BUSINESS LEADERS PUSH CORBETT FOR TRANSPORTATION FIXES

According to an article in the Morning Call, Lehigh Valley business leaders called on the Corbett administration Wednesday to come up with a long-term solution to the state’s transportation funding woes — even if that means paying more at the DMV and at the pump to do it. State government needs to “own up to the responsibility for taking care of our transportation infrastructure,” said Chad Heimbecker, of Swift Water Solutions in Allentown, and one of more than 100 local businesspeople who attended the lunchtime forum put on by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Click here to read the Morning Call article.

TABLE GAME REVENUE UP 6.8 PERCENT

According to an article in the Scranton Times, gross revenue from all table games at the 11 casinos in Pennsylvania in April was nearly $56.5 million, a 6.8 percent increase from April last year, according to the state Gaming Control Board.  An average of 1,031 table games were in daily operation statewide during April, an increase of an average of 869 tables last year. About $8 million in tax revenue was generated for the state from table games during April. Click here to read the Scranton Times article.

GAS DRILLERS IN PA REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, natural-gas drillers in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus shale reduced the rate of blowouts, spills and water contamination by half since 2008, according to a study based on state-agency actions. State regulators issued environmental violations at 27 percent of the wells drilled in the first eight months of 2011, 54 percent below the full-year rate in 2008, according to the study from the University at Buffalo’s Shale Resources and Society Institute, which opened last month. Stronger regulations, tougher enforcement and improved industry practices helped trim the violations, researchers found. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Tribune Review article.

CORBETT: SCHOOLS SHOULD USE RESERVES TO AVERT CUTS

According to an Associated Press article, Gov. Tom Corbett said Wednesday that school districts could be dipping deeper into their reserves to avoid cutting programs next year, but public school advocates say most districts are already using the money and others are worried about being able to afford rising pension costs. “The school districts are making a concerted effort not to go into those reserves,” Corbett said, adding that reserves are a rainy day fund that should be used at times like this. Click here to read the Associated Press article.

Upcoming Meetings

Independent Regulatory Review Commission
10:00 a.m., 333 Market Street, 14th Floor Conference Room, Harrisburg
Public meeting to consider the following Regulations:

• Reg. No. 2928 State Board of Education #6-325: Safe Schools (Final-Omit)
• Reg. No. 2891 Milk Marketing Board #47-15: Electronic Methods for Testing Milk for Fat Content
• Reg. No. 2898 PA Gaming Control Board #125-152: Table Game Rules for Four Card Poker, Let it Ride Poker, Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em Poker
• Reg. No. 2899 PA Gaming Control Board #125-154: Table Game Rules for Caribbean Stud Poker and Texas Hold ‘Em Bonus Poker
• Reg. No. 2880 Department of Public Welfare #14-524: Participation Review Process for Medical Assistance Nursing Facilities
• Reg. No. 2877 PA Public Utility Commission #57-278: Call Recording for Telephone Companies
• Reg. No. 2837 PA Public Utility Commission #57-273: Default Service Regulations (Previously Disapproved)

Public Employee Retirement Commission
10:00 a.m., Room 461 Main Capitol
Commission Meeting

House Democratic Policy Committee
10:00 a.m., Peirce College, 1420 Pine Street, Room 51-51, 5th Floor,
Philadelphia
Public hearing on Voter ID Law Hearing Notice & Agenda

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CORBETT OPEN TO SPENDING MORE

According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Gov. Corbett sounded open on Tuesday to spending more on the state budget that starts July 1 than the $27.1 billion he first proposed in February. But Corbett dismissed the concerns of those protesting outside the Prince Music Theater, where he had his annual “conversation” with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, saying that the state cannot attract the jobs they clamor for if it increases business taxes. Click here to read the Philadelphia Inquirer article.

GROUP SEEKS TO INTERVENE IN PA VOTER ID CHALLENGE

According to an Associated Press article, a bipartisan group of voters who support Pennsylvania’s tough new voter ID law is seeking to join the court battle over the statute, saying their rights would be violated if the law designed to combat fraud is not in place on Election Day. The mostly Republican voters, who include one GOP state legislator who is seeking re-election, have filed a petition to intervene in opposition to a constitutional challenge of the law filed in state Commonwealth Court on behalf of 10 other voters earlier this month. Click here to read the Associated Press article.

DEWEESE CHIEF OF STAFF SENTENCED TO UP TO FOUR YEARS

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, A day after his one-time boss surrendered to begin a state prison sentence, former state House Democratic staffer Michael Manzo began his own prison term for a public corruption conviction. Manzo, who served as chief of staff to former Democratic Leader Bill DeWeese of Waynesburg, was charged in 2008 in the state attorney general’s legislative probe. Prosecutors portrayed him as one of the key players in the so-called Bonusgate scheme to award taxpayer-funded bonuses for campaigning during state work hours. Manzo, 42, was sentenced to serve between 11/2 and 4 years in state prison, plus three years’ probation. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

FEDERAL JUDGE DISMISSES HBG COUNCIL BANKRUPTCY APPEAL

According to an article in the Patriot News, a federal appeals court judge has dismissed Harrisburg City Council’s latest bankruptcy appeal. But Judge Kent A. Jordan today also dismissed motions that Mayor Linda Thompson, Dauphin County and the state filed last month seeking legal fees and court costs that each spent blocking the appeal from council attorney Mark Schwartz. Schwartz said wording Jordan used in today’s order makes it unclear whether council’s appeal was completely dismissed. Click here to read the Patriot News article.

Upcoming Meetings

House Democratic Policy Committee
10:00 a.m., West Laurel Hill Conservatory, 215 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd
Public hearing on jobs and lifelong learning Hearing Notice & Agenda

Senate Democratic Policy Committee
11:00 a.m., Lackawanna College, 501 Vine Street, Scranton
Roundtable discussion on cuts in the proposed 2012-13 budget that would adversely affect human services programs and providers

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PREMIER EPISODE OF THE PLS RUNDOWN A SUCCESS

The first episode of the PLS Rundown premiered Friday night to high acclaim. Jason, Matt, Jeff and Catharine discussed the week’s events in the capitol, including the latest on the budget as it begins to move through the General Assembly. Check out future episodes of the PLS Rundown every session week, 6 p.m. on Fridays and 4 p.m. on Sundays on PCN.

JUDGE DELAYS ORIE’S SENTENCING BY TWO WEEKS

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, an Allegheny County judge has delayed the sentencing date for state Sen. Jane Orie for two weeks to give both sides additional time to prepare to address a motion by the prosecution for her to repay nearly $1.3 million that was paid by the Senate for her defense.  Judge Jeffrey A. Manning issued the decision this afternoon, after previously denying a request by Ms. Orie’s attorney asking for a postponement from the original May 21 date to better prepare for the senator’s sentencing hearing. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

DEWEESE REPORTS TO PRISON

According to an Associated Press article, former longtime House Democratic leader Bill DeWeese on Monday began serving a 2½- to five-year prison term for corruption. DeWeese, 62, reported to Dauphin County Prison about 1 p.m., a half-hour ahead of the court-ordered deadline, officials said. Click here to read the Associated Press article.

COURT SETS CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR NEW HARRISBURG RECEIVER

According to an article in the Patriot News, Commonwealth Court Judge Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter has scheduled a hearing to consider the confirmation of Harrisburg’s next receiver for 10:30 a.m. May 24 in the state Judicial Center, 601 Commonwealth Ave., Harrisburg. Gov. Tom Corbett nominated retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William B. Lynch as the city’s next receiver on Friday, the day after City Council Attorney Mark Schwartz filed a motion in Commonwealth Court, asking Leadbetter to stay all activities in the receiver’s office and to subpoena former Receiver David Unkovic to find out why he resigned. Click here to read the Patriot News article.

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Upcoming Meetings

House Democratic Policy Committee
10:00 a.m., IBEW Local Union 98 Hall, 1719 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia
Public hearing on state budget cuts Hearing Notice & Agenda

House Labor and Industry ** POSTING CHANGE **
10:00 a.m., International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, 2401
Swanson Street, Philadelphia (Note time change from 9:00 a.m.)
Informational meeting on construction industry contractor/subcontractor payment issues

House Republican Policy Committee
1:00 p.m., The Club at Shadow Lakes, 2000 Beaver Lakes Boulevard, Hopewell
Public hearing on Marcellus Shale Water Issues, hosted by Rep. Christiana

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PREMIER EPISODE OF THE PLS RUNDOWN A SUCCESS

The first episode of the PLS Rundown premiered Friday night to high acclaim. Jason, Matt, Jeff and Catharine discussed the week’s events in the capitol, including the latest on the budget as it begins to move through the General Assembly. Check out future episodes of the PLS Rundown every session week, 6 p.m. on Fridays and 4 p.m. on Sundays on PCN.

STATE LEADERS REPORT GIFTS

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, what do a custom-made gown, a Browning shotgun and a dozen bagels have in common? State officials reported all these things — and more — as gifts they had received in 2011. Legislators and administration officials told the state ethics commission about presents, trips and hospitality, although many reported accepting nothing that year. Gov. Tom Corbett, reported receiving a ticket to two Steelers playoff games in January from Jack Barbour, an adviser who has served as outside counsel to the Pittsburgh team. He also reported receiving tickets to a Pittsburgh Penguins game, lodging for the November meeting of the Penn State University board of trustees and travel to meetings of the Republican Governors Association in Washington, Houston, Dallas, Aspen and Orlando. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

CORBETT NAMES NEW HARRISBURG RECEIVER

According to an article in the Patriot News, Harrisburg receiver nominee retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William B. Lynch said he will not comment on whether he thinks the Commonwealth Court should subpoena former Receiver David Unkovic to discuss why he quit until the court confirms him as the city’s new receiver. Lynch also said he has yet to speak with Unkovic, but would be happy to talk with him, or anyone else who can help with Harrisburg’s fiscal recovery process. Unkovic resigned March 30, saying political and ethical problems with the city’s fiscal recovery process hindered him from developing a fair recovery plan for the city. Click here to read the Patriot News article.

BUDGET RESTORATION DEBATE TAKES OFF

According to an article in the Scranton Times, while higher education, basic education and county-run human service programs benefit mainly from state aid restoration efforts so far, advocates for a host of other programs are competing to join that group now that state tax revenue collections are improving. Public libraries, agricultural programs and the Keystone Fund, which helps pay for local park and conservation projects, also get money to offset proposed cuts in the $27.6 billion state budget bill for fiscal 2012-13 approved by the Senate last week. The measure overall restores $500 million of spending cuts proposed by Gov. Tom Corbett in February when the state’s fiscal picture was more dire. Click here to read the Scranton Times article.

JUDGE DENIES DEWEESE REQUEST TO DELAY PRISON TERM

According to an Associated Press article, Former Democratic legislative leader Bill DeWeese has lost a bid for a postponement of his prison sentence for corruption. Dauphin County Judge Todd Hoover on Friday denied DeWeese’s request to delay the start of his 2 1/2-to-five-year prison term until Hoover decides if he can remain free on bail while appealing his conviction. Hoover ordered the 62-year-old former Greene County lawmaker to surrender to the state Department of Corrections on Monday, as scheduled. Click here to read the Patriot News article.

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PLS ANNOUNCES UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP WITH PCN: THE PLS RUNDOWN

Pennsylvania Legislative Services (PLS), the undisputed leader in unbiased coverage of state government, is proud to announce a unique partnership with Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN), your public affairs cable network, to bring you The PLS Rundown. PCN will air The PLS Rundown, a weekly review of what took place in the Capitol. PLS reporters will discuss the legislative events of the past week that impact you. Nobody in Pennsylvania covers more state government action than PLS. Join us and see for yourself why PLS is the most trusted source for complete, nonpartisan coverage of state government. Check it out 6 p.m. on Fridays and 4 p.m. on Sundays.

SENATE VOTES TO BOOST SPENDING BY $500 MILLION

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, a state budget for next year that would spend $500 million more than the governor’s proposal passed the Senate on Wednesday, setting up weeks of give-and-take between the Corbett administration and Republican legislative leaders. The $27.65 billion Senate plan was approved on a vote of 39-8, and now awaits further action in the House. Gov. Tom Corbett and House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-Bradford Woods, said the Senate budget, which restores portions of the Republican governor’s cuts to education and social services, represents the “ceiling” for debates over how much revenue the state should spend next fiscal year. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

REPORT: PA GAMING REVENUE UP 21 PERCENT IN 2011

According to an Associated Press article, a new report shows Pennsylvania pulled in more than $3 billion in gross casino revenue last year, an increase of more than 21 percent from 2010. The American Gaming Association’s 2012 “State of the States” survey released Wednesday reports consumers spent $3.02 billion at Pennsylvania’s casinos in 2011. That places the state third in the report, behind New Jersey and Nevada. Click here to read the Associated Press article.

DA SAYS ORIE MUST REPAY $1.5 MILLION IN LEGAL FEES

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the government is seeking more than $1.5 million in reimbursement for the legal expenses paid by the Senate on behalf of state Sen. Jane C. Orie, who was convicted in March on public corruption charges. In a motion filed Wednesday, the Allegheny County district attorney’s office said the law requires Ms. Orie repay the monies spent on her defense. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

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According to Sen. Earll the bill would offer a tax credit for individuals with a net worth of $1 million or more who invest in an “accredited” startup company in Pennsylvania. The measure is modeled on a Wisconsin angel investment law and is similar to HB 1503, which was passed by the House in November by a vote of 151-44.

Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Philadelphia), one of the three negative votes on the bill, said he supports the general idea but is troubled by both the “optics and the substance” of the $1 million net worth eligibility requirement. He suggested instead a minimum investment threshold for eligibility. Sen. Earll defended the net worth provision, saying it is designed to guard against individuals who do not have a level of financial stability from risking too much to obtain the tax credit.

Look for the full story, with details of the other bills passed at the meeting, later today in the Capitol Toolbox.

Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today.

$27.6 BILLION BUDGET ON ITS WAY TO SENATE FLOOR

According to an article in the Morning Call, the Republican-controlled Senate has thrown down its marker in this year’s budget debate, as a critical committee gave its unanimous approval to a $27.6 billion budget plan that reverses the Corbett administration’s cuts to higher education and boosts spending on public schools and social service programs.The 50-member chamber could vote as soon as Wednesday on the spending plan, which would increase state spending from current levels by 2 percent. In February, Gov. Tom Corbett proposed a $27.14 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. “We’ve been working with the Senate on crafting a budget,” House Republican spokesman Steve Miskin said. “Revenues are coming in better than expected and there appears to be a positive outcome for next year.” Click here to read the Morning Call article.

REPS. YOUNGBLOOD, O’BRIEN ANNOUNCE PLAN TO REDIRECT GAMING FUNDS TO HELP PHILLY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Representatives Rosita Youngblood (D-Philadelphia) and Mike O’Brien (D-Philadelphia) yesterday announced that they plan to introduce legislation in the House that would redirect gaming funds currently going to provide wage tax reductions to the Philadelphia School District to prevent the possible closure of schools in the autumn. According to the legislators the plan is being floated as an alternative to Mayor Michael Nutter’s plan to increase property taxes to help bridge the $90 million deficit facing the city’s schools. They said Mayor Nutter has warned that if funding is not found, facilities may be unable to re-open for the 2012-13 school year. Rep. Youngblood and Rep. O’Brien’s plan would inject $88 million into the school district’s coffers, and continue for up to five years if necessary. “We want to make clear that we are not raising taxes with this legislation; we are just redirecting funds from the city’s gaming revenue,” Rep. Youngblood said in a statement. Check out the Around the Capital section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

REP. METCALFE HOLDS ANNUAL RIGHT TO KEEP & BEAR ARMS RALLY

Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler), along with many Republican and Democratic members of both the House and Senate, held a rally today to defend a citizen’s right to keep and bear arms. He stated people have a God-given right to protect their lives as well as a God-given right to bear arms.  Kim Stolfer, Chairman of the Firearms Owners Against Crime, stated the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing and said “let’s keep Pennsylvania strong and recover some of our rights, fix the preemption law, get rid of the Pennsylvania Instant Check system (PICS), and vote for constitutional care.” Rep. Scott Perry (R-York) remarked it is unfortunate that people must fight to keep their God-given rights because there are those out there that wish to take them away. He stated criminals do not abide by the laws and all of the laws the government makes will not change that. He noted “we don’t ever ask the government when it is ok to protect ourselves. That is our right.” Check out the Around the Capital section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE UNVEILS ALTERNATIVE STATE BUDGET

For the second consecutive year, Rep. Curtis Thomas (D-Philadelphia) has presented an alternative to Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget. Entitled “Putting People First Now,” Rep. Thomas said his budget reallocates $1.4 billion in the general budget. He commented, “For the second time, we’re forced to respond to Gov. Corbett’s mean, ugly, and inhumane budget.” Rep. Thomas commented, “In light of the massive cuts in education, jobs, healthcare, and housing, we’re compelled to stand up and do what’s right on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania, starting with the proposition that we should prioritize spending the taxpayers’ money on their needs and not on our wants.” According to Rep. Thomas, his alternative budget places an emphasis on education, jobs, healthcare, and housing. He was joined by several members of the House Democratic caucus in making his announcement. Check out the Around the Capital section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

Upcoming Meetings

House Urban Affairs
9:00 a.m., Room 205, Ryan Office Building
To consider: SB 1301 Williams, A. Amends Title 53 re assessments SB 1302 Williams, A. Amends Phila City-County Consolidation Act SB 1174 Yaw Amends Housing Authorities Law re members

Senate Law and Justice
9:45 a.m., Room 156 Main Capitol
To consider: SB 1362 Ward Amends Admin Code re State trooper services

House State Government
10:00 a.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building
To consider: HB 876 Kauffman Jt. Resolution re legislative districts HR 16 Tallman Resolution re Congress address TSA concerns

House Professional Licensure
10:00 a.m., Room 60, East Wing
To consider: HB 646 Harper Amends act re licensing board activities HB 1868 Gillespie Amends Cosmetology Law re exam eligibility

House Liquor Control
10:00 a.m., Room 39, East Wing

To consider: HB 845 Sonney Amends Liquor Code re shipment of wine into PA HB 1310 Toepel Amends Liquor Code re county retail licenses HB 2267 Gabler Amends Liquor Code re unlawful acts HB 533 Petri Amends Liquor Code re sales by liquor licensee

Senate Finance
10:00 a.m., Room 8E-A, East Wing
To consider: SB 1265 Earll Amends Title 12 re angel investment tax credit SB 1460 Brubaker Amends Tax Reform Code re partner. tax credit SB 1490 Brubaker Amends Tax Reform Code re reports & refunds HB 1913 Culver Act re Irene/Lee real estate tax abatement SB 1388 Ferlo Amends Tax Reform Code re realty transfer tax

House Consumer Affairs
10:15 a.m., Room 148 Main Capitol
To consider: HB 2191 Ross Amends Titles 7 & 18 re loans & fraud

11:00 a.m., Senate

12:00 noon, Keystone Building Atrium REACH Foundation’s 11th EITC Birthday Party

House Appropriations
Off the Floor, Room 140 Main Capitol
Agenda to be announced

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Rep. Scott Petri (R-Bucks), LSLAC Chairman and chair of the House Life Sciences Caucus, detailed the report, which is titled Life Sciences Leadership for the Next Decade: Nurturing a Life Science Ecosystem for Job Creation and Economic Development in Pennsylvania. Commending its flexibility, Rep. Petri said the report lays out strategies by which the industry itself can gauge its own growth and success over the next eight to ten years.

Carolyn Newhouse, Deputy Secretary of Innovation and Investment for the Department of Community and Economic Development, offered the Corbett Administration’s support for the life sciences industry. She identified a series of tax credits and investments, including the Research and Development Tax Credit and the Life Sciences Greenhouses, through which the state is helping the industry grow in the Commonwealth.

Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.