The Pennsylvania School Boards Association was joined by Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) and Senator Gene Yaw (R-Bradford)Â for a press conference today to propose a long-term solution to the “looming crisis in the Pennsylvania School Employees’ Retirement System.” Thomas Gentzel, PSBA Executive Director, said the proposal “combines the best features of a defined benefit and defined contribution pension systems.” “Our association has studied this issue and has developed a plan that reduces the potentially devastating tax burden to local taxpayers while also creating a fair system for both employers and employees,” he stated. Rep. Grell, prime sponsor of the proposal in the House, said he hopes the plan with “jump start discussions to address the long-term need to reform PSERS.” He stressed that the proposal would not affect any current retiree or any current school district employee. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
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Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced charges against Rep. Bill DeWeese, former Rep. Steve Stetler (and former Revenue Secretary as of 9:00 this morning) and DeWeese legislative aide Sharon Rodavich. Grand jury found DeWeese legislative staff were performing campaign work in his legislative district office. This marks the third round of charges in what has become known as “Bonusgate”. More details to come. Posted by Kim | Tags: Ben Franklin Institutes, bonusgate | Category: Face to Face, Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
At his mid-year budget briefing this morning, Governor Rendell reported that five months into the fiscal year, Pennsylvania’s revenues are down by $217 million. The administration at this point projects a $450 million revenue deficit by the end of the fiscal year. The governor announced the state will take a “conservative approach,” and undertake a spending freeze of $170 million and recoup $50 million from prior-year unspent funds to help pull the state out of its shortfall. The action will leave the state with an anticipated $124 million overall surplus at year’s end. The governor also spoke to the resignation of Revenue Secretary Steve Stetler, who he advised will be among those indicted at a press conference this afternoon by Attorney General Tom Corbett. He emphasized the charges against Stetler come from his time in the state House and not for any work done while part of the Administration. Giving the possible disruption the new charges will have on the House, the governor maintained it vital that table games legislation still be passed. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Mike | Tags: Budget, resentencing guidelines, revenue, table games | Category: Administration, Face to Face, Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
Rep. Darryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) introduced a legislation package that would decrease the incentive for illegal immigrants to come to Pennsylvania. The package would work to decrease the $750 million the commonwealth spends on services to illegal immigrants each year. Rep Mustio (R-Allegheny), Rep. Scott Perry (R-York), and Rep. Tom Creighton (R-Lancaster) along with Rep. Metcalfe have drafted legislation as part of the package. The legislation is posed “to turn off the economic valve” that is currently drawing illegal immigrants to Pennsylvania. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. House Republicans fill the steps outside the House Chamber House Republicans filled the steps outside the House Chamber this afternoon to express concern over what they consider to be a “hostage situation” regarding funding for some of Pennsylvania’s higher education institutions. “This is the last group of hostages,” said Minority Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) alluding to several other groups, including state employees, whose funding they consider to have been leveraged by Democrats as part of the budget bargaining process. Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks), who last night spearheaded an attempt to force votes on non-preferred funding for Penn State, Temple, Lincoln, Pitt and the UPenn Veterinary College, pointed out that today’s House Calendar shows each of the five bills was scheduled to be voted on today. The House is currently recessed until the Call of the Chair. She noted she has spoken with Temple officials, who advised that at this point they may be forced to send out supplemental tuition bills to students to help make up the shortfall. Check the Capitol Toolbox for the full story. Posted by Mike | Tags: Budget, Game Code, Higher Education, resentencing guidelines, table games | Category: Face to Face, Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
At a Capitol Hill news conference, Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) announced the introduction of HB 2134 which eliminates the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and gives oversight and management of the Turnpike to PennDOT. According to Rep. Vereb, “This legislation is unique in that it attacks the upper structure of management in the Turnpike Commission. This does not effect the workers, the maintenance workers, the State Police, and the toll workers who usually are the victims in state government who are the ones that are laid off.” Ask to comment on the legislation and the possibility of any public hearings, House Transportation Committee Chairman Joseph Markosek (D-Allegheny) responded, “It’s too early to make any quick judgements.” He added, “Right now, the Turnpike is a major part of our transportation funding system so any change with that right now would create havoc with transportation funding.” Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story. Posted by Jeff | Tags: Session | Category: Face to Face, Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
Rep. Bryan Lentz (D-Delaware) today announced he is reintroducing legislation drafted last session that would address overcrowding and congestion at Philadelphia International Airport by creating a Southeast Pennsylvania Regional Airport Authority. According to Rep. Lentz the authority would have the power to plan and operate the region’s airports, which include the Lehigh Valley Airport and several others, to maximize efficiency and minimize delays and traffic. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story. Posted by Mike | Tags: airports, securities, Transportation | Category: Face to Face, Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
Citing a recent federal task force finding that breast cancer screenings need not commence until age 50, Rep. Karen Boback was joined by several of her colleagues to announce the introduction of a resolution calling on Congress to follow the recommendations of the American Cancer Society and provide for breast cancer screening at age 40. Rep. Boback argued a little pain and anxiety associated with mammograms is worth detecting cancer early and saving a life. Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon. Posted by Kim | Tags: bingo, breast cancer | Category: Face to Face, Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
The House Local Government Committee held a public hearing on HB 1726 this morning, which would require clothing collection bins to be clearly marked with information regarding the charitable contributions of the organization, so consumers are aware whether they are contributing to a nonprofit, or for profit. The committee heard from Goodwill and other nonprofits in support of the legislation. During the questions, it was revealed that perhaps the bill should be tweaked to better align with current charity laws. Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon. Posted by Kim | Tags: nonprofits, video poker, vital statistics | Category: Face to Face, House Commerce, House Consumer Affairs, Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
Joined by veterans and like-minded lawmakers for a press conference in the Media Center of the Capitol Building this afternoon, Representative Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) touted House Bill 80 as a means of protecting America through clean, renewable, U.S. energy sources. Rep. Vitali was joined by former U.S. military veterans and current State Representatives Bryan Lentz (D-Delaware), Rep. John Siptroth (D-Monroe), and Rep. Camille George (D-Clearfield) who warned of the dangers associated with becoming energy dependent on countries whose leaders are unfriendly to the United States. Also speaking today were members of Operation Free, a coalition of U.S. military veterans that travel the country making people aware of the implications of climate change and how it will affect future national security concerns. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for more information. Posted by intern | Tags: national security, victims rights | Category: Face to Face, Press Conference | Comments are closed | Share:
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