June 4, 2009, 2:35 pm
As part of an on-going series of interviews with first-term legislators, PLS recently sat down with State Representative Rick Mirabito (D-Lycoming). During the chat, Rep. Mirabito discusses how his life experiences have led to a seat in the House of Representatives, how life is for a freshmen representative during a recession and budget crisis, as well as what goals and plans he has for the future of his term. Check the Capitol Tool Box for the full interview.
June 4, 2009, 10:40 am
The House Consumer Affairs Committee held a public hearing on Act 129, or HB 2200, of 2008. The committee heard from the PUC, Consumer Advocate, PECO, UGI Gas, Energy Association and American Council for Energy Efficient Economy. For the most part the testifiers agreed implementation of the act is going well, however concerns were raised about the need to step up consumer education and the costs to utilities.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox this afternoon.
June 4, 2009, 10:23 am
The Legislative Forestry Task Force of the Joint Legislative Conservation Committee held a public hearing on green building rating systems. The task force took testimony from representatives of the forest industry, as well as others, who advocated for a rating system other than the LEEDs system. A representative of the LEEDs program touted its advantages. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
June 4, 2009, 8:29 am
PREPARING FOR POSSIBLE GUV RUN, WAGNER TOUTS RECORD AS AG
Auditor General Jack Wagner on Tuesday touted his office’s record of using performance-based audits to ensure government meets taxpayer expectations, a process he says has led several state agencies to reevaluate how carefully they spend taxpayer dollars and improve the services they provide. Wagner also detailed two policy initiatives he would undertake if elected governor, helping to lay the groundwork for his expected gubernatorial campaign. After all, politics is why he spoke in the first place. His speech was part two of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and CREDC’s Pennsylvania Perspectives series, a monthly talk held in the downtown Harrisburg Hilton that features potential gubernatorial candidates. Speaking before a group of about 100 local business leaders, Wagner said he appreciates business’ importance to Pennsylvania. He tries to bring that understanding to the auditor general’s office, he said. “I want all of you to know, I am very sensitive to business and its interaction with government,†Wagner said. The auditor general is the state’s fiscal watchdog, and Wagner said his office has already seen its investigations change the culture of some state agencies. Go
Continue reading Eye Opener – June 4, 2009