The Pennsylvania Commission for Women turned the Capitol Fountain pink today to raise awareness for breast cancer awareness month. “This pink fountain is truly a spectacle, but our goal is a serious one: by raising awareness of breast cancer, we can save lives,” said Leslie Stiles, executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. “We hope that the pink fountain will serve as a reminder for women to do monthly breast self exams and schedule a yearly mammogram. For those women and families affected by the disease, we hope the fountain reminds them that they are not alone.” Check out the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today to read the full story.
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HOUSE DEMS DISCUSS NEXT STEPS FOR MARCELLUS SHALE TAX A handful of House Democrats met with the media yesterday evening to discuss the passage of natural gas severance tax and its prospects in the Senate. Majority Leader Todd Eachus (D-Luzerne) said SB 1155, which passed this House earlier in the evening by a vote of 104-94, is a starting point for the four caucuses to work out their differences. Rep. Tim Solobay (D-Washington) agreed, explaining the severance tax provides an opportunity to continue conservation efforts, create jobs, protect the environment, and make the drilling industry more effective and efficient. House Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) commented on the need for all sides to work together for Pennsylvania, noting that SB 1155 was a bipartisan effort with the final product including an amendment from Republican Kate Harper (Montgomery). Check out the Press Conferences section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story. SCARNATI: SEVERANCE TAX BILL WILL NOT BE VOTED ON SENATE FLOOR AS-IS Calling the severance tax rate of 39 cents per cubic foot adopted by the House last night “absolutely ridiculous,” Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) said today he has no intention Continue reading Eye Opener – September 30, 2010 Auditor General Jack Wagner held a press conference today to discuss state budgetary issues. Particularly, Wagner discussed how his office has saved money during his tenure, the audits done by his office that can create substantial sustainable savings, and the deficits to be faced in next year’s budget. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Jason | Tags: Auditor General, budget | Category: Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
Rep. Kevin Murphy (D-Lackawanna) led a group of child cancer awareness advocates and parents in support of childhood cancer awareness and HR 925. Speakers included parents whose children lost their lives to childhood cancer and an advocate who wished to bring increased awareness to childhood cancer. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for more. The House Appropriations Committee briefly met this morning to vote out several bills. SB 1161 was reported as amended. HB 40 and SBs 59, 910, 912, 1328 and 1360 were reported as committed. Chairman Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) notified members that more meetings of the House Appropriations may occur later today. Check the Capitol Toolbox for the full story. Posted by Eric | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, House Appropriations | Comments are closed | Share:
Calling the severance tax rate adopted by the House last night ” absolutely ridiculous,” Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) said today he has no intention of bringing the legislation up for a floor vote in the Senate in its present state. Though he indicated the amendment filed by Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) that adjusts the distribution of the severance tax proceeds improves the overall measure, Senator Scarnati nevertheless stated the bill as a whole raises “serious red flags.” In particular Senator Scarnati questioned the constitutionality of the legislation as it is drafted, and said the tax rate in his opinion amounts to a punitive one against the drilling industry. Senator Scarnati said that while he stands ready to negotiate with House leaders on a compromise, it is clear at this point a Marcellus Shale severance tax will not be passed by the October 1 deadline that was agreed to as part of budget negotiations earlier in the year. Check the Press Conferences section of the Capitol Toolbox for the full story. Posted by Mike | Tags: Budget, marcellus shale, severance tax | Category: Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Education Committee held a public hearing this morning on Advanced Placement (AP). Catherine Nti, Executive Director of K-12 Services for the College Board gave an overview of the AP program in nationwide and Pennsylvania. “College readiness, college costs, and college completion are three significant education policy issues that the nation and the Commonwealth are grappling,” she stated. “Moreover, the issues surrounding educational disparities between ethnic/racial/socio-economic groups compound these three problems. Fortunately, significant and compelling research on all of these areas demonstrates that AP is a viable and proven policy solution.” The committee also heard from the superintendents of the Ridgeway School District and the Cumberland Valley School District as well as the K-12 Gifted and Talented Education Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Check out the full story later today on the PLS Capitol Toolbox. Posted by Matt | Category: House Education | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Insurance Committee this morning met for an educational session to learn about non-profit organizations. Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Organizations (PANO) Executive Director Joe Geiger, as well as representatives from Geisinger Health Plan and Health System, provided members details on the differences between for- and not-for-profit entities. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Mike | Tags: Health Care, nonprofits | Category: House Insurance, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Comments are closed | Share:
The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee this morning had a discussion on SB 1480, which would revise the Milk Marketing Law. While it was made clear the bill will not move forward this session, there was broad agreement that changes to the law are needed to ensure dairy producers remain economically viable. Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today. Posted by Kim | Tags: milk pricing | Category: Public/Informational Committee Hearing, Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs | Comments are closed | Share:
RENDELL NAMES HUFF ACTING SECRETARY OF HEALTH Governor Edward G. Rendell announced that he has appointed Michael K. Huff, R.N., as acting Secretary of Health, effective Oct. 1. Huff, who will be the first registered nurse to lead the Pennsylvania Department of Health, currently is the department’s deputy secretary for health planning and assessment. “Michael Huff is tremendously dedicated to the health of Pennsylvania’s citizens and to the department he will lead,” said Governor Rendell. “He has served the department in various capacities over the past 20 years and is highly regarded by health organizations across the state. We are fortunate that he has agreed to lead the Department of Health and work to address the varied challenges it faces daily.” Check out the Press Releases section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full statement. POLL SHOWS ONORATO GAINING ON CORBETT According to an article in the Scranton Times, two new polls released Tuesday show the governor’s race is tightening. Republican state Attorney General Tom Corbett led Democratic Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato by a 36 to 32 percent margin among likely voters with 31 percent undecided, according to a Franklin & Continue reading Eye Opener – September 29, 2010 |
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