tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25240291202430805332024-02-21T02:39:45.979-08:00Public Radio Capitol NewsLois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-9732379085559028002014-08-01T02:11:00.001-07:002014-08-01T02:11:02.847-07:00A proposed new state tax on national oil company <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
A proposed new state tax on national oil company profits has been attacked by Republicans, who say it's impractical, possibly illegal and likely to result in higher gas prices.<br />
<br />
A report from a progressive think tank suggests none of those fears are accurate.<br />
<br />
The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center says the "gross profits tax" would be a "good funding source" for Pennsylvania's public transit systems.<br />
<br />
The 6.17 percent levy on the percentage of profits derived from a firm's Pennsylvania business would relieve the company from paying corporate net income tax, but the total tax paid would be much higher.<br />
<br />
Researcher Sharon Ward says world demand for oil is so high right now - and refining capacity so low - that oil company profits will remain high and absorb the impact of any change to Pennsylvania law.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20nMk2v_JmNdyloV5ugR_UEPFkDUK8TdSZQ2ogCJE-wkfaN_KL-zKa226SjUBttXaJAXiU6EPsiYHrYQzcJzLpkk_fsuV8vAb6lwenysbKXxb-soMdfAHELoY3KvHe93IDytz2fkkipQ/s1600/2686772625_277780b978_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20nMk2v_JmNdyloV5ugR_UEPFkDUK8TdSZQ2ogCJE-wkfaN_KL-zKa226SjUBttXaJAXiU6EPsiYHrYQzcJzLpkk_fsuV8vAb6lwenysbKXxb-soMdfAHELoY3KvHe93IDytz2fkkipQ/s1600/2686772625_277780b978_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Some lawmakers are concerned that the tax will translate into higher prices at the pump. The issue is much more complex than the discussion has been to date. We use what we believe is a more economically sound model. We think that the bulk of the tax, perhaps as much as 90<br />
percent, will be paid by shareholders, not drivers," Ward says.<br />
<br />
So far, the oil profits tax has attracted few fans in the legislature, but many mass transit systems have cut or are cutting service, so some kind of action is expected this summer.<br />
As state budget negotiations pause briefly for the holiday in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's chambers of commerce are pushing for<br />
business-friendly approaches.<br />
<br />
Chamber leaders gathered at the Capitol to lobby against much of Governor Rendell's proposed budget.<br />
<br />
They said they have a different philosophy when it comes to how the state should be spending money.<br />
<br />
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry vice president Gene Barr said people will be poorly served and negatively affected by higher taxes or fees.<br />
<br />
"Letting the free-market system work makes the most sense for Pennsylvania - trusting on the resources and ingenuity of its citizens and letting its citizens make the best decisions about themselves and their families will be the engine that drives Pennsylvania forward. And<br />
state chambers and local chambers are a critical piece of that economic engine driving forward," Barr said.<br />
<br />
House Democrats are pointing out that the spending plan they forwarded to the Senate did not contain the sales tax increase originally suggested by Rendell.<br />
<br />
The administration says a revenue surplus means the budget can be balanced without that tax hike.<br />
</div>
Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-38315433177151460602013-02-20T02:40:00.001-08:002013-02-20T02:40:28.510-08:00PA officials remind employers of child labor laws<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The state is reminding potential employers about
Pennsylvania’s child labor laws as summer school vacations begin. State and
federal laws limit when those under 18 can work. Whichever law is more
stringent is the one that applies in a given situation. Pennsylvania Department
of Labor and Industry spokesman Troy Thompson notes summer employment can yield
gains for both employers and young employees – as long as the rules are
followed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thompson says children under 14 can be newspaper carriers or
caddies, they can do neighborhood chores and they can do some farm work, but
that’s about it. He says young high-schoolers can work more hours, while older
teens face fewer restrictions."Youth ages 16 and 17 can work a maximum of
8 hours a day – there are no limits between the times they can work – or 44
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thompson says. Occupations classified as dangerous are
off-limits. These include electrical, explosive and excavating work and
activities like welding, roofing and mining. More information is available at
the department website, keyword "labor laws."</span></div>
</div>
Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-28601525048253982132012-08-03T04:14:00.000-07:002012-08-03T04:14:04.196-07:00Public broadcasting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Public broadcasting includes radio, television and other electronic media outlets whose primary mission is public service. Public broadcasters receive funding from diverse sources including license fees, individual contributions, public financing and commercial financing.<br />
<br />
Public broadcasting may be nationally or locally operated, depending on the country and the station. In some countries, public broadcasting is run by a single organization. Other countries have multiple public broadcasting organizations operating regionally or in different languages.<br />
<br />
Historically, in many countries (with the notable exception of the US), public broadcasting was once the only form or the dominant form of broadcasting. Commercial broadcasting now also exists in most of these countries; the number of countries with only public broadcasting declined substantially during the latter part of the 20th century.</div>Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-55873031912064321462011-10-17T04:43:00.001-07:002011-10-17T04:44:06.288-07:00Governor Corbett Issues Flag Order to Honor Fallen Firefighters on Oct. 16<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Governor Corbett Issues Flag Order to Honor Fallen Firefighters on Oct. 16<br />
<br />
<br />
Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags<br />
at the Capitol Complex and at commonwealth facilities statewide to fly at half-staff<br />
on Sunday, Oct. 16 in honor of National Firefighters Memorial Day.<br />
All Pennsylvanians are invited to join in this tribute.<br />
<br />
Also today, Gov. Corbett announced that the Oct. 13 flag order he issued to honor<br />
fallen Lower Burrell Police Patrolman Derek Kotecki will conclude at sunset on<br />
Monday, Oct. 17, the date of Kotecki’s funeral.<br />
Media contact: Kevin Harley, 717-783-1116<br />
###</div><br />
<a href="http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/media/3013" rel="nofollow">http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/media/3013</a></div>Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-56621428890204789372011-09-12T05:57:00.000-07:002011-09-12T05:57:31.677-07:00Governor Corbett Views Affected Flood Areas in the Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster and York Areas; Says the Worst of the Flooding is Over<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today said that the worst of the flooding in central and eastern Pennsylvania is over and that authorities are entering the recovery phase of this disaster.<br />
“The people of this state owe a big debt of gratitude to the state police, to local fire, police and ambulance services. I also want to note the exceptional work done by the men and women of our national guard,” said Corbett.<br />
Currently there are 12 unconfirmed deaths in the commonwealth associated with this disaster.<br />
“A combination of planning, quick response and the bravery of our emergency crews has prevented that number from being far higher,” said Corbett.<br />
The Governor reminded residents returning to their properties that many serious safety issues exist when re-entering their home. The following advice should be followed during the clean-up effort.<br />
Do not return to your home until your evacuation order has been lifted.<br />
Take great care while cleaning up<br />
Make sure utilities including gas and electric are disconnected before entering your basement<br />
Call your insurance agent to see what is covered<br />
Don’t do business with unlicensed contractors, call the Home Improvement Registration Hotline 1-888-520-6680<br />
Throw out food that has gone through the flood<br />
Check with local authorities before drinking your tap water<br />
“We are counting on President Obama to recognize this as a major disaster and to issue a declaration saying so. This opens the doors to federal<br />
assistance to public agencies and individuals, mostly through the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” said Corbett.<br />
All residents with flood insurance should call their agents now, take photographs of everything inside and out, save all receipts and above all thoroughly check out all contractors you sign on to do work on your property.<br />
At this point, the commonwealth will remain at a level two state emergency.<br />
Media contacts:<br />
Cory Angell or Ruth A. Miller, PEMA; 717-651-2009<br />
Kelli Roberts, Governor’s Office; 717-783-1116<br />
###<br />
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<a href="http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/media/3013" rel="nofollow" >http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/media/3013</a><br />
</div>Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-39609792318580764182011-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-12T06:01:20.534-07:00State Police Enforcement Effort Removes Trucks, Drivers from Service<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania State Police placed 163 trucks and 39 drivers out<br />
of service during a recent one-day enforcement effort that focused on inspecting<br />
commercial vehicles that transport hazardous materials.<br />
“Every day in the United States, trucks transport more than 800,000 shipments of<br />
hazardous materials. As many of these shipments pass through Pennsylvania, it’s<br />
our goal to make sure they are transported safely,” State Police Commissioner<br />
Frank E. Noonan said today.<br />
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safe Transportation of Placarded Substances detail,<br />
or S.T.O.P.S, was conducted Aug. 31 by members of the motor carrier enforcement<br />
team.<br />
A total of 1,356 commercial vehicles were inspected during the effort, and 53<br />
percent of the trucks inspected had at least one safety violation, Noonan reported.<br />
Officers handed out 823 traffic citations and 1,268 written warnings for vehicle and<br />
driver violations.<br />
Find more information about State Police online at www.psp.state.pa.us.<br />
Media contacts: Maria A. Finn or Sgt. Anthony Manetta, 717-783-5556<br />
Editor’s Note: Following is a breakdown, by troop area, of the number of vehicles<br />
inspected; number placed out of service; and citations issued by State Police during<br />
the one-day program:<br />
· Troop A (Cambria, Indiana, Somerset and Westmoreland counties), 87<br />
inspections; 12 vehicles out of service; one driver out of service; 23<br />
citations; 106 warnings.<br />
· Troop B (Allegheny, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties), 104<br />
inspections; 10 vehicles out of service; no drivers out of service; 51<br />
citations; 88 warnings.<br />
· Troop C (Clarion, Clearfield, Forest, Elk, Jefferson and McKean counties), 171<br />
inspections; 14 vehicles out of service; four drivers out of service; 72<br />
citations; 185 warnings.<br />
· Troop D (Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties), 144<br />
inspections; seven vehicles out of service; three drivers out of service; 48<br />
citations; 84 warnings.<br />
· Troop E (Crawford, Erie, Venango and Warren counties), 72 inspections; 16<br />
vehicles out of service; no drivers out of service; 47 citations; 83 warnings.<br />
· Troop F (Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter,<br />
Snyder, Union and Tioga counties), 103 inspections; 14 vehicles out of<br />
service; six drivers out of service; 96 citations; 91 warnings.<br />
· Troop G (Bedford, Blair, Centre, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata and Mifflin<br />
counties), 102 inspections; seven vehicles out of service; two drivers out of<br />
service; 26 citations; 90 warnings.<br />
· Troop H (Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry and York counties),<br />
33 inspections; five vehicles out of service; one driver out of service; 10<br />
citations; 35 warnings.<br />
· Troop J (Chester and Lancaster counties), 60 inspections; 15 vehicles out of<br />
service; three drivers out of service; 50 citations; 92 warnings.<br />
· Troop K (Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties), 71 inspections;<br />
three vehicles out of service; one driver out of service; 47 citations; 48<br />
warnings.<br />
· Troop L (Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties), 68 inspections; seven<br />
vehicles out of service; one driver out of service; 32 citations; 50 warnings.<br />
· Troop M (Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties), 33 inspections; two<br />
vehicles out of service; one driver out of service; 18 citations; 31 warnings.<br />
· Troop N (Carbon, Columbia, Monroe and part of Luzerne counties), 42<br />
inspections; 14 vehicles out of service; four drivers out of service; 72<br />
citations; 15 warnings.<br />
· Troop P (Bradford, Sullivan, Wyoming and part of Luzerne counties), 54<br />
inspections; 10 vehicles out of service; two drivers out of service; 33<br />
citations; 36 warnings.<br />
· Troop R (Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna and Wayne counties), 76<br />
inspections; 12 vehicles out of service; two drivers out of service; 50<br />
citations; 82 warnings.<br />
· Troop T (Pennsylvania Turnpike), 136 inspections; 15 vehicles out of service;<br />
eight drivers out of service; 148 citations; 152 warnings.<br />
###<br />
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More <a href="http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/media/3013" rel="nofollow" >http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/media/3013</a><br />
</div>Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-59414228685233939282011-08-25T06:13:00.000-07:002011-08-25T06:13:10.157-07:00UPDATE - Health Officials Announce Measles Exposure in Lancaster and Philadelphia Counties<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<br />
Aug. 24, 2011<br />
UPDATE - Health Officials Announce Measles Exposure in Lancaster and<br />
Philadelphia Counties<br />
Harrisburg–The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Philadelphia<br />
Department of Public Health are advising the public of exposure to a case of<br />
measles in Lancaster and Philadelphia counties.<br />
An international traveler visiting Pennsylvania has been diagnosed as having<br />
measles. He may have exposed other people to the disease while contagious at the<br />
following dates, times and locations:<br />
Philadelphia County<br />
· Aug. 14, 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Greyhound Bus Lines station, 1001 Filbert<br />
St.<br />
· Aug. 14, 5 p.m. to Aug. 17, 5:30 p.m., Philadelphia-Historic District Holiday<br />
Inn, 400 Arch St.<br />
· Aug. 15, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Ride the Ducks Duck Boat Tour (Zone 1),<br />
beginning at 6th and Chestnut Sts.<br />
· Aug. 16, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., 30th St. Station, 2955 Market St.<br />
o The individual departed on the Amtrak Keystone Line Train #643 to<br />
Lancaster, Pa.<br />
· Aug. 17, 1:30– 5 p.m., 30th St. Station, 2955 Market St.<br />
o The individual departed on the Amtrak Northeast Regional Train #171<br />
to Manassas, Va.<br />
Lancaster County<br />
· Aug. 16, 12:06 – 3:30 p.m. and 5:40-9:10 p.m., Lancaster Amtrak stop, 53<br />
McGovern Ave., Lancaster, Pa.<br />
o The individual arrived via the Amtrak Keystone Line Train #643 from<br />
Philadelphia, Pa., which then went on to Harrisburg, Pa.; he left on a<br />
6:10 p.m. train, Keystone Service # 656, to Philadelphia, Pa. which<br />
then went on to New York City. Persons riding between Lancaster and<br />
Harrisburg or between Philadelphia and New York City might also have<br />
been exposed to the measles virus that could remain in the air inside<br />
the train.<br />
· Aug. 16, 2:30 – 7 p.m. at the following locations:<br />
o Amish Experience at Plain and Fancy Farm, 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike,<br />
Bird-in-Hand, Pa.<br />
o Glick’s Roadside Stand, 248A Monterey Road, Bird-in-Hand, Pa.<br />
o Riehl’s Farm/Quilt Shop, 247 E. Eby Road, Leola, Pa.<br />
Based on the dates of exposure in Pennsylvania, it is possible that symptoms could<br />
develop as late as Sept. 7 if individuals were infected during the timeframes<br />
mentioned above.<br />
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus. Symptoms begin one to two weeks<br />
after exposure and include a runny nose, watery eyes, cough and a high fever.<br />
After four days, a raised, red rash starts to spread on the face, down the body and<br />
out to the arms and legs. The rash usually lasts four to seven days.<br />
An individual with measles can spread the virus to others for four days before and<br />
four days after the rash begins. It is spread during sneezing or coughing, by<br />
touching contaminated objects and by direct contact with infected nasal or throat<br />
secretions. Infected droplets and secretions can remain contagious on surfaces for<br />
up to two hours.<br />
Complications from measles can include ear infection, diarrhea and pneumonia,<br />
encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) and even death. Measles can also cause<br />
miscarriages or premature delivery in pregnant women.<br />
Most people in the United States are immune to measles, either because they<br />
received the Measles Mumps Rubella (known as the MMR) vaccine in childhood, or<br />
because they were exposed to measles in the pre-vaccine era.<br />
The MMR vaccine is given to toddlers when they are 12 to 15 months of age, and a<br />
second dose is required for all Pennsylvania school children. However, individuals<br />
who have received only one dose of the vaccine, instead of the recommended two<br />
doses, may still be at risk of infection with this virus.<br />
The following groups of individuals are at risk of becoming infected with measles:<br />
· Infants less than one year of age, because they are too young to receive the<br />
MMR vaccine;<br />
· Persons who were vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine, which was used<br />
from 1963 through 1967, and have never been revaccinated;<br />
· Persons born after 1957 who have only received one dose of MMR vaccine;<br />
· Those who refused vaccination; and<br />
· Those from parts of the world where there is low vaccination coverage or low<br />
circulating measles.<br />
If you or your children are at risk for measles and become ill with symptoms one to<br />
two weeks after possible exposure, you should contact your health care provider<br />
immediately and tell them that you’ve been exposed to measles so that precautions<br />
can be taken to avoid exposing anyone else and the cause of illness can be<br />
determined.<br />
Health care providers who treat patients with a suspected case of measles should<br />
immediately call their local health department and/or the Pennsylvania Department<br />
of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258) for consultation and to arrange<br />
testing.<br />
For more information about measles, visit<br />
http://www.health.state.pa.us/pdf/epi/MeaslesFactSheet.pdf. Anyone who is not<br />
immune to measles and is interested in receiving MMR should ask their health care<br />
provider or contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.<br />
Media contacts:<br />
Christine Cronkright or Brandi Hunter-Davenport, Pa. Department of Health; 717-<br />
787-1783<br />
Jeff Moran, Philadelphia Department of Public Health; 215-686-5244<br />
Editor’s Note: This version amends previously reported information about the<br />
traveler’s return trip to Philadelphia from Lancaster. It now includes an additional<br />
trip via Amtrak.<br />
###<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/media/3013" rel="nofollow">http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/media/3013</a><br />
<br />
</div>Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-65384966932359503592011-08-22T04:27:00.000-07:002011-08-22T04:27:17.508-07:00State Department of Education Meets Requirements of IDEA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">News for Immediate Release<br />
Aug. 19, 2011<br />
<b>State Department of Education Meets Requirements of IDEA</b><br />
Harrisburg – Pennsylvania has earned the highest level possible under the<br />
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the U.S. Department of Education<br />
has determined.<br />
This year marks the fourth time in the past five years the state has received this<br />
determination. Among the seven-largest states ranked by the number of students<br />
with disabilities, this year, Pennsylvania is the only large state to achieve the<br />
“meets requirements” status, as well as being one of 14 states to receive this<br />
determination. The U.S. Department of Education began evaluating states in 2007.<br />
Amended in 2004, IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early<br />
intervention, special education and related services to children with disabilities from<br />
birth to age 18 or 21. Specifically, Pennsylvania’s Department of Education meets<br />
the requirements of IDEA’s Part B.<br />
Under law, the U.S. Secretary of Education must make an annual determination<br />
whether each state is adhering to the requirements of IDEA. The four required<br />
categories include: does the state meet the requirements and purposes of IDEA;<br />
does the state need assistance in implementing those requirements; does the state<br />
need intervention in implementing those requirements; and does the state need<br />
substantial intervention in implementing the requirements.<br />
Each category provides various actions that the U.S. Department of Education must<br />
impose on states, ranging from positive recognition for meeting the requirements to<br />
enforcement measures that could result in the loss of federal funds.<br />
In making the determination, the U.S. Department of Education considers each<br />
state’s annual performance report, performance plan, information obtained through<br />
federal monitoring visits, as well as other public information.<br />
Media Contact: Tim Eller, 717-783-9802<br />
Editor’s note: PDE’s Federal Fiscal Year 2009 Annual Performance Report can be<br />
found at the Bureau of Special Education’s website. The direct link is:<br />
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_performance_plan<br />
_annual_performance_report/7481/pa_part_b_state_performance_plan_for_2005-<br />
2012/508805<br />
###<br />
<br />
More . . . . <br />
<br />
<a href="http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/media/3013" rel="nofollow">http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/media/3013</a></div>Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-9173120658768285142011-08-08T00:40:00.001-07:002011-08-08T00:40:28.364-07:00Obama sags in Pennsylvania poll<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">HARRISBURG -- President Obama is feeling the fallout from the protracted debate over the national debt.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">More than half of Pennsylvania voters now disapprove of the way the president is handling his job, while in February, the majority supported him, according to a poll released Tuesday by Quinnipiac University.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But the president is still more popular than either Republicans or Democrats in Congress, with 44 percent of voters saying he acted more responsibly during the debate than lawmakers did.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Still, by a margin of 52 to 42 percent, voters say Obama does not deserve to be reelected.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Any good poll is a snapshot of public opinion, and this survey shows President Barack Obama at a low point just before a major announcement on the national debt limit, after a long and bitter debate,” said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Malloy said polls taken after the debt debate would likely be a stronger indication of the overall trend of support for the president.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“The way we’re looking at this is, is this real or fleeting?” Malloy said. “The poll was taken at a peak of the most raucous bloodfest in Washington in a long time. Everyone took a hit.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Consider Congress.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Voters polled overwhelming (68 to 28 percent) disapproved of the job Republicans are doing in Congress. Democrats fared roughly the same (67 to 28 percent disapproval).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But the poll suggests the debt battle could set the stage for a competitive presidential race in 2012.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the first time, a potential GOP rival pulled into a statistical tie with Obama in the next election.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In a potential matchup, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney led Obama 44 percent to 42 percent, well within the poll’s margin of error of 2.7 percent, compared with June when Obama was ahead of Romney 47 percent to 40 percent.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also within the margin of error in a head-to-head matchup with Obama is former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, who had 43 percent as opposed to the president’s 45 percent.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUq3OQOYmXYCwu5XXQ6UE3KmdicEV4VQxffiOVd5n6vJlf5kOt_ZfiuqY6hIS4GaSxjcsStZ-DCAoPRLdrQPz5by2rohoJtSPg1dMK-pceahTkIJWHN9gOV4K6MqVSHdUVuHzsKE-QW7I/s1600/obama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUq3OQOYmXYCwu5XXQ6UE3KmdicEV4VQxffiOVd5n6vJlf5kOt_ZfiuqY6hIS4GaSxjcsStZ-DCAoPRLdrQPz5by2rohoJtSPg1dMK-pceahTkIJWHN9gOV4K6MqVSHdUVuHzsKE-QW7I/s320/obama.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pennsylvania voters may not be pleased with members of Congress as a whole, but they support Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.), who is up for reelection in 2012.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The poll found voters approve (48 to 29 percent) of the job Casey is doing and say (47 to 33 percent) he deserves to be reelected. Casey leads an unnamed Republican 47 to 35 percent.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Malloy said Casey’s high poll numbers might be attributed to the fact that he has no GOP opponent in 2012 yet and the fact that he appeared to “stay above the fray” in the debt debate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) also had high approval ratings among Pennsylvania voters, who said (44 to 31 percent) they liked the way he was doing his job.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,358 registered voters between July 25 and 31 with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points. Voters were called using landlines and cellphones.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Contact staff writer Amy Worden at 717-783-2584 or awordenphillynews.com.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Read more: <a href="http://www.centredaily.com/2011/08/03/2867498/obama-sags-in-pennsylvania-poll.html" rel="nofollow" >http://www.centredaily.com/2011/08/03/2867498/obama-sags-in-pennsylvania-poll.html</a></div></div>Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-76524898213083451682011-08-05T00:48:00.000-07:002011-08-08T00:50:38.043-07:00News for Immediate Release<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<br />
Aug. 5, 2011<br />
<br />
DEP Declares Drought Watches, Warnings Around Commonwealth<br />
<br />
Below-Normal Rainfall Leads to Water Deficits<br />
<br />
Harrisburg — The Department of Environmental Protection today issued a drought warning for four Pennsylvania counties and a drought watch for 40 counties.<br />
<br />
“With the hot, dry summer, our statewide monitoring network indicates a need to take this first step, which is aimed at alerting the public and water suppliers that it makes sense to take some voluntary common sense steps to conserve,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. "We recommended this to Pennsylvania’s Drought Task Force, and the members agreed.”<br />
A drought watch declaration is the first and least severe level of the state’s three drought classifications. It calls for a voluntary five-percent reduction in non-essential water use and puts large water consumers on notice to begin planning for the possibility of reduced water supplies. A drought warning asks residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 10 to 15 percent.<br />
Precipitation deficits over the past 90 days are as great as 4.1 inches below normal in Elk County and 4.4 inches below normal in Chester County. DEP is sending letters to all water suppliers in the affected areas, notifying them of the need to monitor their supplies and update their drought contingency plans as necessary.<br />
<br />
The agency monitors a network of groundwater wells and stream gauges across the state that provides comprehensive data to the Commonwealth Drought Coordinator. In addition to precipitation, groundwater and stream flow levels, DEP monitors soil moisture and water supply storage and shares this data with other state and federal agencies.<br />
<br />
Individuals can take a number of measures around the home to conserve water, including:<br />
Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets.<br />
<br />
Check for household leaks. A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water each day.<br />
Take short showers instead of baths.<br />
<br />
Replace older appliances with high-efficiency, front-loading models that use about 30 percent less water and 40 to 50 percent less energy.<br />
<br />
Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.<br />
<br />
Keep water in the refrigerator to avoid running water from a faucet until it is cold.<br />
<br />
On its website, DEP also offers water conservation recommendations and water audit procedures for commercial and industrial users, such as food processors, hotels and educational institutions. Water conservation tips and drought information can be found online at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: drought.<br />
<br />
Media contact: Jamie Legenos, 717-315-9946 (cell)<br />
<br />
Editor’s note: The four counties under a Drought Warning are Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter. The 40 counties under a Drought Watch are Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Forest, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lycoming, Mercer, Mifflin, Montgomery, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Tioga, Venango, Warren and Wyoming.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/media/3013" rel="nofollow">More . . . .http://www.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/media/3013</a><br />
<br />
</div>Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-43228469791368608362007-05-31T23:16:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:16:53.910-07:00Pennsylvanians prefer Giuliani and Clinton for Presidentby Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania <br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 31 May 2007) - Republican Rudy Giuliani and Democrat Hillary Clinton are enjoying the most early support from Pennsylvanians looking ahead to the 2008 presidential primaries. That's according to new polls. <br />
<br />
A Quinnipiac University survey of registered Democrats has Clinton in front of Al Gore and Barack Obama, 33 to 16 to 13. <br />
<br />
Among Republicans, the clear preference is for Giuliani, who's the pick for 28% of potential primary voters.<br />
<br />
It's a three-way tie for second place among John McCain and surging Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney, who check in at 11, 10 and 9 % respectively. <br />
<br />
Pollster Clay Richards says the hypothetical November matchups favor Giuliani - except in one case. <br />
<br />
"When it comes down to Giuliani versus Clinton, Mayor Giuliani is still ahead, 47-43, which is almost identical to last time. Giuliani beats Senator Obama 45 to 40. But Al Gore, all of a sudden - not running - is 45 to 44, barely over Giuliani," Richards says. <br />
<br />
Gore and Thompson are not declared candidates.Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-11918205914297048282007-05-30T23:17:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:17:54.090-07:00A poll suggests Pennsylvanians . . .<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">by Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania <br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 30 May 2007) - A poll suggests Pennsylvanians are still very interested in property tax reduction - and most are willing to accept a statewide sales tax increase in exchange. <br />
<br />
According to the Quinnipiac University survey, voters support Governor Rendell's proposal to add one point to the sales tax and use the revenue to reduce property taxes. <br />
<br />
The poll results were 56 in favor and 39 against, and the margin was a bit wider than when pollster Clay Richards asked the question two months ago.<br />
<br />
"At the same time, 57% say property taxes are the most important issue in the state. There have been a number of methods proposed to lower property taxes while providing more money for education, and the answer that is most acceptable to the voters is increasing the state sales tax," Richards says. <br />
<br />
Rendell himself is getting mixed feedback. <br />
<br />
51% don't blame him for the failure of Act 1, and his approval rating is still 55 percent, but for the first time, more than half of all voters don't approve of his overall handling of property taxes.<br />
<br />
by Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania <br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 30 May 2007) - A poll suggests Pennsylvanians are still very interested in property tax reduction - and most are willing to accept a statewide sales tax increase in exchange. <br />
<br />
According to the Quinnipiac University survey, voters support Governor Rendell's proposal to add one point to the sales tax and use the revenue to reduce property taxes. <br />
<br />
The poll results were 56 in favor and 39 against, and the margin was a bit wider than when pollster Clay Richards asked the question two months ago.<br />
<br />
"At the same time, 57% say property taxes are the most important issue in the state. There have been a number of methods proposed to lower property taxes while providing more money for education, and the answer that is most acceptable to the voters is increasing the state sales tax," Richards says. <br />
<br />
Rendell himself is getting mixed feedback. <br />
<br />
51% don't blame him for the failure of Act 1, and his approval rating is still 55 percent, but for the first time, more than half of all voters don't approve of his overall handling of property taxes.</div>Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-26550873459604106572007-05-30T23:15:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:16:03.558-07:00Fewer PA Memorial Day weekend crashes for 2007by Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 29 May 2007) – The roads were a bit safer over the 2007 Memorial Day weekend than they were in 2006, according to state police.<br />
<br />
Deaths, injuries and crashes investigated by state police all fell this year.<br />
<br />
Spokeswoman Trooper Linette Quinn says the state police investigated a total of 765 crashes over the four-day weekend.<br />
<br />
"Seven people were killed, 320 were injured. Of those 7 people that were killed, unfortunately, none of them were wearing a seat belt, and 4 of our 7 fatal crashes were also alcohol-related. So we want to remind everyone to wear your seat belt and don’t drink and drive," Quinn says.<br />
<br />
Quinn people generally know enforcement will be tighter over busy weekends and this year, maybe it got people to slow down and take a bit more care.<br />
<br />
State police issued about 6500 speeding tickets and charged more than 250 motorists with driving under the influence.<br />
<br />
The figures include only crashes to which the state police responded.Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-21027363698478074772007-05-30T23:13:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:14:44.388-07:00PA officials remind employers of child labor lawsby Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 29 May 2007) – The state is reminding potential employers about Pennsylvania’s child labor laws as summer school vacations begin.<br />
<br />
State and federal laws limit when those under 18 can work. Whichever law is more stringent is the one that applies in a given situation.<br />
<br />
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry spokesman Troy Thompson notes summer employment can yield gains for both employers and young employees – as long as the rules are followed.<br />
<br />
Thompson says children under 14 can be newspaper carriers or caddies, they can do neighborhood chores and they can do some farm work, but that’s about it.<br />
<br />
He says young high-schoolers can work more hours, while older teens face fewer restrictions.<br />
<br />
"Youth ages 16 and 17 can work a maximum of 8 hours a day – there are no limits between the times they can work – or 44 hours a week during summer vacation with no night work limit. They can be issued a transferable work permit to be used if they change jobs," Thompson says.<br />
<br />
Occupations classified as dangerous are off-limits. These include electrical, explosive and excavating work and activities like welding, roofing and mining.<br />
<br />
More information is available at the department website, keyword "labor laws."Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-84145941668916924642007-05-27T23:11:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:12:26.088-07:00PA state police urge safe Memorial Day drivingby Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 25 May 2007) - As the Memorial Day holiday weekend continues, state police are urging folks to drive safely right through the end of Monday night.<br />
<br />
Eleven people died and more than 350 were injured in the more than 800 crashes that happened over the Memorial Day weekend in 2006.<br />
<br />
State Police spokesman Jack Lewis says it's important for people to take care on the roads.<br />
<br />
And he notes that goes beyond the usual, really obvious advice, like "buckle up" and "don't drink and drive."<br />
<br />
"Refrain from engaging in any kind of aggressive driving behaviors. You don't want to be speeding. You don't want to be tailgating. You don't want to be making improper lane changes. Probably the best advice we can give is - put lots of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in<br />
front of you. Many crashes occur when a vehicle slows down and is hit from behind by another vehicle," Lewis says.<br />
<br />
Lewis notes this weekend is often deadlier than Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's, even though weather is rarely a factor, because people tend to speed during the summer.<br />
<br />
The State Police issued more than 6400 speeding tickets over Memorial Day last year.Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-27200669570225259642007-05-26T23:11:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:11:41.656-07:00Progressive group says oil tax would workby Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 25 May 2007) - A proposed new state tax on national oil company profits has been attacked by Republicans, who say it's impractical, possibly illegal and likely to result in higher gas prices.<br />
<br />
A report from a progressive think tank suggests none of those fears are accurate.<br />
<br />
The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center says the "gross profits tax" would be a "good funding source" for Pennsylvania's public transit systems.<br />
<br />
The 6.17 percent levy on the percentage of profits derived from a firm's Pennsylvania business would relieve the company from paying corporate net income tax, but the total tax paid would be much higher.<br />
<br />
Researcher Sharon Ward says world demand for oil is so high right now - and refining capacity so low - that oil company profits will remain high and absorb the impact of any change to Pennsylvania law.<br />
<br />
"Some lawmakers are concerned that the tax will translate into higher prices at the pump. The issue is much more complex than the discussion has been to date. We use what we believe is a more economically sound model. We think that the bulk of the tax, perhaps as much as 90<br />
percent, will be paid by shareholders, not drivers," Ward says.<br />
<br />
So far, the oil profits tax has attracted few fans in the legislature, but many mass transit systems have cut or are cutting service, so some kind of action is expected this summer.Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-69019630490943431512007-05-25T23:08:00.001-07:002011-08-07T23:09:17.930-07:00Bill in PA legislature would limit landowner liabilityby Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 24 May 2007) - If you let someone hunt on your land in Pennsylvania, without charging a fee, the law limits your liability in cases of on-property injury.<br />
<br />
But what if a bullet fired from your land strikes someone on nearby property?<br />
<br />
The state legislature is trying to clarify the answer to that question.<br />
<br />
A stray bullet fired from a Lehigh County orchard by a hunter travelled half a mile before accidentally hitting a woman sitting in a car on someone else's property.<br />
<br />
Last year, a court found the orchard owner partially liable for damages.<br />
<br />
A bill approved unanimously by the state House would make it clear that the landowner will not be faulted in these rare cases.<br />
<br />
Mark O'Neill with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau says it's "something that probably was not considered back in 1965 when they considered the ability to give farmers and other landowners liability protection if someone was on their land and an accident occurred or damages occurred."<br />
<br />
The legislation sponsored by Allegheny County Democrat Harry Readshaw amends laws originally enacted to shield farmers in 1965.<br />
<br />
The bill heads next to the Senate.<br />
POSTED BY PUBRADIONEWS AT 06:30 <br />
Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-17477375910320952182007-05-25T23:08:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:08:45.726-07:00PennDOT lists deteriorating bridgesby Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 24 May 2007) - A website lists some 800 deteriorated Pennsylvania bridges.<br />
<br />
The list can be found at RideOnPA.org, which is a site the Rendell administration is using to make the point that the commonwealth's roads and bridges need more help than current funding can<br />
provide.<br />
<br />
Some of these bridges are closed. Others are still safe but are now posted with weight limits.<br />
<br />
PennDOT spokesman Steve Chizmar says this information was available from the agency before -- "but it was really - it was kind of convoluted. There was more information out there than what was really necessary. So what this really is is an attempt to put all the information in one place where viewers can go take a look at this and go take a look at the critical challenges facing transportation in Pennsylvania."<br />
<br />
Governor Rendell is considering privatizing the Turnpike to close what he says is a $900 million annual shortfall in funding for roads and bridges.<br />
<br />
A consulting firm recently told the administration leasing the toll road could generate enough revenue to meet needs for both road repairs and mass transit - but many legislators are skeptical about the plan.<br />
Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-69170007124808713802007-05-25T23:07:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:08:24.535-07:00Chambers push for business-friendly PA budget<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">by Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 25 May 2007) - As state budget negotiations pause briefly for the holiday in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's chambers of commerce are pushing for<br />
business-friendly approaches.<br />
<br />
Chamber leaders gathered at the Capitol to lobby against much of Governor Rendell's proposed budget.<br />
<br />
They said they have a different philosophy when it comes to how the state should be spending money.<br />
<br />
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry vice president Gene Barr said people will be poorly served and negatively affected by higher taxes or fees.<br />
<br />
"Letting the free-market system work makes the most sense for Pennsylvania - trusting on the resources and ingenuity of its citizens and letting its citizens make the best decisions about themselves and their families will be the engine that drives Pennsylvania forward. And<br />
state chambers and local chambers are a critical piece of that economic engine driving forward," Barr said.<br />
<br />
House Democrats are pointing out that the spending plan they forwarded to the Senate did not contain the sales tax increase originally suggested by Rendell.<br />
<br />
The administration says a revenue surplus means the budget can be balanced without that tax hike.</div>Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-12217488708094088072007-05-24T23:04:00.001-07:002011-08-07T23:04:53.841-07:00Pennsylvanians embrace electronic tax filingby Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 23 May 2007) - More Pennsylvanians than ever filed tax returns electronically this year.<br />
<br />
Electronic filing methods include internet and telephone.<br />
<br />
Revenue department spokeswoman Stephanie Weyant says more than 2.9 million people - about half of all individual taxpayers - filed electronically this year.<br />
<br />
She says the figure reflects the continuation of a trend.<br />
<br />
"Pennsylvania has offered electronic filing since 1997. And each and every year, we've seen a dramatic increase in the number of people who are choosing to file their income taxes electronically. Just from last year to this year, we saw a 7 percent increase in the number of people who filed electronically," Weyant says.<br />
<br />
Payments and refunds are also being processed electronically more often.<br />
<br />
More than half a million taxpayers received refunds through direct deposit.<br />
<br />
Nearly a quarter million paid their taxes through automated checking withdrawal or with a credit card.Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-62628184646856086432007-05-24T23:04:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:04:24.669-07:00PA House skips 'fake budget' this yearby Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 23 May 2007) - This year's state budget process won't include the assembly of a document commonly known at the Capitol as the "fake budget."<br />
<br />
Usually, time is reserved for amending the budget bill in the House - giving lawmakers a chance to add pet projects to the plan so they could say they voted for them. Few of these items make the final blueprint.<br />
<br />
But Democrats, who control the House for the first time in a decade, announced they would skip the process.<br />
<br />
On the floor, Appropriations chair Dwight Evans assured the rank and file that their voices would be heard.<br />
<br />
"I will not, from my particular position as chairman of this committee, ignore any thoughts and ideas that you have. We'll have full discussion. But we need to move this process along," Evans said.<br />
<br />
The chamber debated only one amendment - a catch-all Republican revision that would have curtailed spending in several areas. It was defeated.<br />
<br />
The budget deadline is June 30 but has been missed every year under Governor Rendell.Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-18202045416868979322007-05-23T23:03:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:03:44.137-07:00Nursing home advocates rally for PA funding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">by Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 22 May 2007) - Advocates for long-termcare environments, including nursing homes, rallied at the state Capitol Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Supporters are hoping for an increase for nursing homes in the state budget of about $75 million or 4 percent.<br />
<br />
Pennsylvania Health Care Association vice chair Ray Calhoun called upon hundreds of professionals gathered outside the Capitol's East Wing to find their representatives and senators inside and make the case for long-term care.<br />
<br />
"They simply don't understand because we haven't done a particularly good job of showing them what it is that we do that provides a high-value load to society with respect to caring for our elderly, who are in our care and are our charged responsibility," Calhoun said.<br />
<br />
The last several years have seen additional state resources aimed at home care.<br />
<br />
Advocates for each type of long-term care are worried that the total investment will not grow and instead will simply be divided differently.</div>Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-69998867281835793702007-05-23T23:01:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:02:52.767-07:00Rendell promises to keep up gun control fight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">by Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 22 May 2007) - Mayors from all corners of the state joined Governor Rendell at the Capitol Tuesday to push for greater flexibility in gun control.<br />
<br />
They want local control over gun laws and "one-handgun-a-month" purchasing restrictions.<br />
<br />
Governor Rendell said these are sensible and reasonable proposals but noted they have been blocked repeatedly.<br />
<br />
"You know, there's no secret that gun legislation is an uphill fight in Pennsylvania. It's an uphill fight because this legislature, for toolong, has been in control of the NRA," Rendell said.<br />
<br />
Philadelphia Mayor John Street said gun crimes are costing lives - and they're also costing dollars his city doesn't have.<br />
<br />
"In the 21st century, as we compete in the global economy, we don't have the resources to just keep investing in the problems of crime and violence," Street said.<br />
<br />
But Rendell said it's not just a Philadelphia and Pittsburgh problem.<br />
<br />
He predicted that rising gun violence in cities across the state will result, eventually, in a "tidal wave" of support for gun control legislation.</div>Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-86643716700299334822007-04-26T23:40:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:40:15.052-07:00Rendell reverses, withdraws cabinet nominationsby Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 25 April 2007) -- Governor Rendell has withdrawn the re-nominations of two members of his cabinet, pending a review of their ethics.<br />
<br />
He insists they've done nothing wrong and says he only agreed to this course of action because it can happen relatively quickly.<br />
<br />
At the center of the sudden controversy are Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty and Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis.<br />
<br />
It's been disclosed that their agencies funded programs linked in different -- and Rendell says, very minor -- ways to their spouses.<br />
<br />
The governor said he has asked the state Ethics Commission for an expedited opinion on the issues and expects to have it next Friday.<br />
<br />
"Let me stress that Secretary McGinty and Secretary DiBerardinis both were ready to have the vote cast today. I prevailed upon them, in the name of trying to keep some form of working relationship, to allow this compromise to go forward. They reluctantly agreed," Rendell said.<br />
<br />
Governor Rendell said he has resubmitted both names for Senate approval, and Senate leaders said they expected to be able to vote on the matter by May 8.<br />
<br />
Rendell said if the Senate votes them down, McGinty and DiBerardinis will stay on as acting secretaries anyway. Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524029120243080533.post-61610060854406844122007-04-26T23:39:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:39:50.829-07:00House Dems will carry forward energy proposalby Damon Boughamer<br />
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania<br />
<br />
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 26 April 2007) – Four House Democrats are introducing legislation that would put into place Governor Rendell’s energy independence proposal.<br />
<br />
Representatives Eugene DePasquale of York, Bud George of Clearfield, Mike Gerber of Montgomery and John Hornaman of Erie are introducing various components of the administration’s plan, with minor tweaking.<br />
<br />
If the initiative now has four faces in addition to the governor’s, it also has a symbol. At a press conference, Rendell asked George to hold up a so-called "smart meter" that would more accurately measure household energy use.<br />
<br />
"This smart meter will regulate when energy is used or not used in the household, keeping energy use out of the peak industrial hours, and therefore saving the average residential customer over $70 a year," Rendell said.<br />
<br />
The Democratic whip said he thinks there’s plenty of support for the whole package in the House, but GOP spokesman Steve Miskin is not as sure.<br />
<br />
"Republicans are looking at alternatives, but alternatives that are not as costly and alternatives that are market-driven. And we are hoping to unveil that in the next couple of weeks."<br />
<br />
The $850 million proposal would use money from a small consumer user fee to secure borrowing toward expanding the state’s clean energy production and technology industries.Lois Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764575999757740748noreply@blogger.com0