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 of funds for safety net programs budget priorities. Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) stated Senate Democrats believe that Pennsylvania’s priorities under the current administration are “out of line and out of whack.” He said Gov. Corbett is wrong on jobs, education, and fiscal policy. He indicated the state has lost a whole year on job creation and the unemployment rate, which is now at 7.6 percent, has been stagnant. He noted education funding has been driven back to 2006 levels and the state is no longer investing in education. In the past Pennsylvania had an outstanding record of making appropriate successful investments in public education and had the results to prove it and “now we are simply trying to plug funding holes to get by,” Sen. Costa argued. He stated higher education support from this administration has floundered with steep tuition increases already occurring and now radical funding plans are being considered to take even more money away from these institutions. Check out the Around the Capitol section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.
RENDELL, HOUSE DEMS URGE REVERSAL OF SNAP ASSET TESTING PLAN
Former governor Ed Rendell joined House Democrats today in urging Gov. Tom Corbett to abandon plans to require an asset test for determining eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously 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 outweigh any potential savings. Rep. Gerber warned asset tests could also lead to higher unemployment and greater strain on already-struggling private charities and churches. Noting it is “important to stay focused on the human cost” of asset tests, he also contended asset tests will harm vulnerable citizens throughout Pennsylvania. “This isn’t just an urban issue,” he stated. Check out the Around the Capitol section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.
REED AND DEPASQUALE INTRODUCE BUSINESS TAX REFORM PROPOSAL
Representatives Dave Reed (R-Indiana) and Eugene DePasquale (D-York) were joined by a group of bicameral House members including Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) and Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) to unveil House Bill 2150, a proposal to reform Pennsylvania’s business tax structure. Rep. Reed said the proposal is necessary as a mechanism for job creation, an issue he said is number one on the minds of Pennsylvanians. He said the bill’s business tax reforms will make Pennsylvania more competitive and business friendly, an initiative that began years ago with the Keystone Manufacturing Initiative. This is especially important, he said, since Pennsylvania has a long history of being uncompetitive with its business tax climate. Rep. Reed explained the key components of the bill include: reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax from 9.99 percent to 6.99 percent over six years; having a single sales factor; a nine-year phase-out of the net operating loss carry-forward; and closing the Delaware Loophole. Check out the Around the Capitol section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.
Upcoming Meetings
Independent Regulatory Review Commission
10:00 a.m., 333 Market Street, 14th Floor Conference Room, Harrisburg
Public meeting to consider the following Regulation:
• Reg. No. 2884 PA Gaming Control Board #125-137: Table Game Equipment
Task Force on Child Protection
1:30 p.m., Hearing Room 1, North Office Building
Organizational meeting as directed by: SR 250 Ward Resolution re Child Protection Task Force
