June 9, 2009, 3:59 pm
The Capitol chatter over Governor Ed Rendell and House Democratic leadership supporting an increase in the Personal Income Tax is nothing more than rumor and opinion, Rep. Jesse White (D-Washington) told PLS Tuesday.
House Democratic leadership, despite what they might have signaled to the media, has not told its members to expect a tax hike in the face of $3.2 billion revenue shortfall, he said.
“You hear whispers in the hall from everybody, but until it’s something that’s out there in the open†I’m not going to consider it, the lawmaker said.
Gov. Rendell said last week raising the PIT should be considered, and House Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) went as far on Thursday to tell The Tribune-Review such a broad-based tax increase will be necessary.
Any tax hike will likely find little support in the Republican-controlled Senate, which has approved a $27.3 billion budget that doesn’t include any new taxes or fees. The governor has said he will reduce his original $29 billion proposal by between $400 million and $500 million, although those details have not been unveiled.
Rep. White said most of his rank-and-file Democratic colleagues aren’t excited about a tax increase if leadership should ask
Continue reading Rep. White: Show Me 26 Senators who Support Tax Hike
June 9, 2009, 12:10 pm
Senate Agriculture met today to consider a number of bills. HB 39 and SB 298 were reported as amended, while SB 607, 698 and SR 132 were committed. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
June 9, 2009, 12:07 pm
The Pennsylvania Unemployment Project (PUP) today called for an increase in the state’s Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP), a program whose funds were cut in both Governor Edward Rendell’s proposed budget and Senate Bill 850. John Dodds, Director of PUP, stressed the “need to fund the program adequately.” According to Dodds, over 5,000 Pennsylvanian homes went into foreclosure in April 2009, and foreclosures are up 54% from last year. Amid chants of “save our homes,” numerous representatives and advocates spoke of the importance of increasing HEMAP funds. Rep. Tony Payton (D-Philadelphia), Rep. Ron Waters (D-Philadelphia), and Rep. Louise Bishop (D-Philadelphia) all called the Senate’s and Governor’s version of the budget inadequate. Dodds stressed the fact that HEMAP is a loan. “In the history of the program,” Dodds said, “HEMAP has loaned $211 million, and has received $237 million. This is not a hand-out. Participants pay the loans back in full, plus interest. The state is not losing money.” Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the complete story.
June 9, 2009, 12:04 pm
The PA Chamber hosted a press conference to bring attention to what they believe will be harmful effects to business statewide should the proposed Employee Free Choice Act, also known as card check, be signed into law. Gene Barr, the Vice President of Government and Public Affairs for the Chamber, hosted the event and representatives of chambers of business and industry stood to voice their agreement that card check not be introduced in the workplace. Outspoken bystanders voiced their opposition to the Chamber’s argument during the course of the event. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
June 9, 2009, 11:47 am
The committee met to consider two bills. SB 852 was reported as amended and SB 862 was reported as committed. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
June 9, 2009, 11:46 am
House Labor Relations met off the floor this afternoon and voted three bills out of committee. SB 195 and HB 1569 were amended, while HB 1614 was reported as committed. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
June 9, 2009, 11:31 am
The Senate Consumer Protection Committee met to consider four bills. SB 187 was unanimously reported with one amendment, which Senator MJ White opposed; SB 288 was reported as committed with Senator Piccola voting in the negative by proxy; SB 921 was unanimously reported with an amendment; and HB 1342 was unanimously reported as committed.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox this afternoon.
June 9, 2009, 11:29 am
The House Liquor Control Committee met this morning to consider three bills. HB 291 was reported with two amendments, one which reduces the definition of small manufacturer and one which allows manufacturers to have two storage facilities. Several members questioned the finer details of the bill, but concurred action needs to happen. Reps. Goodman and Payne voted against the bill. HB 479 was reported as committed with minimal discussion and HB 996 was passed over so hearings can be held.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox this afternoon.
June 9, 2009, 11:21 am
Reps. Tim Solobay (D-Washington) and Rep. Brian Ellis (R-Butler), joined with a number of fellow House members to unite as a bipartisan effort to expand Marcellus Shale drilling. The Marcellus Shale Committee and several business leaders from across PA spoke about their success in the industry. Rep. Solobay announced today on Commonwealth Avenue there will be a display of Marcellus Shale technologies.
