Public Radio Capitol News

Governor Corbett Issues Flag Order to Honor Fallen Firefighters on Oct. 16

2011-10-17T04:43:00.001-07:00

Governor Corbett Issues Flag Order to Honor Fallen Firefighters on Oct. 16

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags
at the Capitol Complex and at commonwealth facilities statewide to fly at half-staff
on Sunday, Oct. 16 in honor of National Firefighters Memorial Day.
All Pennsylvanians are invited to join in this tribute.

Also today, Gov. Corbett announced that the Oct. 13 flag order he issued to honor
fallen Lower Burrell Police Patrolman Derek Kotecki will conclude at sunset on
Monday, Oct. 17, the date of Kotecki’s funeral.
Media contact: Kevin Harley, 717-783-1116
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Governor Corbett Views Affected Flood Areas in the Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster and York Areas; Says the Worst of the Flooding is Over

2011-09-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

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.
“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.
Currently there are 12 unconfirmed deaths in the commonwealth associated with this disaster.
“A combination of planning, quick response and the bravery of our emergency crews has prevented that number from being far higher,” said Corbett.
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.
 Do not return to your home until your evacuation order has been lifted.
 Take great care while cleaning up
 Make sure utilities including gas and electric are disconnected before entering your basement
 Call your insurance agent to see what is covered
 Don’t do business with unlicensed contractors, call the Home Improvement Registration Hotline 1-888-520-6680
 Throw out food that has gone through the flood
 Check with local authorities before drinking your tap water
“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
assistance to public agencies and individuals, mostly through the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” said Corbett.
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.
At this point, the commonwealth will remain at a level two state emergency.
Media contacts:
Cory Angell or Ruth A. Miller, PEMA; 717-651-2009
Kelli Roberts, Governor’s Office; 717-783-1116
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State Police Enforcement Effort Removes Trucks, Drivers from Service

2011-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania State Police placed 163 trucks and 39 drivers out
of service during a recent one-day enforcement effort that focused on inspecting
commercial vehicles that transport hazardous materials.
“Every day in the United States, trucks transport more than 800,000 shipments of
hazardous materials. As many of these shipments pass through Pennsylvania, it’s
our goal to make sure they are transported safely,” State Police Commissioner
Frank E. Noonan said today.
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safe Transportation of Placarded Substances detail,
or S.T.O.P.S, was conducted Aug. 31 by members of the motor carrier enforcement
team.
A total of 1,356 commercial vehicles were inspected during the effort, and 53
percent of the trucks inspected had at least one safety violation, Noonan reported.
Officers handed out 823 traffic citations and 1,268 written warnings for vehicle and
driver violations.
Find more information about State Police online at www.psp.state.pa.us.
Media contacts: Maria A. Finn or Sgt. Anthony Manetta, 717-783-5556
Editor’s Note: Following is a breakdown, by troop area, of the number of vehicles
inspected; number placed out of service; and citations issued by State Police during
the one-day program:
· Troop A (Cambria, Indiana, Somerset and Westmoreland counties), 87
inspections; 12 vehicles out of service; one driver out of service; 23
citations; 106 warnings.
· Troop B (Allegheny, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties), 104
inspections; 10 vehicles out of service; no drivers out of service; 51
citations; 88 warnings.
· Troop C (Clarion, Clearfield, Forest, Elk, Jefferson and McKean counties), 171
inspections; 14 vehicles out of service; four drivers out of service; 72
citations; 185 warnings.
· Troop D (Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties), 144
inspections; seven vehicles out of service; three drivers out of service; 48
citations; 84 warnings.
· Troop E (Crawford, Erie, Venango and Warren counties), 72 inspections; 16
vehicles out of service; no drivers out of service; 47 citations; 83 warnings.
· Troop F (Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter,
Snyder, Union and Tioga counties), 103 inspections; 14 vehicles out of
service; six drivers out of service; 96 citations; 91 warnings.
· Troop G (Bedford, Blair, Centre, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata and Mifflin
counties), 102 inspections; seven vehicles out of service; two drivers out of
service; 26 citations; 90 warnings.
· Troop H (Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry and York counties),
33 inspections; five vehicles out of service; one driver out of service; 10
citations; 35 warnings.
· Troop J (Chester and Lancaster counties), 60 inspections; 15 vehicles out of
service; three drivers out of service; 50 citations; 92 warnings.
· Troop K (Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties), 71 inspections;
three vehicles out of service; one driver out of service; 47 citations; 48
warnings.
· Troop L (Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties), 68 inspections; seven
vehicles out of service; one driver out of service; 32 citations; 50 warnings.
· Troop M (Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties), 33 inspections; two
vehicles out of service; one driver out of service; 18 citations; 31 warnings.
· Troop N (Carbon, Columbia, Monroe and part of Luzerne counties), 42
inspections; 14 vehicles out of service; four drivers out of service; 72
citations; 15 warnings.
· Troop P (Bradford, Sullivan, Wyoming and part of Luzerne counties), 54
inspections; 10 vehicles out of service; two drivers out of service; 33
citations; 36 warnings.
· Troop R (Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna and Wayne counties), 76
inspections; 12 vehicles out of service; two drivers out of service; 50
citations; 82 warnings.
· Troop T (Pennsylvania Turnpike), 136 inspections; 15 vehicles out of service;
eight drivers out of service; 148 citations; 152 warnings.
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UPDATE - Health Officials Announce Measles Exposure in Lancaster and Philadelphia Counties

2011-08-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

Aug. 24, 2011
UPDATE - Health Officials Announce Measles Exposure in Lancaster and
Philadelphia Counties
Harrisburg–The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Philadelphia
Department of Public Health are advising the public of exposure to a case of
measles in Lancaster and Philadelphia counties.
An international traveler visiting Pennsylvania has been diagnosed as having
measles. He may have exposed other people to the disease while contagious at the
following dates, times and locations:
Philadelphia County
· Aug. 14, 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Greyhound Bus Lines station, 1001 Filbert
St.
· Aug. 14, 5 p.m. to Aug. 17, 5:30 p.m., Philadelphia-Historic District Holiday
Inn, 400 Arch St.
· Aug. 15, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Ride the Ducks Duck Boat Tour (Zone 1),
beginning at 6th and Chestnut Sts.
· Aug. 16, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., 30th St. Station, 2955 Market St.
o The individual departed on the Amtrak Keystone Line Train #643 to
Lancaster, Pa.
· Aug. 17, 1:30– 5 p.m., 30th St. Station, 2955 Market St.
o The individual departed on the Amtrak Northeast Regional Train #171
to Manassas, Va.
Lancaster County
· Aug. 16, 12:06 – 3:30 p.m. and 5:40-9:10 p.m., Lancaster Amtrak stop, 53
McGovern Ave., Lancaster, Pa.
o The individual arrived via the Amtrak Keystone Line Train #643 from
Philadelphia, Pa., which then went on to Harrisburg, Pa.; he left on a
6:10 p.m. train, Keystone Service # 656, to Philadelphia, Pa. which
then went on to New York City. Persons riding between Lancaster and
Harrisburg or between Philadelphia and New York City might also have
been exposed to the measles virus that could remain in the air inside
the train.
· Aug. 16, 2:30 – 7 p.m. at the following locations:
o Amish Experience at Plain and Fancy Farm, 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike,
Bird-in-Hand, Pa.
o Glick’s Roadside Stand, 248A Monterey Road, Bird-in-Hand, Pa.
o Riehl’s Farm/Quilt Shop, 247 E. Eby Road, Leola, Pa.
Based on the dates of exposure in Pennsylvania, it is possible that symptoms could
develop as late as Sept. 7 if individuals were infected during the timeframes
mentioned above.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus. Symptoms begin one to two weeks
after exposure and include a runny nose, watery eyes, cough and a high fever.
After four days, a raised, red rash starts to spread on the face, down the body and
out to the arms and legs. The rash usually lasts four to seven days.
An individual with measles can spread the virus to others for four days before and
four days after the rash begins. It is spread during sneezing or coughing, by
touching contaminated objects and by direct contact with infected nasal or throat
secretions. Infected droplets and secretions can remain contagious on surfaces for
up to two hours.
Complications from measles can include ear infection, diarrhea and pneumonia,
encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) and even death. Measles can also cause
miscarriages or premature delivery in pregnant women.
Most people in the United States are immune to measles, either because they
received the Measles Mumps Rubella (known as the MMR) vaccine in childhood, or
because they were exposed to measles in the pre-vaccine era.
The MMR vaccine is given to toddlers when they are 12 to 15 months of age, and a
second dose is required for all Pennsylvania school children. However, individuals
who have received only one dose of the vaccine, instead of the recommended two
doses, may still be at risk of infection with this virus.
The following groups of individuals are at risk of becoming infected with measles:
· Infants less than one year of age, because they are too young to receive the
MMR vaccine;
· Persons who were vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine, which was used
from 1963 through 1967, and have never been revaccinated;
· Persons born after 1957 who have only received one dose of MMR vaccine;
· Those who refused vaccination; and
· Those from parts of the world where there is low vaccination coverage or low
circulating measles.
If you or your children are at risk for measles and become ill with symptoms one to
two weeks after possible exposure, you should contact your health care provider
immediately and tell them that you’ve been exposed to measles so that precautions
can be taken to avoid exposing anyone else and the cause of illness can be
determined.
Health care providers who treat patients with a suspected case of measles should
immediately call their local health department and/or the Pennsylvania Department
of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258) for consultation and to arrange
testing.
For more information about measles, visit
http://www.health.state.pa.us/pdf/epi/MeaslesFactSheet.pdf. Anyone who is not
immune to measles and is interested in receiving MMR should ask their health care
provider or contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
Media contacts:
Christine Cronkright or Brandi Hunter-Davenport, Pa. Department of Health; 717-
787-1783
Jeff Moran, Philadelphia Department of Public Health; 215-686-5244
Editor’s Note: This version amends previously reported information about the
traveler’s return trip to Philadelphia from Lancaster. It now includes an additional
trip via Amtrak.
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State Department of Education Meets Requirements of IDEA

2011-08-22T04:27:00.000-07:00

News for Immediate Release
Aug. 19, 2011
State Department of Education Meets Requirements of IDEA
Harrisburg – Pennsylvania has earned the highest level possible under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the U.S. Department of Education
has determined.
This year marks the fourth time in the past five years the state has received this
determination. Among the seven-largest states ranked by the number of students
with disabilities, this year, Pennsylvania is the only large state to achieve the
“meets requirements” status, as well as being one of 14 states to receive this
determination. The U.S. Department of Education began evaluating states in 2007.
Amended in 2004, IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early
intervention, special education and related services to children with disabilities from
birth to age 18 or 21. Specifically, Pennsylvania’s Department of Education meets
the requirements of IDEA’s Part B.
Under law, the U.S. Secretary of Education must make an annual determination
whether each state is adhering to the requirements of IDEA. The four required
categories include: does the state meet the requirements and purposes of IDEA;
does the state need assistance in implementing those requirements; does the state
need intervention in implementing those requirements; and does the state need
substantial intervention in implementing the requirements.
Each category provides various actions that the U.S. Department of Education must
impose on states, ranging from positive recognition for meeting the requirements to
enforcement measures that could result in the loss of federal funds.
In making the determination, the U.S. Department of Education considers each
state’s annual performance report, performance plan, information obtained through
federal monitoring visits, as well as other public information.
Media Contact: Tim Eller, 717-783-9802
Editor’s note: PDE’s Federal Fiscal Year 2009 Annual Performance Report can be
found at the Bureau of Special Education’s website. The direct link is:
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_performance_plan
_annual_performance_report/7481/pa_part_b_state_performance_plan_for_2005-
2012/508805
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Obama sags in Pennsylvania poll

2011-08-08T00:40:00.001-07:00

HARRISBURG -- President Obama is feeling the fallout from the protracted debate over the national debt.

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.

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.

Still, by a margin of 52 to 42 percent, voters say Obama does not deserve to be reelected.

“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.

Malloy said polls taken after the debt debate would likely be a stronger indication of the overall trend of support for the president.

“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.”

Consider Congress.

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).

But the poll suggests the debt battle could set the stage for a competitive presidential race in 2012.

For the first time, a potential GOP rival pulled into a statistical tie with Obama in the next election.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contact staff writer Amy Worden at 717-783-2584 or awordenphillynews.com.

News for Immediate Release

2011-08-05T00:48:00.000-07:00

Aug. 5, 2011

DEP Declares Drought Watches, Warnings Around Commonwealth

Below-Normal Rainfall Leads to Water Deficits

Harrisburg — The Department of Environmental Protection today issued a drought warning for four Pennsylvania counties and a drought watch for 40 counties.

“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.”
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.
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.

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.

Individuals can take a number of measures around the home to conserve water, including:
 Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets.

 Check for household leaks. A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water each day.
 Take short showers instead of baths.

 Replace older appliances with high-efficiency, front-loading models that use about 30 percent less water and 40 to 50 percent less energy.

 Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.

 Keep water in the refrigerator to avoid running water from a faucet until it is cold.

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.

Media contact: Jamie Legenos, 717-315-9946 (cell)

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.

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Pennsylvanians prefer Giuliani and Clinton for President

2007-05-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

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.

A Quinnipiac University survey of registered Democrats has Clinton in front of Al Gore and Barack Obama, 33 to 16 to 13.

Among Republicans, the clear preference is for Giuliani, who's the pick for 28% of potential primary voters.

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.

Pollster Clay Richards says the hypothetical November matchups favor Giuliani - except in one case.

"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.

Gore and Thompson are not declared candidates.

A poll suggests Pennsylvanians . . .

2007-05-30T23:17:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

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.

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.

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.

"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.

Rendell himself is getting mixed feedback.

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.

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

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.

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.

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.

"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.

Rendell himself is getting mixed feedback.

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.

Fewer PA Memorial Day weekend crashes for 2007

2007-05-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

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.

Deaths, injuries and crashes investigated by state police all fell this year.

Spokeswoman Trooper Linette Quinn says the state police investigated a total of 765 crashes over the four-day weekend.

"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.

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.

State police issued about 6500 speeding tickets and charged more than 250 motorists with driving under the influence.

The figures include only crashes to which the state police responded.

PA officials remind employers of child labor laws

2007-05-30T23:13:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 29 May 2007) – 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.

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 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.

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."

PA state police urge safe Memorial Day driving

2007-05-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

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.

Eleven people died and more than 350 were injured in the more than 800 crashes that happened over the Memorial Day weekend in 2006.

State Police spokesman Jack Lewis says it's important for people to take care on the roads.

And he notes that goes beyond the usual, really obvious advice, like "buckle up" and "don't drink and drive."

"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
front of you. Many crashes occur when a vehicle slows down and is hit from behind by another vehicle," Lewis says.

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.

The State Police issued more than 6400 speeding tickets over Memorial Day last year.

Progressive group says oil tax would work

2007-05-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

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.

A report from a progressive think tank suggests none of those fears are accurate.

The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center says the "gross profits tax" would be a "good funding source" for Pennsylvania's public transit systems.

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.

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.

"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
percent, will be paid by shareholders, not drivers," Ward says.

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.

Bill in PA legislature would limit landowner liability

2007-05-25T23:08:00.001-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

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.

But what if a bullet fired from your land strikes someone on nearby property?

The state legislature is trying to clarify the answer to that question.

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.

Last year, a court found the orchard owner partially liable for damages.

A bill approved unanimously by the state House would make it clear that the landowner will not be faulted in these rare cases.

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."

The legislation sponsored by Allegheny County Democrat Harry Readshaw amends laws originally enacted to shield farmers in 1965.

The bill heads next to the Senate.
POSTED BY PUBRADIONEWS AT 06:30

PennDOT lists deteriorating bridges

2007-05-25T23:08:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 24 May 2007) - A website lists some 800 deteriorated Pennsylvania bridges.

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
provide.

Some of these bridges are closed. Others are still safe but are now posted with weight limits.

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."

Governor Rendell is considering privatizing the Turnpike to close what he says is a $900 million annual shortfall in funding for roads and bridges.

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.

Chambers push for business-friendly PA budget

2007-05-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

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
business-friendly approaches.

Chamber leaders gathered at the Capitol to lobby against much of Governor Rendell's proposed budget.

They said they have a different philosophy when it comes to how the state should be spending money.

Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry vice president Gene Barr said people will be poorly served and negatively affected by higher taxes or fees.

"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
state chambers and local chambers are a critical piece of that economic engine driving forward," Barr said.

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.

The administration says a revenue surplus means the budget can be balanced without that tax hike.

Pennsylvanians embrace electronic tax filing

2007-05-24T23:04:00.001-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 23 May 2007) - More Pennsylvanians than ever filed tax returns electronically this year.

Electronic filing methods include internet and telephone.

Revenue department spokeswoman Stephanie Weyant says more than 2.9 million people - about half of all individual taxpayers - filed electronically this year.

She says the figure reflects the continuation of a trend.

"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.

Payments and refunds are also being processed electronically more often.

More than half a million taxpayers received refunds through direct deposit.

Nearly a quarter million paid their taxes through automated checking withdrawal or with a credit card.

PA House skips 'fake budget' this year

2007-05-24T23:04:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

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."

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.

But Democrats, who control the House for the first time in a decade, announced they would skip the process.

On the floor, Appropriations chair Dwight Evans assured the rank and file that their voices would be heard.

"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.

The chamber debated only one amendment - a catch-all Republican revision that would have curtailed spending in several areas. It was defeated.

The budget deadline is June 30 but has been missed every year under Governor Rendell.

Nursing home advocates rally for PA funding

2007-05-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 22 May 2007) - Advocates for long-termcare environments, including nursing homes, rallied at the state Capitol Tuesday.

Supporters are hoping for an increase for nursing homes in the state budget of about $75 million or 4 percent.

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.

"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.

The last several years have seen additional state resources aimed at home care.

Advocates for each type of long-term care are worried that the total investment will not grow and instead will simply be divided differently.

Rendell promises to keep up gun control fight

2007-05-23T23:01:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

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.

They want local control over gun laws and "one-handgun-a-month" purchasing restrictions.

Governor Rendell said these are sensible and reasonable proposals but noted they have been blocked repeatedly.

"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.

Philadelphia Mayor John Street said gun crimes are costing lives - and they're also costing dollars his city doesn't have.

"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.

But Rendell said it's not just a Philadelphia and Pittsburgh problem.

He predicted that rising gun violence in cities across the state will result, eventually, in a "tidal wave" of support for gun control legislation.

Rendell reverses, withdraws cabinet nominations

2007-04-26T23:40:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

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.

He insists they've done nothing wrong and says he only agreed to this course of action because it can happen relatively quickly.

At the center of the sudden controversy are Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty and Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis.

It's been disclosed that their agencies funded programs linked in different -- and Rendell says, very minor -- ways to their spouses.

The governor said he has asked the state Ethics Commission for an expedited opinion on the issues and expects to have it next Friday.

"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.

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.

Rendell said if the Senate votes them down, McGinty and DiBerardinis will stay on as acting secretaries anyway.

House Dems will carry forward energy proposal

2007-04-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 26 April 2007) – Four House Democrats are introducing legislation that would put into place Governor Rendell’s energy independence proposal.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

"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."

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.

Health insurance 'fair share tax' examined at hearing

2007-04-25T23:39:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 24 April 2007) – The most controversial component of Governor Rendell’s near-universal health care plan came under fire at a legislative hearing Tuesday.

The "Cover All Pennsylvanians" blueprint includes a three-percent payroll assessment for employers that don’t provide health insurance. The Rendell team calls it a "fair share tax."

At a joint Senate committee hearing, majority Republicans said they doubted the idea has enough support to pass.

Even if it does, they wondered whether a court would view it similarly to a Maryland plan that was ruled illegal.

Rosemarie Greco with the Governor’s Office of Health Care Reform said she’s confident.

"It was the opinion of our internal attorneys that the proposed legislation was so different, both in intent and in substance, from the statute addressed by the Fourth Circuit, that it could be successfully defended in a legal challenge based on ERISA preemption," Greco said.

Greco refers to ERISA. That’s a federal law that bans states from forcing employers to offer health insurance.

Gun owners rally at PA capitol

2007-04-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 24 April 2007) – Pennsylvania gun owners rallied at the state Capitol Tuesday, and some of their champions in the legislature introduced new proposals to strengthen Second Amendment rights.

One advocate – Kim Stofler with Firearm Owners Against Crime – listed many of the groups that oppose gun control and that brought people to the Capitol for the event.

But he stressed this wasn’t about the organizations.

"This is about our freedoms. This is about what happened 232 years ago. That was when General Gage sent 700 men to Lexington and Concord to seize American firearms. Sadly, in this august place of the people, we have some legislators who have considered that option again," Stofler said.

As for the legislation – Republican Daryl Metcalfe proposes allowing someone who can demonstrate that he or she is in imminent danger to secure a temporary emergency license to carry a gun.

Republican Russ Fairchild wants to clarify conditions under which guns may be carried in state parks.

Most lawmakers at the rally were Republicans, but there were a few Democrats.

Specter stops short of calling for Gonazles to resign

2007-04-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 23 April 2007) – Senator Arlen Specter says he’s disappointed with what he’s learned in the controversy over fired federal attorneys and U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

But at a state Capitol appearance, he still did not call on Gonzales to resign.

One reporter asked Specter whether he thought efforts to revise Patriot Act to allow attorney firings truly were linked to efforts to rank attorneys based on loyalty to the President.
Specter hesitated, then answered.

"Well, they – I’m – they may have been, they may have been," Specter said. "I don’t think it does us a whole lot of good to speculate about it. I think what we have to do is find out about their loyalty list and whether there was justification for asking these U.S. attorneys to resign. Look here: the President has the authority to replace all of the U.S. attorneys. You can replace U.S. attorneys for no reason, but you can’t replace them for a bad reason."

But ultimately, Specter said, it’s up to Gonzales to choose to resign or to the President to ask Gonzales to do so.

Specter: abortion ruling not civil liberties harbinger

2007-04-24T23:33:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 23 April 2007) – Senator Arlen Specter says he sees, in a recent Supreme Court decision, signs that the court is shifting toward a more strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

The ruling was a 5-4 decision by the high court that upheld a ban on so-called "partial birth" or "late term" abortions.

Specter supports abortion rights but did vote for the partial birth ban.

Public radio asked Specter whether he sees in the abortion ruling any hints about how the court will approach broader questions of civil liberty.

"I do not. I think that we have to be vigilant on congressional oversight on the civil liberties issue. We gave the FBI additional power under the Patriot Act but we put limitations on it. Unfortunately, they have not followed the law. Protection of civil liberties, civil rights is indispensable in our democracy, and that’s a matter for congressional oversight, which we are undertaking vigorously," Specter said.

Specter played a major role in the reconstitution of the court.

As then-majority chair of the Senate Judiciary committee, he conducted the hearings that examined the nominations to the court of now-Justice Samuel Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.

Gun control foes draw attention to PA bill

2007-04-16T23:31:00.001-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 14 April 2007) – Something unusual happened at the Capitol this past week.

A piece of legislation that was quietly introduced weeks ago, and that has almost no chance of passing, suddenly received an enormous amount of attention.

When the subject is handguns, Harrisburg is prone to explosive debate.

The bill’s sponsor didn’t even issue a press release when he submitted the bill, and he only secured five co-sponsors in the 203-member House.

Plus, it contains an idea that has never gained traction. The bill would require that legal gun owners re-register each piece yearly at $10 per gun.

But House Republicans and a few Democrats launched a public relations assault on the legislation, and by the late in the week, headlines on it and editorials against it had spread the word about it to places as far away as Texas.

"It doesn’t feel as if it were productive – the fuss that was made of it at this stage," says gun control advocate Shelly Yanoff with Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth.

Two co-sponsors of the legislation have since withdrawn their support.

The bill’s sponsor said he will press on.

Long-term care industry wonders about funding

2007-04-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 13 April 2007) – The state’s top welfare officer made headlines this past week when she said retired experts would be brought in to deal with a backlog in personal care home inspections.

Less attention was focused on an underlying policy issue that’s driving broader discussions within the long-term care industry.

Here’s a startling statistic from Dr. Stuart Shapiro: "Seventy percent of those turning 65 in Pennsylvania today will require some type of long-term care services in their lifetime."

According to Shapiro, the problem is that Pennsylvania’s laws and regulations in this area are outmoded.

Dr. Shapiro is CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, which speaks for the state’s nursing homes. He describes a continuum of elderly care – with home care at one end and nursing homes at the other.

"Then, in the middle, there’s something called personal care homes, where you cannot receive any medical services. And that’s why we need to add a new category called ‘assisted living,’ which the legislature is now considering," Dr. Shapiro says.

Dr. Shapiro says three-quarters of the states define "assisted living."

The last several years have seen additional state resources aimed at home care. Advocates for each type of long-term care are worried that the total investment will not grow and instead will simply be divided differently.

PA lawmaker asks why vets can't skip EMT training

2007-04-16T23:30:00.002-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 12 April 2007) – A western Pennsylvania lawmaker is pushing a plan to allow military veterans to put first responder training to use right away.

Here’s Representative Jim Casorio’s rationale: American soldiers receive world-class emergency medical training as they are deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

So why would Pennsylvania need to force them to undergo additional training – and pay for it – if these soldiers want to be EMTs when they come home?

"I thought that was just – one, silly; two, ridiculous; three, a waste of time; and four, why should we treat our veterans like that? So that’s what brought us to this point in the legislation," Casorio says.

Casorio – a Westmoreland County Democrat – says his bill would cut out unnecessary steps.

Casorio says veterans’ groups support his legislation.

He introduced this bill last session. It died in committee but may stand a better chance this year because Casorio’s party is now in the majority.

Gaming board faces busy spring

2007-04-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 12 April 2007) – The next several weeks promise to be busy at the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board – as the agency continues to negotiate a transition from launching to operating.

Next Friday marks the beginning of a two-month-long window during which resorts can apply for two remaining licenses for small casinos.

Up to 500 slot machines could be installed at each of the eventual licensees, according to gaming board spokesman Doug Harbach.

"We did loosen some of the regulations and make it clear who could qualify so that we could, indeed, get some competition for these – because, in the end, we’re looking to get the casinos, these smaller ones, in the best places so they can produce the most revenue for use of tax dollars to Pennsylvanians," Harbach says.

As this is going on, board staffers have also circled May 15 on the calendar.

That’s when Philadelphians are to vote on a casino location referendum that the gaming board contends would result in illegal restrictions.

That same day, arguments should begin before the state Supreme Court for casino applicants from Pittsburgh, the Poconos and Philadelphia passed over by the board in December.

PA lawyers launch website on court elections

2007-04-16T23:29:00.001-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 10 April 2007) – The Pennsylvania Bar Association has put together a comprehensive election website – ahead of this spring’s primary elections for Supreme Court and Superior Court.

Visitors to the site can read about each candidate for each bench and can learn about the responsibilities the offices carry.

Bar President Ken Horoho says it’s the association’s – and the profession’s – attempt to put to good use its experience and its familiarity with the candidates.

"The most questions and the most phone calls I get from my neighbors are usually the calls the Monday night before the Tuesday election, when there are judicial candidates running. ‘What judges should I vote for?’ Because they typically look to the lawyers to say, ‘Look, you know these judges better than we do,’" Horoho says.

The site also lists the Bar’s closely watched ratings for each appellate candidate.

The association describes each candidate as Highly Recommended, Recommended or Not Recommended based on experience, reputation and community service background.

The website is www.pavotesmart.com.

Liquor board awaits ruling on beer sales at Sheetz

2007-04-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 10 April 2007) – It’s not clear when the state Supreme Court will rule on beer sales appeals filed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

A Sheetz in Altoona became the first hybrid gas station and restaurant in the state to sell beer when the board awarded it a license.

But the state’s administrative Commonwealth Court said that the process had been flawed, and sales have been halted.

The liquor board had already asked the Supreme Court to consider the case. Now it’s asking the court to weigh in on the temporary sales freeze before deciding whether to address the broader issue.

Board spokeswoman Dawn Petrosky says this was a necessary step.

"It was our choice to appeal – to file a motion to the Supreme Court – because of the ramifications of the Commonwealth Court decision on not only Sheetz, in this matter, but also the over 500 ‘E’ licensees in the state of Pennsylvania – and actually, potentially, all other types of license holders, such as restaurants and hotels," Petrosky says.

Petrosky notes that – whether it’s the legislature or the courts – someone has to make it clear whether allowing on-premises alcohol consumption for these licensees is something that’s simply permitted or something that’s required.

PA officials brace for 4000 spring retirements

2007-04-11T23:28:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 10 April 2007) – Pension administrators are offering some advice to state workers as the system braces for a wave of retirements over the next two and a half months.

According to Robert Gentzel, a spokesman with the State Employees' Retirement System, about 4000 state workers are expected to retire between now and July...

Gentzel says the system has posted information on its website to assist employees as they contemplate the sometimes-difficult decision.

Workers also have the option of speaking with retirement counselors at offices in Bensalem; Harrisburg; Hazleton; Montoursville; Pittsburgh; Seneca, Venango County; or State College.

"Because of a change in the contract for state employees – without getting into all the details – it is going to make the retired employee health benefit less attractive to those who retire after July
1 than to those who retire before then," Gentzel says.

SERS hopes to have all of the thousands of retirements processed within ten weeks of the receipt of paperwork.

PA social workers rally for change

2007-04-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 10 April 2007) – Pennsylvania's social workers filled the state Capitol Tuesday – pushing legislative priorities and a broader progressive agenda.

No one could accuse the social workers of having a timid agenda.

Dr. Nadine Bean, who heads Pennsylvania's chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, came to a news conference with nothing short of global changes on her mind.

"The U.S. has the dubious distinction of being one of only two countries in the world that never fully ratified the U.N. Declaration on Human Rights after World War Two," Bean noted.

But the group does list many Pennsylvania-specific goals for the next three years, including seeking mental health insurance parity and making the transition easier for out-of-state professionals who move here.

Freshman Representative Tim Seip – a Berks and Schuylkill county Democrat and the only licensed social worker in the state House – rallied his colleagues.

"You can be an effective advocate in other ways – although it wouldn't be so much of a bad thing if some of you would run and come to the House," Seip said.

Professionals lobbied lawmakers Tuesday. So did students who will soon seek careers in social work.

States' health care efforts eyed in DC

2007-04-10T23:27:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 9 April 2007) – As lawmakers return to Harrisburg for spring and summer work, the Rendell administration continues to talk up its vision for near-universal health care coverage.

National experts are watching to see what states do in this policy area.

From Massachusetts and Vermont to New York and California, states are examining what one expert calls the "three A's" – access, affordability and adequacy.

Conceptual discussions prevail in some places while implementation is under way in others.

Ed Haislmaier is a health policy expert at the Washington-based Heritage Foundation.

He says it's no surprise that states are taking on health care, given federal inaction and the high stakes.

"It doesn't matter if you're the governor or one of the governor's appointees or a legislator. It doesn't matter, pretty much, what state you're in. And it doesn't matter whether you're a Republican or a Democrat or a liberal or a conservative. You've got a state budget that, in most cases, you have to balance. And it's got three things in it: health spending, education spending and everything else. And the first one is eating the other two," Haislmaier says.

The Kaiser Family Foundation is hosting a series of state-centric health care discussions at www.kaiserfoundation.org/healthcast.

Rendell's "Prescription for Pennsylvania" includes a statewide indoor smoking ban, a higher cigarette tax, new taxes on cigars and smokeless tobacco and a three-percent payroll assessment for companies that don't offer insurance.

Open records dispute resolved between parties

2007-04-10T23:26:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 9 April 2007) - The resolution of an open records dispute relating to the state Treasurer's office offers no guarantees about future public access.

The Treasurer and the Patriot-News of Harrisburg were going to go to court over whether certain legislative payroll records should be publicly disclosed.

The state House just told the Treasurer it has no objection to their release, so the Treasurer has dropped the court inquiry.

But Treasurer's office spokeswoman Elizabeth Kupchinsky acknowledges this leaves a gray area gray in Pennsylvania's open records law.

"All we know is that we were sent a letter from the House officials saying that there is no objection to the release of this information. And that was, I guess, our main question. We didn't know if there would be objections," Kupchinsky says.

Another pending dispute remains unresolved.

Activist Gene Stilp had made a broader request than that of the Patriot-News, and at the moment, his inquiry may still be headed to court.

But the acting Treasurer says he's hopeful this matter can also be resolved without asking Commonwealth Court for guidance.

PA lobbyist database finally online

2007-04-09T23:26:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 6 April 2007) – Pennsylvanians can now search a unified online database of registered lobbyists.

After lobbyist disclosure legislation passed last year, Pennsylvania lost the distinction of being the only state in the country without universal requirements.

Now, in accordance with the new law, the Department of State has assembled registration information at a searchable website.

Project manager and deputy department commissioner Chet Harhut emphasizes that anyone can navigate this site – not just Capitol insiders who are familiar with the terminology and trappings of lobbying.

For example, he says, you can search for each of three types of players – lobbyists, principals and firms.

"Lobbyists are the actual people doing the lobbying. A principal is someone who would hire the lobby. It could be a company (or) a corporation. A firm is just a company that has a bunch of lobbyists under it," Harhut says.

Click here to access the site.

Education proposal draws unexpected fire

2007-04-09T23:25:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 6 April 2007) – Governor Rendell may have expected vigorous debate this spring on his complex proposals relating to health care, alternative energy and property taxes.

But he's also receiving push-back from the legislature on his plan to expand pre-kindergarten programs, and advocates of such programs are rallying in response.

House Minority Leader Sam Smith unveiled education counter-proposals this past week.

Joan Benso heads Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children as well as an ad hoc group called Pre-K Today. She says Smith has some good ideas.

"Some of the things that Representative Smith proposed, Pennsylvania Partnerships would be happy to support – particularly his proposals around career education and preparing kids for the workforce of the 21st century," Benso says.

But she says it's a mistake to think that pre-kindergarten has nothing to do with strengthening K-through-12 programming.

"Thinking about our K-12 system in the absence of thinking about a pre-K-post-secondary (education) system is not a way to think about preparing for the workers of the 21st century," Benso says.

Benso's groups' ideas are online at www.prektoday.org.

Find Smith's by clicking "Education Alternatives" at www.pahousegop.com.

Clinton, Giuliani lead packs in early PA polling

2007-02-08T00:30:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 8 February 2007) – Pennsylvania Democrats like Hillary Clinton, Republicans prefer Rudy Giuliani and a general election between the two would be close, according to an early presidential poll.

A Quinnipiac University survey of Keystone State Democrats has Hillary Clinton at 38 percent, followed by John Edwards, Al Gore and Barack Obama in a three-way tie at 11 percent. Joe Biden stands at 5 percent.

Giuliani has the edge among Pennsylvania’s GOP voters with 30 percent, besting John McCain’s 20 percent, Newt Gingrich’s 14 percent and Mitt Romney’s 4 percent.

Hillary Clinton trails head-to-head match-ups with Giuliani by 3 points and McCain by 1 – putting both hypothetical contests within the margin of error.

Pollster Clay Richards says Pennsylvanians are warm to both New Yorkers – Hillary, probably because she has been so well known for so long, and Giuliani, perhaps, because of the commonwealth’s connection to 9/11.

"Of course, one of the planes crashed in Pennsylvania, so while the attack was not in Pennsylvania, the impact was in Pennsylvania, and they all looked to Giuliani as being a hero in that situation. And with the problems the President has gotten into in Iraq, he’s not looked at as a hero anymore, so there has to be someone to inherit that mantle. And Giuliani clearly does," Richards says.

Of those who got support, only Gore has not launched a campaign.

PA Senate committee clears smoking ban

2007-01-31T00:31:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 1 February 2007) - A statewide indoor smoking ban advanced through a state Senate committee as that panel's first act of the year. But proponents say they have much more work to do.

Bill Godshall heads Smokefree Pennsylvania, which has been asking the legislature for years to make smoking illegal in bars, restaurants, offices and other workplaces - no exceptions.

Godshall says he's pleased that a bill cleared the Senate Public Health and Welfare committee.

He says the tough part is still ahead: trying to make sure the proposal is not gutted during consideration by the full Senate.

"We are especially concerned about preserving the rights of the existing local ordinances. And what they'll try to do is get a bunch of exemptions in the state law. That would mean you could have smoking once again allowed in locations in Allegheny County and in Philadelphia
and in Scranton," Godshall says.

The Senate committee approved the ban on a 9-2 vote. Republican Mary Jo White of Venango County and Democrat Vince Hughes of Philadelphia were the dissenters.

FEATURE: Santorum 'holy war' speech dissected

2006-08-30T00:29:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 30 August 2006) – Republican U.S. Senator Rick Santorum – who trails in polls against Democrat Bob Casey Junior – delivered an unexpectedly provocative address Monday that focused on foreign policy.

Scholars are parsing the actual content of the speech.

Political pundits, meanwhile, are wondering about its intended effect.

The Pennsylvania Press Club invited both men to speak. Casey, last month, was rhetorically restrained.

"I think this is going to be an election about accountability for your record and it’s going to be an election about where we’re taking the people of America," he said in even tones.

Santorum used his time this week before the same audience quite differently.

"People are dying. We are at war. This is serious business," Santorum said.

For 20 minutes, Santorum spoke forcefully, describing the ongoing U.S .conflict as not with a place, such as Iraq, or a method, such as terror, but with Islamic fascists.

"We get bogged down on Sunni and Shi’ite, with secular governments and non-secular governments, and we say they’re all different. No, they’re not. They’re a common enemy," Santorum said.

Santorum also made a prediction about his campaign for re-election.

"Whether I like it or not, this election is going to turn on this issue," Santorum said. "Because this is the issue of our time."

Reaction from Casey spokesman Larry Smar was muted.

"Homeland security and foreign policy are very important issues, but there are a lot of issues," Smar said. "And the biggest issue in this campaign is changing the direction in Washington."

Political pundits saw the speech as vintage Santorum. Steve Peterson is the director of the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg. "His provocative position with respect to Iran certainly is consistent with his views on foreign policy, and the fact that it was rendered in such a provocative way, I think, is consistent with his approach to political issues – to kind of take tough positions out there," Peterson said.

Melanie Blumberg at California University of Pennsylvania said Santorum will struggle to paint Casey as weak on defense because Casey has no national voting record – but said that may not be what Santorum is trying to do anyway.

"I think that he’s out there alone on this, trying to portray himself as being an expert and trying to portray himself as trying to protect America," Blumberg said. "It’s interesting, because he seems to be taking – he is taking – a harder stand on this than the Bush administration."

Chatter about domestic political implications may eclipse discussions about the actual policies Santorum is proposing.

But these ideas require critical analysis, according to Bahgat Gawdat, a Middle East specialist at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

This is especially true because – if re-elected – Santorum will not be just another senator. He would likely be the second-ranking member of the majority party and has positioned himself to the right of the President on Iran.

Gawdat said efforts at securing long-term peace and stability could be hampered by casting the conflict as a holy war.

"We are in war in Iraq and we do not want another war, and it is better to open channels," Gawdat said. "As President Bush said, we should not outsource our foreign policy. For a long time, we’ve been dependent on Europe in any dialogue with Iran. And we learned that this is the wrong approach."

Santorum, for his part, said he is not worried about offending anyone, abroad or here, if that’s what’s necessary to defend Western ideals.

News of budget deal trumped by floods

2006-06-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 29 June 2006) – In a major development – negotiators reached a tentative budget deal at the state Capitol, where busy officials did begin the day by reacting to the flooding.

Governor Rendell activated the National Guard, declared disaster emergencies in 46 counties and said it will be a day or two before the determination is made on whether to seek federal aid.

"We try to be accurate. We try not to just throw everything in because we want to have credibility with FEMA. When we ask for a county, we want them to believe there’s a credible amount of damage. And FEMA independently reviews our estimates," Rendell said.

Lawmakers, facing a Friday night deadline, pressed forward on the budget, and by mid-afternoon, leaders announced a compromise. Overall spending jumps at least six percent.

Separately, later, the House voted to declare English the official language of the commonwealth, 122 to 70, after a motion to defer the debate failed by a 96-96 tie.

Away from the legislature, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved licenses for so-called "suppliers," who will acquire slots machines and sell them to casinos.

A board member who had insisted on awarding licenses geographically dropped his demand, allowing the panel to head off regulatory intervention that could have delayed parlor openings by a year.

Group: pensions flawed at state, local levels

2006-05-30T00:27:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 26 May 2006) – Potential pension shortfalls have been a concern at the state level for a while, but this past week brought reports of local problems, specifically in Pittsburgh and York.

One group thinks both problems – state and local – are serious.

The conservative Commonwealth Foundation is calling on policymakers to address fund gaps now, before they get bigger.

Pittsburgh’s shortfall alone is already $469 million, and the city’s pension fund, as it stands, could meet only 44-percent of its obligations.

The foundation’s Matt Brouillette says it’s hard to say whether local or state difficulties are more concerning.

“It’s a lot easier to quantify it at the state level and to see how large and enormous it is, but when you stack these things upon the locality, your school district, it is difficult to get your mind around how troubling these systems are,” Brouillette says.

Brouillette says government should accept the same reality that has set in across the private sector: that defined-benefit pensions are outmoded and must be replaced with defined-contribution plans.

House Democrats roll out tax cut plan

2006-04-27T00:26:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 27 April 2006) – State House Democrats have set their corner of the stage for budget talks by rolling out a business tax cut plan.

House Democrats would slightly accelerate the phase-out of the capital stock and franchise tax; increase the research and development tax credit limit; and phase in greater emphasis on sales in reporting corporate income.

They would also lift the cap on net operating losses, often carried forward by high-tech startups, to $3 million. While Representative David Levdansky – the caucus’ numbers man – said that might mean the most for businesses, it was the smallest of the four cuts Democrats were pushing, confessed leaders Mike Veon and Bill DeWeese.

A reporter asked whether the caucus considered taking the cap to $4 million, $5 million or $6 million. Veon's one-word reply: "No." DeWeese followed up, saying that the subject of net operating losses "has been under discussion with the administration, and this is realistic."

The press conference came just a few days before the election break, giving lawmakers and Governor Rendell something to mull over before negotiations begin in earnest in late May.

Gettysburg, Philadelphia could see slots changes

2006-03-15T23:58:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 16 March 2006) -- The Gettysburg countryside and Philadelphia were singled out by the state House as it passed changes to the gaming law:

Gettysburg, because the House unanimously approved an amendment banning slots parlors from Adams County, where one has been proposed.
Philadelphia, because lawmakers singled out the city as corrupt – too corrupt to site casinos, anyway. Only Philadelphia would be stripped of local zoning authority.

This did not sit well with many Democrats, including House Minority Leader Bill DeWeese.

"I don’t think it will stand judicial overview," DeWeese said. "This was already hurled back at us once. The jurists said that the local entities, the local municipalities, would be involved in the zoning effort."

The bill faces an uncertain future when it is returned to the Senate, which revised the gaming law in several ways but not in these ways.

Committee moves gay marriage amendment

2006-03-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 16 March 2006) -- A proposed state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage cleared a Pennsylvania House committee today.

Dozens of lawmakers, aides and observers packed into a hearing room that was too small. The crowd extended out the door.

Sponsor Scott Boyd – a Lancaster County Republican – said there was no need for public hearings.

"A constitutional amendment requires, in Pennsylvania, a voter referendum," Boyd said. "What broader public hearing can you have than a voter referendum, where each individual – not just selected interest groups – has the ability to go and vote on this issue?"

Democrat Louise Bishop of Philadelphia said this is not what Pennsylvanians want.

"My constituents – including the religious community – want me to vote no. It’s explosive. From Lancaster to Allentown to Philadelphia County, I have had e-mails, and 90 percent of them want a ‘no’ vote," Bishop said.

This amendment could be timed to the 2008 presidential election.

A motion to table the bill failed on a tie vote, with two Republicans – Dave Steil and Katharine Watson of Bucks County – joining every Democrat in an effort to block its advance.

Groups: not everyone wants to ban gay marriage

2006-03-13T23:57:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 13 March 2006) -- Opponents of a gay marriage ban – rallying at the state Capitol – said there’s no room for discrimination in the state constitution.

Gay marriage is already disallowed in Pennsylvania, but there’s a push to reinforce the message with a constitutional amendment.

Interest group leaders and several lawmakers – all Democrats – said it would do nothing to protect traditional relationships, as sponsors claim.

Representative Mike Veon of Beaver County is the House Minority Whip and the only lawmaker in leadership who appeared.

"House Bill 2381 is a small piece of legislation," Veon said. "That small piece of legislation is filled with very small ideas."

The Reverend Paul Fullmer of Lebanon Valley College added historical perspective.

"People of faith, we rightly look back with great pride to good work that our congregations undertook in the abolition of segregation and the abolition of slavery. Yet if we speak in support of an amendment like House Bill 2381, we support the very discrimination that we find so reprehensible in generations of the past," Rev. Fullmer said.

The amendment could be presented to voters in 2007 or 2008.

State plans energy workshops

2006-03-13T23:56:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 13 March 2006) -- A mild winter has helped to reduce the burden higher energy prices placed on Pennsylvanians over the past few months.

But the state and federal government are still offering some advice to businesses trying to plan for the year ahead.

They’ll deliver the advice at workshops around the state in April and May.

Officials will outline strategies for conserving energy and saving money.

Managers whose companies operate on July-to-June fiscal-year calendars are beginning work now on 2006-2007 budgets, so the timing could be useful.

State Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Charlie Young says last year was the first year for these sessions, and response was good.

"This is very much aimed right at the business community. It’s for small- and medium-sized businesses. We’re also encouraging local government officials to attend," Young says. "It’s going to be an emphasis on easily implemented, highly effective energy management measures."

Free advance registration is required for the events – in Norristown and Bethlehem in April and in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Ridgway, Elk County in May.

Food stamp limit kicks in April 1

2006-03-08T23:56:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 8 March 2006) -- Food pantries in Pennsylvania are being told to brace for a wave of new clients at the end of the month.

It’s because the state Department of Public Welfare will enforce a limit to food stamp benefits for certain adults of three months every three years.

During 2004 and 2005, the state had no time limit for this category of Pennsylvanians, defined as able-bodied adults, aged 18 to 50, without dependents.

But the agency started a new clock January First, and those who received assistance in January, February and March will be cut off April First.

Barry Friesen with the Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center says those who stand to lose benefits do have another option.

"If they can get into a work-and-training program through their county welfare department, they certainly should try to do that. People who are in an employment training program – this rule does not apply to them," Friesen said.

People living in high-unemployment areas are exempt from the cutoff. This includes Philadelphia, but not Allegheny County or Pittsburgh.

Prison budget grows again

2006-03-08T23:55:00.001-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 8 March 2006) -- The man who runs Pennsylvania’s prisons asked lawmakers this past week to grant his department the budget increase proposed by Governor Rendell.

Corrections Secretary Jeffrey Beard said a 49-million-dollar increase on prison spending is needed to keep up with personnel and care costs.

And he said lawmakers should be concerned about the growing inmate population.

"Last year, we grew by three percent for a total of an additional 1,481 inmates," Beard said. "This is an average growth rate of about 123 a month. Female population grew by even more. The current population of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is just over 42,500 inmates, and we’re at 110percent of capacity."

The cost to house an inmate in the Pennsylvania prison system now stands at 31-thousand dollars a year.

Beard said the department is doing what it can to control costs.

That has included closing the state prison at Waynesburg, mothballing the Pittsburgh facility and shifting those prisoners to other locations.

Study casts doubt on middle school strategy

2006-03-08T23:55:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

New York (PRCN, 8 March 2006) -- A study of some Philadelphia schools suggests students in kindergarten-through-grade-eight schools don’t perform any better than those in traditional middle schools.

The city school district is in the midst of closing middle schools and shifting most students to "k-through-8" environments.

Columbia University researcher Christopher Weiss says his study found "k-through-8" students felt safer and had better self-esteem, but had no fewer absences or F’s.

“I think we have some important outcomes, and we are raising some important questions, about the way that, say, Philadelphia, New York City, other districts are rushing to get rid of middle schools," Weiss says. "But what would be the truest comparison or the best outcome to look at would be test scores. Those we don’t have. We have grades.”

Philadelphia Schools C-E-O Paul Vallas says the district still plans to eliminate all but eight middle schools by 2009.

Another expert, quoted in an Education Week article, said the research informs what the city school system is doing, but he – quote – "wouldn’t say it tells them to slow down or tells them that they’re wrongheaded."

Weiss said he thought that was a fair assessment.

Weiss said he chose Philadelphia as the subject of his research because – over the time period studied – it was one of the few districts to have about the same number of K-through-8 buildings and middle schools.

The report is outlined in the most recent American Journal of Education.

Gaming official downplays argument

2006-03-08T23:54:00.001-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 8 March 2006) -- A member of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is downplaying a dispute some say has slowed the panel’s progress.

At issue is whether the supplier market for slots parlors should be wide open or should be divided into two or five regions.

The panel has been unable to reach a consensus.

But Commissioner Mary Colins says observers are making too much of the argument.

"The supplier issue is something which we will resolve," Colins says. "It is something that the board works on day in and day out. We are patiently evaluating all aspects of it, and we will resolve it."

Colins noted the board did agree to allow the application process for slots to move forward anyway.

No final decisions will be made until a resolution is reached on the question of supplier regions.

Hoeffel bows out of LG race

2006-03-08T23:54:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 8 March 2006) -- Joe Hoeffel dropped out of the Democratic race for lieutenant governor today – less than 24 hours after officially filing to run.

Governor Rendell did not want him to run against incumbent Catherine Baker Knoll.

An event in Harrisburg was supposed to be Hoeffel’s launch announcement but turned into a joint appearance with Rendell where both said ending this campaign was in the best interest of the party.

"I thought and still think that I could build a better team for the future. But the governor is the decision-maker here," Hoeffel said.

"I have heard with almost unanimity from people – from local elected officials to countywide elected officials in the southwest – again, the burden of having two southeasterners on the ticket would be very difficult for them," Rendell said.

Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds Valerie McDonald Roberts and two others are still challenging Knoll, but Hoeffel was considered to have the best shot at unseating her.

Montgomery County Commissioner Jim Matthews is the only Republican candidate and the running mate of GOP gubernatorial hopeful Lynn Swann.

Official: gaming licenses by December

2006-03-07T23:53:00.001-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 7 March 2006) -- A top state gambling official says slots parlor licenses will be awarded soon.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Commissioner Mary Colins offered the update at the second annual Pennsylvania Gaming Congress in Harrisburg.

"Our next goal is – which we have set for ourselves – is to in fact issue the 22 permanent licenses by the end of this year," Colins said.

Colins said “22…licenses,” but she seemed to mean 14. There are 14 licenses available for 22 applicants.

Colins said upcoming hearings across the state will comprise a large part of the body of evidence used to make decisions about where parlors will go.

Separately, there was talk early Tuesday that the state House would act Tuesday night on tweaks to the gaming law. They were pulled from the calendar by midday but are expected to be debated soon.

Need for foreign-language nurses outlined

2006-03-07T23:53:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 7 March 2006) -- New policies should make it easier for foreign-language nurses to get certified in Pennsylvania.

It’s something experts say the commonwealth needs as badly as the nurses themselves do.

The best example might be Puerto Rico. Nurses there train and earn certification, but if they come to Pennsylvania, they must pass an English-language test, and this is often difficult for them.

It’s not just that they want the jobs. It’s that Pennsylvania needs more foreign-language nurses – with growing and aging populations whose native tongues are Spanish, Russian, Chinese or Vietnamese.

Representative Curtis Thomas – a Philadelphia Democrat – says a regulatory board has agreed to make some changes "that now allow for a two-year window of opportunity to take and pass the exam in order to practice in Pennsylvania."

"So six months to one year is out. We now have two years – a two-year window of opportunity," Thomas says.

The state will also use an incumbent worker training program to help nurses study. Partners include Temple University and the Hospital Healthcare Workers Union.

Casey brief supports pay raise suit

2006-03-06T23:52:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 6 March 2006) -- Pennsylvania Treasurer Robert Casey Junior is speaking out against the pay raise lawmakers approved for themselves last year – even though he himself is named in a pay raise lawsuit.

In July 2005, state legislators – in the middle of the night, without public debate – voted to raise their own pay, as well as the salaries of judges and executive branch officials. They reversed themselves four months later.

There’s a lingering lawsuit over “unvouchered expenses,” which enabled some lawmakers to collect extra money immediately. Some never paid it back.

Casey has filed a brief supporting Dauphin County activist Gene Stilp, the petitioner. He agrees with Stilp that the pay raise and the collection of unvouchered expenses were both unconstitutional.

"And at the same time, in a larger sense, even beyond the lawsuit, I think it’s an obligation of every public official to do everything you can to prevent the erosion of public confidence in government. And I think this action eroded confidence in government," Casey said.

The situation is complicated by Casey’s being a respondent in the case. That’s because his office, the treasurer’s office, cut all the checks.

Swann plan unconstitutional, expert says

2006-03-06T23:47:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 6 March 2006) -- A property tax plan sketched out by Lynn Swann over the weekend is illegal and unconstitutional, according to an expert on tax policy.

Swann – the Republican challenging Democratic Governor Ed Rendell – unveiled his proposal during a speech to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.

He said he wants to base tax rates on the last sale price of a home, meaning long-time homeowners would pay less than recent movers.

But Penn State economist Tim Kelsey says this would require amending the state constitution.

"Under Pennsylvania’s constitution," Kelsey says, "there’s a uniformity clause that requires objects that are being taxed to be treated uniformly – which is why here in Pennsylvania, when we re-assess, we re-assess all properties at the same time.

"If you instead base the value of taxation on the value when the property is sold, the basis for taxation will vary dramatically within any one district."

A spokeswoman for Swann’s campaign said more specifics on the plan will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Private toll roads could be in PA's future

2006-03-02T23:46:00.001-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 2 March 2006) -- Pennsylvania could soon have roads that are built entirely with private dollars – proposed by private companies that are banking on potential profit.

State lawmakers who support the concept call it a natural next step in the evolution of surface transportation.

Virginia’s about to try it. Washington’s Capital Beltway is really crowded, especially on the Virginia side, but the state said it did not have the billions of dollars it would take to upgrade the highway.

Enter private enterprise, which has said it will construct new lanes by itself in exchange for the right to collect its own tolls.

This could work in the state’s most congested corridors – along the Schuylkill in Philadelphia, for example, or southbound, westbound or eastbound out of downtown Pittsburgh.

House Transportation Committee Minority Chair Keith McCall – a Lehigh Valley Democrat – said that while this would be new to the States, it’s not a totally original idea.

“The Europeans have completely private roads," McCall said. "It really never, I think, gained footing here.”

McCall and Republican Rick Geist plan to develop legislation together to authorize such projects.

Education sees more money in budget

2006-03-02T23:46:00.000-08:00

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 2 March 2006) -- Education is one of the only departments getting more money under Governor Rendell’s proposed 2006-2007 budget.

The head of the agency addressed lawmakers as budget hearings continued at the state Capitol.

Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak told the House budget committee the spending plan includes $517 million more for primary and secondary education.

That includes a five-percent increase in the basic education line item.

Zahorchak says the department has been working to meet the legislature’s charge to improve schools’ access to the internet.

“Ninety-two percent of our buildings have good connectivity now. We expect, by 2008, to have 100 percent of our schools” connected, Zahorchak said.

Zahorchak faced tough questioning from lawmakers.

One Republican was skeptical of the proposed Classrooms for the Future program, which would put a laptop on every desk in core subject classrooms. He said districts might want more local control over the extra dollars it would take.

Health agency head asks for funds

2006-03-01T23:45:00.001-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 1 March 2006) -- The state’s highest-ranking public health official stated his case for more funding as budget hearings continued in Harrisburg.

Secretary of Health Doctor Calvin Johnson told the House budget committee the governor’s proposed budget for his agency includes $1.7 million more for breast and cervical cancer screening.

It also increases funding for HIV/AIDS programs 2.6 percent, even as overall spending goes down.

Doctor Johnson faced several questions about the proposed Jonas Salk Legacy Fund, which would have the state borrow money for big immediate spending to attract researchers and build better labs.

He said members of the board that would select projects would be non-political -- in his words, "experts that can speak to the quality, the scientific validity and quality, of the efforts and the projects that are connected to that, as well as other industry experts that can speak to the biotechnology aspects of it, the commercialization aspects of it."

Republican leaders have described the Salk Fund proposal as having little chance of passing the legislature as proposed.

Keystone State unemployment falls

2006-03-01T23:45:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 1 March 2006) -- Pennsylvania unemployment has reached a five-year low.

It stands at 4.4 percent for the first time since February 2001.

The total number of jobs in Pennsylvania tops 5.74 million, an all-time high, according to the Labor Department.

Spokesman Barry Ciccocioppo notes that peer states such as Michigan and Ohio have not yet created the number of jobs lost since the September Eleventh attacks.

"Pennsylvania has surpassed the pre-recession job levels, and our unemployment rate in Pennsylvania is now well below the national level," Ciccocioppo said. "In fact, it's been better than the national unemployment level for the past five straight months."

The 4-point-4 percent unemployment rate is eight-tenths of a percentage point lower than it was last year at this time.

All of the most recent figures are from January.

County-specific job counts will be released in a couple of weeks.

PA pharmacists will be able to give flu shots

2005-07-11T00:29:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 10 July 2006) – New rules will allow Pennsylvania pharmacists to administer flu vaccine, and drug store operators say they are pleased.

But they say this may only be of some help when it comes to distributing the vaccine.

Pharmacy representatives testified at a special state House hearing, thanking lawmakers for making Pennsylvania one of several states that will allow pharmacists to give flu shots.

"We support this program... because we want to provide greater access to the necessary vaccinations for the general public," said Robert Thompson, a vice president at Cumberland County-based Rite Aid. "We also believe that some consumers may find it more convenient to obtain a vaccination from their pharmacist than from other providers."

But they stressed that pressure on care providers will ease only if supplies of the vaccine are sufficient. Shortages have ranged from sporadic to widespread over the past several years, and Ed McGinley with Pathmark Stores says it’s a continuing concern.
"Because of your foresight and your recognition of the role that pharmacists have in the health care delivery system, Pennsylvania will have the delivery to have ‘all hands on deck,’ so to speak, should the need arise to perform mass inoculations," McGinley told legislators. "That is, of course, if the supply is available."

The new pharmacists’ regulations are published in the July 1 Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Observers question need for lame duck session

2004-11-17T23:43:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 16 November 2004) -- It’s a biennial tradition in Pennsylvania: legislators rush important decisions and pass potentially unpopular laws during a “lame duck” November session, after voters can hold them accountable.

It’s not a tradition in every state, but it’s probably one that will endure here.

The leaders of groups ranging from the liberal Common Cause to the conservative Commonwealth Foundation are critical of post-election lawmaking.

They note that only eleven states have “lame duck” sessions.

But Brenda Erickson – a research analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures – says that’s because not many legislatures are full-time.

Erickson says where there are full-time lawmakers – from California and Wisconsin to New Jersey and Pennsylvania – they generally find ways to fill up the calendar.

“The states that are full-time have been full-time for many years. My feeling is that they will probably follow the same tradition – that it *is* a tradition in those states,” Erickson says.

And state lawmakers are not alone.

Congress, for example, is required to pass 13 spending bills every year to keep the government running. So far they’ve passed four.

Advocates push for affordable housing

2004-11-16T23:41:00.000-08:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 16 November 2004) -- For state lawmakers, the 2004 session is wrapping up.

Advocacy groups are already thinking about 2005, and one coalition wants to make sure affordable housing is a top priority next year.

The Keystone State’s home ownership rate is 72 percent. Advocates say that’s good – in fact, it’s significantly higher than the national average. What’s bad, according to Liz Hersh with the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, is that lots of people are still priced out.

“People are really struggling," Hersh says. "Working people can’t afford places to live that are safe and decent in which their kids can get an education. We don’t have places for people to go when they graduate from college. We don’t have places to go for people when they retire. I mean, this is really a problem.”

Hersh’s group has four suggestions for state lawmakers.

First, encourage the construction of more multi-family homes. Pennsylvania’s fourth-to-worst nationally in multi-family home starts.

Second, generate maintenance and repair policies suitable for the state’s older housing stock.
Third, create tax credits for potential homeowners.

Fourth, protect and preserve existing affordable housing.

Hersh says working with local governments and developers will be key – since they’re the ones who actually approve housing plans and build the homes.

Don't panic over mad cow, expert says

2004-04-18T23:44:00.000-07:00

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

State College, Penna. (PRCN, 18 November 2004) -- A Penn State expert says consumers should take-in-stride word that the U.S. may have its second case of mad cow disease.

Bill Henning is a professor of animal and dairy science in PSU's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Henning cautions that officials will need some time to confirm the case and determine the extent of the problem, but he says American consumers have little to worry about.

"Even if there's a positive cow," Henning says, "there isn't any real potential for that being in the meat supply."

Henning says that's because mad cow disease is transferred only through "prions," or abnormal proteins, that are eliminated from the supply before meat reaches supermarkets.

"The potential tissues that might carry these prions have all been removed. It's not found in muscle tissue," Henning says.

Although humans cannot contract mad cow disease, a related and potentially fatal illness has been seen among people who have eaten affected meat.

A spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture says state officials are aware of the potential outbreak.

They may play a role if there's a Pennsylvania connection to the diseased cow, but otherwise, federal officials will manage the response.