FYI by PLS » Senate Communications and Technology

Senate Communications & Technology Committee Hears IT Strategic Plan for 2012-2015

intern — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:27:34 +0000

The Senate Communication & Technology Committee held a public hearing today on the Office of Administration/Office for Information Technology’s IT strategic plan for 2012 to 2015. George White, the Chief Information Officer for the aforementioned offices, told the committee that, “for this administration, our vision is to establish the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a recognized leader in the use of information technology to enhance the delivery of government services, improve efficiency of operations, and reduce the cost of government.” Check the Capitol Toolbox for the full story later today.

Senate committee mulls Innovation Group report on state gaming opportunities

intern — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:37:29 +0000

The Senate Committee on Community, Economic, and Recreational Development held a hearing today to consider the economic impact and status of the Pennsylvania gaming industry.

Kevin O’Toole, Executive Director of the Gaming Control Board, testified that slot machine fees and table game authorization fees have raised an additional $727.5 million dollars for the Commonwealth and created a significant number of jobs. Pennsylvania Treasurer Robert McCord, along with representatives from The Innovation Group, presented an overview of the Pennsylvania Gaming Market Assessment and Competitive Analysis, a study undertaken to assess the revenue potential for the two undeveloped PA gaming licenses; the proposed Valley View location and the former Foxwoods site in Philadelphia. The study determined that a site in southern York County has the most potential statewide to maximize revenue to the Commonwealth. Factors such as in-state cannibalization and out-of-state competition were incorporated to estimate the highest-yield locations for future facilities.

Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

Senate Communications & Technology Moves REAL ID Act Compliance Bill, Several Others

Virginia — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:35:24 +0000

The Senate Communications and Technology Committee met to consider several bills. Of note on the agenda was SB 354, exempting Pennsylvania from compliance with requirements under the Federal REAL ID Act, which was unanimously moved to the full Senate as amended; however members expressed concern with how Pennsylvanians could be affected by non-compliance. SB 162 moved without amendments, while SB 354, 355 and SR 10 were moved out as amended.

Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

Three Senate Committees Conduct Joint Hearing on Statewide Radio System

Jeff — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:25:11 +0000

The Senate Communications & Technology, Law & Justice and Transportation Committees held a rare joint public hearing on the statewide radio system PA-STARNET. Senators heard testimony from the Office of Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, PennDOT, the Office of the Attorney General and the Dauphin County Emergency Management Agency regarding the system including its cost, performance and reliability. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

Senate Communications & Technology Seeks to Find the True Value in Research

Kim — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:29:22 +0000

The Senate Communications and Technology Committee this morning held a lengthy hearing with representatives from the state’s premier four research institutions to delve into the value that research has for the state. Chairman Folmer questioned the speakers intently for two hours, seeking to ascertain how the institutions ensure the integrity of the research and how the research translates into the marketplace.

Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox this evening.

Committee Conducts Hearing on Health Information Exchanges

Jeff — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:35:55 +0000

The Senate Communications and Technology Committee today held a public hearing on existing health information exchanges in Pennsylvania and recommendations on how to set up a statewide network. Testimony was presented by representatives from the Hospital & Healthsystem Association of PA, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Geisinger Health System, Lancaster General Health, the Lehigh Valley Health Network, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The committee also received information on developments at the federal level and in other states from a representative from the eHealth Initiative. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

Senate Communications and Technology Hearing Questions Competitiveness of KINBER Project

Eric — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:09:49 +0000

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.

Senate Communications and Technology Committee Moves Identification Device Bill

lindsay — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:29:11 +0000

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.

Senate Communications and Technology – 10:00 a.m.

Jason — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:07:25 +0000

The Senate Communications and Technology Committee held a public hearing on the proposed strategic plan for PHIX the Pennsylvania Health Information Exchange. The Committee took testimony from the Governor’s Office of Health Care Reform and from TechQuest of Pennsylvania. Discussion centered around opening up PHIX to the bidding process or implementing Delaware’s already successful exchange program. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the entire story.

Senate State Government – Off the Floor

Matt — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:43:14 +0000

The committee met to consider one resolution. SR 161 was unanimously reported as amended. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.