VEON TO STAND TRIAL FOR FRAUD JANUARY 31
According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Former Rep. Mike Veon and an aide are scheduled to stand trial Jan. 31 in Dauphin County Court on criminal charges of defrauding nonprofit Beaver Initiative for Growth. Judge Bruce Bratton asked lawyers to submit motions Oct. 7. Taxpayers spent $10 million on BIG, the nonprofit corporation created to spur economic development. But prosecutors allege much of the money went to salaries, administrative costs and payments to politically connected contractors. Veon, the former House Democratic whip, is serving 6 to 14 years for 13 felonies and one misdemeanor. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Tribune Review article.
DRILLERS DRAW STRONGER WARNING FROM DEP SECRETARY
According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, natural gas drilling companies should identify the chemicals they put into the ground, embrace a tax on production and find ways to avoid simple mistakes, the state’s top environmental regulator said Tuesday. With public confidence eroding, companies need to prove their industry’s worth, John Hanger, secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, told industry officials at the Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association’s conference in Monroeville. “We have to have the vast majority of Pennsylvanians believing that this (gas industry) is a good thing — or certainly not a bad thing — for Pennsylvania,” Hanger said. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Tribune Review article.
HUNDREDS TURNOUT FOR GETTYSBURG CASINO HEARING
According to an article in the Patriot News, the state Gaming Control Board says a hearing to discuss a plan to bring gaming to Adams County was the largest they’ve seen. Most local residents support the idea of a resort casino that would reinvigorate the ailing Eisenhower facility, create an estimated 375 jobs and generate an estimated $96 million in economic activity each year. Anti-casino experts vociferously challenge those numbers, but Tuesday they were voices in a wilderness of “Pro Casino” signs and banners. People supporting the casino outnumbered opponents 2-to-1 on the long list of registered speakers, said casino spokesman David LaTorre. Click here to read the Patriot News article.
Upcoming Meetings
12:30 p.m., Gov’s Reception Room Governor Rendell to announce alternative energy investments
1:30 p.m., East Wing Rotunda Dan Onorato to discuss his vision for Marcellus Shale development
House Judiciary
University, 1145 King Road, Immaculata
Public hearing on: HB 2592 Yudichak Amends Admin. Code re campus police duties HB 2593 Yudichak Amends Title 22 re nonprofit educational corp.
Senate Democratic Policy Committee
10:00 a.m., PennDOT Engineering District 6-1, Second Floor Conference Room, 7000 Geerdes Blvd., King of Prussia
Joint Hearing with the Senate Majority Policy Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee on Tolling Options.
