The Pennsylvania Association of State-Related Students (PASS) held a press conference in the Main Rotunda of the Capitol to demand more funding for higher education. Students from Penn State University, Temple University, Lincoln University and the University of Pittsburgh spoke about how the budget cuts in education have caused tuition prices to rise, making it increasingly difficult to obtain a quality education. Elliott Griffin, Executive Director of PASS, stated investing in Pennsylvania’s universities means investing in the future of Pennsylvania. She emphasized “making higher education a priority involves proposing a responsible budget that includes reputable increases for Pennsylvania schools.” Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.
|
|
|||
|
SPEAKER FILES FEDERAL SUIT ON PA REDISTRICTING DISPUTE According to an Associated Press article, the speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Monday asked a federal judge to rule that the state legislative district maps in place for the past decade are unconstitutional and may not be used for elections; a spokesman for Speaker Sam Smith said the federal lawsuit was filed to resolve the ensuing “chaos” the state court’s decision creates for candidates seeking to run in special elections to fill six House vacancies. Click here to read the Associated Press article. DEWEESE PLANS TO RUN AGAIN IF ACQUITTED AT TRIAL According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Rep. Bill DeWeese will run for re-election “one more time” if he is successful in beating six felony counts in Dauphin County Court, his attorney said today. Volunteers are circulating nominating petitions in DeWeese’s Greene County district as the defense opened at his corruption trial, said his lawyer William C. Costopoulos. The Democratic lawmaker, in his 18th two-year term, would have to resign if the jury convicts him of a felony. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Tribune Review article. MUSTIO ENTERS Continue reading Eye Opener – January 31, 2012 The PLS Rundown: Episode 1 Episode 1 Show Notes: The January 30, 2012 issue of The PLS Rundown includes a discussion on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligibility requirements, financially distressed schools (Chester Upland), state liquor store modernization, and reducing the size of the House of Representatives. Posted by Jason | Category: Uncategorized | Comments are closed | Share:
REPUBLICANS ENDORSE WELCH FOR SENATE RUN According to an article in the Morning Call, Chester County businessman Steve Welch won the Republican endorsement for U.S. Senate Saturday, but he’ll still face a potentially bruising spring primary fight. Welch, who’s been endorsed by Gov. Tom Corbett to run for Democrat Bob Casey’s seat, beat back four other hopefuls to win the support of a majority of Republican state committee members who gathered here for their winter meeting. “Now it’s time to unite as a party and as a conservative movement for the very important battle that lies before us,” Welch said in a brief acceptance speech that came at the end of a five-hour-long conclave. “Our nation and our state are at a critical crossroads. Click here to read the Morning Call article. CHARTER SCHOOLS STRUGGLE TO MEET STANDARDS According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Since the charter school movement began in Pennsylvania nearly 15 years ago, most of the state’s charter schools continue to struggle to meet state standards. Yet, charters in Western Pennsylvania keep growing. More than 90,000 students are enrolled in 142 public charter schools, including 12 cyber charter Continue reading Eye Opener – January 30, 2012 PA SUPREME COURT INVALIDATES REDISTRICTING PLAN According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, the state Supreme Court today overturned the Legislature`s new maps for 2012 House and Senate races, leaving current districts in place until a five-member commission that designed the plan fixes the court`s concerns. The 4-3 decision gave a glimmer of hope to lawmakers opposed to the changes in the Legislative Reapportionment Commission`s plan. Sen. Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, one of those who appealed the commission`s maps, said the court decision would present an opportunity to argue for keeping the Brewster seat. Stephen Miskin, spokesman for House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R -Allegheny, said Turzai believes the plan that was submitted “met the standards, and conditions set forth in the Constitution” and in legal precedent. “Until we get an opinion, we can`t know what needs to be fixed but will respond accordingly,” Miskin said. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Tribune Review article. SENATE DEMOCRATS GATHER TO OUTLINE BUDGET PRIORITIES The Senate Democratic Caucus held a press conference yesterday to outline its budget priorities and called on the governor to make job creation, tax fairness, education funding, shale and the restoration Continue reading Eye Opener – Janaury 26, 2012 Former Gov. Ed Rendell opposes SNAP asset tests Former governor Ed Rendell joined House Democrats today in urging Governor Tom Corbett to abandon plans to require an asset test for determining eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), otherwise known as food stamps. Gov. Rendell and Rep. Mike Gerber (D-Montgomery) advised they have both sent letters to Gov. Corbett conveying their concern about the tests, which would render ineligible anyone under the age of 60 who has more than $2,000 in savings and assets, or anyone over 60 or disabled with more than $3,250. Both contend that, among other things, the bureaucratic costs of administering the test outweighs any potential savings. Rep. Gerber warned asset tests could also lead to higher unemployment and greater strain on already-struggling private charities and churches. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Mike | Tags: Department of Public Welfare, food stamps, Rendell, SNAP, welfare | Category: Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
The Senate Democratic Caucus held a press conference today to outline their budget priorities and called on the governor to make job creation, tax fairness, education funding, shale and the restoration of funds for safety net programs budget priorities. Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) stated “we need a budget that moves Pennsylvania forward, not one that puts us in reverse.” He said Senate Democrats have identified nearly one billion dollars in new revenues from smart policy changes, efficiencies and a responsible shale tax that can be used to pay for their agenda. Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon. Posted by intern | Category: Uncategorized | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee conducted an informational hearing on the role of government in addressing elder abuse and the Older Adults Protective Services Act. Legislators heard from a panel of experts including Secretary of Aging Brian Duke. The panel discussed current efforts to protect the elderly and suggested changes in the Act. All agreed that they have seen a large increase in cases involving financial exploitation. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story. Posted by Jeff | Tags: elder abuse, Older Adults Protective Services Act | Category: House Aging, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Comments are closed | Share:
TURZAI NOT RUNNING FOR CONGRESS According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review Mike Turzai’s off again, on again congressional bid is off again, he told the state House Republican caucus on Tuesday. The Republican House majority leader, who told party officials late last week that he was seriously weighing a bid for election in a newly drawn 12th Congressional District, said he will instead seek re-election to his state seat. Turzai, 52, of Bradford Woods, said he never made a concrete decision to run. He said Gov. Tom Corbett asked him recently to run, but he decided against it after his wife, Lidia, told him to consider the impact he’s making in his job. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Tribune Review article. BICAMERAL DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP CALLS FOR FUNDING TO SAVE FINANCIALLY DISTRESSED SCHOOL DISTRICTS A virtual bevy of both House and Senate Democratic leaders held a news conference yesterday to discuss funding for the financially distressed Chester Upland School District and other financially distressed school districts. House Minority Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) said the funding crisis in Chester Upland specifically has been caused by the current administration and has put a Continue reading Eye Opener – January 25, 2012 Wind industry leaders, environmental advocates and legislatures gathered in Capitol to launch ChoosePAWind, a coalition to help educate consumers on the economic and environmental benefits of wind power in Pennsylvania. Jim Spencer, President and CEO of Everpower stated “wind is an important part of a diverse energy solution for Pennsylvania. Alongside natural gas, solar and other locally sourced options, Pennsylvania’s commitment to wind is another example of how our state is leading the national movement to produce more domestic energy.” Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon. Posted by intern | Category: Uncategorized | Comments are closed | Share:
|
 |
|
|
Copyright © 2012 FYI by PLS - All Rights Reserved |
|||