The House Education Committee held an informational meeting this morning to hear from Secretary of the Department of Education, Ron Tomalis, on education initiatives Tomalis said the governor’s main priorities for 2012 remain reforming charter schools, school choice, EITC and an enhanced teacher evaluation system. Check out the Around the Capitol section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.
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The Governor’s Advisory Council on Privatization and Innovation held its first public meeting today in the Rachel Carson State Office Building in order to delegate certain tasks and to take in a presentation from the former mayor of Indianapolis as well as Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels’ Deputy Chief of Staff. Council Chairman Jack Barbour began the meeting by noting the panel will mostly spend its time focusing on innovation and increasing efficiency in state government, with privatization (particularly public-private-partnerships) taking only a minor role in the advisory council’s activities. Barbour explained the job of the group is to take a broad approach to implement ideas regarding how to reform state government so as to cut costs and bring a private sector mentality to government operations. He said projects where innovation and greater efficiency can be quickly and easily implemented will be rooted out by subgroups of the entire council meeting with assigned cabinet secretaries in order to determine what they have found can be reformed after their first year on the job. He formed six different subgroups, all to be managed by the governor’s Secretary of Planning and Policy, Jen Brandsetter. The full story is available in the “Around Continue reading Governor’s Privatization Council Sets Goals; Learns Lessons from Indiana Pols in First Public Meeting The Department of Community and Economic Development today announced Pennsylvania received a $29.2 million allocation of federal funding from the US Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Sec. C. Alan Walker announced Pennsylvania took a unique approach in its application for the funds by requesting “proposals from our local partners with a goal of maximizing investment and supporting the best projects.” The funds will be used by these local partners to provide capital for small business growth and entrepreneurial investment. Also speaking at the press conference was Sen. John Gordner (R-Columbia) who is a board member of Ben Franklin Development Partners and the Life Science Greenhouses as well as other SSBCI fund recipients. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the rest of the story. Posted by Jason | Tags: Economic Development, small business | Category: Administration, Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
Governor Corbett held a press conference at the Lincoln Charter School in York today to outline his agenda for education reform. Joined by Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis and several legislative leaders in education, Corbett listed his top four priorities for school reform in Pennsylvania including: opportunity scholarships, expanding the Educational Improvement Tax Credits program, improved charter school quality and accountability, and more robust and comprehensive educator evaluations. Check out the Press Conferences section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today to read the full story. Posted by Matt | Category: Administration, Press Conference - Governor | Comments are closed | Share:
Penny and Harry Meet Penny and Harry! Governor and First Lady Corbett introduced the winners of the ‘Name the Pups’ contest. Out of 548 entries from children from around the state, the names Penny and Harry were chosen for the now eleven-week old sister and brother. First Lady Susan Corbett indicated 34 children chose “Penny” while four chose “Harry” and three children had the same combination of names. The full story is posted on the Capitol Toolbox. Posted by Rebecca | Tags: Corbett, First Lady | Category: Administration, Press Conference - Governor, Update | Comments are closed | Share:
Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee dove into questions with Acting Secretary of Agriculture George Greig this afternoon. Questions about the raw milk industry, the Penn State Cooperative Extension, the status of farms in the state and nutrient management were among the many asked. Visit the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story. Posted by Rebecca | Tags: agriculture, Budget, Department of Agriculture, farmers, farming, nutrient runoff, Raw milk | Category: Administration, Budget Hearing, Senate Appropriations, Update | Comments are closed | Share:
Budget Secretary Charles Zogby outlined the Corbett Administration’s “Day of Reckoning” 2011-2012 budget proposal this morning, in a closed briefing before the press. According to Sec. Zogby the proposal calls for a 3.1 percent reduction in spending, with 103 line items zeroed out. Notable adjustments include a return to 2008-09 spending levels for basic education funding, and roughly 50% cuts to the State System and State Related higher education lines. Correctional institutions are to receive an 11 percent increase, or $186 million. Among the actions taken to balance the budget, Sec. Zogby said $154 million in Tobacco revenue and programs will be shifted to the General Fund, along with Moving Violation surcharges. According to the Budget Office, the state will wind up with a preliminary ending balance of $5 million at year-end, based on current revenue predictions. Among its “business friendly” initiatives, the 2011-12 budget proposal includes no Marcellus Shale tax, reinstates the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax phaseout, maintains a variety of tax credit programs, including the Film Tax credits, and addresses tort reform. Various DCED business incentive programs are proposed to be consolidated into a single tool called the Liberty Loan Fund. On the public safety front, Continue reading Budget secretary outlines Corbett Administration’s 2011-12 budget proposal Posted by Mike | Tags: Budget | Category: Administration, Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
Governor Tom Corbett held a press conference today to announce policy changes to the Department of Health and the Department of State in the wake of a grand jury report detailing the crimes committed inside the Women’s Medical Society and the revelation that complaints about unsafe and unsanitary conditions went unheeded for more than ten years. “This doesn’t even rise to the level of government run amok,” Governor Corbett stated. “It was government not running at all. To call this uacceptable doesn’t say enough. It’s despicable.” Check out the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today to read the full story. Posted by Matt | Category: Administration, Press Conference - Governor | Comments are closed | Share:
Governor Corbett Despite cold, icy conditions in Harrisburg, Tom Corbett’s inauguration as the 46th governor of Pennsylvania was held outside this morning on the eastern side of the Capitol building. Former governors, lieutenant governors, members of the state Supreme Court, the Pennsylvania congressional delegation, the General Assembly and many other dignitaries were in attendance, as were a cadre of anti-drilling protesters stationed some 100 yards behind the Capitol in Soldier’s Grove. Members of the state House Following his swearing-in, Governor Corbett delivered his first address, touching on issues such as the size of government and its level of spending; education; technology and industry; and a desire to reform the business of making and enforcing laws in the Commonwealth. “We must act to renew the people’s trust in government,” he said. “We must restore transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline. But we will move forward with government and legislative reform because, without it, there is no good government.” Rendell's final presser Governor Rendell held the final scheduled press conference of his tenure this afternoon, announcing the location and first renderings of the new Susquehanna Art Museum. The museum will be located at the corner of Third and Calder Streets in midtown Harrisburg, and will be partially housed in the existing historic Keystone Bank Building. A separate addition will be constructed as well, resulting in roughly 20,000 square feet of space for exhibits, educational and conference space, and offices. The state is providing $5 million in matching grant funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital (RACP) Program, with an interest rate on the borrowed money “the lowest we’ve probably ever had in any of our lifetimes,” according to the governor. Though a contract has already been signed, incoming governor Tom Corbett must also approve the proposal; something Gov. Rendell indicated the new administration does intend to do. Gov. Rendell said he believes the new museum will be the “linchpin” in making Harrisburg an attractive place for residents and tourists. “I’m pleased the Commonwealth could play a role in this,” he said. Rendering of the future Susquehanna Art Museum Offering some final thoughts, the governor added he makes Continue reading Rendell holds last scheduled press conference, announces location of Susquehanna Art Museum Posted by Mike | Tags: art, Harrisburg, RACP | Category: Administration, Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
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