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September 27, 2011, 2:51 pm
The House State Government Committee moved forward a bill today that would add small businesses to the scope of the regulatory review process. The sponsor and proponents of the bill argued the intent of the legislation is to protect jobs. Democratic members questioned how “small business” is defined and whether the flex provisions of the bill will jeopardize health and safety. After much discussion and consideration of amendments and various motions, the bill was ultimately reported as committed along a party-line vote.
Look for all the details later this afternoon in the Capitol Toolbox.
September 14, 2011, 12:45 pm
The House State Government Committee held a public hearing this morning on two pieces of legislation – HB 361 and HB 888 – that would make English the official language of Pennsylvania. Organizations both for and against the measure spoke before committee members, offering divergent testimony on the potential costs and benefits of English as the official state language.
Advocates for the two bills, which are sponsored by Representatives RoseMarie Swanger (R-Lebanon) and Scott Perry (R-York) respectively, contended there are economic and social benefits to having English as the official language of the Commonwealth. Suzanne Bibby, Director of Government Relations for ProEnglish, noted English-speaking workers earn considerably more than non-English speaking counterparts. She also cited strong preference for official language legislation in public opinion polls.
Opponents to the legislation, including Anne O’Callaghan, Executive Director of the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, contended that immigrants to America already understand the importance of learning English, and warned passing official language legislation would have a chilling effect on Pennsylvania’s ability to attract international business.
Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
August 31, 2011, 12:45 pm
The House State Government Committee continued what Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) called a “series of hearings” on the National Security Begins at Home legislative package designed to curb illegal immigration and enforce federal immigration laws in Pennsylvania. The committee again heard from organizations and individuals on both sides of the issue and Chairman Metcalfe noted a meeting will be scheduled to discuss and consider the package of bills once the House begins its fall session schedule.
Check the Capitol Toolbox later for a full hearing recap.
May 9, 2011, 1:26 pm
On a straight party line vote, the House State Government Committee reported, as amended, House Bill 934 which amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to require each voter to present proof of identification when he or she appears to vote at any election. The proof of identification must show a photograph of the individual to whom the document was issued and must have been issued by the United States or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Committee Republicans argued the bill will restore voters’ trust in the electoral process by preventing fraud while committee Democrats argued the legislation will suppress voter turnout, disenfranchise voters and will cost millions to implement. A series of amendments offered by the Committee Democrats were defeated on a party line vote. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
April 6, 2011, 11:05 am
On March 21, the members of the House State Government Committee took testimony on the issue of voter fraud and legislation requiring voter photo ID. Today the committee members discussed the testimony and the implications of House Bill 934′s photo ID requirements. Proponents argued the legislation helps to ensure voter integrity in the election process while opponents questioned the need and the cost of implementing the proposal. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
March 30, 2011, 1:11 pm
The House State Government Committee conducted a public hearing on the concerns raised by the security methods being employed by the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Specifically, the committee received testimony regarding the use of advanced imaging technology and pat-downs by TSA employees at airports. Rep. Will Tallman (R-Adams) has introduced HR 16 memorializing Congress to address the concerns raised by the methods and HB 852 providing for indecent assault during the course of a body search. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
October 5, 2010, 11:26 am
The House State Government Committee held a public hearing on HB 1359 also as known as the Proof of Citizenship for Receipt of Public Benefits Act. Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin), prime sponsor of the bill, emphasized the need to enact the SAVE system as a way to save money and to ensure that those Pennsylvanians that need the benefits will be able to receive them. Sandi Vito, Secretary of the Department of Labor and Industry, stated “the potential fiscal impact of this legislation across multiple commonwealth agencies is not negligible” and added stressed that the bill would “have significant adverse consequences, including unnecessarily delaying the delivery of badly needed benefits to Pennsylvanians who rightly deserve them.” Check out the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today to read the full story.
September 27, 2010, 2:32 pm
The House State Government Committee met this afternoon and unanimously reported two bills that would officially designate the Honor and Remember Flag and place it in Soldier’s Grove. The committee also extensively discussed HB 2479, which is modeled after Arizona’s controversial illegal immigration law. The committee ultimately amended the bill and re-referred it to the House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, though not without controversy.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.
September 20, 2010, 12:49 pm
The House State Government Committee held an informational meeting this morning to discuss HB 2275, relating to certain land conveyances, as well as other land conveyances to be considered in the Rules Committee. Representatives of legislators and Representatives who sponsored land conveyance bills to be considered spoke at the meeting, along with a member of the Department of General Services.
Check the Capitol Toolbox later for more.
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.
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