The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee held a public hearing to discuss the public safety issues involved with the scheduled closure of the Sunoco and ConocoPhillips facilities in southeastern Pennsylvania. Chairman Stephen Barrar (R-Delaware) indicated the committee felt it necessary to examine the issue from a public safety standpoint and the main concerns are the hazardous materials currently on the site, the hazardous materials that will remain on the site, the response plan for these facilities, and the effect the closures will have on local and county emergency response organizations. Ed Truitt, Delaware County Director of Emergency Services, stated it is not their desire to precipitate any action which would have an adverse affect on a potential sale but response plans need to be addressed. Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.
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Posted by intern | Tags: oil, refineries | Category: House Veterans Affairs, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee met this morning to hold a public hearing on HB 1762 – legislation sponsored by committee Chairman Steve Barrar (R-Delaware) that would establish various standards for emergency towing. Among other stipulations, the bill would mandate rotation lists be kept by relevant authorities such as state police barracks for use in calling towing companies for emergency operations. The bill would also recognize towers as emergency Commonwealth personnel while working in such a capacity. Towing companies, the Pennsylvania Insurance Federation, the State Police and other stakeholders offered testimony at the hearing, providing recommendations on refinements and changes to the legislation. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Mike | Tags: towing, Transportation | Category: House Veterans Affairs, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee met to consider bills and moved all bills on the agenda to the House floor. Of note on the agenda were SB 654, relating to cancer presumptions for firefighters and HB 1344, requiring insurance companies to make direct payment to ambulance corps for emergency services provided. On HB 1344, it was noted the amended version of the bill reflects a “huge concession” from the ambulance corps as they give up balanced billing. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full details. Posted by Jason | Tags: Cancer, Fire & Emergency Services, insurance, volunteer emergency services | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, House Veterans Affairs | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Prepared Committee met today for an informational meeting with The Adjutant General on the status of current DMVA programs for veterans and the PA National Guard. Major General Wesley E. Craig Jr. introduced himself to the committee and gave some biographical information on his military career and experience as well as his education and assignments in the military. As the Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Craig was prepared to answer the committee’s inquiries about topics such as the Educational Assistance Program, medical assistance and employment programs for veterans, and effects of the budget proposal on the Pennsylvania National Guard. Check the Capital Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by intern | Tags: educational assistance, national guard, veterans | Category: House Veterans Affairs, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Comments are closed | Share:
In light of the events following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, the House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee today held an informational meeting to learn about nuclear preparedness efforts in Pennsylvania. Members were assured that multiple plans and communication redundancies are in place and regularly practiced, however they were told the biggest risk is the event they haven’t planned for. Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox this afternoon. Posted by Kim | Tags: emergency response, nuclear, preparedness | Category: House Veterans Affairs, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Veteran Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee held an informational hearing with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Glenn Cannon and State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann. They both gave an overview on their departments and fielded questions on a variety of issues including homeland security initiatives, funding and 911 operations. Check out the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today to read the full story. Posted by Matt | Category: House Veterans Affairs | Comments are closed | Share:
The Committee held a hearing this morning on HB 797 which would give fire fighters the presumption in worker compensation claims for cancer resulting from fire fighting activities. Most testifiers agreed that prior negotiations have resulted in a bill everyone could support. There was one major exception. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Eric | Category: House Veterans Affairs | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee reported out four bills this morning. House Bills 2357, 2194 and House Resolution 701 address veterans’ issues while Senate Bill 87 provides for the allowance of in-state tuition rates for active duty military personnel and their dependents. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story. Posted by Eric | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, House Veterans Affairs | Comments are closed | Share:
The committee voted unanimously to report as committed HB 2150 requiring the Department of Health to develop standards for military personnel with medical training to more easily transition into receiving civilian medical certification. Currently, this requirement is not mandated in statute but it has been a policy of the Department of Health to recognize the medical training. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Jeff | Tags: Department of Health, emergency medical technicians | Category: Committee Voting Meeting, House Veterans Affairs | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee met today with representatives from Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, and discussed how the country’s own police force is working to provide security as US combat forces continue to draw down their military presence in the area. Hayder Faili, a civilian journalist for the Ministry, said through an interpreter that Iraqi security forces have improved their effectiveness drastically over the course of the last year. Lt. Colonel Saad Al-Musawi, a public affairs officer with the Ministry’s Internal Affairs Directorate, agreed there has been a wide-ranging improvement in the Iraqi government’s law enforcement efforts between 2006 and the current. He added an emphasis now is on improving relations between the police and the public as conditions continue to stabilize. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Mike | Tags: iraq | Category: House Veterans Affairs, Public/Informational Committee Hearing | Comments are closed | Share:
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