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Members of early childcare programs met today at the Capitol, demanding that money be found for the funding of pre-K programs in next year’s budget. Political heavyweights such as Dan Onorato and Jim Cawley spoke to the group, promising that if elected, to do their best to fund these issues. For the full story, go to Capitol Toolbox, and read about it later this afternoon. Posted by intern | Tags: Early Education | Category: Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
Meeting off the floor this afternoon the House Insurance Committee voted unanimously to approved HB 2521, and passed over HB 2522, along with HB 2106. HBs 2521 and 2522 were the subjects of a public hearing earlier in the morning, with the latter bill drawing the ire of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Ambulatory Surgery Association, among other groups. Chairman DeLuca pulled the bill so that the legislation can be reworked with input from the various stakeholders. Check the Committee News section of the Capitol Toolbox later for coverage of the voting meeting as well as the earlier hearing. Posted by Mike | Tags: self-referral | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, House Insurance | Comments are closed | Share:
Pennsylvania Community Providers Association met today to ask the state legislature not to cut any funding to mental health or drug and alcohol services, and to instead find ways to increase funding. Chief Executive Officer of Lenape Valley Foundation Alan Hartl told members that the 1% proposed cut to funding is completely intolerable. For the complete story, look at the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon for full details. Posted by intern | Category: Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
In the first of two scheduled public hearings, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony from experts on “best practices” in the juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania. Among those presenting testimony was Judge John Cleland who chaired the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice. Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) said, “It is imperative that we get it right for those who come in contact with the system early in life when we can most effectively prevent them from becoming lifetime offenders that will cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars to detain.” Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story. Posted by Jeff | Category: Public/Informational Committee Hearing, Senate Judiciary | Comments are closed | Share:
By a vote of 21-5, the House Labor Relations Committee reported HB 2432 as committed this morning. Dozens of PA Corrections officers attended the meeting in support of the legislation, which intends to correct pay scale inequities. Additionally, Rep. Bear tried to gut-and-replace HR 761, which deals with PLAs (Project Labor Agreements) with an amendment, but it failed. Instead the resolution was reported out as is, also by a vote of 21-5. The Capitol Toolbox will have the full story later today. Posted by Rebecca | Tags: Department of Corrections, Project Labor Agreements | Category: House Labor & Industry | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Insurance Committee this morning held a public hearing on HBs 2521 and 2522, bills sponsored by Chairman Tony DeLuca (D-Allegheny). HB 2521 would require referring health care providers to disclose the name and address of the lab providing pathology services, as well as the amount paid for the service. HB 2522 would prohibit a health care provider from making a referral to himself or an immediate family member if the provider has has a financial interest. The bill retains the exemptions contained in federal Stark laws regarding self-referrals. Testimony was offered on both sides of the issue, from parties including the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Pennsylvania Ambulatory Surgery Association, as well as representatives from private practices, radiologists and labs. Despite a lack of consensus on the bills, they are both scheduled to be considered by the committee at an off the floor voting meeting sometime today. Check the Capitol Toolbox for the full story on the hearing as well as updates on the bills. Posted by Mike | Tags: doctors, Health Care, Hospitals, self-referral | Category: House Insurance, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Comments are closed | Share:
Members of the Senate Education Committee had harsh words for several advocacy groups during the debate over SB 250 (which they ultimately amended). During the discussion, both Chairman expressed frustration over a letter opposing SB 1192 that many advocacy groups had signed. The underlying theme of the meeting was to find ways to save money on public education while ensuring quality results. The Committee also amended SB 890, SB 1134 and SR 343. The Committee reported out SB 553 and SB 1385 as committed and discussed SB 1321. Posted by Eric | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, Senate Education | Comments are closed | Share:
This morning the House ERE Committee reported HB 2405 as amended by a vote of 17-9. All votes on amendments and the final reporting of the bill as amended were not unanimous. The bill is the “new HB 80″ and prime sponsor Eugene DePasquale (D-York) said there have been tweaks made to allow for flexibility. There have been other changes made to reflect members’ concerns, as well, he explained. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story. Posted by Rebecca | Tags: alternative energy, carbon sequestration, Energy | Category: House Env. Resources and Energy | Comments are closed | Share:
Representative Daryl Metcalfe lead a rally of dozens of Pennsylvania citizens in the Capitol today, protesting against an increase of spending on next years budget. Metcalfe was joined by other like-minded lawmakers and lobbyists on the rotunda stairs, demanding that Governor Rendell be fiscally responsible, and reduce taxes. Look at the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon for the complete story. Posted by intern | Category: Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Commerce Committee reported out legislation amending Title 15 to allow for electronic notification (HB 2363) and legislation amending Title 7 to remove duplicate licensing requirements (HB 2547). The Committee voted to table HB 2322 until their next meeting on June 22, 2010 so more work can be done on the legislation. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story. |
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