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June 1, 2009, 3:37 pm
An article this weekend in The Philadelphia Inquirer contained two interesting, important tid-bits worth calling attention to.
House Majority Leader Todd Eachus (D-Luzerne) is open to a personal income tax hike, and Governor Ed Rendell’s revised spending plan will chop an additional hundreds of millions of dollars from the $250 million he said he already cut from his $29 billion spending plan.
Raising the PIT has now become part of the budget discussion. House Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans’ (D-Philadelphia) office has said the tax is the most practical way of bridging the state’s $3.2 billion revenue shortfall, although the chairman has stopped short of calling for it.
Eachus told the Inquirer he is willing to look at the broad-based tax hike.
Senate Republicans oppose any tax increase as they continue to push their $27.3 billion budget bill, which they approved last month.
The article also featured comment from Governor Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo, who said the administration will cut several hundred million dollars more from its original $29 billion budget bill, on top of the $250 million it already cut.
“The governor is a realist,” Ardo told the paper. “He understands revenue shortfalls require further cuts.”
The governor’s original
Continue reading Tax-Increase Chatter Increases as Governor Prepares to Unveil New Budget
June 1, 2009, 2:34 pm
The Senate is currently discussing SB 101 on the floor, and debating on the definition of ‘intentional violations’, with consideration as to whether the bill as written would negatively impact local government officials.
UPDATE: The bill was passed with a vote of 48-1, with Senator Mellow voting in the negative.
June 1, 2009, 1:38 pm
After vetoes of two bills limiting appeals of property tax assessments last session, Rep. Tim Seip (D-Schuylkill) is hoping the third time is the charm. Rep. Seip plans to introduce legislation that mirrors SB 1258 of last session, which was passed overwhelmingly only to be vetoed by the governor. Two companion pieces of legislation will also be introduced by Rep. Scavello and Rep. Gergely so all counties except Philadelphia are included. Rep. Seip expressed his hope that the governor will sign this legislation in light of the worsening economy.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.
June 1, 2009, 1:12 pm
Senate Rules met off the floor this afternoon and unanimously reported 43 pages of Recalls and five pages of nominations to the Senate Floor. Look for the full story on the Capitol Toolbox.
June 1, 2009, 12:34 pm
The House Select Committee on Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Inclusion held a public hearing today. Chairman Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny) said the purpose of the hearing was to “mainly focus attention on understanding barriers to participation, best practices for ensuring maximum diversity inclusion in government and industry, and recommending approaches to overcome identified barriers to adequate participation of minorities, women and disadvantaged business enterprises in contracts and employment in state government agencies, authorities and departments.” Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
June 1, 2009, 12:09 pm
The committee conducted a public hearing on the Department of General Services 2009 Proposed Real Property Disposition Plan. Properties in the plan included the Scotland School for Veterans’ Children; two staff residences at the State Correctional Institute-Chester; and a vacant lot at Edinboro University. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
June 1, 2009, 12:02 pm
Senate Approp met this afternoon to consider a number of bills. SBs 112 , 138, 240, and HB 84 were voted out with amendments, while SBs 241, 287, 297, 598, 687, and HB 1089 were committed. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
June 1, 2009, 11:18 am
The Disability Budget Coalition (DBC) gathered in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building today to rally in opposition to Senate Bill 850 and launch its 2009-2010 Disability Agenda. Disability advocates warned the audience and legislators that the passage of SB 850 would mean drastic reductions in programs and services designed to assist disabled Pennsylvanians to live productive healthy lives. DBC spokeswoman Linda Anthony said SB 850 threatens direct personal care assistance, technology and mobility assistance, and could even force thousands of disabled Pennsylvanians from home care into nursing home institutions, costing the state millions. Check the Capitol Tool Box later for more information.
June 1, 2009, 10:38 am
Representative Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia) held a press conference today, introducing legislation that would eliminate parole for repeat violent offenders. House Bill 1567 would increase the minimum sentence for a repeat violent offender from 10Â to 15 years, and would eliminate the option for parole. “This enhanced level of supervision would help ensure a better chance to protect public safety,” Boyle commented. House Judiciary Chairman Tom Caltagirone (D-Berks) also spoke on behalf of the bill, remarking that it will send a strong message to those thinking of committing violent crimes. State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski, representing Governor Edward Rendell’s office, stressed the importance of the bill as well. With “strong bipartisan support,” Rep. Caltagirone and Rep. Boyle hope to have it passed before the General Assembly recesses for the summer.
June 1, 2009, 9:19 am
Senator Wonderling has issued a press release announcing that he will not be seeking a 3rd term to the Pennsylvania State Senate. Wonderling, who has served under former Governor Tom Ridge, worked for Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and was President of the PENJERDEL Council, has accepted a position as President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Senator Wonderling is set to begin his new position effective August 1, 2009, but this date could change depending on when the budget has been passed.
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