Governor Rendell announced today that 46 school districts will receive more than $600 million in bonds made possible through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Governor Rendell emphasized that the ARRA program will save the school districts an estimated $513 million in financing costs. ”These funds will help put people to work on vital construction projects, save energy costs and help improve educational programs – and the attractive financing will save the taxpayers more than half a billion in financing costs,” he stated. “With federal help, we lowered costs and are helping our districts make these terrific improvements.” Governor Rendell also announced that he has nominated Basil Merenda, the current Commissioner at the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, to replace Pedro Cortes as the Secretary of the Department of State. Check out the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
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IRRC met this morning and approved five regulations, three of which were quickly approved with minimal discussion. A fourth reg, which would double the lobbyist registration fee was subject to discussion over whether the department properly published notice of the proposed increase. The fifth regulation was the long awaited assisted living residences regulation. The commissioners heard from a number of parties with concerns on the regulation and whether it will adequately meet the needs of consumers. Ultimately the regulation, like the four others considered today, was approved without dissent. Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox this afternoon. The House Judiciary Committee held an informational meeting with representatives of the Pennsylvania Prison Society to discuss what the society has learned from community forums and how Pennsylvania can better treat inmates with addiction problems. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full write-up. Posted by Jason | Tags: Addiction, prisons | Category: House Judiciary, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Comments are closed | Share:
PA SUBMITS PROPOSAL FOR HIGH-RISK POOL Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario announced yesterday that Pennsylvania has submitted to the federal government its proposal for a temporary high-risk insurance pool for a limited number of the currently uninsured who have health conditions that preclude them from securing coverage elsewhere. “Our high-risk insurance pool will help several thousand Pennsylvanians who are simply unable to afford health insurance due to pre-existing medical conditions,” Ario said. Pennsylvania’s high-risk insurance pool provides the commonwealth access to more than $160 million of federal funds to provide coverage and care to high-risk Pennsylvanians until the new insurance exchanges that will be created as part of the national Health Care Reform Act in 2014. Check out the Press Releases section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read Commissioner Ario’s full announcement. HOUSE GAMING OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE DISCUSSES BILL TO EXPAND SMALL GAMES OF CHANCE TO TAVERNS The House Gaming Oversight Committee held a public hearing on HB 2379, legislation co-sponsored by York legislators Gene DePasquale and Ron Miller. Their bill would provide for small games of chance in licensed establishments, with 30% of gross weekly revenue going to a newly created Pension Stabilization Reserve Continue reading Eye Opener – June 3, 2010 |
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