10/7/08 - Sen. Jane Orie, who sponsored the Senate version, looks on as legislation is signed into law that will expand Pennsylvania's Newborn Screening and Follow-up Program to include 29 "core" genetic conditions that are serious but treatable if caught early.

Issues

Resources

Focus on Pennsylvania - October 2008

Government Reform is the topic on this month’s Focus on Pennsylvania Program. A key group of GOP senators discuss the reform movement in the Commonwealth and what lies ahead in 2009.

More Focus on PA

Pennsylvania Senate Republican Podcast

10/7/08 - State Senator Jeff Piccola (R-15) comments on the implementation of Pennsylvania’s new Open Records Law, which goes into effect January 1st.

More Podcasts

Monthly Radio Address From Senate Republicans

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

More Radio

Senate News

October 10, 2008 - Letter from Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati to House and Senate Leaders Concerning State's Economic Status (PDF)

10/9/08 - General Assembly Makes Improvements to State Dog Law
The Senate approved changes to the state's Dog Law on Wednesday that would ensure a humane and healthy environment for dogs living in commercial breeding kennels, according to Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36).

10/9/08 - Baker's Child Protection Legislation Signed Into Law
Legislation establishing a Public Health Child Death Review Program to promote safety and reduce child fatalities has been signed into law by the governor, according to Senator Lisa Baker (R-20), who sponsored the measure.

10/8/08 - Folmer Bill Protecting Deployed Servicemen’s Child Custody Rights Heads to Rendell’s Desk
The General Assembly has approved Sen. Mike Folmer's (R-Lebanon) legislation protecting the child custody rights of deployed military personnel. 

10/8/08 - Senate Sends Another Rhoades Bill Limiting Local Government Appeals to the Governor
The Senate today overwhelmingly supported legislation that would prevent school districts from raising property taxes on homeowners following the sale of a property, according to prime-sponsor Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29).

10/8/08 - Tomlinson's Home Repair Fraud Legislation Goes to Governor
Legislation that would provide consumers with stronger protections against home repair scam artists has passed the Senate and House and now goes to the governor for his approval, according to Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), who sponsored the measure.

10/8/08 - Sen. Browne's "Anti-idling" Legislation Heads to Governor
Legislation introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) that will reduce the noise and noxious exhaust fumes of idling tractor trailers received final legislative approval today and is headed to Governor Ed Rendell for his signature and enactment into law.

10/8/08 - Piccola Lauds Senate's Passage of Energy Measure
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) praised today the Senate’s passage of House Bill 2200, legislation that can help to ease the effects of spiking energy costs when the rate cap expires in 2010, and also applauded the recent work of the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee of which he is a member.

10/8/08 - Pippy Bill Creating Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement System to be Signed Into Law
Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to assist counties and municipalities in responding to disasters received final legislative approval Tuesday and was sent to the governor to be signed into law.

10/8/08 - Senators Hail Legislature’s Passage of Bill to Crack Down on Cop Killers
Three state Senators who have fought hard for tougher penalties for criminals who murder or assault police officers today hailed passage of legislation that will help to protect law enforcement officials.
- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Rafferty

10/8/08 - Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, makes remarks on HB 2220, legislation that is intended to lower energy costs and promote energy efficiency and conservation.

10/8/08 - Senate State Government Committee hearing on lobbyist disclosure regulations
- Part 1 (running time 1 hour, 7 minutes)
- Part 2 (running time 2 minutes)

10/7/08 - Senator Orie Leads Rally to Promote Awareness of Domestic Violence
Pennsylvania needs to build on successful efforts to prevent domestic violence and to make the public aware of the signs of abuse, according to Sen. Jane Orie, Majority Whip (R-40), who today led a rally at the state capitol to focus greater attention on the issue.

10/6/08 – Senate Appropriations Committee hearing to question state Budget Secretary Mary Soderberg about the impact of the current economic situation on Pennsylvania’s spending plans and revenue projections.

10/6/08 - The Senate State Government Committee is briefed by Terry Mutchler, Executive Director for the new Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, on the status of implementing the new Open Records Law, which takes effect January 1, 2009.

- Sen. Piccola

10/6/08 - Sen. Orie to Hold News Conference to Focus Greater Awareness on Domestic Violence
Marking October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, Senator Jane Orie (R-40) will hold a news conference at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7, in the Rotunda of the Main Capitol in Harrisburg.

10/3/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9/22/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

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

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

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

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

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

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

9/15/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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