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House Children & Youth reports Crime Victims Act bills

The House Children and Youth Committee reported out HB 2571 and HB 2572 this morning. House Bill 2571 was not amended, but two amendments were adopted to HB 2572. No votes were unanimous and there was heavy questioning brought forward by several Republican committee members. Minority Chairman Dennis O’Brien and Rep. Christiana were the only Republicans to vote in favor of the bills and amendments. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.


Transportation Committee

The Senate Transportation Committee conducted its second public hearing on addressing the Commonwealth’s transportation funding needs.  Representatives from the Associated PA Constructors, the American Council of Engineering Companies of PA, and the PA Motor Truck Association testified on the need for long-term, sustainable funding solutions. The Commonwealth Foundation urged “more reforms before more revenue.” David Martinelli from Harvest Fund Advisors LLC suggested the committee look at a master limited partnership structure as a way for the Commonwealth to retain control of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and raise capital for ongoing infrastructure improvements. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

Senate Committee approves nomination of Austin Burke as DCED Secretary

This morning the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee unanimously voted to approve the nomination of Austin Burke as Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development. The nomination now moves to the Senate floor for a full vote. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story on the confirmation hearing.

Rep. McIlvaine Smith Rallies On Renaming Dept. Of Welfare

Representative Barbara McIlvaine Smith held a rally today inside the Capitol to bring to light the need of changing the current name of “Department of Welfare” to Department of Human Services. She also raised the issue of funding for the Human Services Development Fund (HSDF), which has lost 29% of its funding in the past two years.

“We must restore our funding to the 2008 level of $41 million” McIlvaine Smith said. “We can’t continue to cut a program that helps people help themselves.”

For the full story, check out the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

Rep. Waters Proposes Sweeping Prison Reform

Representative Ron Waters help a press conference today, to discuss the excessive spending taking place in regard to Pennsylvania’s prison system. Waters said that while it is necessary to keep violent offenders in prison, it would be cost effective and ethical for non-violent offenders to instead be put in cheaper and helpful programs.

For full details on the event, check out the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.