FYI by PLS » Senate Appropriations

Marcellus Shale Fee Bill Headed for Senate Vote, Will Likely Go To Conference Committee

Jason — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:38:30 +0000

House Bill 1950, the Marcellus Shale impact fee bill, cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee today, set for a final vote in that chamber. The bill, cleared the committee after Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) failed to amend the measure. Committee Majority Chairman Jake Corman (R-Centre) speculated the bill will likely end up in conference committee after it passes the Senate as the House and Gov. Tom Corbett have yet to agree on the language the Senate had previously amended into the bill.

Check the Around the Capital section of the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

Senate Appropriations Reports Budget Bill

Jeff — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:13:45 +0000

On a straight party line vote, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported out as amended House 1485, the General Appropriations Act for 2011-2012. Chairman Jake Corman (R-Centre) sponsored the amendment which removed the language in the bill approved by the House and inserted language which Chairman Corman said had the support of the Administration and the House and Senate leadership. The Corman amendment was approved on a party line vote. A series of amendments offered by committee Democrats all failed on party line votes. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

Senate Appropriations Reports Budget Bill/Non-Preferreds

Jeff — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 18:49:43 +0000

On a party-line vote, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported as committed H.B. 1485, the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2011-2012 and S.B. 1122, S.B. 1123, S.B. 1124, S.B 1125, and S.B. 1126, the non-preferred appropriations for the state-related universities. Chairman Jake Corman (R-Centre) emphasized that today’s vote was procedural in order to move the budget process in order to pass a budget before June 30. He said the legislation could be returned to the committee for further consideration and the numbers included in the bills could increase or decrease. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

Voucher Bill Clears Another Legislative Hurdle

Jeff — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:22:26 +0000

By a vote of 15 to 11, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to report as amended, SB 1, legislation creating a school voucher program. The committee adopted an amendment offered by Sen. Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster) which he said clarifies certain provisions, expands opportunities available under the program, and contains the cost impacts. A series of amendments offered by committee Democrats were defeated. The bill will now go to the Senate floor for further consideration. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

Nuclear power, gas pipelines and more at final Senate budget hearing with PEMA

Mike — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:04:31 +0000

The Senate Appropriations Committee held its final budget hearing this morning, with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the State Fire Marshal. Members’ questions ranged from the state’s emergency preparedness in the event of a nuclear accident, to the threat posed by aging gas pipelines, to revelations about how violations and potential emergency situations at Marcellus Shale drilling sites will be handled. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

Senate Appropriations Holds Budget Hearing with Department of State

Jeff — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:10:49 +0000

This morning it was acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele’s turn to respond to questions from the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The Senators asked questions on a variety of topics including campaign finance reporting, professional licensing, the State Athletic Commission, reapportionment, voter registration and ballot access. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

Gaming Control Board final Senate Approp budget hearing on Wednesday

Mike — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:43:15 +0000

PGCB Chairman Greg Fajt closed out the Senate Appropriations Committee’s budget hearings for the day today, offering commentary on the state of gaming in Pennsylvania. He emphasized the Board’s budget is entirely provided by the casino industry and updated members on both the Foxwoods license in Philadelphia and on the status of a decision on the remaining Category 3 license before the Board.

Senate Approp hears from Ag Department

Rebecca — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:21:19 +0000

Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee dove into questions with Acting Secretary of Agriculture George Greig this afternoon. Questions about the raw milk industry, the Penn State Cooperative Extension, the status of farms in the state and nutrient management were among the many asked. Visit the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

Senate Appropriations Hears from DPW

Jason — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:08:02 +0000

The Senate Appropriations held its first budget hearing of the day hearing from Gary Alexander, Acting Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare. The panel’s questions were varied, but several asked about reducing fraud and keeping the human services development fund. Sec. Alexander repeatedly spoke on the need for the commonwealth to give counties more flexibility.

Check the Capitol Toolbox later for more.

Senate Approps holds joint budget hearing with DCED and PHFA

Mike — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:23:16 +0000

The heads of both the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority came before the Senate Appropriations Committee this afternoon to discuss their respective budgets and policy initiatives. Topics of interest on the part of the committee included the newly proposed Liberty Loan fund and other programmatic consolidations that involve decreased funding for previously separate lines. Acting Secretary C. Alan Walker explained the consolidations are part of a philosophical shift away from entitlements for funding. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.