayers to fix. DePasquale and Rep. Turzai agreed a phase out of Act 44 is needed. DePasquale commented a report on the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Debt Crisis will be released today. Check the Capitol Toolbox for the full story later this afternoon.
June 18, 2013, 7:40 am
MCILHINNEY TO INTRODUCE NEW LIQUOR PRIVATIZATION BILL
According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R- Bucks), who chairs the Law and Justice Committee has scheduled a 3 p.m. news conference in the Capitol to release details of how he would phase the state out of running wine and spirits stores and change the way beer is sold in Pennsylvania. McIlhinney has said he wants his proposal to be less complicated than the one that passed the Republican-controlled House in March. Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) said Monday that there was still no consensus among the chamber’s Republican majority on what a privatization bill should look like. Click here to read the Philadelphia Inquirer article.
IFO RELEASES OFFICIAL REVENUE ESTIMATE
According to an article in the Patriot News, the state’s Independent Fiscal Office released its official revenue projection for 2013-14, predicting the state’s tax collections will grow by 1.2 percent over this year. That projects the state’s general fund revenues will bring in more than $29 billion, barring any changes in law. That is $147 million higher than the office’s preliminary revenue growth estimate of $28.9 billion issued last month because revenues came in higher than anticipated. Click here to read the Patriot News article.
CORBETT SIGNS ANTI-ABORTION COVERAGE BILL
According to an Associated Press article, a new Pennsylvania law will prohibit coverage of most abortions under policies offered in a federally-run insurance marketplace starting next year. Gov. Tom Corbett’s office said he signed the bill Monday. Corbett’s office has said that it wouldn’t place any greater restrictions on access to abortion than already exist. Click here to read the Associated Press article.
PA SUPREME COURT THROWS OUT JUDGES’ RETIREMENT LAWSUIT
According to an article in the Morning Call, judges who challenged the Pennsylvania Constitution’s mandatory retirement age should pursue an amendment to eliminate it, the state Supreme Court said Monday in throwing out their case. The decision ends a lawsuit in state court by a group of county judges who had argued the requirement for judges to hang up their robes at age 70 violates the state constitution’s ban on age discrimination. Click here to read the Morning Call article.
Upcoming Meetings
House Education
9:00 a.m., Room 60, East Wing
To consider: HB 822 Roebuck, James Amends Public School Code re vocational ed HB 1464 Knowles, Jerry Amends Public School Code re athletic opportun SB 10 Scarnati, Joseph Amends Schl. Code re Office for Safe Schools Informational briefing from Terri Miller, President of S.E.S.A.M.E., & Dr. Chester C. Kent, S.E.S.A.M.E. Board Advisor on: SB 46 Williams, Anthon Amends Public School Code re emp. history
Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
9:30 a.m., Room 156 Main Capitol
To consider: SB 946 Baker, Lisa Amends Sewage Fac. Act re plans and permits HB 34 Harper, Kate Act re energy standards for state bldgs. HB 1325 Maloney, David Amends PA Sewage Facilities Act
House Finance
9:45 a.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building
To consider: SB 492 Vance, Pat Amends Liquid Fuels Tax Allocation re money SB 797 Browne, Patrick Amends Titles 24 & 51 re PSERS mil. members SB 798 Browne, Patrick Amends School Code re leave of absence
House Judiciary
10:00 a.m., Room 205, Ryan Office Building
To consider: HB 27 Marsico, Ron Amends Title 18 re harassment HB 28 Marsico, Ron Amends Title 42 re municipal police officer HB 80 Metcalfe, Daryl Amends Title 18 re theft of secondary metal HB 112 Vereb, Mike Amends Title 18 re sexual assault HB 438 Costa, Dom Act re PA Officer Down Advisory HB 836 Schlossberg, Mik Amends Title 23 re liability for support HB 945 Cruz, Angel Amends Title 23 re conviction consideration HB 1504 Caltagirone, Tho Amends Titles 42 & 53 re training & education SB 381 Eichelberger, Jo Amends Titles 13, 30 & 75 re transactions
House Transportation
10:00 a.m., Room 140 Main Capitol
Public hearing on: SB 1 Rafferty, John Amends Titles 20, 74 & 75 re trans. funding Hearing
10:30-ish, immediately following House Trans testimony, Outside Room 140 Main Capitol Auditor General DePasquale to Hold Media Availability Following Release of Turnpike Report to Cmte
Senate Local Government
10:00 a.m., Room 8E-A, East Wing
To consider: SB 497 Eichelberger, Jo Reenacts the Third Class City Code SB 931 Erickson, Edwin Amends Act re removal of absent councilmen HB 1223 Daley, Mary Jo Amends 1st Class Twp. Code re failure of ofcr HB 1225 Ross, Chris Amends Title 45 re publication of munic. codes HB 1229 Freeman, Robert Amends 2nd Class Twp. re removal of officers
Senate Transportation
10:00 a.m., Room 8E-B, East Wing
To consider: SB 676 Wozniak, John Amends Title 75 re vehicle inspection SB 984 Schwank, Judy Act re CWO-2 Jarrett M. Yoder Highway SB 1010 Yaw, Gene Amends Title 75 re milk hauling permit SB 332 Vogel, Jr., Elde Amends Title 75 re inspection of vehicles
Senate Judiciary
11:30 a.m., Room 8E-B, East Wing
To consider: HB 22 Grell, Glen Amends Title 13 re exclusions HB 513 Stevenson, Dick Amends Title 20 re small estates HB 1217 Stern, Jerry Amends Controlled Substance Act re schedules
12:00 noon, Main Rotunda Clean Water Action Lobby Day Rally
2:00 p.m., Governor’s Reception Room Governor Corbett to Sign Crime Victims’ Legislation
House Appropriations
Off the Floor, Room 140 Main Capitol
Agenda to be announced
House Rules
Off the Floor, Approp Conference Room
Agenda to be announced (expected, not scheduled)
House Health
Off the Floor, Room 205, Ryan Office Building
To consider: HB 1522 Tobash, Mike Act re navigator program
Senate off the Floors
Rules Committee Conference Room
Expected, not scheduled (yet)
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June 17, 2013, 1:01 pm
Rep. Michael O’Brien (D-Philadelphia) was joined by several democratic lawmakers from Philadelphia for a press conference in the Capitol Media Center to unveil legislation, HB 1525, that would help the Philadelphia School District close its budget gap. The bill would redirect state gaming revenues sent to Philadelphia for wage tax relief to Philadelphia schools for five years and generate close to $86 million for the district. “It doesn’t have to be doomsday for Philadelphia schools, educators and our children,” Rep. O’Brien stated. “There are resources available to help the school district get its finances in order and to help our kids get the education they deserve. Check out the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today to read the full story.
June 17, 2013, 12:28 pm
Senators Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia), Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) and Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) held an informal press briefing this morning. The Democratic Senators discussed their position on Medicaid expansion, budget discussions, pension reform, liquor store modernization, and education funding.
PLS Subscribers check the Capitol Toolbox for the full story later this afternoon.
June 17, 2013, 8:37 am
CORBETT BROADENS MEDICAID EXPANSION TALKS
According to an article in the Scranton Times, the Corbett administration seeks to broaden the scope of Medi¬caid expansion talks with Washington, but expressed disappointment at the lack of progress so far with federal officials. The administration wants to cover such issues as having new recipients obtain their coverage through health insurance exchanges, requiring some form of co-payments and job training on their part, and reconsidering the types of benefits that would be offered. Click here to read the Scranton Times article.
ACTION POSSIBLE THIS WEEK ON LIQUOR PRIVATIZATION
According to an article in the Erie Times, this could be a make-or-break week in the Pennsylvania Senate for Gov. Tom Corbett’s liquor privatization plan. And supporters and opponents of getting Pennsylvania out of the liquor retail and wholesale business are making their last-minute push as the fiscal year winds down. Corbett at a news conference last week urged the Senate to adopt a privatization measure similar to what the House adopted in March. He has cited choice and convenience for customers in arguing for change. Click here to read the Erie Times article.
NOMINEES STEVENS, HOLDEN FACE SENATE CONFIRMATION
According to an article in the Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice, Superior Court President Judge Correale F. Stevens and former U.S. Rep. Tim Holden face what could be a quick Senate confirmation process with their nominations to key posts by Gov. Tom Corbett. Stevens, a Luzerne County Republican, was nominated Thursday to fill a pivotal vacancy on the state Supreme Court on a temporary basis. Holden, a Schuylkill County Democrat, was nominated to fill a seat on the three-member state Liquor Control Board. He left Congress last year after being defeated for renomination in his northeast congressional district. Click here to read the Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice article.
FEESE SUES CORBETT PROSECUTORS OVER HANDLING OF CASE
According to an article in the Patriot News, taking an old argument to a new forum, ex-state Rep. Brett O. Feese, now a prison inmate serving time on public corruption convictions, has filed a federal lawsuit against his prosecutors, including Gov. Tom Corbett. Feese contends in his U.S. Middle District Court suit that when Corbett was state attorney general, Corbett and others in that office illegally conspired to deny him access to evidence and so denied him a fair trial in the so-called Computergate scandal. Click here to read the Patriot News article.
Upcoming Meetings
House Transportation
10:00 a.m., Room 205, Ryan Office Building
Public hearing on: SB 1 Rafferty, John Amends Titles 20, 74 & 75 re trans. funding
10:45 a.m., 535 Main Capitol Informal Briefing with Senators Costa, Hughes & Williams
House Professional Licensure
11:30 a.m., Room 60, East Wing
To consider: HB 43 Harper, Kate Amends Vol. Health Svcs. Act re defs. HB 408 Thomas, Curtis Amends the Assessors Certification Act HB 1096 Sonney, Curt Amends Architects Lic Law re contin edu
12:30 p.m., Media Center Rep. O’Brien to Unveil Bill to Help Philadelphia Schools
House Appropriations
Off the Floor, Room 140 Main Capitol
To consider: HB 164 Stephens, Todd Amends Title 18 re cruelty to animals HB 1060 Keller, Mark Amends Title 75 re reg. plate display HB 1196 Stephens, Todd Amends Rabies Prevention and Control Act HB 1202 Regan, Mike Amends Title 75 re eluding a police officer HB 1356 Stephens, Todd Amends Title 18 re wiretapping expiration HB 1480 Tobash, Mike Amends Title 75 re mandatory deductibles SB 155 Greenleaf, Stewa Amends Rabies Prevention Act re vaccinations SB 304 Greenleaf, Stewa Amends Title 15 & 54 re corporationsSB 371 Brubaker, Michae Repeals Savings Assoc. Code re incorporation SB 583 Eichelberger, Jo Amends Economic Dvlp Law re contract awards
House Rules
Off the Floor, Approp Conference Room, 245 MC
Expected, not scheduled
Senate Appropriations
Off the Floor, Rules Committee Conference Room
To consider: SB 57 Alloway, Richard Amends Title 18 re disclosure of communication SB 137 Gordner, John Amends Speech-Language Act re certification SB 267 Greenleaf, Stewa Amends Public School Code re absent excuses SB 391 Solobay, Timothy Amends Title 18 re criminal record expungement SB 428 Costa, Jay Amends Title 20 re pooled trusts SB 437Folmer, Mike Amends Public School Code re mil. sci. cert. SB 1002 Corman, Jake Act re FY 2013-14 Capital Budget HB 108 Micozzie, Nichol Amends Insurance Co. Law re expirationHB 326 Fabrizio, Florin Amends County Code re convention center auth HB 493 Gabler, Matt Amends Cap Facilities Debt Enabling Act HB 1124 Scavello, Mario Amends Title 7 re license HB 1437 Adolph, William Act re Budget Bill
Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Off the Floor, Rules Committee Conference Room
To consider: SB 1003 Robbins, Bob Amends Title 3 re food establishment reg.
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June 13, 2013, 7:48 am
HOUSE APPROVES GOP BUDGET BILL
According to an article in the Scranton Times, House lawmakers approved a $28.3 billion state budget bill shaped by the chamber’s Republican majority Wednesday, but the debate over spending priorities in the next budget is by no means over. The measure, approved 108-92 on a party-line vote, keeps the Legislature on course to pass a final budget by the June 30 deadline. The House vote puts the ball in the Senate’s court where that chamber’s GOP majority has yet to unveil its own spending proposal. Click here to read the Scranton Times article.
GOV. CORBETT HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS LIQUOR PRIVATIZATION
Today, members of the House and Senate as well as a number of supporters of Gov. Corbett’s view on liquor privatization attended he held to discuss the choice and convenience he said will result from state liquor store privatization. “We are entering the home stretch in our efforts to give Pennsylvanians what they want,” Gov. Corbett stated about the privatization. “It’s time for the legislature to sit down and get this bill on my desk by the end of this month,” Gov. Corbett said. Check out the Around the Capital section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.
CORBETT OFFICIALS: FEDS TOO RIGID ON MEDICAID EXPANSION
According to an article in the Patriot News, Gov. Tom Corbett wants to give taxpayer-subsidized heath insurance to hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania residents. All that holds him back is the Obama administration’s unwillingness to allow flexibility to do things such as impose job-related requirements on people who receive Medicaid. That was the message from two Corbett officials Wednesday during a briefing on the Medicaid expansion called for in the federal Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Click here to read the Patriot News article.
CONSUMER HEALTH COALITION RALLIES FOR MEDICAID EXPANSION
Hundreds of protestors filled the back Capitol steps today to urge Gov. Corbett to accept Medicaid expansion in the Commonwealth. Representatives from the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, AARP, Pennsylvania Health Access Network and many other advocates called to “cover the Commonwealth” with healthcare. Sally Jo Snyder, of the Consumer Health Coalition, said that lives are on the line because people lack healthcare. She explained that the rally will allow people from around the state to share their individual stories. “We will win this fight,” said Snyder. Check out the Around the Capital section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.
Upcoming Meetings
House Transportation
9:00 a.m., Room 140 Main Capitol
Public hearing on: SB 1 Rafferty, John Amends Titles 20, 74 & 75 re trans. funding
House Democratic Policy Committee
10:00 a.m., Room 418 Main Capitol
Public hearing on youth violence as a public health epidemic
Special Education Funding Formula Commission
10:00 a.m., Hearing Room 1, North Office Building
To consider special education funding in PA
House Urban Affairs Senate Urban Affairs and Housing
10:00 a.m., York College of PA, Alumni Hall-West Campus Community Center, 441 Country Club Road, York
Joint public hearing with Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee on the future of Pennsylvania cities large and small
Would you like additional details about these stories and more? You can try PLS free for one month. Give us a call at 717-236-6984 or send us an email at mypls@mypls.com to sign up.
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