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February 28, 2012, 5:00 pm
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee this afternoon to discuss their 2012-13 budget and the overall health of the state gaming industry.
With the PGCB’s budget paid for by the industry, focus rested on the board’s oversight of casino licensing and operations. In particular, committee members asked about the smoking ban in place among casino facilities, the ongoing presence of state police, and the prospects for what may happen with the license revoked by the Board from Foxwoods in Philadelphia. Members credited the board and the industry for generally living up to expectations with regard to property tax relief and improving the transparency and integrity of daily operations.
Check the Capitol Toolbox later this evening for the full story on the hearing. Not a PLS Capitol Toolbox subscriber? You can now purchase individual budget hearing recaps here.
July 17, 2009, 9:38 am
The House Gaming Oversight Committee managed to report HB 1317 out of committed as amended this morning by a vote of 14-12. Rep. Curtis Thomas (D-Philadelphia) changed his vote from yesterday, saying he is willing to move the legislation forward as long as changes to it are made. Rep. Michael O’Brien (D-Philadelphia), the other Democratic “no” vote yesterday, continued to oppose the measure. Despite the protests of Republican members, the bill now moves to the floor for consideration. Chairman Dante Santoni (D-Berks) maintained he is still committed to addressing the concerns laid out by members.
Click below to listen to the comments of Rep. Thomas following the meeting.
Thomas Comments
Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
July 16, 2009, 1:43 pm
By a vote of 13-13, with Philadelphia Democrats Mike O’Brien and Curtis Thomas joining with Republicans, HB 1317 was defeated in the House Gaming Oversight Committee this afternoon after hours of debate over the bill and amendments. Of the five amendments offered, only an omnibus amendment, A02810 by Rep. Flo Fabrizio (D-Erie), was adopted. Following the meeting Chairman Dante Santoni said he hopes to have the committee meet again today, and added he is confident it will be reported out.
Listen to Chairman Santoni’s comments here: Santoni Comments
Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later today.
UPDATE 4:44 p.m. – The committee will meet tomorrow, Friday July 17, at 9:30 a.m.
May 21, 2009, 3:33 pm
House Gaming Oversight held the last of its four hearings on HB 1317, the video poker bill, today. Testimony in support and against the measure was offered to the committee by the State Police, state-related and independent colleges and universities, the departments of education and revenue, representatives of the gaming industry and advocates against gambling. Check the Capitol Toolbox later in the day for the full story.
April 27, 2009, 1:34 pm
The Coalition of Pennsylvania Crime Victim Organizations held it’s 17th annual crime victims rally today in the Main Rotunda of the Capitol Building. The rally celebrated the passage of 1984′s Victims of Crime Act which provided specific rights for victims of crime and their families. After a ceremonial opening by the State Police several speakers were offered highlighting the importance of victims rights. Representatives of the State Police, Attorney Generals Office and the District Attorney of Cumberland County joined with organizers to stress increased funding and awareness for victims rights and services. Check the Capitol Tool Box later for more information.
April 23, 2009, 3:19 pm
The House Gaming Oversight Committee held the first of four extensive meetings on HB 1317, the tuition relief/video poker bill, today. The committee heard from the Department of Education, representatives of Pennsylvania’s community colleges and system of higher education, the council on compulsive gambling, PGCB’s gaming lab, the Department of Revenue and Louisiana’s own gaming industry. Despite the packed agenda, there was still time for a 15 minute lunch break. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
April 21, 2009, 4:08 pm
HB 1317, sponsored by Rep. Dante Santoni, was introduced today and referred to the House Gaming Oversight Committee. PLS subscribers can log onto to the Capitol Toolbox to check out the draft text as well as the PLS summary of the bill.
March 19, 2009, 12:58 pm
IRRC met today to consider seven regulations. The first four were unanimously approved, which included two EQB regs, one State Board of Nursing reg and one State Board of Veterinary Medicine reg. The other three, all of which were Gaming Control Board regs, were unanimously disapproved. The commissioners cited lack of public benefit, lack of statutory authority, and lack of reasonableness among their reasons for disapproved.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox early this evening.
March 4, 2009, 5:11 pm
Majority Leader Todd Eachus, along with Speaker Keith McCall, Appropriations Chair Dwight Evans, and other members of House Democratic leadership commented this afternoon on the results of a day-long caucus retreat spent at Harrisburg University, and offered their thoughts on the House Democratic policy agenda for the spring. Beyond the obvious necessity of negotiating the budget, Rep. Eachus reported other priorities of the caucus include job creation, improving access to healthcare, and investing in transportation and energy projects. He also advised the caucus is still working to achieve a consensus related to video poker legislation. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
March 3, 2009, 5:19 pm
The Senate Appropriations Committee held a budget hearing with the Pennsylvania State Police to discuss financial concerns along with top priorities for state law enforcement for the year to come. Pennsylvania Police Commissioner Colonel Frank E. Pawlowski and his staff answered questions from committee members regarding the possible implementation of legalized video poker machines, budget constraints, communication and technology upgrades, and other issues facing Pennsylvania State Police law enforcement. Check the Capitol Tool Box later for more information.
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