Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) held a teleconference this afternoon to release a new publication: “Pennsylvania’s New Oil and Gas Law (Act 13):  A Plain Language Guide and Analysis.” George Jugovic, President and CEO of PennFuture, stated the report was published because the Marcellus Shale legislation is long and complicated and there is extensive misinformation about what it contains. He said the goal was to take an unbiased approach to translating the legal language into plain language so that it could be a useful tool to educate citizens. Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

The House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2056, which would establish a Pennsylvania Tourism Commission to help promote tourism in the Commonwealth. Chairman Jerry Stern (R-Blair) stated this bill creates an independent commission that would serve as the state’s official tourism marketing and promotion agency. He said the commission would be made up of an 11 member board of both public and private sector members appointed by the governor and would take over duties from DCED. Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

The PA Save Our Homes Coalition held a rally on the Capitol steps this afternoon to demand the funding for the Homeowner’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) be fully restored. John Dodds, director of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, stated the National Mortgage Settlement between the Attorney Generals and the five largest mortgage companies directly provides Pennsylvania with $66 million to assist homeowners during the current foreclosure crisis. With foreclosures on the rise in Pennsylvania, he explained, the coalition is advocating the funds be allocated to HEMAP at $20 million per year for three years with two million dollars for housing counseling and one million dollars for legal aid. Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

The House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee held an informational meeting to hear a presentation from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) and discuss ways to better promote tourism to Pennsylvania. Andrew Masich, Chairman of PHMC, stated tourism to historical sites generates $2.9 billion and supports over 37,000 jobs. He asked for help from the committee in promoting the state’s historical sites and museums because they do not have money in the budget for traditional advertising.  Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition launched its annual Refunds for Breast and Cervical Cancer Research campaign to fund Pennsylvania cancer researchers. Pat Halpin-Murphy stated “by simply checking YES on line 35 of the PA 40 tax form, any taxpayer can donate all or part of their state income tax refund to breast and cervical cancer research and every penny contributed goes directly to PA breast and cervical cancer researchers as they work for a cure.” She noted Pennsylvania taxpayers have already donated more than $2.9 million and 71 grants have been awarded to Pennsylvania scientists researching the cause of and cure for breast cancer. Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

Rep. Jim Cox (R-Berks) held a press conference in the Capitol Media Center to unveil House Bill 1776 , the Property Tax Independence Act.  He stated this bill, endorsed by both Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate, would eliminate school property taxes and replace the funds with additional state revenues. David Baldinger, leader of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations (PCTA), expressed support for this bill and stated it will “throw open the state’s doors to new business, encourage expansion of existing businesses and generate thousands of new jobs throughout the Commonwealth.” Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

Students from Pennsylvania’s state-owned universities gathered on the Capitol steps to protest possible budget cuts to the State System of Higher Education. Steve Hicks, President of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF), stated the proposed budget cuts would put funding for the State System below 1989 levels  and “it’s time for our policymakers to bring us back to the future.” Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee considered the nomination of Brigadier General Eric Weller to Major General in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Introduced by Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland), Brig. Gen. enlisted in 1981 and has since been given many awards and decorations and logged over 3,000 hours as a major navigator, 150 of which were combat hours. Brig. Gen. Weller, current Deputy Commander for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, stated he will continue to advocate for the resources and support needed by the reserve component to ensure future relevancy. Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

Representatives from different family centers across the state rallied on the Capitol steps this afternoon to show state officials the importance of keeping family centers well-funded. Larry Klinger, from the Family Center in Allegheny County, stated family centers are included in the budget this year but ”we need to remind our elected officials how much our family centers do for our communities and the families we serve.” Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.