9/24/08 - Senator Mike Waugh (R-York), a member of the Senate’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, hears testimony on legislation that would make sweeping changes to the state's dog and animal cruelty laws.

Issues

Resources

Focus on Pennsylvania - August/September 2008

Our Summer edition of Focus on Pennsylvania shines the spotlight on Agriculture, our state’s leading industry. We highlight the growth of farmer markets and buying local produced foods as well as the Healthy Farms, Healthy Schools Program.

More Focus on PA

Pennsylvania Senate Republican Podcast

9/26/08 - Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24) discusses Senate passage of his bill intended to protect online auctions from government red tape.

More Podcasts

Monthly Radio Address From Senate Republicans

October 2008 - Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24) discusses the decline in voter turnout and why Pennsylvanians need to exercise their right to vote.

More Radio

Senate News

Next Session: Monday, Oct. 6, 2008 - 1 p.m.
Watch It Live

10/2/08 - Second Hearing on Merger Recommendations on Tuesday
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will hold its second public hearing to take testimony prior to developing its recommendations on the proposed merger of Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross on Tuesday, October 7 at 9 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the State Capitol North Office Building, according to Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-41).

9/30/08 - Regola Bill Would End Conflicts of Interest
As part of his ongoing reform efforts, Senator Bob Regola (R-39) is introducing a bill that would bar elected officials from serving on municipal authorities.

9/29/08 - Pippy's PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act Moves Forward
The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) that would expand affordable housing initiatives in Pennsylvania.

9/25/08 - Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Amends and Passes HB2525
House Bill 2525 was passed yesterday by the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee with amendments, according to Committee Chairman Senator Mike Brubaker. This bill, known as the Dog Law, sets a higher standard for commercial kennels in Pennsylvania.

9/24/08 - Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation Limiting Local Government Appeals
The Senate approved legislation today that would prevent school districts from raising property taxes on homeowners following the sale of a property, according to Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29).

9/24/08 - Local Government Committee Approves Several Measures
The Senate Local Government Committee recently approved several measures, including ones protecting religious viewpoints of such sects as the Amish, clarifying powers of municipal authorities; increasing loan limits for local governments; and establishing a uniform system for recording and registering deeds, according to Senator Bob Regola (R-39), Committee Chairman.

9/24/08 - Senate Acts to Help Uninsured Pennsylvanians
The Senate today unanimously approved and sent to the House of Representatives two bills aimed at expanding options for Pennsylvanians without medical insurance coverage.
- Sen. Don White
- Sen. Corman

9/24/08 - Senate Committee Approves Bill to Prevent Blight
The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee approved legislation today that would help municipalities prevent blight and remediate abandoned properties.

9/23/08 - Regola's Booking Center Proposal Heads to Governor
Senator Bob Regola's proposal to help counties cover the costs of regional police "booking centers" recently received legislative approval and is headed to the Governor for enactment into law.

9/22/08 - Committee Acts to Help Uninsured Pennsylvanians
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee today approved two bills aimed at expanding health care options for Pennsylvanians with coverage, according to Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-41).

9/22/08 - Senate Approves Bill to Promote Cooperative Efforts
The Senate today unanimously approved a measure introduced by Senator Bob Regola (R-39) and Senator John Pippy (R-37) that would encourage municipal authorities to work more closely with local  governments.
- Sen. Regola

9/22/08 - White Urges Action on Coal Bed Methane Well Dispute Act
Senator Don White (R-41) urged the House to expeditiously move his legislation establishing a special review board to arbitrate coal bed methane well disputes.

9/22/08 - Senator McIlhinney Legislation Would Prevent Discrimination Against Military
Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery) introduced legislation today that would prohibit public school officials from discriminating against members of the Armed Forces.
- Sen. McIlhinney
- Sen. Baker
- Press Conference

9/18/08 - Committee Sets Hearings on Merger Recommendations
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will hold two public hearings in the upcoming weeks to take testimony prior to developing its recommendations on the proposed merger of Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross, according to Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-41).

9/18/08 - Committee Approves Erickson’s Community-Based Health Care Program
The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), today unanimously approved a major piece of a comprehensive health care package designed to improve and expand health care access and affordability in Pennsylvania.
- Sen. Erickson
- Sen. Baker

9/18/08 - Pippy Bill Providing Honor Guards at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies Heads to Governor for Enactment
Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to provide honor guards for burials at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies received final approval today and was sent to the governor to be signed into law.

9/18/2008 - McIlhinney to Announce Bill Allowing Military Uniforms In Schools
State Senator Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery) will announce legislation to prohibit school officials from denying members of the military access to school grounds because they are in uniform at a Capitol press conference Monday, September 22 at 12:30 in the Capitol Media Center.

9/17/08 - Senate Panel Endorses Piccola Measure Addressing Loophole in State's Wiretap Law
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) applauded members of the Senate Judiciary Committee today for approving Senate Bill 1555 – legislation that he has sponsored aimed at closing a loophole in Pennsylvania's Wiretap Law which allowed criminal defense lawyers to obtain the cell phone records of Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico and his First Assistant District Attorney, as well as state police investigators, without their knowledge or the knowledge of the presiding judge. 

9/16/08 - Senate Republicans Call for House Action on Reform Measures
Senate Republicans called on the House of Representatives to pass and send to the governor seven pieces of reform legislation which passed the Senate unanimously earlier this year.
- Sen. Scarnati
- Sen. Pileggi
- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Eichelberger
- Sen. Folmer
- News Conference

9/3/08 - Joint Senate Hearing in Pittsburgh on Municipal Pensions
The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy (R-Allegheny), and the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh and Northampton), will hold a joint public hearing on Monday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the University of Pittsburgh’s William Pitt Union, Lower Lounge, 5th Ave. and Bigelow Blvd. on municipal pensions.

8/26/08 - Piccola, Marsico Introduce Legislation Establishing Timeline for Future Budgets
Sen. Jeff Piccola (R-15) and Rep. Ron Marsico (R-105) have introduced proposals to establish a more definitive timeline for all future state budgets and are hopeful they will be fast-tracked through committee to give lawmakers the ability to enact this much-needed legislation during the fall session.

8/14/08 - Senator Orie Urges Gaming Board to Reopen Bidding Process for Pittsburgh Casino Project
Senate Majority Whip Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) today in written testimony urged members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to revoke the license awarded to PITG Gaming and reopen the bidding process for the financially troubled casino project in Pittsburgh.

8/14/08 - Regola Wants Expanded Tax Break for Disabled Vets
Senator Bob Regola (R-39) is introducing legislation calling for a state constitutional amendment to expand the Property Tax Exemption Program for Disabled Veterans. 

8/12/08 - Orie, Fumo Propose Revisions to Gaming Act 
Two state Senators have developed bipartisan legislation that would make several important amendments to Pennsylvania's 2004 slot machine gambling law, including prohibiting outside income by Gaming Control Board members, expanding the prohibition on campaign contributions from casino interests, and increasing public disclosure of previously confidential information supplied by license applicants.

8/8/08 - Orie Calls for Gaming Hearings to be held in Pittsburgh with Regard to the PITG Casino Bailout
Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) and Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny) called on the Gaming Control Board to hold at least one public hearing on the application submitted by Neil Bluhm and Don Barden for the change in ownership of the Majestic Star Casino in the City of Pittsburgh.

7/30/08 - Senator Brubaker Released From Hospital Following Surgery
State Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) was released from Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia today following Tuesday's surgery to remove his prostate.

7/25/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

7/22/08 - Orie Joins Auditor General to Call for GPS Monitoring of Sex Offenders
State Sen. Jane Orie (R-40) joined state Auditor General Jack Wagner today to call for Global Positioning System (GPS) monitoring of convicted sex offenders.
- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Rafferty

7/16/08 - Statement from Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi regarding the proposed Special Session:
"We applaud Senator Piccola for trying to bring additional attention to reform issues. The Senate has passed numerous reform-focused bills unanimously this session, some more than a year ago – and most of which await House action. Yesterday, we urged Rep. DeWeese to ensure that the members of the House have an opportunity to vote on those bills.
- News Conference
- Sen. Piccola
- Sen. Vance
- Sen. Rhoades
- Sen. Folmer

7/16/08 - Senator Rhoades Statement on Governor's Veto of SB 1247 
Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) issued the following statement concerning the governor's veto of Senate Bill 1247, legislation that would have closed a loophole that allows school districts to raise taxes on homeowners.

7/16/08 - Piccola Leads Call for Special Session on Ethics Reform
In response to the first wave of presentments handed down by the State Attorney General late last week, Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin/York) was joined by fellow Senators and colleagues from the House of Representatives and members of the reform movement today to call on Governor Edward G. Rendell to convene a special session of the General Assembly in the fall for the purpose of reforming the General Assembly and providing for the ethical for the conduct of state government.

7/16/08 - Senator Regola Proposes Inheritance Tax Repeal
While recognizing that nothing is sure in life except death and taxes, Senator Bob Regola (R-39) is introducing legislation to at least separate the two.  Senate Bill 1529 would phase-out Pennsylvania's Inheritance Tax -- more commonly known as the "Death Tax."

7/15/08 - Letter from Senate Leaders to House Majority Leader
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) urged House Majority Leader H. William DeWeese to take immediate action on seven reform-focused bills languishing in the House.

7/11/08 - Statement from Senator Scarnati Regarding Senator Regola
"This is welcome news and quite frankly news I fully expected all along," Scarnati stated.  "From the get go, this has been nothing more than a political vendetta against Bob Regola and I am pleased the jury saw it for what it was.  Now that the verdict is in, I am hopeful that the Regola family and the Farrell family can find it in their hearts to move forward and find some sort of closure to this sad tragedy."

7/10/08 - Tomlinson's Alternative Fuels Bill Signed into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) that would encourage the use of energy efficient alternative fuels was signed into law today.

7/10/08 - Testimony of Senator Don White Before the State Insurance Department/Blues Merger
Commissioner Ario, distinguished panelists, I would like to open by thanking you for the opportunity to present my views and concerns regarding the proposed merger of Highmark and Independence Blue Cross.  As Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, I have a number of concerns about the potential impact this extraordinary merger would have on all aspects of healthcare in Pennsylvania. 

7/9/08 - Governor Signs House Bill 1150
Governor Ed Rendell today signed House Bill 1150, a measure to require insurance companies to provide coverage for autism services and colorectal cancer screening and to provide state oversight of proposed mergers involving non-profit health insurance companies, according to Senator Don White, Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
- Sen. D. White

7/7/08 - Regola's Oath of Office Bill Sent to Governor
Legislation sponsored by State Senator Bob Regola (R-39) that would establish a uniform oath of office for municipal officials was passed by the General Assembly this past week and sent to the Governor for final approval.

7/4/08 - Senate Approves Final 2008-09 Budget Bill
The Senate today approved a state budget for Fiscal Year 2008-09 that holds the line on state spending while ensuring the continuation of essential services and programs.
- Sen. Scarnati
- Sen. Pileggi
- Sen. Armstrong
- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Baker
- Sen. Robbins

7/4/08 - Senator Gib Armstrong: The Necessity of State Borrowing
Across Pennsylvania, thousands of projects need to be done.  Some for economic reasons.  Some for environmental reasons.  Some to meet community development hopes.  Others to address public safety.

7/4/08 - Senate Approves Tax Credit for Volunteer Responders
The Senate today (July 4) approved legislation providing a $100 tax credit for active volunteer firefighters and EMS workers, according to Senator Pat Browne, author of an amendment providing for the tax credit. The provision was included as part of House Bill 377, the tax code bill passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2008-09 budget.
- Sen. Browne
- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Rafferty
- Sen. Baker
- Sen. Waugh

7/4/08 - Pippy Bill Expanding Keystone Opportunity Zones to Become Law
Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to expand programs that use tax abatements to attract employers to Pennsylvania communities has been approved by the General Assembly and sent to the governor to be signed into law.

7/4/08 - Corman's Legislation Reforming CPA Certification Clears House & Senate
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman (R-34) that changes the certification process for certified public accountants (CPAs) passed cleared the House and Senate this week and is now before the Governor for his signature to become law.

7/4/08 - General Assembly Passes $650 Million Alternative Energy Investment Act
The Alternative Energy Investment Act, a measure spearheaded by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) to boost renewable energy development and help consumers reduce energy use without imposing new taxes, received final legislative approval today and was sent to the governor to be signed into law.

7/3/08 - Orie: Senate Endorses Bill to Expand PA's Newborn Screening Program
The state Senate today approved legislation that would expand Pennsylvania’s Newborn Screening and Follow-up Program to include 29 “core” genetic conditions that are serious but treatable if caught early, according to Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny).

7/3/08 - Senate Passes Orie Legislation to Eliminate ‘Pinstripe’ Patronage
Yesterday, in a unanimous vote, the State Senate passed legislation introduced by Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny, Butler) to eliminate conflicts of interest when state government enters into contracts with outside consultants.

7/3/08 - Sen. Wonderling Bill Prohibiting Government Intrusion Into VoIP Passes Senate
On July 2nd, the Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation (SB 1000) introduced by state Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24th) preventing any state government agency from regulating Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP. VoIP allows telephone calls to be made via a broadband internet connection instead of a regular phone line.  Use of VoIP services grew by more than 500 percent in the last two years.

7/2/08 - Sen. Orie Champions Approval of Landmark Legislation Providing for Autism Insurance Coverage
Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) today hailed passage of landmark and national model legislation that would require Pennsylvania insurance companies, for the first time, to cover treatment for a wide spectrum of autism disorders. House Bill 1150 passed the Senate by a vote of 49 to 1. The Governor has indicated his support and intention to sign this legislation into law.  It will be one of the strongest insurance mandates for autism yet achieved in the nation. 

7/2/08 - Blues Oversight Bill Headed to the Governor
Legislation providing for state oversight of proposed mergers involving non-profit health insurance companies received final legislative approval today and is headed to the Governor for his signature and enactment into law, according to Senator Don White, Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.

7/1/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

6/30/08 - Senate Passes Folmer Bill Cracking Down on Abuse of State Vehicle Usage
The State Senate unanimously approved Sen. Mike Folmer’s (R-Lebanon) legislation bringing accountability to the use of state vehicles.

6/30/08 - Sen. Browne's Mortgage Reform Bills Headed to Governor
Four bills introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) targeting predatory and other questionable mortgage lending practices in Pennsylvania are now headed to the Governor for his signature and enactment into law.

6/30/08 - Senate Again Passes Comprehensive Mine Safety Bill
A comprehensive mine safety bill that will provide for the first rewrite of Pennsylvania's mining laws in nearly half a century was approved by the state Senate today, according Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), who co-sponsored the measure.

6/30/08 - Scarnati Pleased with Budget Framework
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) said today he is optimistic and confident in the passage of the 2008-2009 final state budget.  After many days and weeks of intense negotiation, legislative leaders and the Governor believe they have reached an agreement in principle.
- Sen. Scarnati
- Sen. Pileggi

6/29/08 - Sen. Orie Co-Chair of the Autism Caucus Votes for Landmark Legislation providing for Autism Insurance Coverage
Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) today hailed passage of landmark and national model legislation that would require Pennsylvania insurance companies, for the first time, to cover treatment for a wide spectrum of autism disorders.  House Bill 1150 passed the Senate with a bi-partisan vote of 49 to 1.  If signed into law, it would be one of the strongest insurance mandates for autism yet achieved in the nation.

6/29/08 - Senate Approves Tomlinson Amendment To Cover Screening for Colorectal Cancer
The Senate today approved legislation that would ensure more Pennsylvanians are screened for colorectal cancer according to Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), who was the prime sponsor of the original bill.  House Bill 1150 requires insurance companies to provide insurance coverage for autism, and to mandate coverage for colorectal screening for individuals 50 and over.

6/29/08 - Senate Approves House Bill 1150
The Senate today approved House Bill 1150, a measure to require insurance companies to provide coverage for autism services and colorectal cancer screening and to provide state oversight of proposed mergers involving non-profit health insurance companies, according to Senator Don White, Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.

6/28/08 - Senate Approves Legislation Protecting Prescription Benefits
The Senate passed legislation that would prevent PACE and PACENET enrollees from losing prescription benefits due to cost of living adjustments, according to Sen. James J. Rhoades (R-29).

6/27/08 - White and Orie Hail Support of Autism Speaks for HB1150
Senator Don White, Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and Senator Jane C. Orie, Majority Whip, issued the following statements after the Senate Appropriations Committee and Autism Speaks, a national organization, both endorsed the amended version of House Bill 1150 today (June 27).

6/27/08 - Senate Approves Coal Bed Methane Well Dispute Act
The Senate yesterday (June 26) approved legislation introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) to establish a special review board to arbitrate coal bed methane well disputes. Currently, disputes between surface land owners and the holders of mineral rights for those properties are often resolved in county courts of common pleas.

6/27/08 - House, Senate Approve Mortgage Reform Bills
The state House of Representatives today (June 27) approved four bills introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) targeting predatory and other questionable mortgage lending practices in Pennsylvania.

6/27/08 - Senate Endorses Madigan Legislation Allowing For Transportation Public Private Partnerships
Legislation that would enable the Commonwealth to use alternative funding mechanisms to fund transportation projects has passed the State Senate according to Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Roger Madigan (R-Bradford).

6/27/08 - Local Legislators Introduce Raw Milk Legislation
State Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) and State Representative Bryan Cutler (R-100) announced today that they have introduced legislation expanding options for raw milk production in Pennsylvania.

6/26/08 - Sen. Pileggi: Effort to Improve Protection of Personal Information Passes Senate
Legislation that would require government agencies to report data breaches involving personal information within one week, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), was approved unanimously by the Senate today.

6/26/08 - Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) discusses HealthNET PA, the Senate Republican comprehensive health care package designed to improve health care access and affordability by building on approaches that are working and doing it in a fiscally responsible way.
More Information

6/26/08 - Finance Committee Again Approves Tax Stimulus Package
The Senate Finance Committee today approved an amended House Bill that would provide nearly $96 million in tax relief in the upcoming fiscal year for lower-income working Pennsylvanians, small businesses looking to expand, as well as major employers and job creators, according to Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne (R-16).

6/26/08 - Folmer's Reform Agenda Advances
Two key pieces of Sen. Mike Folmer's (R-Lebanon) reform agenda advanced through the legislative process today.

6/26/08 - Committee Approves Blues Merger Oversight Bill
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee today approved a bill to provide state oversight of proposed mergers involving non-profit health insurance companies and to require insurance companies to provide coverage for autism services and colorectal cancer screening, according to Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-41).

6/26/08 - Piccola & Marsico to Unveil Legislation Establishing Timeline for Future Budgets
Senator Jeff Piccola (R-15) and Representative Ron Marsico (R-105) announced today plans to introduce legislation establishing a timeline for all future state budgets, by proposing sanctions to be embedded in the Pennsylvania Constitution and Administrative Code.

6/25/08 - Committee Approves Bills to Close Property Tax Loophole
The Senate Finance Committee today (June 25) approved legislation designed to close a legal loophole that has resulted in property tax increases for many Pennsylvania homeowners, according to Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne (R-16).
- Sen. Rhoades

6/25/08 - Committee Approves Bill to Promote Cooperative Efforts
The Senate Local Government Committee today (June 25) approved Senate Bill 1496, a measure introduced by Senator Bob Regola (R-39) and Senator John Pippy (R-37) that would help municipal authorities to work together.

6/25/08 – Senate Communications & Technology Committee hearing on the Federal REAL ID Act of 2005
- (running time 2 hours, 5 minutes)
- (running time 2 hours, 5 minutes)

6/24/08 - Pennsylvania Senate Passes Brownfields Legislation
Today, the Pennsylvania Senate passed Senate Bill 1062, the Brownfields Redevelopment Act introduced by state Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24th).

6/23/08 - Senate Passes Senator Robbins' Heat On Act
With fuel costs at record levels, the Senate today approved legislation introduced by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) that would provide essential reforms to Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, or LIHEAP program.

6/23/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

6/19/08 - Regola/Pippy Bill Would Promote Cooperative Efforts
Today, Senators Bob Regola (R-39) and John Pippy (R-37) introduced Senate Bill 1496, which would further encourage local governments and municipal authorities to work together.

6/19/08 - Statement by Senate Appropriations Chairman Gib Armstrong on State Education Funding
The dire warnings and made-up numbers issued by the state Education Department yesterday are irresponsible and indefensible.  State education officials need to climb down from their ivory tower and learn a little something about economic reality.

6/18/08 - Senate Passes 2008-09 Budget Bill
The Senate approved Senate Bill 1389, the Senate Republican budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2008-09.
- Sen. Armstrong
- Sen. Pileggi

6/18/08 - Orie Continues Efforts to Eliminate Waste of Tax Revenues on "Consultants"
In March, the AP and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that the administration paid $1.8 million to one particular law firm, in addition to payments to numerous other financial advisers and engineering consultants, to work on the proposal to lease the Turnpike.   

6/18/08 - State Employees Should Not Be Used as Leverage in Budget Disputes
Senators Jeff Piccola (R-15) and Pat Vance (R-31) commented today on the Governor's plan to furlough state employees if a budget is not approved by June 30th.

6/18/08 - Senate Passes Baker Bill to Aid In Clean-up of Waste Tire Piles
The state Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) to aid municipalities in cleaning up waste tire piles that are a danger to the environment and public safety.  The measure would reauthorize an annual transfer of $3 million from the state's Recycling Fund to the Used Tire Pile Remediation Restricted Account.
- Sen. Baker
- Sen. Mary Jo White

6/18/08 - Finance Committee Approves 100 Percent Tax Relief Bill
The Senate Finance Committee today approved legislation that would allow for a 100-percent homestead exemption, according to Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne (R-16).

6/18/08 - Piccola and Payne Applaud Committee for Endorsing Family Day Care Legislation, Improving Safety Measures
State Senator Jeffrey Piccola (R-15) and Representative John Payne (R-106) lauded the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee for unanimously endorsing legislation – Senate Bill 1421– which would require all family day care home providers to have liability insurance as a condition of their certification. 

6/18/08 - Banking & Insurance Committee - Hearing on SB 1137 (MCARE) 
- Part 1 (running time 1 hour, 12 minutes)
- Part 2 (running time 44 minutes)

6/17/08 - "Data Quality Act Needed by Pennsylvania" by state Sen. Ted Erickson
Recent reforms to the way Harrisburg conducts itself have challenged many in state government to re-focus their energies on nurturing the public trust.  Enacting Pennsylvania's Open Records law earlier this year was a strong move in that direction.  However, there is more work that needs to be done.

6/17/08 - Senate Approves Bills Addressing ADA Concerns
The Senate today approved a package of bills introduced by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) to bring municipal law provisions governing pre-hiring examinations of emergency responders in cities, towns, townships, and boroughs into compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

6/16/08 - Senate Approves Tax Stimulus Package
The Senate today approved a sweeping four-bill stimulus package that would provide nearly $96 million in tax relief in the upcoming fiscal year for lower-income working Pennsylvanians, small businesses looking to expand, as well as major employers and job creators, according to Senator Pat Browne (R-16 and Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee), which has oversight powers over state tax matters.
- Sen. Browne
- Sen. Corman
- Sen. Eichelberger
- Sen. Regola
- Sen. Scarnati
- Sen. Vance
- Sen. Wonderling

6/16/08 - Orie Introduces Legislation Designed to Strengthen the Turnpike's Code of Ethics
Today, Senator Vincent Fumo (D-Philadelphia) and Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) announced the introduction of legislation to expand upon the Code of Conduct provisions contained in Act 44 of 2007. 

6/13/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

6/13/08 - White Praises Senate Passage of Infrastructure Funding Legislation
State Senator Mary Jo White (R-21) today praised the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 2, the H20 PA Act.  The legislation, unanimously approved by the state Senate this week, would invest $800 million to meet Pennsylvania’s critical water infrastructure needs, including drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities, high hazard dams and flood protection and mitigation projects.

6/13/08 - Folmer Bill Cracks Down on Abuse of State Vehicle Usage
Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) announced he will be introducing legislation to bring accountability to the use of state vehicles.

6/13/08 - Committee to Hold Hearing on Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act
The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy (R-37), will hold a public hearing Tuesday on the proposed Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act.

6/12/08 - H2O PA Plan Passes Senate Unanimously
The state Senate has unanimously approved a plan to provide $800 million in funding for critical water and sewer projects and other infrastructure needs today.
- Sen. Earll
- Sen. Folmer

6/10/08 - Senate Republicans Announce Health Care Package to Improve Access and Affordability
Senate Republicans announced a comprehensive health care package designed to improve health care access and affordability by building on approaches that are working and doing it in a fiscally responsible way.
- Sen. Erickson
- Sen. Corman
- Sen. D. White
- Sen. Wonderling
- Sen. Eichelberger
- Sen. Folmer
- Sen. Pileggi
- News Conference

6/10/08 - Clean Indoor Air Act Passes Senate
Today, health advocates, cancer fighting organizations, and thousands of Pennsylvanians waiting to breathe free, celebrate the final passage of Senate Bill 246, the Clean Indoor Air Act, making Pennsylvania the 28th state to enact a comprehensive smoking ban that prohibits smoking in most public places and workplaces.
- Sen. Greenleaf
- Sen. Pileggi

6/10/08 - Senator Orie and Pro Football Hall of Fame Member Jim Kelly Call for PA to Adopt Improved Newborn Screenings Bill
Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly joined Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) at a press conference today at the State Capitol to urge members of the legislature to approve and fund the Newborn Child Testing Act (House Bill 883).   

6/10/08 - Hearing on Administration's Furlough Position & Piccola Bill.
- Part 1 (running time 1 hour, 19 min)
- Part 2 (running time 53 min)

6/10/08 - Senate Panel Approves Madigan Bill to Authorize Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Projects
The Senate Transportation Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Committee Chairman Senate Roger Madigan (R-Bradford) that would enable the Commonwealth to use alternative funding mechanisms to fund transportation projects. 

6/10/08 - Quietly Pursuing More Noise Walls
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recently released its Noise Impact Analysis report, outlining noise impacts and mitigation for the widening of the Northeastern Extension of the turnpike from the Mid-County Interchange north to the Lansdale Interchange in Montgomery County. 

6/9/08 - Senate to Consider Tax Credits for Fire & EMS Volunteers
The Senate today will take action on legislation which would provide tax credits to Pennsylvania's emergency first responders and their employers in order to help volunteer fire companies and emergency medical service companies recruit and retain members. (UPDATE: SENATE APPROVES LEGISLATION)
- News Conference (running time 16 minutes)
- Sen. Baker
- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Waugh

6/9/08 - Committee to Hear Testimony on Administration’s Rationale Behind Furloughs
The Senate State Government Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. in 8 E-B, East Wing of the Capitol Building.  The purpose of the hearing is to receive an explanation of Gov. Rendell’s position on budget impasse-mandated state employee furloughs. 

6/6/08 - Senators to Outline Legislation That Will Provide Tax Credits to Volunteer Firefighters, EMS Workers
A group of state senators will join members of the volunteer fire and emergency response community to outline a bipartisan legislative package that would provide tax credits to Pennsylvania's volunteer firefighters and emergency first responders and their employers.  The goal of the legislation, which the Senate will take up Monday, is to help volunteer fire companies and emergency medical services companies recruit and retain members.

6/06/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

6/3/08 - Senate Passes Erickson Bill to Stabilize Mental Health/Mental Retardation Funding
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) to establish consistent support for community mental health and mental retardation services was approved by the state Senate today.  

6/3/08 - Banking & Insurance Committee – Hearing on the MCARE Abatement
- Hearing (running time 1 hour, 55 minutes)
- Part 1
- Part 2

6/2/08 - Finance Committee Approves Tax Stimulus Package
The Senate Finance Committee today approved a four-bill stimulus package that would provide nearly $96 million in tax relief in the upcoming fiscal year for lower-income working Pennsylvanians, small businesses looking to expand, as well as major employers and job creators, according to Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne (R-16).

6/02/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

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