June 22, 2010, 10:44 am
The House State Government Committee met to consider one land transfer bill and an eight bill package that provides for minority and women owned business participation in state contracts. The land transfer, HB 1890, was unanimously reported with two amendments providing for land swaps. Of the package, only HB 2142 moved forward, with an amendment. The committee spent considerable time discussing the definition of “disadvantaged business” and the fact that service wounded veterans are not included. The remaining bills could not be considered due to a lack of a quorum.
Look for the complete story this afternoon.
April 20, 2010, 3:08 pm
After a lengthy discussion, the House State Government Committee passed over HB 2083 which would amend the state constitution to provide a person holding the office of Attorney General would not be eligible for the Office of Governor until four years after leaving office. The committee also passed over HB 1290 amending the PA Human Relations Act to add credit history to the list of conditions or circumstances which employers may not use to base a refusal to hire or employ or contract with any individual. The committee did unanimously report as amended HB 2162. This bill amends the Pennsylvania Election Code further defining “expenditures” and “political action committee”; providing for limitations on certain contributions; and making other changes. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
March 24, 2010, 11:40 am
The House State Government Committee held an informational meeting today regarding the recent decision by the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Two election lawyers made presentations to the committee, along with a member form the National Conference of State Legislatures. Questions were taken from committee members and members of the audience. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full write-up.
March 16, 2010, 1:31 pm
The House State Government Committee met this afternoon and reported legislation (HB 2299) that would permit school groups to observe elections. The committee also began to consider legislation (HB 1434) that would increase penalties for unregistered lobbying, but, just as Rep. Vitali was about to make a motion, the committee recessed in order to return to the floor for session.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox shortly.
March 8, 2010, 4:11 pm
The committee met to consider seven bills. HB 2107, HB 2126, HB 2245 and HB 740 were reported as committed. HB 2065 and HB 259 were reported as amended. HB 987 was passed over. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
January 25, 2010, 1:13 pm
This morning the House Agriculture and State Government committees held a joint hearing on food safety bill HB 174 and the consequences of the many health code violations found during a December 17th Ag Department inspection of the capitol cafeteria, which is run by Aramark. DGS Secretary Jim Creedon reported the trees planted around the cafeteria have been removed, and various holes capped off, which he believes will go a long way towards preventing future infestations. Aramark representative Bruce Walton also appeared before the committee to discuss why Aramark employees did not come forward to report the obvious presence of mice, and assure that such a situation will not be allowed to happen again. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
January 4, 2010, 4:32 pm
The committees held a joint public hearing on the 2010 Census. Philip Lutz, Assistant Regional Census Manager and Ben Ramos, Partnership Coordinator gave an overview of the census operation and discussed the challenges that they face including overcoming language barriers. Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York) said the census is a “critical issue” because Pennsylvania may lose additional congressional seats which would impact the amount of funding the state will receive in the future. Chairman of the State Government Committee, Rep. Babette Josephs (D-Philadelphia) agreed and encouraged House members to join the Complete Count Caucus to ensure that Pennsylvania gets an accurate count. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
December 14, 2009, 1:25 pm
The House State Government Committee held a hearing this morning on HB 2083, which would provide for a constitutional provision that would require an Attorney General take a four-year hiatus before running for governor. Rep. Babette Josephs (D-Philadelphia), the prime sponsor of the bill, cited a potential conflict of interest on part of an acting Attorney General while campaigning for governor. She also stated that campaigning for governor could compromise an Attorney General’s time spent on serving the public. Testimony was heard from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Commonwealth Foundation. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
December 9, 2009, 3:43 pm
House State Government met this afternoon and reported as committed three bills, including a joint resolution sponsored by Rep. Neal Goodman (D-Schuylkill) that would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution making the Insurance Commissioner an elected position. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
December 8, 2009, 11:03 am
Pennsylvania Secretary of State, Pedro Cortes, gave testimony to the House State Government Committee this morning on the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act (MOVE). MOVE was signed into law in October by President Barack Obama as an amendment to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voter Act (UOCAVA). The act requires states to establish procedures for military and overseas voters to request voter registration forms and for the states to send voter registration forms and absentee ballots for federal elections and primaries. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the story.
