As the budget talks heat up, Democrats in the Pennsylvania Senate are urging a restoration of funding for what they call essential health care programs.
Senators Jay Costa of Allegheny County, John Blake of Lackawanna County, Larry Farnese and Vince Hughes, both from Philadelphia, joined medical professionals from across Pennsylvania calling for using part of the the expected budget surplus to restore funding to Pennsylvania's medical schools, four regional cancer centers and the Life Science Greenhouse (LSG) program. The surplus was $540 million at the end of May and is expected to hit $600 million by the end of the fiscal year, June 30. The Democrats are suggesting using about 50% of the surplus to restore this funding.
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa says the state can't make reductions now that will cost it in the long run...
"From an economic standpoint, we have to realize that modest investments in our state-related academic medical centers are multiplied several times over when you take into account the private and federal dollars which flow into Pennsylvania as a result of the success of these institutions."
State funding for the Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton was completely eliminated in both Governor Corbett’s and the House Republicans’ budget proposals.
However, Monday the state Senate, by a party line vote approved a resolution that prevents the Democrats' ability to suggest amendments to the budget that would authorize the use of excess revenue from this fiscal year to restore the cuts proposed by the Governor and by House Republicans to education, health care and human services for the next fiscal year ..... “Before a budget is returned to the House, we need bi-partisan support to make common-sense restorations to these programs and services that provide long-term benefits and long-term savings for all Pennsylvanians,” said Senator Blake.
Showing posts with label Democrats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Democrats. Show all posts
Monday, June 20, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Corbett Admin Says Drillers Are Paying Taxes
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue released an analysis showing natural gas companies have paid more than 1.1 billion dollars in state taxes since 2006. According to the Department, 857 of the companies have already paid 238.4 million dollars in taxes, exceeding last year's collection. This report comes after a group of Democratic Senators claimed the Commonwealth is losing money to the "Delaware Loophole".
The "Delaware Loophole" is when subsidiaries of companies register in Delaware so they do not have to pay corporate income tax in Pennsylvania. According to Senator Tina Tartaglione of Philadelphia, 70% of the companies doing business in Pennsylvania do not pay the corporate net income tax, while businesses in Delaware have grown to 115,000.
Elizabeth Brassell, spokeswoman for the Department of Revenue, says the statistic of 70% of companies not paying taxes is misunderstood. "The majority of those aren't paying because they shouldn't. Companies that don't make money in a particular year or are inactive for a particular year, and we're finding that that's about 65% of the corporate net income taxpayers, they don't have profits to pay taxes on."
Brassell says the "Delaware Loophole" has become a political buzzword and some studies have shown that eliminating it would decrease the amount of revenue for the state. She says the state will continue to see revenue from gas companies because it is a growing industry.
Brassell says there will be monthly reports on the tax payments by drilling companies at the urging of Governor Corbett.
The "Delaware Loophole" is when subsidiaries of companies register in Delaware so they do not have to pay corporate income tax in Pennsylvania. According to Senator Tina Tartaglione of Philadelphia, 70% of the companies doing business in Pennsylvania do not pay the corporate net income tax, while businesses in Delaware have grown to 115,000.
Elizabeth Brassell, spokeswoman for the Department of Revenue, says the statistic of 70% of companies not paying taxes is misunderstood. "The majority of those aren't paying because they shouldn't. Companies that don't make money in a particular year or are inactive for a particular year, and we're finding that that's about 65% of the corporate net income taxpayers, they don't have profits to pay taxes on."
Brassell says the "Delaware Loophole" has become a political buzzword and some studies have shown that eliminating it would decrease the amount of revenue for the state. She says the state will continue to see revenue from gas companies because it is a growing industry.
Brassell says there will be monthly reports on the tax payments by drilling companies at the urging of Governor Corbett.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Dems Say Plan Could Generate 30,000 Jobs
State Senate Democrats are introducing a package of new bills they say could spur the Pennsylvania's economy.
The Democrats say their economic plan would create nearly 30-thousand new jobs, by consolidating Pennsylvania's job training programs so they're all under one agency, and expanding tax credits to small businesses.
Minority Leader Jay Costa says he thinks the package can become law, even though Democrats are in the minority.
"When it comes to matters, I think one of my colleagues says this is about jobs. It's not about Democrats and Republicans. When they're good ideas, I think they're good ideas to everyone. And I think that's what we've put together here: a series of good ideas to allow us to work closely with them. We've provided the governor and some other folks copies of this. We will be sharing it with our Republican colleagues."
Caucus leaders want to use unspent state grant money to generate more private investment in new projects, like infrastructure repairs.
Senator Vince Hughes of Philadelphia says the recent gas explosion in Allentown is the latest sign the state's roads, bridges and pipe lines need to be fixed.
"In many respects they're miles and miles and miles of steel-cast systems running beneath our cities and towns and communities, driving out natural gas. And they're old, and they're breaking down, and unfortunately they're causing tragic accidents."
The Democrats also want to close tax loopholes and adjust corporate tax rates, to provide additional funding for the initiative.
Many of their proposals have failed in previous sessions, but the Democrats and the Corbett Administration agree on a few points, like privatizing more state-owned resources to fund infrastructure repairs.
The Democrats say their economic plan would create nearly 30-thousand new jobs, by consolidating Pennsylvania's job training programs so they're all under one agency, and expanding tax credits to small businesses.
Minority Leader Jay Costa says he thinks the package can become law, even though Democrats are in the minority.
"When it comes to matters, I think one of my colleagues says this is about jobs. It's not about Democrats and Republicans. When they're good ideas, I think they're good ideas to everyone. And I think that's what we've put together here: a series of good ideas to allow us to work closely with them. We've provided the governor and some other folks copies of this. We will be sharing it with our Republican colleagues."
Caucus leaders want to use unspent state grant money to generate more private investment in new projects, like infrastructure repairs.
Senator Vince Hughes of Philadelphia says the recent gas explosion in Allentown is the latest sign the state's roads, bridges and pipe lines need to be fixed.
"In many respects they're miles and miles and miles of steel-cast systems running beneath our cities and towns and communities, driving out natural gas. And they're old, and they're breaking down, and unfortunately they're causing tragic accidents."
The Democrats also want to close tax loopholes and adjust corporate tax rates, to provide additional funding for the initiative.
Many of their proposals have failed in previous sessions, but the Democrats and the Corbett Administration agree on a few points, like privatizing more state-owned resources to fund infrastructure repairs.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Rich Fitzgerald to run for County Executive
Allegheny County Council President and Squirrel Hill resident Rich Fitzgerald announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for County Executive this morning in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse, joining County Controller Mark Patrick Flaherty, who announced earlier this month .
Fitzgerald has already lined up a lot of endorsements, including Congressman Mike Doyle, who emceed the event and says Fitzgerald has shown tremendous ability to work with others to accomplish good things for the region.
Other support came from members of the the state house and senate, city and county councils, labor unions, and more than 50 Democratic precinct chairmen.
Fitzgerald says Western Pennsylvania will be the energy capital of the world and he, a mechanical engineer, will make jobs a priority, along with responsible development of resources like the Marcellus Shale.
Fitzgerald will resign from County Council in a matter of weeks. This will be his first county-wide candidacy.
Fitzgerald has already lined up a lot of endorsements, including Congressman Mike Doyle, who emceed the event and says Fitzgerald has shown tremendous ability to work with others to accomplish good things for the region.
Other support came from members of the the state house and senate, city and county councils, labor unions, and more than 50 Democratic precinct chairmen.
Fitzgerald says Western Pennsylvania will be the energy capital of the world and he, a mechanical engineer, will make jobs a priority, along with responsible development of resources like the Marcellus Shale.
Fitzgerald will resign from County Council in a matter of weeks. This will be his first county-wide candidacy.
PA Republicans Charge Dems With Slowing the Process
So what, exactly, led to Wednesday’s Rules Committee blowup, and what does it mean for how the Pennsylvania House will operate over the next two years?
Over the objections of Democrats, who walked out during the vote, the committee approved a resolution changing the chamber’s rules so amendments can be set aside, and debate can continue on the bill in question. Under the current setup, passed in response to the 2005 pay raise, a bill is automatically tabled along with the amendment, after that type of vote. That wouldn’t be the case of the House approves HR 6. “The passage of a motion to lay an amendment on the table shall not case the subject bill or resolution and all other amendments to be laid on the table,” reads the document. In short, Republican leaders would have the power to swipe aside amendments they don’t want to deal with.
The resolution would also change the makeup of House committees so 15 Republicans and nine Democrats would sit on each panel. Right now, the minority party has 10 seats on each committee. 24 Democrats would suddenly get the boot from their committees if this passes.
Republican leaders said they’re doing this so the House can run more efficiently. They felt like Democrats reneged on an agreement and tried to gum up the process by offering dozens of amendments to the seven measures set for a House vote Wednesday. Speaker Sam Smith pointed out several of the measures had passed on near-unanimous votes in previous years. “They were bills that, by and large, everybody in the House supports,” he said. “And without any discussion they tried to load them up with amendments to delay action and create their own circus.”
Democrat Dan Frankel countered the amendments were all on-topic. “Every one of them, if you take a look at the substance of them, fills in gaps in those reform bills, and enhances their ability to accomplish what our intention is as a legislative body, in terms of bringing forth reform,” he said.
That’s true. some amendments expanded the scope of whistleblower laws. Others set limits on gifts from lobbyists. But many of the amendments were duplicative. Frankel, for example, filed seven different amendments to a lobbying disclosure bill. Six of them were on the same topic: expanding definitions of families, so that long-term domestic partners were subject to the same disclosure scrutiny as spouses. Leader Frank Dermody attached 12 amendments to another bill. Democratic leaders explained they were only going to call for votes on a handful of the amendments. They filed redundant amendments on several of the bills to give themselves more options on the floor, like clubs in a golf bag, they said.
At last check, Republicans plan to push forward with the rules change, and hold a House vote on them Monday. The question is, how many Republican members will support the change? After all, they were in the minority just a month ago, and the GOP regularly tied down major bills with dozens of amendments. When Democrats found ways to avoid lengthy floor fights, like gutting and replacing bills in the Appropriations or Rules Committee, for example, Republican lawmakers cried foul. “The matter struck me as an over-reach,” tweeted Lancaster County Republican Gordon Denlinger today. “Let’s hope that cooler heads prevail on Monday,” replied Democrat Josh Shapiro.
Over the objections of Democrats, who walked out during the vote, the committee approved a resolution changing the chamber’s rules so amendments can be set aside, and debate can continue on the bill in question. Under the current setup, passed in response to the 2005 pay raise, a bill is automatically tabled along with the amendment, after that type of vote. That wouldn’t be the case of the House approves HR 6. “The passage of a motion to lay an amendment on the table shall not case the subject bill or resolution and all other amendments to be laid on the table,” reads the document. In short, Republican leaders would have the power to swipe aside amendments they don’t want to deal with.
The resolution would also change the makeup of House committees so 15 Republicans and nine Democrats would sit on each panel. Right now, the minority party has 10 seats on each committee. 24 Democrats would suddenly get the boot from their committees if this passes.
Republican leaders said they’re doing this so the House can run more efficiently. They felt like Democrats reneged on an agreement and tried to gum up the process by offering dozens of amendments to the seven measures set for a House vote Wednesday. Speaker Sam Smith pointed out several of the measures had passed on near-unanimous votes in previous years. “They were bills that, by and large, everybody in the House supports,” he said. “And without any discussion they tried to load them up with amendments to delay action and create their own circus.”
Democrat Dan Frankel countered the amendments were all on-topic. “Every one of them, if you take a look at the substance of them, fills in gaps in those reform bills, and enhances their ability to accomplish what our intention is as a legislative body, in terms of bringing forth reform,” he said.
That’s true. some amendments expanded the scope of whistleblower laws. Others set limits on gifts from lobbyists. But many of the amendments were duplicative. Frankel, for example, filed seven different amendments to a lobbying disclosure bill. Six of them were on the same topic: expanding definitions of families, so that long-term domestic partners were subject to the same disclosure scrutiny as spouses. Leader Frank Dermody attached 12 amendments to another bill. Democratic leaders explained they were only going to call for votes on a handful of the amendments. They filed redundant amendments on several of the bills to give themselves more options on the floor, like clubs in a golf bag, they said.
At last check, Republicans plan to push forward with the rules change, and hold a House vote on them Monday. The question is, how many Republican members will support the change? After all, they were in the minority just a month ago, and the GOP regularly tied down major bills with dozens of amendments. When Democrats found ways to avoid lengthy floor fights, like gutting and replacing bills in the Appropriations or Rules Committee, for example, Republican lawmakers cried foul. “The matter struck me as an over-reach,” tweeted Lancaster County Republican Gordon Denlinger today. “Let’s hope that cooler heads prevail on Monday,” replied Democrat Josh Shapiro.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Dermody: Dems "Will be More than Warm Bodies"
The theme of this week’s inauguration was Republicans taking control of Pennsylvania government.
But Democratic leaders insist they’ll still have a voice during legislative debates.
Republicans hold sizable majorities in the House and Senate, but House Minority Leader Frank Dermody of Allegheny County says Democrats will be more than warm bodies over the next two years.
"We are going to be their conscience. We’ll be the loyal minority. We’re going to fight hard, and obviously we want to work with them, too. We have – the people expect us to work together to accomplish some things for the commonwealth. We intend to do that the best we can."
One issue that will test Democrats right away is the AdultBasic health insurance plan, which covers 41-thousand low-income Pennsylvanians, but will run out of money at the end of February.
The Senate’s top Democrat, Jay Costa, wants to keep the program running through July, so lawmakers can create a replacement program during this year’s budget negotiations.
The Corbett Administration has proposed shifting AdultBasic enrollees to a more expensive health care plan that offers less coverage.
Costa says he also plans to mount an aggressive opposition to Republicans’ plan to sell off state-owned liquor stores.
But Democratic leaders insist they’ll still have a voice during legislative debates.
Republicans hold sizable majorities in the House and Senate, but House Minority Leader Frank Dermody of Allegheny County says Democrats will be more than warm bodies over the next two years.
"We are going to be their conscience. We’ll be the loyal minority. We’re going to fight hard, and obviously we want to work with them, too. We have – the people expect us to work together to accomplish some things for the commonwealth. We intend to do that the best we can."
One issue that will test Democrats right away is the AdultBasic health insurance plan, which covers 41-thousand low-income Pennsylvanians, but will run out of money at the end of February.
The Senate’s top Democrat, Jay Costa, wants to keep the program running through July, so lawmakers can create a replacement program during this year’s budget negotiations.
The Corbett Administration has proposed shifting AdultBasic enrollees to a more expensive health care plan that offers less coverage.
Costa says he also plans to mount an aggressive opposition to Republicans’ plan to sell off state-owned liquor stores.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New PA Lawmakers Sworn In
Pennsylvania's newly elected and re-elected state lawmakers took the oath of office today at the Capitol in Harrisburg. There are 3 new members of the Republican-controlled State Senate....all Democrats.....replacing 3 other Democrats who retired at the end of November.
Tim Solobay of Canonsburg served 12 years in the Pennsylvania House of Representative. He replaces retired State Senator Barry Stout. In his oath of office message, Solobay said eliminating the budget deficit without hurting people is a top priority......
"There's always a concern when you have a deficit that there's going to be some tough decisions made, and those are going to have to be done. The ideal thing is to make sure that we can make those and still make state government to be effective and efficient and provide those services for those who need it most."
John Yudichak was sworn in as State Senator for the 14th District, replacing the retired Ray Musto. Yudichak had previously served as a State Representative since 1999. Senator Yudichak says his first priority is to create jobs and to encourage growing industries, such as those drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation and those in alternative energy such as wind and solar.
John Blake took the oath to succeed the retired Robert Mellow in Senatorial District 22 in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Senator Blake says the number one priority for his district is creating jobs. Having served as Acting Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development in the Rendell Administration, Blake says he wants to make sure small businesses in Northeast Pennsylvania take advantage of the opportunities the state offers to grow and expand their reach, even to overseas markets.
The Republicans hold a 30-19 seat edge in the Senate with one vacancy due to the death last month of Democrat Mike O'Pake of Berks County.
Tim Solobay of Canonsburg served 12 years in the Pennsylvania House of Representative. He replaces retired State Senator Barry Stout. In his oath of office message, Solobay said eliminating the budget deficit without hurting people is a top priority......
"There's always a concern when you have a deficit that there's going to be some tough decisions made, and those are going to have to be done. The ideal thing is to make sure that we can make those and still make state government to be effective and efficient and provide those services for those who need it most."
John Yudichak was sworn in as State Senator for the 14th District, replacing the retired Ray Musto. Yudichak had previously served as a State Representative since 1999. Senator Yudichak says his first priority is to create jobs and to encourage growing industries, such as those drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation and those in alternative energy such as wind and solar.
John Blake took the oath to succeed the retired Robert Mellow in Senatorial District 22 in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Senator Blake says the number one priority for his district is creating jobs. Having served as Acting Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development in the Rendell Administration, Blake says he wants to make sure small businesses in Northeast Pennsylvania take advantage of the opportunities the state offers to grow and expand their reach, even to overseas markets.
The Republicans hold a 30-19 seat edge in the Senate with one vacancy due to the death last month of Democrat Mike O'Pake of Berks County.
Monday, January 3, 2011
PA Dems Regroup
With the beginning of 2011, Pennsylvania Democrats might be down after November election defeats, but they insist they’re not out.
Democrats lost control of the governor’s mansion and state House, and lost the U.S. Senate seat they gained when Arlen Specter switched parties in 2009.
They also shed five Congressional seats. Now, the party is beginning its climb back.
Chairman Jim Burn says Democrats will focus on county commissioner races and other local elections this year, to build local support going into 2012.
He says they’ll keep criticizing the Corbett Administration, too.
"If we disagree with something that Gov-elect Corbett or those on his transition team are doing, we have an obligation to the Democratic Party to engage on those issues, and to respectfully point out why we think some of his decisions, and some of the things he has begun to do, will take this commonwealth in the wrong direction. We will continue to do that."
Fundraising will also be a focus for Democrats, though Burn admits it’s tougher to raise money when a party is out of power.
The fact Republicans control the redistricting process (drawing the lines for the state House and Senate districts and the Congressional districts) will make it that much more difficult for the party to rebound quickly.
Democrats lost control of the governor’s mansion and state House, and lost the U.S. Senate seat they gained when Arlen Specter switched parties in 2009.
They also shed five Congressional seats. Now, the party is beginning its climb back.
Chairman Jim Burn says Democrats will focus on county commissioner races and other local elections this year, to build local support going into 2012.
He says they’ll keep criticizing the Corbett Administration, too.
"If we disagree with something that Gov-elect Corbett or those on his transition team are doing, we have an obligation to the Democratic Party to engage on those issues, and to respectfully point out why we think some of his decisions, and some of the things he has begun to do, will take this commonwealth in the wrong direction. We will continue to do that."
Fundraising will also be a focus for Democrats, though Burn admits it’s tougher to raise money when a party is out of power.
The fact Republicans control the redistricting process (drawing the lines for the state House and Senate districts and the Congressional districts) will make it that much more difficult for the party to rebound quickly.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Rep. Murphy Interested In Maintaining Bipartisan Talks
Pittsburgh area Congressman Tim Murphy, recently elected for his fifth two-year term hopes that bipartisan compromise will continue in future negotiations between the Republican House and the Democrat Senate and White House.
The health care bill is an issue that remains for the House Republicans who took majority control after the mid-term elections Nov. 2. Murphy believes the bill which he says was forced through Congress still has serious flaws that may need to be reviewed.
“I do not see it as a bill that fundamentally reforms health care and reduces costs but one that massively expands the cost and requires everybody to pay for it,” Murphy says. “I don’t like the idea of having a mandate. To require people to buy something but give them no choices in purchasing is not good.”
He doesn't believe citizens, if they are required to have insurance, should be restricted to the options within their state.
Murphy predicts the GOP-controlled House will vote to repeal the health care bill, but it will surely fail in the Senate and be rejected by the President. Murphy says the idea is to get it on the record to show that the American public is not satisfied with the current law as it was put together. He does expect more bipartisan efforts in Congress and with the President to ensure that health care for seniors becomes an issue that can be made better.
“It’s something that Democrats and Republicans can come together on and look and say, ‘How do we improve this system that otherwise is just bleeding money and not taking better care of patients?’” Murphy says.
To Murphy, bipartisan efforts in Congress and with the President are the only solution to these issues.
“I believe if we listen to what the American people are saying, ‘Roll up your sleeves, work together and get the job done,’ then my hope is the President will continue to work with us,” Murphy says.
The health care bill is an issue that remains for the House Republicans who took majority control after the mid-term elections Nov. 2. Murphy believes the bill which he says was forced through Congress still has serious flaws that may need to be reviewed.
“I do not see it as a bill that fundamentally reforms health care and reduces costs but one that massively expands the cost and requires everybody to pay for it,” Murphy says. “I don’t like the idea of having a mandate. To require people to buy something but give them no choices in purchasing is not good.”
He doesn't believe citizens, if they are required to have insurance, should be restricted to the options within their state.
Murphy predicts the GOP-controlled House will vote to repeal the health care bill, but it will surely fail in the Senate and be rejected by the President. Murphy says the idea is to get it on the record to show that the American public is not satisfied with the current law as it was put together. He does expect more bipartisan efforts in Congress and with the President to ensure that health care for seniors becomes an issue that can be made better.
“It’s something that Democrats and Republicans can come together on and look and say, ‘How do we improve this system that otherwise is just bleeding money and not taking better care of patients?’” Murphy says.
To Murphy, bipartisan efforts in Congress and with the President are the only solution to these issues.
“I believe if we listen to what the American people are saying, ‘Roll up your sleeves, work together and get the job done,’ then my hope is the President will continue to work with us,” Murphy says.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Dermody is New PA House Dem Leader
The big news out of Pennsylvania House Democrats’ leadership vote wasn’t the selection of a new Minority Leader. Instead, it was the ouster of longtime Appropriations Committee Chair Dwight Evans.
Evans had been the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee for twenty years.
In that role, the Philadelphia lawmaker decided which projects got funded, and which lost out on state money.
New minority chair Joe Markosek of Monroeville, Allegheny County says Democrats were “disgruntled,” partially by Evans’ lack of transparency.
"I think communications is really the biggest part of folks getting along with each other. In us governing, not only the issues here in the House, but the best thing we can do for the folks of Pennsylvania."
Evans didn’t have much to say after the vote.
"I think it’s just kind of a feeling about the wave, in terms of what happened in general. And I think that, you know, you look at it, you do your best, you make the most of it, and you hope you can move things forward."
Before the vote, Governor Rendell praised Evans.
"During my eight years as governor, no one has understood the budget better than Dwight Evans. No one has been a more positive factor in driving eventual compromise that allowed us to be one of the ten most fiscally stable states in the country, while at the same time advancing a very progressive agenda."
The elections continue an east-to-west power swing.
New Minority Leader Frank Dermody and the Democratic Caucus Chair Dan Frankel are also from Allegheny County (Oakmont and Pittsburgh respectively).
There aren’t any Philadelphia lawmakers in the Democrats’ new leadership team.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
House Will Vote On Pension Reform
House Democratic leaders have reversed course, and will now hold a voting session Monday. Top Democrats had planned to come back and vote on a pension overhaul and other measures after the election, but suddenly canceled remaining voting days on Friday afternoon.
Dozens of rank-and-file Democrats protested. Many, including Bill DeWeese of Greene County, blamed Appropriations Committee Chair Dwight Evans for the cancellation.
"It was unilaterally Dwight. No doubt, no doubt."
One member said Evans felt threatened by a section of the pension bill creating a new legislative fiscal office.
Evans’ spokeswoman, Johnna Pro, disagrees.
"The Appropriations Chairman has no authority to cancel a voting session. That is the role of the Leader and the Speaker."
Berks County Democrat Thomas Caltagirone says Evans was threatened by the pension bill.
"The pension bill has a provision for fiscal oversight in there. That makes him extremely nervous."
Speaker Keith McCall has now informed members a voting session will take place on November 15th, at one o’clock.
A Republican spokesman warns the pension bill might not have as much support as it did before, though – saying members of both parties might vote no, thinking they can write a better bill next year, when Republicans take control.
Dozens of rank-and-file Democrats protested. Many, including Bill DeWeese of Greene County, blamed Appropriations Committee Chair Dwight Evans for the cancellation.
"It was unilaterally Dwight. No doubt, no doubt."
One member said Evans felt threatened by a section of the pension bill creating a new legislative fiscal office.
Evans’ spokeswoman, Johnna Pro, disagrees.
"The Appropriations Chairman has no authority to cancel a voting session. That is the role of the Leader and the Speaker."
Berks County Democrat Thomas Caltagirone says Evans was threatened by the pension bill.
"The pension bill has a provision for fiscal oversight in there. That makes him extremely nervous."
Speaker Keith McCall has now informed members a voting session will take place on November 15th, at one o’clock.
A Republican spokesman warns the pension bill might not have as much support as it did before, though – saying members of both parties might vote no, thinking they can write a better bill next year, when Republicans take control.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Dem Chair: "PA Doesn't Need a U-Turn"
Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Jim Burn believes the party's message of "moving forward" is resonating with voters. Burn says they've been telling voters that Pennsylvania and the nation do not need a U-turn........"We were fortunate in 2008 to avoid the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression. If we were to turn back now and give the Republican Tea Party another chance, they would, in my opinion, put us in a great depression."
Burn doesn't believe there is a trend toward Republican candidates in Pennsylvania like there seems to be in some other states. Burn says in the 5 months he has been chairman he has visited 30 counties including the so-called "T," the northern tier and central counties....
"I have not seen GOP fervor there. If anything, I have seen more Democratic enthusiasm in the middle of the state, and I have seen moderate Republicans' support for our (Democratic) candidates because they feel if they're being purged and pushed out of the Republican Party by the neo-conservative Tea Party."
Burn says he believes the polls show dead heats in the race for governor and the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania. However, a Franklin and Marshall College poll released last week showed Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett with a 42-30% lead over Democrat Dan Onorato with 26% undecided. Among likely voters, Corbett's lead was 51-35%.
The same poll showed Republican Senatorial candidate Pat Toomey with a 37-35% lead over Democrat Joe Sestak and a 43-36% edge among likely voters.
Burn says the Democratic Party has worked hard to keep engaged the young voters who went to the polls for the first time in 2008 to elect Barack Obama.
Burn doesn't believe there is a trend toward Republican candidates in Pennsylvania like there seems to be in some other states. Burn says in the 5 months he has been chairman he has visited 30 counties including the so-called "T," the northern tier and central counties....
"I have not seen GOP fervor there. If anything, I have seen more Democratic enthusiasm in the middle of the state, and I have seen moderate Republicans' support for our (Democratic) candidates because they feel if they're being purged and pushed out of the Republican Party by the neo-conservative Tea Party."
Burn says he believes the polls show dead heats in the race for governor and the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania. However, a Franklin and Marshall College poll released last week showed Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett with a 42-30% lead over Democrat Dan Onorato with 26% undecided. Among likely voters, Corbett's lead was 51-35%.
The same poll showed Republican Senatorial candidate Pat Toomey with a 37-35% lead over Democrat Joe Sestak and a 43-36% edge among likely voters.
Burn says the Democratic Party has worked hard to keep engaged the young voters who went to the polls for the first time in 2008 to elect Barack Obama.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Social Security to Play Roll in PA Elections
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has launched a new coalition that will try to focus voter’s attention on Social Security issues. The party announced Wednesday that “Pennsylvania Seniors to Save Social Security” will spend the next few weeks running senior-to-senior phone banks and holding events in key congressional districts. Party staffer Mark Metcalf says the efforts will try to inform voters, especially those at or near the age of receiving Social Security benefits, about plans moving in Washington to privatize the program and trim benefits. Seniors manning the phone banks will give their personal stories of how Social Security has made their lives better and then point out the differences among the candidates. Metcalf says he thinks the phone banks and the in-district events will reach the key voters and will make a big difference in November.
Congressman Mike Doyle (D- Swissvale) says protecting Social Security needs to be a part of every Pennsylvania voter’s decision process. The state has one of the highest populations of seniors by population and by percentage. He says in his district alone there more than 100-thousand Social Security recipients and some two million in the state. Doyle says there is a strong movement among some key Republicans make the changes.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Dems Pick McKeesport Mayor for Special Election
Democratic Committee members from Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties have selected their nominee for the November 2 special election to fill the State Senate seat vacated by Sean Logan. Logan resigned from the Senate August 24 to become Vice President of Community Relations for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). At yesterday's committee meeting in Delmont, McKeesport Mayor James Brewster received all 114 votes cast. Brewster's nomination must still be okayed by the the State Democratic Committee next week. Republican Committee members will select their nominee Friday for the special election to serve out the last 2 years of Logan's term.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Sestak: Dems Missed a Great Opportunity on Health Care
Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Sestak says he’ll vote for President Obama’s health care package this week but he thinks his party squandered its chance to produce a more comprehensive reform package.
Sestak, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Senator Arlen Specter in the May Primary, initially pushed to include a public health insurance program in the final bill, but dropped that demand when it became politically untenable last winter.
He says Congress could have passed a better bill sooner, if Democratic leaders hadn’t spent so much time trying to cut deals with individual Senators.
"They’re really more responsible -- because they focused on deal making, like Arlen Specter switching, and Ben Nelson, and deals with the insurance companies – rather than crafting the right strategy, explaining it to people and being out there as leaders. And I believe that."
The House is expected to vote on a health care package this weekend. Every Pennsylvania Democrat voted for an earlier version of the health care bill last year, except for Jason Altmire and Tim Holden.
Holden says he’ll vote “no” again, while Altmire is undecided.
If the measure passes, Senate Democrats will try to adopt the House changes using reconciliation, which bypasses the cloture vote Republicans could use to stall its passage.
President Obama says the plan will provide coverage for more than 30 million uninsured Americans.
Sestak, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Senator Arlen Specter in the May Primary, initially pushed to include a public health insurance program in the final bill, but dropped that demand when it became politically untenable last winter.
He says Congress could have passed a better bill sooner, if Democratic leaders hadn’t spent so much time trying to cut deals with individual Senators.
"They’re really more responsible -- because they focused on deal making, like Arlen Specter switching, and Ben Nelson, and deals with the insurance companies – rather than crafting the right strategy, explaining it to people and being out there as leaders. And I believe that."
The House is expected to vote on a health care package this weekend. Every Pennsylvania Democrat voted for an earlier version of the health care bill last year, except for Jason Altmire and Tim Holden.
Holden says he’ll vote “no” again, while Altmire is undecided.
If the measure passes, Senate Democrats will try to adopt the House changes using reconciliation, which bypasses the cloture vote Republicans could use to stall its passage.
President Obama says the plan will provide coverage for more than 30 million uninsured Americans.
Monday, March 1, 2010
GOP, Dems Plan to Pick Candidates for Murtha Seat
Republicans and Democrats will select their candidates for the special election to fill John Murtha’s Congressional seat in the coming weeks.
Democrats from the 12th Congressional District will convene in Delmont, Westmoreland County on March 6th to recommend a candidate for the May 18th special election.
But, as State Party Chairman TJ Rooney points out, their choice won’t be binding.
"It is, at the end of the day, the responsibility of the executive committee. And members of the executive committee will receive and weigh information from a myriad of sources, including polling that’s been done in the district."
Rooney says Democratic party officials will make the final decision on March 8th.
A few days later, Republicans will convene in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, to select their candidate. Republican spokesman Michael Barley says the GOP conference will be made up of representatives selected by county parties.
"Their county party bylaws dictate. They do not need to be committee members at all. It’s up to the counties. Different counties have different ways of selecting conferees. Some, the county chair selects them. The only requirement we have is that they’re Republicans living in the district."
Unlike the Democrats, that session’s pick will be final.
When voting to fill Murtha’s seat May 18, 12th District residents will also select general election nominees for the next Congressional term.
Rooney says Democrats will try to make sure they have the same candidate in each race.
Republican spokesman Mike Barley says it’s too early to know whether the GOP will do the same.
Democrats from the 12th Congressional District will convene in Delmont, Westmoreland County on March 6th to recommend a candidate for the May 18th special election.
But, as State Party Chairman TJ Rooney points out, their choice won’t be binding.
"It is, at the end of the day, the responsibility of the executive committee. And members of the executive committee will receive and weigh information from a myriad of sources, including polling that’s been done in the district."
Rooney says Democratic party officials will make the final decision on March 8th.
A few days later, Republicans will convene in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, to select their candidate. Republican spokesman Michael Barley says the GOP conference will be made up of representatives selected by county parties.
"Their county party bylaws dictate. They do not need to be committee members at all. It’s up to the counties. Different counties have different ways of selecting conferees. Some, the county chair selects them. The only requirement we have is that they’re Republicans living in the district."
Unlike the Democrats, that session’s pick will be final.
When voting to fill Murtha’s seat May 18, 12th District residents will also select general election nominees for the next Congressional term.
Rooney says Democrats will try to make sure they have the same candidate in each race.
Republican spokesman Mike Barley says it’s too early to know whether the GOP will do the same.
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