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July 8, 2009, 2:23 pm
The Senate is debating the budget on the Floor in Session. Democratic Leader Mellow argued that his Republican colleagues should stop being “intellectually dishonest”; challenging them to come back to an amendment that balances the bill with an additional $1.5 million.
Republican Appropriations Chairman Jake Corman retorted that SB 850 was in balance when they passed it in May, but alterations need to be made. He stated that despite further cuts, a resolution is not close to being reached but the Senate Republicans will not back down from their only goal for this year’s budget: no broad-based tax increases.
July 8, 2009, 2:15 pm
The Senate adopted in part the Real Property Disposition Plan No. 1 this afternoon with a vote of 47-0, and rejected the inclusion of the Scotland School for Veterans’ Children in the plan’s context. View the “Executive Nominations from the Senate Floor” section on the front page of the Capitol Toolbox for the Roll Call votes.
July 8, 2009, 12:44 pm
“The Republicans have a plan. We are done with the line items,” said House Republican Appropriations Chairman Mario Civera on the Floor today. He added he has heard at 10:30 p.m. tonight there will be budget discussions the Governor’s residence, with only Democratic Leadership. If that’s the case, he said, when you meet tonight, bring out a bill tomorrow and move the bill from Appropriations whether it’s SB 850 or HB 1416. “We need to move the process,†said Civera.
July 8, 2009, 12:03 pm
The committee voted unanimously to report as committed the following bills: SB 917, adding a clerk of orphans’ court to the County Records Committee; SB 925, amending the Massage Therapy Law; and HB 703, amending the Landscape Architects’ Registration Law. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
July 8, 2009, 10:38 am
The House Liquor Control and Senate Law and Justice Committee held a joint public hearing today to discuss the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s (PLCB) proposed wine boutiques and kiosks. Committee members were interested to discuss the specifics of both the boutiques and kiosks, in regards to how they would effect competition, be profitable, and be consumer friendly while still protecting minors from underage alcoholic consumption. Members of the PLCB argued that the boutiques and kiosks would not harm Pennsylvania’s restaurants and would promote competition, while representatives of the restaurant industry contended otherwise. Check the Capitol Tool Box later for more information.
July 8, 2009, 10:33 am
Representative Josh Shapiro (D-Philadelphia) held his latest healthcare roundtable meeting with business leaders today, and was also joined by Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, representing the 13th district of Pennsylvania in the US House of Representatives. Congresswoman Schwartz offered an update on the House’s work to move a reform bill, and said she expects legislation to be voted on this month. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story
July 8, 2009, 10:33 am
The House Rules committee met to consider four bills. HB 1030, HB 1768, HB 1798, and HB 89 were unanimously reported as committed. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
July 8, 2009, 10:31 am
The House Agriculture Committee considered two bills. HB 1330 was reported as committed, and transfers responsibility of parking meters to local governments. HB 1742 was reported as amended, and generated conversation on the funding of fairs, and whether moving restricted money from gaming revenues to fund the fairs for an interim period is appropriate. The bill was voted out of committee with Representatives Haluska, Josephs, and Mirabito voting in the negative.Â
Chairman Hanna also briefly discussed the impact that a lack of federal funding will have on agricultural programs at Penn State University, and urged the committee members to speak with their committee chairmen on the need to fund agriculture in Pennsylvania.
Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the complete story.
July 8, 2009, 10:24 am
 Senator Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) was joined by Senator Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia) and supporters for a  press conference today to urge passage of SB 935 which would “offer full and equal marriage rights to same-sex couples in Pennsylvania.” Senator Leach said the legislation would extend “basic rights and services to same-sex couples” such as Social Security Benefits and mandatory leave to care for a sick partner. Timothy Hare and Earl Ball are a same-sex couple that have been together for 33 years but are “legal strangers in Pennsylvania.” Senator Farnese said SB 935 “would ensure that everyone has the same civil rights.” Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
July 8, 2009, 10:04 am
The committee met to discuss old business and consider two resolutions. Chairman Curtis Thomas (D-Philadelphia) mentioned the National Conference of State Legislatures meeting on July 20, 2009 and shared with the committee the conference’s agenda. He also brought the committee’s attention to the town hall meeting taking place at City Hall, Philadelphia on July 23, 2009. At City Hall, there will a public hearing on immigration and four of the committee’s members will be testifying. After old business, the committee unanimously reported HR 343 and HR 387 as committed. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
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