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.
Tuesday, 10 April 2007
Open records dispute resolved between parties
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.
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.
Monday, 9 April 2007
PA lobbyist database finally online
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, 8 February 2007
Clinton, Giuliani lead packs in early PA polling
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.
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.
Wednesday, 31 January 2007
PA Senate committee clears smoking ban
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.
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.
Wednesday, 30 August 2006
FEATURE: Santorum 'holy war' speech dissected
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.
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.
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