The Pennsylvania state House approved the 2011-2012 budget with a little more than 24 hours to spare. Republicans are praising the spending plan for holding the line on taxes but democrats say the GOP decision to not tax shale gas extraction or use more of the budget surplus made the budget more painful than it needed to be.
“We’ve been saying, we don’t want to take money from other line items, there’s enough pain in the budget you’ve introduced. We want to spend the surplus and we want to use new revenue – Marcellus shale—and other revenues that we’ve introduced bills on to plug these holes,” said Luzerne County Democrat Phyllis Mundy during floor debate.
Democrats had urged the Republicans to spend the $650 million dollar surplus built up over the current fiscal year as income topped projections. Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Bill Adolph said using surplus money would not cover what the commonwealth owes in liabilities. “Fifty-point-two billion dollars in liabilities and we’re here we’re talking about anywhere between two, three, four hundred million dollars in unanticipated revenue. So you can’t compare millions dollars in cash with billions of dollars in liabilities,” said Adolph.
The Republican leadership ultimately brought forward an additional $200 million. The bill passed on a nearly party-line vote, 109-92.
Democratic House Appropriations Committee Chairman Joe Markosek said the budget is full of gimmicks, “I think it's the Houdini budget, you know, as I just stand here we can think of I'm sure a lot of other terms.” Among the “gimmicks” is a requirement that the PA Department of Welfare find $400 million in savings in its budget and the listing of $100 million dollars to be spent in the next 12 months in the 2012-2013 budget.
Funding for education at all levels will be lower than the current year. The State System of Higher Education will see an 18% cut and state-related universities will see a 19% drop. Community college funding will fall 10%. Child welfare and the Department of Health will also see cuts. Spending will increase for state police and state courts.
The Governor is expected to sign the bill tomorrow – it will be the first on-time budget in nine years and the first time in more than four decades that the budget has been smaller than the year before.
Showing posts with label Tom Corbett. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tom Corbett. Show all posts
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
No Impact Fee for Now
State House Republicans say they will not pursue a Marcellus Shale drilling impact fee or severance tax before the summer recess.
After talk of three different amendments to attach an impact fee to a standing proposal before the House, the Republicans signaled a reversal.
The call to stand down came after Governor Tom Corbett again drew a line in the sand: that he won’t talk impact fee until he gets the final report from his appointed Marcellus Shale Impact Commission led by Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley.
"I’m going to be supporting the work of my lieutenant governor. I have sent the message back-- if something gets to my desk, it will be vetoed."
Senate President Pro Temp Joe Scarnati introduced a drilling impact fee bill and has said passing a budget would be tough without also passing a fee on drillers. But his top aide acknowledges pushing a fee in the House now would be a poor use of time.
The House Republicans say they’ll revisit the Marcellus Shale issue in the fall – after they get a report from the lieutenant governor. House Democrats have said the proposed amendments only gave the illusion that House Republicans were serious about passing an impact fee, given the Governor’s promise of a veto.
After talk of three different amendments to attach an impact fee to a standing proposal before the House, the Republicans signaled a reversal.
The call to stand down came after Governor Tom Corbett again drew a line in the sand: that he won’t talk impact fee until he gets the final report from his appointed Marcellus Shale Impact Commission led by Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley.
"I’m going to be supporting the work of my lieutenant governor. I have sent the message back-- if something gets to my desk, it will be vetoed."
Senate President Pro Temp Joe Scarnati introduced a drilling impact fee bill and has said passing a budget would be tough without also passing a fee on drillers. But his top aide acknowledges pushing a fee in the House now would be a poor use of time.
The House Republicans say they’ll revisit the Marcellus Shale issue in the fall – after they get a report from the lieutenant governor. House Democrats have said the proposed amendments only gave the illusion that House Republicans were serious about passing an impact fee, given the Governor’s promise of a veto.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Governor Signs Unemployment Bill
Some 45,000 Pennsylvanians will continue to receive 13 weeks of emergency jobless benefits from the federal government. Governor Tom Corbett has signed unemployment compensation reform legislation that was required in order to continue the emergency benefits. The measure also ensures that an estimated 90,000 other unemployed Pennsylvanians will qualify for the extra 13 weeks of benefits. The signing came just hours after the Senate passed the legislation. The House approved it Thursday.
The changes are expected to save the state about $117 million by limiting future increases in the maximum weekly payments. Another change requires individuals to actively seek employment as a condition of receiving benefits.
The changes are expected to save the state about $117 million by limiting future increases in the maximum weekly payments. Another change requires individuals to actively seek employment as a condition of receiving benefits.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Protesters Want More Human Services Funding
Local human services advocates rallied outside Governor Tom Corbett’s Pittsburgh office today to protest the House Republican budget proposal.
The House plan sets aside $10.7 billion for the Department of Public Welfare, about $471 million less than Corbett’s proposal. Last year’s DPW budget was $10.6 billion.
Just Harvest Co-Director Tara Marks says Harrisburg leaders should put $500 million from the budget surplus toward the DPW to fund it to Corbett’s proposed level.
Jim Franciscus of the Allegheny County Assistance Office says his department is understaffed and dealing with 22% more paperwork than ever before, so more funding is necessary to counteract a growing need.
Erin Gill of the PA Health Access Network also came out to protest the elimination of the adultBasic health insurance program, which provided coverage to 45,000 Pennsylvanians before it was terminated in February.
“But slashing these services isn’t enough for the Governor,” says Gill. “He’s taking it one step farther: taking dollars set aside in the Tobacco Settlement for health care and using them to start a new state-subsidized loan program for businesses, called Liberty Loans.”
The protesters toted umbrellas in the sunny weather, an allusion to Republican legislators’ idea to leave the $500 million tax surplus in a “rainy day fund.”
The House plan sets aside $10.7 billion for the Department of Public Welfare, about $471 million less than Corbett’s proposal. Last year’s DPW budget was $10.6 billion.
Just Harvest Co-Director Tara Marks says Harrisburg leaders should put $500 million from the budget surplus toward the DPW to fund it to Corbett’s proposed level.
Jim Franciscus of the Allegheny County Assistance Office says his department is understaffed and dealing with 22% more paperwork than ever before, so more funding is necessary to counteract a growing need.
Erin Gill of the PA Health Access Network also came out to protest the elimination of the adultBasic health insurance program, which provided coverage to 45,000 Pennsylvanians before it was terminated in February.
“But slashing these services isn’t enough for the Governor,” says Gill. “He’s taking it one step farther: taking dollars set aside in the Tobacco Settlement for health care and using them to start a new state-subsidized loan program for businesses, called Liberty Loans.”
The protesters toted umbrellas in the sunny weather, an allusion to Republican legislators’ idea to leave the $500 million tax surplus in a “rainy day fund.”
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Trumka: PA Should Use Surplus on Infrastructrure
Governor Tom Corbett has made it clear he respects public employee unions’ right to collective bargaining. That isn’t enough for the AFL-CIO’s national president, Richard Trumka, who visited Harrisburg Monday afternoon for a fundraiser thrown by House Democrat Bill DeWeese.
The Corbett Administration is in the midst of budget negotiations with 17 public employees unions, and wants state workers to accept four percent pay cuts and furlough days. But, in a departure from the way other Republican governors across the country have treated labor, Corbett has negotiated with unions in good faith, in the weeks before the June 30th deadline for new deals.
Trumka, a western Pennsylvania native, said he isn’t impressed. “It’s a step up, but we still ought to be going in the same direction, to create jobs,” he said. “And we shouldn’t have everything off the table. You shouldn’t sign a pledge before you take office that say you’ll do no revenue enhancers, and then say, we don’t have the money for education, we don’t have the money to job create. That puts the public at a disadvantage.” He later added Corbett and House Republican leaders’ plan to bank $540 million of unexpected tax revenue in a rainy day fund, rather than spend it, “isn’t fair.”
How can a state government create jobs when it’s facing a multi-billion dollar structural deficit? Trumka, taking a page from Governor Rendell’s old playbook, said the answer is, “infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure,” explaining, “It puts people back to work, it makes us more competitive as a nation, and it ultimately makes us more environmentally sound. There’s retrofitting we can do to buildings that exist. We can put hundreds of thousands of people back to work retrofitting and greening buildings up. There’s money to be done with all of that.”
When a reporter floated the suggestion Republicans had won power in Pennsylvania and Washington by campaigning against the very government spending that’s needed for massive infrastructure projects, Trumka disagreed. “What they argued for is that they’re going to do job creation. …And now they’re doing everything but job creation. And that’s why their poll numbers are falling like a large rock in a deep pond.”
Other notable quotes from Trumka’s session with reporters: he said a “right to work” bill in front of the House, which would give public employees the right to opt out of unions, will never become law. Why? “Because we will stop it, and most people understand it’s a foolhardy thing. It results in lower wages for state workers – for everybody, private and public employees. What legislator actually wants to lower wages for people in the state, at a time when they’re struggling to get by?”
And finally, Trumka told the press he was at the DeWeese fundraiser due to “45 years of friendship.” We asked why he thought DeWeese won reelection, despite facing multiple corruption charges for allegedly conducting campaign work with state resources. Trumka chalked it up to years of dedicated service. “You can’t go to a township in his district – which happens to be my home district, by the way – where people haven’t been helped, because of Bill’s efforts,” he said. “He never forgot that. He probably knows that district better than anybody, and he’s probably talked to every constituent in that district at least once. He works hard.”
The Corbett Administration is in the midst of budget negotiations with 17 public employees unions, and wants state workers to accept four percent pay cuts and furlough days. But, in a departure from the way other Republican governors across the country have treated labor, Corbett has negotiated with unions in good faith, in the weeks before the June 30th deadline for new deals.
Trumka, a western Pennsylvania native, said he isn’t impressed. “It’s a step up, but we still ought to be going in the same direction, to create jobs,” he said. “And we shouldn’t have everything off the table. You shouldn’t sign a pledge before you take office that say you’ll do no revenue enhancers, and then say, we don’t have the money for education, we don’t have the money to job create. That puts the public at a disadvantage.” He later added Corbett and House Republican leaders’ plan to bank $540 million of unexpected tax revenue in a rainy day fund, rather than spend it, “isn’t fair.”
How can a state government create jobs when it’s facing a multi-billion dollar structural deficit? Trumka, taking a page from Governor Rendell’s old playbook, said the answer is, “infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure,” explaining, “It puts people back to work, it makes us more competitive as a nation, and it ultimately makes us more environmentally sound. There’s retrofitting we can do to buildings that exist. We can put hundreds of thousands of people back to work retrofitting and greening buildings up. There’s money to be done with all of that.”
When a reporter floated the suggestion Republicans had won power in Pennsylvania and Washington by campaigning against the very government spending that’s needed for massive infrastructure projects, Trumka disagreed. “What they argued for is that they’re going to do job creation. …And now they’re doing everything but job creation. And that’s why their poll numbers are falling like a large rock in a deep pond.”
Other notable quotes from Trumka’s session with reporters: he said a “right to work” bill in front of the House, which would give public employees the right to opt out of unions, will never become law. Why? “Because we will stop it, and most people understand it’s a foolhardy thing. It results in lower wages for state workers – for everybody, private and public employees. What legislator actually wants to lower wages for people in the state, at a time when they’re struggling to get by?”
And finally, Trumka told the press he was at the DeWeese fundraiser due to “45 years of friendship.” We asked why he thought DeWeese won reelection, despite facing multiple corruption charges for allegedly conducting campaign work with state resources. Trumka chalked it up to years of dedicated service. “You can’t go to a township in his district – which happens to be my home district, by the way – where people haven’t been helped, because of Bill’s efforts,” he said. “He never forgot that. He probably knows that district better than anybody, and he’s probably talked to every constituent in that district at least once. He works hard.”
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
State Workers Protest
A few dozen state workers gathered outside of Governor Tom Corbett's Pittsburgh office to hold a protest rally on Tuesday afternoon.
The workers were from SEIU 668, Pennsylvania Social Services Union. Many of the workers gathered were social workers with the Department of Public Welfare. They said that with each increasing year of cuts, their jobs get harder to do and the need gets larger.
"People from all walks of life utilize our services," said Jim Franciscus, who helped organize the protest.
The protesters were against Corbett's proposed financial cuts, including furloughs, cuts to schools, home health care services and medical assistance. They marched, waving signs and attracting attention on the busy city street.
The workers were from SEIU 668, Pennsylvania Social Services Union. Many of the workers gathered were social workers with the Department of Public Welfare. They said that with each increasing year of cuts, their jobs get harder to do and the need gets larger.
"People from all walks of life utilize our services," said Jim Franciscus, who helped organize the protest.
The protesters were against Corbett's proposed financial cuts, including furloughs, cuts to schools, home health care services and medical assistance. They marched, waving signs and attracting attention on the busy city street.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Concessions Asked From State Workers' Unions
Negotiations between the Corbett Administration and 17 unions representing state employees are heating up, with the June 30th deadline for new contracts approaching.
In his March budget address, Corbett pointed out public employees’ salaries have steadily increased over the past few years, despite billion-dollar state deficits and a shrinking private sector. “With that in mind, we will be looking for salary rollbacks and freezes from state employees, as well as asking them to increase their contributions for health care benefits,” he said. Unlike several other Republican governors across the country, Corbett has made it clear he respects public employees’ right to collective bargaining. But in his speech, he added this message to union leaders. “Collective bargaining doesn’t mean some ill-defined middle ground. It means finding a spot where things work. In this case it’s going to have to work for the good of the taxpayer, or it’s not going to work at all.”
The Corbett Administration needs to finalize new contracts with 17 different unions by the end of the month. Dave Fillman, who heads the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, said talks have been “cordial” so far, and that three more meetings have been scheduled, but the heavy lifting hasn’t happened yet. “We still have the 4 percent wage reduction and the 5 rolling furlough days, which was in the original proposal. And we’re hoping we can make some movement in that area. We already offered the one-year wage extension with no increase, but that was rejected.”
AFSCME represents 45,000 state workers. An AP story reported the Corbett Administration is concentrating its efforts on negotiations with Fillman’s union, and hopes to use their eventual deal as a template for contracts with other groups.
In his March budget address, Corbett pointed out public employees’ salaries have steadily increased over the past few years, despite billion-dollar state deficits and a shrinking private sector. “With that in mind, we will be looking for salary rollbacks and freezes from state employees, as well as asking them to increase their contributions for health care benefits,” he said. Unlike several other Republican governors across the country, Corbett has made it clear he respects public employees’ right to collective bargaining. But in his speech, he added this message to union leaders. “Collective bargaining doesn’t mean some ill-defined middle ground. It means finding a spot where things work. In this case it’s going to have to work for the good of the taxpayer, or it’s not going to work at all.”
The Corbett Administration needs to finalize new contracts with 17 different unions by the end of the month. Dave Fillman, who heads the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, said talks have been “cordial” so far, and that three more meetings have been scheduled, but the heavy lifting hasn’t happened yet. “We still have the 4 percent wage reduction and the 5 rolling furlough days, which was in the original proposal. And we’re hoping we can make some movement in that area. We already offered the one-year wage extension with no increase, but that was rejected.”
AFSCME represents 45,000 state workers. An AP story reported the Corbett Administration is concentrating its efforts on negotiations with Fillman’s union, and hopes to use their eventual deal as a template for contracts with other groups.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Susan Corbett Wants Arts Funds Restored to Budget
Susan Corbett, Chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts and First Lady of the Commonwealth wants money restored to the state budget.
According to newspapers, the House Appropriations Committee cut funds for the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts from the governor's proposed budget. According to Susan Corbett, speaking at the Arts Council Annual Meeting on Wednesday morning, Tom Corbett had left the arts funding in this year's budget the same as last years. But the money that the House Committee cut, approximately $6 million dollars is mostly in administrative costs. The arts are currently funded at $8.2 million dollars.
"This reduction in funding is pretty shocking and actually takes the level of funding back to 1979, 1980 levels of funding. Which means we just lost 30 years of advocacy for the arts," she said at the meeting.
Corbett says that money pays off in people's quality of life.
According to newspapers, the House Appropriations Committee cut funds for the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts from the governor's proposed budget. According to Susan Corbett, speaking at the Arts Council Annual Meeting on Wednesday morning, Tom Corbett had left the arts funding in this year's budget the same as last years. But the money that the House Committee cut, approximately $6 million dollars is mostly in administrative costs. The arts are currently funded at $8.2 million dollars.
"This reduction in funding is pretty shocking and actually takes the level of funding back to 1979, 1980 levels of funding. Which means we just lost 30 years of advocacy for the arts," she said at the meeting.
Corbett says that money pays off in people's quality of life.
Protesters Don't Get To Meet With Governor
Harrisburg briefly took on the feel of Madison, Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon, when anti-drilling protesters staged a sit-in outside Governor Corbett’s office. Chants of “Corbett’s a Coward!” and “open the door!” rang out, as filmmaker Josh Fox and other environmental advocates unsuccessfully tried to schedule a meeting with the governor.
Fox, whose Academy Award-nominated documentary Gasland has become a rallying point for drilling opponents, told reporters he’s been trying to meet with Corbett for months. “We have sent letters. We have sent emails. We have sent phone calls. We have sent letters on behalf of huge numbers of people. We have never received a response,” he explained.
Fox and the other protesters made their way to Corbett’s office after a noon rally in the Capitol rotunda organized by environmental groups Clean Water Action, PennEnvironment and the Sierra Club. Myron Arnowitt, Clean Water Action’s western Pennsylvania director, said he’s frustrated. “Drilling has been going on in Pennsylvania for almost four years now. And what has our state legislature done? They have done nothing. Nothing. The problem keeps getting bigger and bigger. They keep drilling more wells. They keep having more blowouts. They keep contaminating more rivers.” Arnowitt and other speakers called for a moratorium on drilling – a politically unlikely action the rally’s crowd clearly endorsed. When Democratic Senator Daylin Leach voiced support for a severance tax, he was drowned out by calls for a full ban on drilling.
When the rally ended, many of the attendees visited lawmakers’ offices, to personally lobby for stricter regulations. Fox and several dozen other activists headed to the Capitol’s executive wing. “We were stopped at the door. We were told to call. I called several times,” Fox explained. “We had a few entertaining conversations about why they wouldn’t just come to the door and speak to us. I was sent to the scheduling person, who hung up on me. We are demanding that we have an appointment with Governor Tom Corbett to discuss what’s happening in Pennsylvania as a result of the gas drilling.”
Video shot by Roxbury News shows Fox and other organizers were less than polite about their request. “Are you telling me…that only certain people have the authority to open doors?,” he asked a Corbett staffer on the phone. Fox then pretended to be a member of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, as other protesters yelled and waved money in the air.
Regardless of their tactics, the environmental advocates aren’t alone in the frustration. Two weeks ago, a group of disabled people picketed Corbett’s office, after their attempts to set up a meeting about the Republican’s budget were been repeatedly ignored.
Many members of the press have had similar experiences. Corbett’s spokesman, Kevin Harley, ignored repeated requests for comment on this story, and hasn’t returned a call from this reporter since February 22.
Corbett was in Harrisburg on Tuesday. He gave an off-the-record talk to a group organized by Republican strategist Charlie Gerow in the morning, and headed to Washington, DC in the evening to attend a state dinner at the White House.
The anti-drilling activists have vowed to return on July 20th. They say they’ll spend all day -- and all night – at the Capitol, if they don’t get a meeting.
Fox, whose Academy Award-nominated documentary Gasland has become a rallying point for drilling opponents, told reporters he’s been trying to meet with Corbett for months. “We have sent letters. We have sent emails. We have sent phone calls. We have sent letters on behalf of huge numbers of people. We have never received a response,” he explained.
Fox and the other protesters made their way to Corbett’s office after a noon rally in the Capitol rotunda organized by environmental groups Clean Water Action, PennEnvironment and the Sierra Club. Myron Arnowitt, Clean Water Action’s western Pennsylvania director, said he’s frustrated. “Drilling has been going on in Pennsylvania for almost four years now. And what has our state legislature done? They have done nothing. Nothing. The problem keeps getting bigger and bigger. They keep drilling more wells. They keep having more blowouts. They keep contaminating more rivers.” Arnowitt and other speakers called for a moratorium on drilling – a politically unlikely action the rally’s crowd clearly endorsed. When Democratic Senator Daylin Leach voiced support for a severance tax, he was drowned out by calls for a full ban on drilling.
When the rally ended, many of the attendees visited lawmakers’ offices, to personally lobby for stricter regulations. Fox and several dozen other activists headed to the Capitol’s executive wing. “We were stopped at the door. We were told to call. I called several times,” Fox explained. “We had a few entertaining conversations about why they wouldn’t just come to the door and speak to us. I was sent to the scheduling person, who hung up on me. We are demanding that we have an appointment with Governor Tom Corbett to discuss what’s happening in Pennsylvania as a result of the gas drilling.”
Video shot by Roxbury News shows Fox and other organizers were less than polite about their request. “Are you telling me…that only certain people have the authority to open doors?,” he asked a Corbett staffer on the phone. Fox then pretended to be a member of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, as other protesters yelled and waved money in the air.
Regardless of their tactics, the environmental advocates aren’t alone in the frustration. Two weeks ago, a group of disabled people picketed Corbett’s office, after their attempts to set up a meeting about the Republican’s budget were been repeatedly ignored.
Many members of the press have had similar experiences. Corbett’s spokesman, Kevin Harley, ignored repeated requests for comment on this story, and hasn’t returned a call from this reporter since February 22.
Corbett was in Harrisburg on Tuesday. He gave an off-the-record talk to a group organized by Republican strategist Charlie Gerow in the morning, and headed to Washington, DC in the evening to attend a state dinner at the White House.
The anti-drilling activists have vowed to return on July 20th. They say they’ll spend all day -- and all night – at the Capitol, if they don’t get a meeting.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Still Assessing Storm Damage, Extension Sought
Governor Tom Corbett has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, to extend its May 24 deadline for Pennsylvania to request a major disaster declaration for damage from recent severe storms.
The governor said that flooding, high winds and tornadoes have battered much of the state....
"Repeated heavy rains here and in neighboring states have left rivers and streams running higher and faster than normal. In addition, with each storm local officials are busy with critical life safety and property preservation efforts than can delay their opportunity to thoroughly assess damages in a timely manner."
The governor said the extension would give local and state officials needed time to assess infrastructure damage that currently can't be seen due to high water and inaccessible roadways particularly in rural areas.
The governor said that flooding, high winds and tornadoes have battered much of the state....
"Repeated heavy rains here and in neighboring states have left rivers and streams running higher and faster than normal. In addition, with each storm local officials are busy with critical life safety and property preservation efforts than can delay their opportunity to thoroughly assess damages in a timely manner."
The governor said the extension would give local and state officials needed time to assess infrastructure damage that currently can't be seen due to high water and inaccessible roadways particularly in rural areas.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Corbett Leaves Hospital
Doctors at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh have discharged Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett. Corbett had been in the hospital since Monday morning when he underwent back surgery.
The governor is expected to spend the rest of the week in his Shaler home recuperating and working by phone and email. "We might go into town to the office (the governor's Western Pennsylvania office in downtown Pittsburgh) for a little bit," Corbett said. "We'll be back in the office in Harrisburg on Monday."
The 61-year old Corbett was surgically treated for a spinal stenosis, which had resulted in persistent leg and back pain and weakness. "During the last 2 campaigns, it started bothering me a little bit, kept trying to put it off but decided I couldn't put it off any longer, and my goodness how much better I feel."
The governor thanked the hospital staff for taking good care of him.
The governor is expected to spend the rest of the week in his Shaler home recuperating and working by phone and email. "We might go into town to the office (the governor's Western Pennsylvania office in downtown Pittsburgh) for a little bit," Corbett said. "We'll be back in the office in Harrisburg on Monday."
The 61-year old Corbett was surgically treated for a spinal stenosis, which had resulted in persistent leg and back pain and weakness. "During the last 2 campaigns, it started bothering me a little bit, kept trying to put it off but decided I couldn't put it off any longer, and my goodness how much better I feel."
The governor thanked the hospital staff for taking good care of him.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Vouchers Bill Still on Hold
Two key portions of Governor Tom Corbett’s education platform made progress in the Pennsylvania General Assembly last week. But a third initiative – a school vouchers bill -- may be stalled until the fall, or later.
The Senate passed a bill giving school districts the right to lay teachers off for economic reasons, and a House committee approved a measure requiring voter referendums for property tax increases above the rate of inflation. Corbett called for the referendum bill in his budget address, and wants to give schools more flexibility to cut costs.
But a high-profile school vouchers bill continues to stall in the Senate, and won’t be called to a vote until House leaders begin to actively negotiate its details, according to Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi. “We believe that we could accomplish it before the post-budget break,” he said, “but that would require a different approach by the House than we’ve seen so far.” Senate leaders initially planned for an April vote on the vouchers bill, but they pulled it from the table after the Corbett Administration failed to wholeheartedly endorse its language. A modified measure, delaying the program until 2012 and capping its costs, has been introduced, but no vote is scheduled.
House Republicans are leery of the vouchers bill. Instead of negotiating on the vouchers legislation, they passed a measure expanding a tax credit meant to spur private scholarship donations. Senate Education Committee Chair Jeff Piccola has said the Educational Improvement Tax Credit bill is “dead on arrival” in the upper chamber. Pileggi effectively said the same thing, but in more muted terms. “We’re committed to addressing both issues [the EITC expansion and vouchers] in one bill at the same time,” he said. “It serves no one’s purposes to divide the issues, and only deal with vouchers or only deal with the educational improvement tax credit expansion.”
The Senate passed a bill giving school districts the right to lay teachers off for economic reasons, and a House committee approved a measure requiring voter referendums for property tax increases above the rate of inflation. Corbett called for the referendum bill in his budget address, and wants to give schools more flexibility to cut costs.
But a high-profile school vouchers bill continues to stall in the Senate, and won’t be called to a vote until House leaders begin to actively negotiate its details, according to Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi. “We believe that we could accomplish it before the post-budget break,” he said, “but that would require a different approach by the House than we’ve seen so far.” Senate leaders initially planned for an April vote on the vouchers bill, but they pulled it from the table after the Corbett Administration failed to wholeheartedly endorse its language. A modified measure, delaying the program until 2012 and capping its costs, has been introduced, but no vote is scheduled.
House Republicans are leery of the vouchers bill. Instead of negotiating on the vouchers legislation, they passed a measure expanding a tax credit meant to spur private scholarship donations. Senate Education Committee Chair Jeff Piccola has said the Educational Improvement Tax Credit bill is “dead on arrival” in the upper chamber. Pileggi effectively said the same thing, but in more muted terms. “We’re committed to addressing both issues [the EITC expansion and vouchers] in one bill at the same time,” he said. “It serves no one’s purposes to divide the issues, and only deal with vouchers or only deal with the educational improvement tax credit expansion.”
Monday, May 16, 2011
Corbett Comes Through Back Surgery
At 7:15 Monday morning Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett signed over control of the executive branch to Lt. Governor Jim Cawley as he went under general anesthesia for back surgery. 90 minutes later he was in the recovery room, taking back control following what doctors are calling a successful surgery.
Corbett began complaining of pain and weakness in his legs during the campaign. “There were a lot of hours in the car and standing at receptions so… [he] thought at first that once he was off the campaign trail and with a few months of exercising it would improve,” said Corbett’s wife Susan, “When it didn’t we started investigating what the issue was. “
The issue turned out to be spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal that results in a compression of nerves. In the Governor’s case the compression was in his lower back. Allegheny General Hospital Orthopedic Spine Trauma surgeon Dr. Mark Fye says the prognosis for recover is good. “He might have some residual numbness and I do believe his back pain will settle down over the next few days,” said Fye. Corbett apparently had been suffering from some level of back and leg pain for nearly three years.
Corbett will be given a patient administered pain killer for the first few hours and then will be given prescription pain killers to be take by mouth after that.
Doctors say the biggest post operative risk associated with this procedure is deep vein thrombosis or blood clots. “The quicker that someone will become ambulatory the better for the patient,” said Fye. Doctors expect to have Corbett up and walking later today. Special boots used to enhance circulation in the legs are also being used and the governor will resume a course of daily aspirin in a few days.
Corbett began complaining of pain and weakness in his legs during the campaign. “There were a lot of hours in the car and standing at receptions so… [he] thought at first that once he was off the campaign trail and with a few months of exercising it would improve,” said Corbett’s wife Susan, “When it didn’t we started investigating what the issue was. “
The issue turned out to be spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal that results in a compression of nerves. In the Governor’s case the compression was in his lower back. Allegheny General Hospital Orthopedic Spine Trauma surgeon Dr. Mark Fye says the prognosis for recover is good. “He might have some residual numbness and I do believe his back pain will settle down over the next few days,” said Fye. Corbett apparently had been suffering from some level of back and leg pain for nearly three years.
Corbett will be given a patient administered pain killer for the first few hours and then will be given prescription pain killers to be take by mouth after that.
Doctors say the biggest post operative risk associated with this procedure is deep vein thrombosis or blood clots. “The quicker that someone will become ambulatory the better for the patient,” said Fye. Doctors expect to have Corbett up and walking later today. Special boots used to enhance circulation in the legs are also being used and the governor will resume a course of daily aspirin in a few days.
Governor Out of Surgery
Tom Corbett has resumed his duties as governor of Pennsylvania after undergoing back surgery this morning at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley said that the governor has regained consciousness and that Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley was no longer serving as acting governor. The surgery is part of the 61 year old Corbett's treatment for spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that can lead to pain and decreased activity. Physicians are to discuss the governor's surgery at a news conference at this hour.
More details coming on 90.5 FM and at wduq.org/news
More details coming on 90.5 FM and at wduq.org/news
Cawley to be 2nd Acting Governor
When Governor Corbett temporarily transfers power to Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley today, the former Bucks County commissioner will become just the second acting governor in Pennsylvania history.
The first, Democrat Mark Singel, has some advice: “Stay alert, keep your phone on, and don’t rock the boat,” he said, during a Friday afternoon interview.
Singel and Cawley’s circumstances are much different. Cawley will only hold the job for a few hours, while Singel served as acting governor for six months, when Governor Bob Casey recovered from a double transplant in 1993. Still, Singel said there’s always a possibility Cawley will need to make some tough decisions. He pointed to Casey’s 1987 heart surgery. “When he was actually being operated, right at that exact time, we had a major tanker spill right on the Schuylkill Expressway.” The problem was, Casey hadn’t transferred power to Singel, and the Democrat worried he didn’t have the authority to issue an evacuation order – a step staffers were debating, but ultimately didn’t need to take.
“The lieutenant governor is required to take action, so you must equip him with the powers to do-so, whether you’re going to be out of it for an hour, or a day, or six months,” said Singel, calling the ’87 non-transfer a mistake. “It’s not a question of politics or power or anything like that. It’s a question of protection of the commonwealth’s citizens. You cannot even for a short time leave the executive powers of the governor in question. Somebody has to hold the pen in his hand.”
During a brief hallway interview at the Capitol, Corbett declined a chance to give Cawley some public advice. “I’m not going there,” he said. Cawley did not return a call for comment. Corbett will remain hospitalized for one or two days after the operation, but will reclaim his authority as soon as he wakes up post-surgery.
The first, Democrat Mark Singel, has some advice: “Stay alert, keep your phone on, and don’t rock the boat,” he said, during a Friday afternoon interview.
Singel and Cawley’s circumstances are much different. Cawley will only hold the job for a few hours, while Singel served as acting governor for six months, when Governor Bob Casey recovered from a double transplant in 1993. Still, Singel said there’s always a possibility Cawley will need to make some tough decisions. He pointed to Casey’s 1987 heart surgery. “When he was actually being operated, right at that exact time, we had a major tanker spill right on the Schuylkill Expressway.” The problem was, Casey hadn’t transferred power to Singel, and the Democrat worried he didn’t have the authority to issue an evacuation order – a step staffers were debating, but ultimately didn’t need to take.
“The lieutenant governor is required to take action, so you must equip him with the powers to do-so, whether you’re going to be out of it for an hour, or a day, or six months,” said Singel, calling the ’87 non-transfer a mistake. “It’s not a question of politics or power or anything like that. It’s a question of protection of the commonwealth’s citizens. You cannot even for a short time leave the executive powers of the governor in question. Somebody has to hold the pen in his hand.”
During a brief hallway interview at the Capitol, Corbett declined a chance to give Cawley some public advice. “I’m not going there,” he said. Cawley did not return a call for comment. Corbett will remain hospitalized for one or two days after the operation, but will reclaim his authority as soon as he wakes up post-surgery.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Corbett to Have Back Surgery
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett will undergo back surgery in Pittsburgh Monday at Allegheny
General Hospital as part of his treatment for spinal stenosis. A release from his office describes the surgery as a routine procedure.
While Corbett is under anesthesia, Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley will serve as acting governor.
The statement says Corbett is expected to be in the hospital for one or two days but plans to resume his duties while recuperating at his suburban Pittsburgh home by Tuesday. His office says he plans to return to Harrisburg by the end of the week.
Spinal stenosis, most commonly caused by aging, is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can lead to persistent pain and decreased physical activity.
General Hospital as part of his treatment for spinal stenosis. A release from his office describes the surgery as a routine procedure.
While Corbett is under anesthesia, Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley will serve as acting governor.
The statement says Corbett is expected to be in the hospital for one or two days but plans to resume his duties while recuperating at his suburban Pittsburgh home by Tuesday. His office says he plans to return to Harrisburg by the end of the week.
Spinal stenosis, most commonly caused by aging, is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can lead to persistent pain and decreased physical activity.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Distribution of Red Light Grants Help Out Allegheny County
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has been granted $858,133 for improving traffic signals in distressed communities. The money is part of 8.4 million dollars for transportation projects throughout the state collected from red light camera enforcement in Philadelphia. According to state law the revenue from the red light camera is divided evenly between the city of Philadelphia and the state.
Legislation was approved by the State Senate to allow rid light cameras in Pittsburgh and other cities but did not get out of the House.
Domenic D'Andrea, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Transportation Planner, says the goal of the program is to optimize traffic signals. "Making our signals more efficient leads to reduced delay to the motorists, reduced congestion, reduced emissions, and reduced fuel consumption."
D'Andrea says that the current program that they have now allows municipalities to receive federal funding for signals if they agree to pay for 20% of the project, but some of the more distressed ones focus on keeping services available than updating signals. He says that this money will help those municipalities come up with the money.
The money the Commission received will go to its second round of traffic signal projects set to begin construction in 2012 and finish by the end of 2013.
Legislation was approved by the State Senate to allow rid light cameras in Pittsburgh and other cities but did not get out of the House.
Domenic D'Andrea, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Transportation Planner, says the goal of the program is to optimize traffic signals. "Making our signals more efficient leads to reduced delay to the motorists, reduced congestion, reduced emissions, and reduced fuel consumption."
D'Andrea says that the current program that they have now allows municipalities to receive federal funding for signals if they agree to pay for 20% of the project, but some of the more distressed ones focus on keeping services available than updating signals. He says that this money will help those municipalities come up with the money.
The money the Commission received will go to its second round of traffic signal projects set to begin construction in 2012 and finish by the end of 2013.
What Should State Do With Increased Income?
Pennsylvania’s tax revenue is currently more than $500 million dollars above expectations. Governor Corbett wants to put the extra money into a reserve fund, and push forward with his plan to cut about a billion dollars from last year’s budget. He’s insisted over and over again that “27.3 [billion] is the number,” and he won’t go a cent higher.
But as the surplus continues to grow, Senate Republicans may not support that plan, according to spokesman Erik Arneson. “It is certainly difficult for many members of our caucus to understand why ..putting [the surplus money] in a reserve fund is a better approach than restoring some of the budget cuts that were proposed,” he said. “At this point, with what we know, without having an independent fiscal office in place to share that publically, we believe that you can very responsibly spend some or all of that unexpected revenue surplus to help reduce the impact of the budget cuts.”
The $500 million could keep the basic education subsidy provided to school districts level, or restore the bulk of proposed cuts to State System and state-related colleges and universities.
House Republican leaders will introduce their budget next week, and hope to pass the measure by the end of the month. It will spend Corbett’s preferred number, $27.3 billion dollars. The House plan will shrink the size of proposed education cuts, and take about $500 million out of Department of Public Welfare spending.
But as the surplus continues to grow, Senate Republicans may not support that plan, according to spokesman Erik Arneson. “It is certainly difficult for many members of our caucus to understand why ..putting [the surplus money] in a reserve fund is a better approach than restoring some of the budget cuts that were proposed,” he said. “At this point, with what we know, without having an independent fiscal office in place to share that publically, we believe that you can very responsibly spend some or all of that unexpected revenue surplus to help reduce the impact of the budget cuts.”
The $500 million could keep the basic education subsidy provided to school districts level, or restore the bulk of proposed cuts to State System and state-related colleges and universities.
House Republican leaders will introduce their budget next week, and hope to pass the measure by the end of the month. It will spend Corbett’s preferred number, $27.3 billion dollars. The House plan will shrink the size of proposed education cuts, and take about $500 million out of Department of Public Welfare spending.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Another Proposed Tax on Marcellus Shale Gas
To offset Governor Tom Corbett's proposed billion dollars cut in state education funding, Democratic State Senator James Brewster is proposing a 7% tax on the market value of gas taken from the Marcellus Shale formation. Brewster estimates that would generate about $280 million annually, half of which would be designated for education.
25% of the revenues would go to pay for local government services and the remainder for environmental protection and response.
There are at least three other Democratic bills for a shale tax and a proposal by Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati for an impact fee with the revenues going to counties and municipalities where the drilling takes place.
Governor Corbett has said repeatedly he would veto a Marcellus Shale tax but has not ruled out approving an impact fee.
25% of the revenues would go to pay for local government services and the remainder for environmental protection and response.
There are at least three other Democratic bills for a shale tax and a proposal by Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati for an impact fee with the revenues going to counties and municipalities where the drilling takes place.
Governor Corbett has said repeatedly he would veto a Marcellus Shale tax but has not ruled out approving an impact fee.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Meals, Trips, Gifts on Disclosure Forms
Financial disclosure forms filed by state officials this week show how Pennsylvania is behind the pack, when it comes to restrictions on gifts and perks lawmakers receive.
There’s no limit on the amount of gifts and travel perks Pennsylvania officials can receive. They just need to report presents worth more than $250, and disclose cumulative travel, lodging and meals costs once they exceed $650. That means it was perfectly fine for House Speaker Sam Smith to accept more $1,000 in meals from Harrisburg lobbying firm Greenlee Partners, to name one of many disclosures from legislative leaders.
Peggy Kerns, the director of the National Conference of State Legislators’ Center for Ethics in Government, said more states are toughening their ethics laws, with ten now banning gifts altogether. “It’s really to put this strong line of demarcation between the making of public policy, and the influencing of public policy,” she said. “And it’s really geared toward the public perception. … These states that pass these strict laws are really trying to say to the public, we’re not influenced by them. And we want to make sure that you know we’re not influenced by sitting in the skybox of some professional football game, or going on a trip or outing, or repeatedly having nice dinners bought by lobbyists.”
Kerns, who spent eight years in the Colorado House of Representatives, added, “I don’t know any legislator who could be bought for a steak dinner, or anything like that. However, that’s almost beside the point, because the public looks upon, sometimes, the perks that lawmakers get as meant to influence them.”
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi took a 2,147 dollar trip to Ireland with the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. Governor Corbett received a 530 dollar trophy from the Pittsburgh Penguins, to mark the opening of their new arena. He also accepted a $275 “welcome basket” from the Republican Governors Association, including a tie and cuff links. Governor Rendell may not have worked for NBC News yet in 2010, but he racked up more than $2,000 in hotel room bills while appearing on Meet the Press and Morning Joe.
There’s no limit on the amount of gifts and travel perks Pennsylvania officials can receive. They just need to report presents worth more than $250, and disclose cumulative travel, lodging and meals costs once they exceed $650. That means it was perfectly fine for House Speaker Sam Smith to accept more $1,000 in meals from Harrisburg lobbying firm Greenlee Partners, to name one of many disclosures from legislative leaders.
Peggy Kerns, the director of the National Conference of State Legislators’ Center for Ethics in Government, said more states are toughening their ethics laws, with ten now banning gifts altogether. “It’s really to put this strong line of demarcation between the making of public policy, and the influencing of public policy,” she said. “And it’s really geared toward the public perception. … These states that pass these strict laws are really trying to say to the public, we’re not influenced by them. And we want to make sure that you know we’re not influenced by sitting in the skybox of some professional football game, or going on a trip or outing, or repeatedly having nice dinners bought by lobbyists.”
Kerns, who spent eight years in the Colorado House of Representatives, added, “I don’t know any legislator who could be bought for a steak dinner, or anything like that. However, that’s almost beside the point, because the public looks upon, sometimes, the perks that lawmakers get as meant to influence them.”
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi took a 2,147 dollar trip to Ireland with the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. Governor Corbett received a 530 dollar trophy from the Pittsburgh Penguins, to mark the opening of their new arena. He also accepted a $275 “welcome basket” from the Republican Governors Association, including a tie and cuff links. Governor Rendell may not have worked for NBC News yet in 2010, but he racked up more than $2,000 in hotel room bills while appearing on Meet the Press and Morning Joe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)