October 2008
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Pileggi Discusses the Session

Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi made himself available to questions by the media earlier this evening. He addressed the Governor’s healthcare legislation and said it did not pass because it lacked a sustainable source of funding and said it would be irresponsible to pass it when the Commonwealth could be facing a historic state deficit. He said that he is open to scheduling more session days before the election and is waiting to hear back from the House. He said it was unfortunate that rate mitigation was not able to be resolved but said the Administration, the House and the Senate are going to work together find the best solution.


Rendell sounds off on House & Senate action

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.

Senate Rules & Executive Nominations – Off the Floor

The Senate Rules Committe met this evening and reported the following bills on concurrence: SB 100, SB 295, SB 1028, SB 1258 and SB 763. All vote were unanimous except Senator Wonderling voted against SB 1258 and Senator Piccola voted against SB 100.

DeWeese: Manzo accusation "just not credible"

House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese (D-Greene), responding to an accusation from former chief of staff Mike Manzo that he knew legislative bonuses were being paid to staff for campaign work, dismissed the charge and characterized it as coming from a “desperate and disgruntled” former employee who is facing jail time. He asserted he “did not do anything wrong,” and remains confident he will win re-election in November. Stay tuned to PLS for the full story.

Senate Environmental Resources & Energy – Off the floor

The Senate Envi Committee met to consider two regulations. The committee unanimously voted to extend the time the committee has to review EQB regs Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards 7-421 and Diesel Truck Idling rulemaking 7-422, and sent a letter to IRRC requesting that the commission disapprove 7-421.

House Rules Committee – 3:30 p.m.

The House Rules Committee met to consider six bills. HB 1096, HB 2200, HB 2289, HB 2525, HB 2294, and HB 2629 were reported as committed.

Senate Floor Update - 2:03 p.m.

The Senate is currently discussing HB 2200 on final passage, regarding electric utility companies.

Senate Rules & Exec Noms – Off the Floor

The Senate Rules Committee met off the floor this morning and unanimously reported four bills: SB 263, SB 768, SB 1107 and SB 1504 in addition to recalling certain exec noms. The committe expects to meet again later this afternoon.

House Rules – Off the Floor

With Majority Whip Keith McCall (D-Carbon) chairing the meeting, House Rules reported out a package of bills to the floor this morning. McCall informed members the rules of the House may have to be suspended for some of the bills to be considered today. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

Senate State Government – 9:00 a.m.

The committee conducted a public hearing on the final-form Lobbying Disclosure Regulations (#16-40). Representatives from the Lobbying Disclosure Committee provided an overview of the development of the regulations and the major points of discussion that remain. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations addressed their concerns with the regulations. See details later on the PLS Capitol Toolbox.