In the midst of the budget debates, PLS has managed to bring you one more awesome feature. We have added Twitter “tweets” to our blog. Just look on the right-hand side of the blog (fyibypls.com) for the latest tweets. We caution, however, that the views and opinions (and there are some pretty strong ones on Twitter) in no way represent the views or opinions of PLS. As we find more “tweeple” we will continue to add to the list. For now we are following legislators, prominent staffers, and a handful of Harrisburg reporters. If you find someone we’re missing, please drop us a line and we’ll add them to our line up.
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Posted by Kim | Tags: severance tax, twitter | Category: Senate Education, Update | Comments are closed | Share:
Governor Rendell praised House Democrats today for defeating the House Republican amendment to HB 1416 yesterday on the House Floor. Though a sign of progress, he said it is still not enough. He reiterated his ideal budget contains a combination of cuts and revenue increases. The governor also announced a number of steps he has taken to assist state employees who will go without pay as a result of the budget impasse. Among them, he said PHFA is going to restructure mortgage loan terms for commonwealth employees, allowing them to skip a mortgage payment and add it to the backend of the mortgage. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Mike | Tags: Budget, LBFC, PHFA | Category: Administration, Face to Face, Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
by Alex Roarty House Democrats won a small victory Thursday afternoon when they unanimously opposed a Republican amendment to their budget proposal, a unified decision uncertain just last week. But House GOP leadership and at least one rank-and-file Democrat said after the 103-95 vote that the new budget proposal faces a much sterner test if members are faced with a proposal for a broad-based tax increase, which Republican call inevitable. The Democratic budget proposes to spend $27.8 billion next year while removing a chunk of higher-education funding from the General Fund. Democrats haven’t decided how to fund the new account but say it will cost $1.3 billion. Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) said the state can raise the money through a variety of options that don’t include a broad-based tax increase. But his Appropriations Committee counterpart, Minority Chairman Mario Civera (R-Delaware), told reporters other revenues options don’t raise nearly enough money. He predicted the Democratic proposal will fall apart when caucus leadership asks its members to support a tax hike. “I think it’s going to blow up in their faces,†Rep. Civera said. “Sooner or later reality is going to set in.†It didn’t happen Thursday because caucus leadership Continue reading GOP Leadership, 'Blue Dog' Lawmaker Wonder If House D Unity Will Last Posted by Mike | Tags: automotive fuel testing and disclosure program, Blue Dog, Budget, Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, Leadership | Category: Capitol View, LBFC, News and Views, Senate Environmental Resources and Energy | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Gaming Oversight Committee managed to report HB 1317 out of committed as amended this morning by a vote of 14-12. Rep. Curtis Thomas (D-Philadelphia) changed his vote from yesterday, saying he is willing to move the legislation forward as long as changes to it are made. Rep. Michael O’Brien (D-Philadelphia), the other Democratic “no” vote yesterday, continued to oppose the measure. Despite the protests of Republican members, the bill now moves to the floor for consideration. Chairman Dante Santoni (D-Berks) maintained he is still committed to addressing the concerns laid out by members. Click below to listen to the comments of Rep. Thomas following the meeting. Thomas Comments Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Mike | Tags: smoking, video poker | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, House Game & Fisheries, House Gaming Oversight | Comments are closed | Share:
The met to consider one bills and three resolutions. HB 1486 was unanimously reported as amended. HR 408, HR 398, and HR 399 were unanimously reported as committed. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story. |
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