FYI by PLS » House Finance

House committee approves omnibus Marcellus Shale bill along party lines

Mike — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:25:46 +0000

The House Finance Committee this morning voted to approve HB 1950, an omnibus Marcellus Shale bill, with Democrats opposing the measure.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Brian Ellis (R-Butler), establishes an impact fee, addresses regulations and provides for environmental programs related to the gas drilling industry. Democratic opposition, spearheaded by Minority Chairman Phyllis Mundy (D-Luzerne) ranged from concerns with local preemption to the size of the state’s share of revenues. Chairman Mundy called the legislation “overall a terrible bill” that benefits the drilling industry while providing the “least possible benefit” to Pennsylvania citizens. Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren) praised the bill and indicated further refinements to it are in the offing.

PLS Subscribers check the Capitol Toolbox for the full story and the official summary of the legislation.

House Finance Debates, Rejects Marcellus Impact Fee

Kim — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:28:56 +0000

The House Finance Committee met to consider SB 907, which was ultimately reported as committed. Rep. Bradford offered an amendment to impose a Marcellus Shale impact fee, but the germaneness of this was questioned and ultimately the amendment failed to be adopted.

Look for a review of the complete discussion and votes in the Capitol Toolbox this afternoon.

House Finance discusses internet sales tax

Mike — Wed, 18 May 2011 17:48:58 +0000

Riffing on a recent hearing by their Senate counterparts, members of the House Finance Committee today held a public hearing on internet sales tax, which the Department of Revenue is taking steps to collect with greater efficacy. Dan Hassell, Deputy Secretary for Tax Policy within the department testified on the expanded efforts to get people to remit use tax, a number of local brick and mortar business owners spoke to the need to level the playing field with respect to paying use tax online. The Direct Marketing Association testified on the need for a federal solution to the issue. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

House Finance approves property tax referendum measure

Mike — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:47:03 +0000

The House Finance Committee this morning approved HB 1326, legislation sponsored by Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) that would remove referendum exceptions instituted in Act 1 of 2006 and require voter approval for school district property tax increases. The measure passed along party lines following a number of unsuccessful Democratic amendments. The committee also took action on several other pieces of legislation at its meeting. PLS subscribers check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

House Finance Discusses Removing Act 1 Exemptions

Jason — Mon, 02 May 2011 17:00:29 +0000

The House Finance Committee held an informational meeting on HB 1326 and HB 1383, relating to removing Act 1 tax increase exemptions for school districts. The committee heard from those opposing and advocating for the removal of exemptions.

Check the Capitol Toolbox later for more.

House Finance Discusses Business Taxes

Kim — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:19:46 +0000

The House Finance Committee held an informational meeting with the Chamber, NFIB, accountants, and bankers to learn about issues affecting the various industries. Discussion largely focused on the business tax climate in Pennsylvania and how to improve it. There was also considerable discussion relating to sales taxes.

Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today.

House finance hears from counties and municipalities on issues and priorities

Mike — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:26:08 +0000

The House Finance Committee heard this morning from a variety of county and municipal organizations on their priorities for the upcoming year. Discussion focused around mandate relief, tax and pension reform, and the potential for a local impact fee on gas extraction. Tomorrow the committee will hear from private entities on their 2011 finance-related priorities. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

House Local Government and Finance Committees Receive Report from LBFC on Property Valuations and Assessments

Eric — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:02:13 +0000

The House Local Government and Finance Committees met jointly to receive a presentation from the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee on Property Valuation and Assessments. The report was developed pursuant to HB 334 of 2009 which was drafted as a result of a PA Supreme Court case calling into the question the current system. The submitted report analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the current system in PA and compares it to other systems around the country. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Finance Committee Reports Bill to Intercept PA Lottery Winnings for Delinquent State Taxes

Rebecca — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:07:19 +0000

This morning the House Finance Committee reported out HB 520, which would require the Department of Revenue to determine whether or not a PA taxpayer who wins more than $2,500 from the PA Lottery to repay money owed for delinquent state taxes. Check the Capitol Toolbox for amendments and look for the full story later today.

Joint hearing discusses economic development accountability

Mike — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:30:52 +0000

This morning a joint hearing of the House Finance and Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development committees heard testimony from various stakeholders on companion legislation HB 2340 and SB 1279, which would require DCED to submit a unified economic development budget and increase reporting on outcomes from government subsidies. The bills also include a provision tying subsidies to certain wage average industry levels – something the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry said it opposes. In addition to the Chamber and DCED, representatives from the Keystone Research Center, the AFL-CIO and the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association offered testimony. Check the Committee News section of the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story