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May 3, 2012, 2:52 pm
Following a House Human Services public hearing this morning, advocates and homecare customers rallied in the Capitol to urge the lawmakers and the Corbett Administration to reverse changes that threaten waiver programs and other services offered by the Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Long Term Living (OLTL).
Kelly Derr, Director of Community Services for United Cerebral Palsy of Central PA and the PA Providers Coalition Association, spoke to the importance of a stable and effective system for individuals who need attendant care. Derr emphasized the need to “re-establish meaningful dialogue with state officials so that changes can be planned and orderly.”
A number of homecare customers outlined what is at stake for them if cuts to OLTL are enacted. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full stories on the hearing and the press conference.
February 29, 2012, 12:23 pm
Disability rights advocates rally at the Capitol
Disability rights advocates rallied at the Capitol this morning to urge Gov. Tom Corbett and Department of Public Welfare Secretary Gary Alexander to reconsider proposed changes to the DPW budget they warn would adversely affect Pennsylvania’s disabled population.
The planned consolidation of 37 organizations that provide fiscal agent and fiscal management services to Medicaid recipients who are getting home- and community-based services would limit choices and would create more opportunities for mistreatment, according to Linda Anthony, policy director for the Disability Rights Network.
At a recent budget hearing, Sec. Alexander explained the proposal is an effort to increase efficiency within the department. Theotis Braddy, executive director for the Central Pennsylvania Center for Independent Living, warned the change could in fact create “drastic, long-term increases for taxpayers,” in addition to jeopardizing the quality of care for recipients.
Stakeholders plan to continue the rally by marching to the Governor’s Mansion later in the day. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
February 9, 2012, 12:41 pm
The House Democratic Policy Committee this morning held a hearing to discuss the impact of past and potential future cuts to human services. The members heard from SEIU, county human services administrators, social workers, the Disability Rights Network, and the Council of Churches. Each testifier described the negative impact that cuts have had on their constituents and outlined reforms that could enable them to provide services more efficiently.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today.
September 14, 2011, 11:17 am
Auditor General Jack Wagner held a press conference today to release a special report indicating potential waste, fraud, and abuse in Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card use and focusing on DPW’s lack of cooperation in completing an audit on the same subject. Wagner explained due to the department’s refusal to provide information, his office cannot assure the public that taxpayer money is being properly administered when it comes to EBT card use.
The full story will be available later in the Press Conferences section of the Capitol Toolbox.
May 10, 2011, 4:12 pm
House Republicans
The House Republican Caucus today officially announced their budget proposal for 2011-12. According to Republican Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) the plan represents the Caucus’s stance as “fiscal stewards of the hard-earned money of the taxpayers of Pennsylvania.”
Specifically the Republican proposal restores considerable portions of funding to K-12 and higher ed, with state system universities seeing an 85% restoration and state-related institutions receiving anywhere from 51-75% restoration. $223 million is allocated back to K-12 lines.
According to Appropriations Chairman Bill Adolph (R-Delaware) much of the funding given back to education was diverted from the Department of Public Welfare, which sees its line cut by $470m. Chairman Adolph defended the cuts, noting DPW is still getting a 1% increase over last year, while Rep. Turzai said the goal is to weed out waste, fraud and abuse from the welfare rolls.
At the press conference the Republican leaders also addressed the educational improvement tax credit (EITC) bill moving through the house, the potential for considering a school voucher bill from the Senate, the expected half-billion dollar surplus in the state coffers, and the legislature’s own budget. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story, and related budget
Continue reading House Republicans unveil budget proposal
May 25, 2010, 11:39 am
This morning Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario and DPW Secretary Harriet Dichter briefed the House Health and Human Services Committee on preparations for the implementation of federal health care reform measures.
Speaking to the insurance implications for Pennsylvania, Commissioner Ario said the reforms are “pretty much all upside” from a financial perspective. Among the numerous areas that will be addressed, the commissioner said the establishment of a high-risk pool is among the most urgent, with a deadline of July 1. He reported Pennsylvania is getting $160 million from the federal HHS to establish a temporary high-risk pool to serve people who meet the core conditions of being uninsured for more than six months, and who have a pre-existing condition. Of the several hundred thousand people in Pennsylvania who qualify, Commissioner Ario said fewer than 10,000 will be served by the temporary pool. He said the federal government, not the state, will ultimately be responsible for paying those claims.
Check the Committee News section of the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
April 20, 2010, 10:20 am
The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee met this morning to consider three bills (all reported as committed with minimal discussion) and the nomination of Harriet Dichter as secretary of the Department of Public Welfare. The nomination was unanimously reported to the Rules Committee following a light question and answer period. Dichter faced questions primarily relating to cuts to the program for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox this afternoon.
December 3, 2009, 3:22 pm
Governor Rendell announced this afternoon that Harley Davidson’s board of directors met earlier in the day and have ratified a decision to remain at their York plant. He reported he is “gratified” by the news, but expressed disappointment that nearly 950 Harley workers will lose their jobs. By staying in York, Harley will receive $15.4 million in grant money from the state, a “very attractive package” the governor said helped beat back challenges from possible relocation sites in Kentucky and Indiana.
The governor also offered comments on a variety of other issues, including Revenue Secretary Steve Stetler’s invitation to testify before a grand jury on the Bonusgate scandal, table games, rate caps, and the future of DPW Secretary Estelle Richman, who he said has been offered a job with the Obama Administration. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
November 10, 2009, 2:39 pm
Rep. Turzai, joined by dozens of members of the House Republican Caucus, this afternoon announced that he has introduced HB 2080 to reform the Department of Public Welfare’s Special Allowances Program. Citing a recent audit by Auditor General Wagner, Rep. Turzai estimated the reforms proposed in his bill could save more than $100 million each year.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today.
June 8, 2009, 12:12 pm
Members of the Joint Legislative Conservation Committee attended an Environmental Issues Forum hosted by American Geo-Energy Solutions (AGES), a Pennsylvania based renewable energy company. The panel consisted of the President, CEO, and Chairman for AGES, who explained to the audience and members of the committee, the environmental and economic advantages of using underground mine water as renewable energy sources. The Chairman of AGES, Stephen Krentzman called the treatment and use of polluted mine water sources as a renewable energy “turning lemons into lemonade.” Check the Capitol Tool Box later for more information.
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