At a Capitol Hill news conference today, Governor Edward Rendell reminded state taxpayers they have only 22 more days to take advantage of the state’s tax amnesty program. With a June 18 deadline approaching, the Governor said the program has generated $64 million so far which is 1/3 of its goal. He pointed out that during the last tax amnesty in 1998, 75% of the revenue came in during the last two weeks. Citing a recent report from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Governor also reemphasized the need for finding a comprehensive solution to the Commonwealth’s transportation funding problems during the legislative special session. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
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Posted by Jeff | Tags: Transportation | Category: Press Conference - Governor | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Insurance Committee held a public hearing today to bring stakeholders to the table in order to discuss the immediate duties of the commonwealth in implementing Federal health care reform, which was enacted in March. Insurance Commissioner Ario testified, as well as representatives from the insurance industry, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the United States Chamber of Commerce. Check the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon for the full story. Posted by Jason | Category: House Insurance, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Comments are closed | Share:
The Public Employee Retirement Commission met this morning to consider four actuarial notes to four bills. Two of the bills would revise Scranton’s pensions systems to enable employees to purchase military time no matter when they served. Currently there is a three-year window. The other two notes discussed were to bills that would extensively revise the state’s public pension systems. The commissioners discussed the actuarial implications of such overhauls and made recommendations to fix drafting errors in the bills. Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon. Posted by Kim | Tags: pensions, PSERS, SERS | Category: PERC | One comment - (Comments are closed) | Share:
PILEGGI: EDUCATION FUNDING NOT IMMUNE TO CUTS Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) indicated in an interview Wednesday that his caucus is targeting Governor Ed Rendell’s proposed $355 million increase to the state’s basic education subsidy as a primary way to help Pennsylvania bridge a projected $1.3 billion budget gap. The cut comes in lieu of tax increase, which the Delaware County lawmaker said likely won’t be a major part of budget discussions this year because House Democrats can’t even muster enough support to approve the increased levies in the chamber they control. “I think any budget line that does not lose this ground this year is a winner given the fact we are $1.3 billion short on our revenue in the current year and the projection for next year is modest growth at best,” the senator said when asked if Republicans were considering eliminating any increase in the basic education subsidy. Click here to read the News and Views article. SAIDEL CONCEDES, LT. GOVERNOR RECOUNT CANCELLED According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, A recount is canceled in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Pennsylvania Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortes Continue reading Eye Opener – May 27, 2010 The Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition today announced its support for a “comprehensive solution to Pennsylvania’s transportation funding dilemma” and urged the members of the General Assembly to address the issue during the special legislative session. The coalition consists of over 60 groups ranging from the PA Chamber of Business & Industry to the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and AARP plus numerous transportation associations and groups. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. A bipartisan group of State Senators today announced the introduction of a series of bills designed to overhaul the Commonwealth’s methadone treatment laws “to increase fiscal accountability and public safety and reduce the unlawful use of methadone and methadone poisoning deaths.” The bills were introduced by Senators Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland), Michael Stack (D-Philadelphia) and John Eichelberger (R-Blair). Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Jeff | Tags: methadone treatment | Category: Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Liquor Control Committee reported out as amended HB 1547 and HB 1860. HB 1547 amends the Liquor Code to change the de nova standard of review to a deferential standard of review. The committee added two amendments to the bill. The first amendment clarifies certain existing Board policies. The second amendment allows the serving of alcohol at private banquets or other events at accredited zoos in the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. HB 1860 amends the Liquor Code to increase the number of days a limited winery may use a special permit. An amendment was approved to allow wine to be sold by the glass at licensed premises and at the limited winery’s additional board-approved locations. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Jeff | Tags: Wine, zoos | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, House Liquor Control | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Urban Affairs Committee held an informational meeting this morning with Mark Conte, DCED’s Chief of the Housing Standards Division; Mary Gaiski, Executive Vice President of the PA Manufactured Housing Association; and Chad Harvey, Executive Director of the Modular Building Systems Association. The briefing served to educate the committee on the differences between manufactured housing and industrialized housing, describe the home building and transportation process in detail, and explain the demands placed on the industry, which generates substantial revenue for the Commonwealth. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the complete story. Posted by lindsay | Tags: manufactured housing, urban affairs | Category: House Urban Affairs | Comments are closed | Share:
The Senate Finance Committee held a public hearing on changing the corporate net income tax reporting structure to a combined reporting system. Secretary Hassell of the Department of Revenue testified in support of the change, while industry experts who testified at the hearing shared mixed reviews. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Jason | Tags: combined reporting, corporate net income, Delaware loophole | Category: Public/Informational Committee Hearing, Senate Finance | Comments are closed | Share:
This morning the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee approved an amended version of SB 831 that would put the casino license currently held by Foxwoods up for statewide bid (excluding Allegheny County) if it is revoked by the Gaming Control Board. Despite concerns raised by Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny) that the action is premature, the amended bill passed by a vote of 12-2. Chair Jane Earll (R-Erie) said moving the bill along may serve to catalyze action on the issue. At the same meeting the committee also received budget updates from the Gaming Control Board, the Department of Revenue and the State Police, with respect to their gaming oversight responsibilities. Check the Committee News section of the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Mike | Tags: Department of Revenue, Foxwoods, gaming, gaming control board, oversight, state police, table games | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, Public/Informational Committee Hearing, Senate Community, Economic & Rec. Development | Comments are closed | Share:
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