The Senate Communications and Technology Committee met this morning with representatives from the Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education and Research (KINBER) and the Pennsylvania Research and Education Network (PennREN) to discuss a recent federal grant award. The grant provides funding for the construction of a new fiber optic network to be utilized for educational, healthcare and economic development needs across the state. Most questions centered on whether the new network will compete with private companies offering broadband access. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

The Senate Communications and Technology Committee amended a bill this morning that would ban the implantation of identification devices under the skin. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Babette Josephs, was present to address the legislation with the committee. Some Senators  expressed concern that the language was not strong enough, particularly Senator Mensch who stated that medical implantations can improve a person’s quality of life, and that the government should not prevent parents from making decisions for their children. Rep. Josephs stressed that the language of the legislation should specifically address the implantation of devices for identification purposes, but was unopposed to amendments seeking to clarify the language further. The bill was reported as amended from the committee and will likely be debated on the Senate floor. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the complete story.

The committee held a public hearing on Auditor General Jack Wagner’s recent report on State Procurement Procedures. Auditor General Wagner  affirmed that there was a lack of competition awarding Deloitte $592 million worth of contracts. ”It’s disturbing that Pennsylvania has spent more than a half-billion dollars for information technology services with only one vendor,” Auditor General Wagner said, “What’s even more disturbing is how much the contracts with Deloitte may cost taxpayers in future years, if the state fails to make sure that knowledge transfer training is occurring.” Secretary of the Department of General Services James Creedon also testified and assured committee members that there was nothing unusual about the contracts. “The commonwealth competitively awards 94 percent of all contracts executed,” Secretary Creedon said, “Of the 50 Deloitte contracts auditors reviewed, only five sole sources were awarded under Governor Rendell.” Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.