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.
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The Pennsylvania Safe Homes Coalition held a press conference to encourage legislators to pass House Bill 2031 and Senate Bill 920, which will strengthen the requirements for carbon monoxide alarms in the homes in Pennsylvania. Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) stated Pennsylvania is the national leader in carbon monoxide related deaths and poisonings and for the minimal cost of 20 to 30 dollars individuals can prevent this gas from endangering their lives and the lives of their families. Allyson Fulton, from Safe Kids Pennsylvania, said someone involved in just one carbon monoxide incident can have long-term health effects and children are among the most susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon. Posted by intern | Category: Uncategorized | Comments are closed | Share:
Senate Democrats oppose asset tests Senate Democrats, along with Rep. Babette Josephs (D-Philadelphia), today criticized the Corbett administration for its plan to implement asset tests to determine eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. “It is appalling that the administration wants to punish those who are right at the edge of subsistence,” Sen. Shirley Kitchen (D-Philadelphia) said. “We should be encouraging low-income individuals to work their way out of poverty. Instead the administration wants to push them back down.” According to Sen. Kitchen the likely effect of asset testing, which under the administration’s plan will 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, will be to encourage such individuals to spend down their savings in an attempt to qualify. Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) contended the measure will cost Pennsylvania taxpayers more money than it brings in. “Many states have done away with these tests because they unfairly punish those who try to do the right thing and do very little to eliminate waste and fraud,” he said. Check the Capitol Toolbox Continue reading Senate Democrats blast Corbett administration on asset tests for SNAP Posted by Mike | Tags: Department of Public Welfare, SNAP, welfare | Category: Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
Rep. Daley introduces HB 1100 Rep. Pete Daley (D-Washington) today announced the introduction of HB 1100, legislation that would exempt sales and use tax on fixed-wing sales, parts, maintenance and repair in Pennsylvania. The measure, according to Rep. Daley, would bring Pennsylvania onto even terms with neighboring states that do not charge sales tax on such items, drawing business and jobs away from the Commonwealth. According to Rep. Daley, Pennsylvania is the only northeastern state not to enact some form of meaningful tax reform on fixed-wing aviation. He said that as a result Pennsylvania employees only 2,900 people in the industry compared to 8,300 in Ohio and 9,400 people in New York. Rep. Daley was joined by a bipartisan group of legislators in support of the bill, as well as members of the aviation industry. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Mike | Tags: aviation, sales tax | Category: Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
By a vote of 16 to 8, the House State Government Committee reported out House Bill 153 which would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to reduce the number of House districts from 203 to 153 after the 2020 census. Proponents argued that the legislation will lead to more efficient government, sets a good example for the other branches of government to “do more with less”, and lead to more accountability. Opponents expressed concern with the impact on rural areas and constituent service, the fact the reduction does not apply to the Senate, and there is no guarantee the reduction will reduce costs. The legislation will go to the House floor for further action. In order to take effect, the legislation will have to be approved by two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly and then be placed on the ballot for approval by a majority of voters. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story. Posted by Jeff | Tags: constitutional amendment, reducing the size of the General Assembly | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, House State Government | Comments are closed | Share:
SHALE GAS RESERVE ESTIMATE PLUMMETS According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the shale has shrunk. At least according to the U.S. Energy Department, which released new reserve estimates for the Marcellus Shale on Monday that severely cut the amount of natural gas estimated to be in the rock formation. The estimate of 141 trillion cubic feet of gas — down from the 410 trillion the agency reported last year — is the latest result of yo-yoing in reserve numbers since drillers started extracting lucrative gas and oil from the formation underneath Appalachia. Despite the lower estimate, gas production in the United States is still expected to grow, lessening America’s dependence on energy imports and keeping natural gas prices at profit-busting lows. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article. DEWEESE TRIAL OPENS IN POLITICAL CORRUPTION CASE According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, he is nothing more than “a common thief,” prosecutors argued. He is an innocent man framed by corrupt underlings, his defense attorney countered. Those were the two versions presented of Rep. Bill DeWeese, the onetime Democratic leader from southwestern Pennsylvania, at the start of his trial Continue reading Eye Opener – January 24, 2012 |
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