LATEST RADIO FEATURES

8/29/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Finance Committee has completed a public hearing on health care reform legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Folmer of Lebanon County. Hanson Quickel files this report from the State Capitol.

8/25/08 - Suggested Lead: The House Judiciary Committee held a public hearing at the State Capitol on legislation related to child custody proceedings during military deployments. Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator Mike Folmer of Lebanon County.

8/18/08 - Suggested Lead: The Task Force on Gaming Committee met again at the State Capitol this week as they continue efforts to ensure the integrity of the state’s gaming industry. Hanson Quickel has more with Senator Jane Earll of Erie County.

8/8/08 - Suggested Lead:  Legislation which would place a question on the November 2009 ballot seeking voter approval for a constitutional convention has been introduced in Harrisburg.  Hanson Quickel has more from State Senator Mike Folmer of Lebanon County.

8/7/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to bring about a constitutional convention has been introduced at the State Capitol. Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator Jeff Piccola of Dauphin County.

8/5/08 - Suggested Lead: Another State Senator has signed a petition calling for a special session on government reform. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County.

8/4/08 - Suggested Lead: There is some good news out of Harrisburg for the parents of twins. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Stewart Greenleaf of Montgomery County.

8/1/08 - Suggested Lead: Senator Jane Orie is asking the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to release documents related to the Walton Street takeover of the Majestic Star Casino in Pittsburgh.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol.

7/31/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation that requires public schools to adopt bullying and cyber bullying policies has been signed into law by the Governor. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Stewart Greenleaf of Montgomery County.

7/30/08 - Suggested Lead: A new state law is on the books that expands Pennsylvania’s Newborn Screening Program. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Jane Orie of Allegheny County.

7/29/08 - Suggested Lead: A Lebanon County lawmaker has introduced legislation to remove unfair election barriers to non-major party candidates. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Mike Folmer.

7/28/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to phase out Pennsylvania’s “Death Tax” has been introduced in Harrisburg. Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator Bob Regola of Westmoreland County.

7/25/08 - Suggested Lead: A new searchable database that allows the public greater access to state government contract information is now available. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Jake Corman of Centre County.

7/24/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee will hold a public hearing today (July 24) to vet the status of PITG Gaming’s slots casino license and financial situation. Hanson Quickel files this report from the State Capitol with State Senator Jane Orie of Allegheny County.

7/23/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to require the use of the Global Positioning System for monitoring convicted sex offenders could be considered by the General Assembly this fall. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator John Rafferty of Montgomery County.

7/22/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee held a public hearing in Pottsville on the proposed Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with the bill’s prime sponsor, Senator James Rhoades of Schuylkill County.

7/21/08 - Suggested Lead: Pennsylvania is the eighth state to join the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Compact. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Jane Earll of Erie County.

7/18/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to close a legal loophole that has resulted in property tax increases for many Pennsylvania homeowners has been vetoed by the Governor. Hanson Quickel has more from Harrisburg with the bill’s sponsor, Senator James Rhoades of Schuylkill County.

7/17/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to help modernize Pennsylvania’s 66 conservation districts has been signed into law. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Rob Wonderling of Montgomery County.

7/16/08 - Suggested Lead: A Dauphin County lawmaker is calling for a special legislative session on government reform and ethical reform. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Jeff Piccola.

7/15/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation intended to eliminate "pinstripe patronage" is now before the State House for consideration. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Jane Orie of Allegheny County.

7/14/08 - Suggested Lead: The Governor has signed legislation that provides $800 million to fund repairs and upgrades to water and sewer systems, flood control projects and unsafe high-hazard dams. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Pat Vance of Cumberland County.

7/11/08 - Suggested Lead: The chairman of the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee is questioning whether the proposed merger of Independence Blue Cross and Highmark will benefit consumers. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Don White of Indiana County.

7/10/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation that would encourage the use of energy efficient alternative fuels has been signed into law by the Governor.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Tommy Tomlinson of Bucks County.

7/9/08 - Suggested Lead: The new state budget includes an education funding formula that is fairer to Pennsylvania’s rural school districts. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati.

7/8/08 - Suggested Lead: Governor Rendell has signed a series of mortgage reform bills into law.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Pat Browne of Lehigh County.

7/7/08 - Suggested Lead: Volunteer fire and emergency services workers will receive a $100 tax credit for active service under a provision that was included in the recently passed state budget. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County.

7/4/08 - Suggested Lead: The 2008-2009 budget process is complete. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Gibson Armstrong, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

7/3/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation providing for state oversight of proposed mergers involving non-profit health insurance companies is now before the Governor.  Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator Don White of Indiana County.

7/2/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Majority Leader is calling on the State House to take up legislation aimed at boosting volunteer fire and EMS recruitment.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator Dominic Pileggi.

7/1/08 - Suggested Lead: One of the key elements in the 2008-2009 state budget is a more equitable proposal for funding basic education in Pennsylvania. Hanson Quickel reports from the Capitol with Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati.

6/30/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislative leaders and Governor Rendell have reached an agreement on a new state budget.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi.

6/27/08 - Suggested Lead: State lawmakers in Harrisburg are getting closer to a budget agreement. Hanson Quickel has an update with Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati.

6/26/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation of interest to ham radio enthusiasts has cleared the Pennsylvania Senate Local Government Committee. Hanson Quickel has more with Senator Bob Regola of Westmoreland County.

6/25/08 - Suggested Lead: A Lebanon County lawmaker is sponsoring legislation that would preclude the Commonwealth from having to comply with the federal REAL I.D. mandate.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Mike Folmer.

6/24/08 - Suggested Lead: A bi-partisan group of lawmakers is calling on Governor Rendell to stop holding state employees hostage while a new state budget is being negotiated. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Jeff Piccola of Dauphin County.

6/23/08 - Suggested Lead: The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation to ensure that LIHEAP funds are properly allocated. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Bob Robbins of Mercer County.

6/20/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee is examining legislation that would help local officials take action against the owners of blighted properties. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator James Rhoades of Schuylkill County.

6/19/08 - Suggested Lead: The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation to eliminate waste tire piles in Pennsylvania.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County.

6/18/08 - Suggested Lead: The Pennsylvania Senate has approved the Senate Republican Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2008-2009.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Gib Armstrong of Lancaster County.

6/17/08 - Suggested Lead:Legislation is being introduced to crack down on abuse of state vehicle usage.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Mike Folmer of Lebanon County.

6/16/08 - Suggested Lead: A four-bill tax stimulus package has been passed by the Pennsylvania Senate. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator John Eichelberger of Blair County.

6/13/08 - Suggested Lead: The Pennsylvania Senate is poised to vote on legislation that would block State Board of Education imposed high school exit exams. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator James Rhoades of Schuylkill County.

6/12/08 - Suggested Lead: The Pennsylvania Senate has unanimously approved legislation to provide 800 million in funding for critical state infrastructure needs.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator Dominic Pileggi of Delaware County.

6/11/08 - Suggested Lead:  An Allegheny County lawmaker is urging members of the legislature to approve and fund the Newborn Child Testing Act.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator Jane Orie.

6/10/08 - Suggested Lead: Pennsylvania Senate Republicans have unveiled a 15-bill health care package intended to improve access and affordability.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator Ted Erickson of Delaware County.

6/9/08 -Suggested Lead: A package of bills to provide nearly 23 million in tax credits and tuition reimbursements for fire and EMS volunteers has cleared the Pennsylvania Senate.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Mike Waugh of York County.

6/6/08 -Suggested Lead: Legislation intended to address the shortage of emergency responders in the Commonwealth is on the Senate calendar for consideration in the week ahead. Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County.

6/5/08 - Suggested Lead: A statewide coalition is calling on state lawmakers to focus on improvements to Pennsylvania’s aging infrastructure.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Rob Wonderling of Montgomery County.

6/4/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to establish consistent support for community health and mental retardation services has passed the Pennsylvania Senate. State Capitol correspondent Hanson Quickel has more with Senator Ted Erickson of Delaware County.

6/3/08 - Suggested Lead:  A House & Senate Conference Committee has reached a compromise agreement on smoking ban legislation.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Stewart Greenleaf of Montgomery County.

6/2/08 - Suggested Lead:  State lawmakers and citizens rallied at the State Capitol to demand the elimination of school property taxes.  Hanson Quickel files this report with State Senator Mike Folmer of Lebanon County.

5/30/08 - Suggested Lead:  Fifteen years of Pennsylvania Senate Legislative Journals are now only a click away.  Hanson Quickel reports from Harrisburg with Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati.

5/29/08 - Suggested Lead:  There will be no lame duck session in the Pennsylvania Senate this year according to Senate Republican leadership.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senate President Pro Tempore, Joe Scarnati.

5/28/08 - Suggested Lead:  The Senate State Government Committee held a public hearing (on 5/28) on legislation that would ban lobbyist-paid gifts and hospitality. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Jeff Piccola of Dauphin County.

5/27/08 - Suggested Lead:  A State Senator from Dauphin County has introduced a measure to help ensure the safety of children in residential day care facilities. Hanson Quickel files this report with State Senator Jeff Piccola.

5/23/08 - Suggested Lead:  Members of the Pennsylvania Senate took time to remember the sacrifices of the men and women in our armed forces. Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator John Rafferty of Montgomery County.

5/22/08 - Suggested Lead: A Luzerne County lawmaker is introducing legislation to update the Commonwealth’s Emergency Medical Services Act. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Lisa Baker.