2/3/10 - Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) questions a testifier at a public hearing to seek input on a proposal to implement Rules of Ethical Conduct for the state Senate.
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Committee Hearings

February 4, 2010
Senate Law and Justice Committee
Public Hearing on Senate Bill 984
Part 1 - :55
Part 2 - :57
Part 3 - :18

February 3, 2010
Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee
Public Hearing on Proposed Rules of Ethical Conduct
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Joint Public Hearing Senate Finance Committee and House Finance Committee on the Independent Fiscal Office
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Public Health and Welfare
Public Hearing Senate Bill 1124 and The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
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February 2, 2010
Joint Hearing of the Senate Committee on Community, Economic and Recreational Development and the House Gaming Oversight Committee
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Issues

Resources

Focus on PA

January
This month we tour one of PennDOT's traffic control centers and see how officials handle a winter storm. We also feature an interview with Senator John Rafferty, the new Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.

More Focus on PA

Podcast

February - State Senator Jake Corman (R-34) discusses state budget issues and the decision not to convene a lame duck session this year.

More Podcasts

Radio Address

February - Senator Ted Erickson (R-26) discusses federal health care legislation.

More Radio

2/8/10 - Senate Honors Boys Scouts of America Centennial
The Senate today adopted a Senate Resolution introduced by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) marking the centennial anniversary of the Boys Scouts of America.
- Senator Robbins
- Senator Baker

2/8/10 - During session, Senator Bob Mensch delivers the annual Lincoln Day address.

2/5/10 - Testimony Taken on Sen. Ward's State Trooper Services Contractual Program
Members of the Senate Law and Justice Committee met in Hempfield Township Thursday morning to take testimony on Senate Bill 984, a bill designed to provide additional State Police coverage for municipalities.

2/4/10 - Senate Republicans: No Lame Duck Session in 2010
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) announced today that the Senate will not convene for a regular lame duck session in 2010.
- Senator Corman

2/3/10 - Senator Pileggi: Experts Testify on Proposed Senate Rules of Ethical Conduct
Five experts testified today on a proposal to implement Rules of Ethical Conduct for the state Senate, according to Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, which held the public hearing. 
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2/3/10 - Rafferty Calls for Legislation to Create Commission To Oversee Disbursement of MCARE Funds in PA 
Seeking to keep doctors in Pennsylvania and hold down health care costs, Senator John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) today joined medical representatives at a Harrisburg news conference to push for legislation he is sponsoring that would create an MCARE Commission to oversee the future disbursement of MCARE funds.    

2/2/10 - Senator Yaw's Clean and Green Proposal Passes Senate, Heads to House
The State Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Senator Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming, which is designed to benefit farmers and landowners by eliminating the inconsistent interpretation of the state's Clean and Green law.

2/2/10 - Committee Backs Robbins Bill Helping Veterans Homes
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today approved legislation introduced by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) intended to alleviate the nursing shortage in Pennsylvania’s six veterans' homes.

2/1/10 - Senate Approves Vogel Bill on Community Fundraisers
The Senate today (February 1) unanimously approved legislation introduced by Senator Elder Vogel (R-47) barring the state from citing groups that sell commonly prepared baked goods.

2/1/10 - MEDIA ADVISORY: Greensburg Hearing Set on Ward's Proposed State Police Assistance Program
The Senate Law and Justice Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy (R-37), will hold a public hearing in Westmoreland County, Thursday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 700 Power Line Drive in Greensburg on legislation to give municipalities the option of having State Police protection and services.

1/28/10 - Senate Rules Committee to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Rules of Ethical Conduct
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, announced today that a public hearing on the proposed Senate Rules of Ethical Conduct will be held on Wednesday, February 3, at 1 p.m. 

1/27/10 - Senate Committee Conducts Hearing on Marcellus Shale Wastewater Issues
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), held a public hearing today on Marcellus Shale natural gas wastewater treatment issues.

1/26/10 - Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Approves Measures to Increase Fines for Poaching, Improve Hunter Safety  
The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee approved legislation today that would increase fines and penalties, enact stiffer punishments for poachers, and improve hunter safety according to Committee Chairman Richard Alloway II (R-33). 

1/26/10 - Rx Redistribution Measure Clears Committee
The Senate Judiciary Committee today (January 26) unanimously approved a measure introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) that would authorize the Corrections Department and county prisons to redistribute unopened prescription medicines. Senate Bill 1044 would authorize correctional facilities to return the medicines to the pharmaceutical wholesaler for credit and potential redistribution to other correctional facilities.

1/26/10 - Committee Backs Vogel Bill on Community Fundraisers
The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee today unanimously approved legislation introduced by Senator Elder Vogel (R-47) that will bar the state from citing groups that sell commonly prepared baked goods.

1/26/10 - McIlhinney Introduces Legislation to Prevent Layoffs
Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery) introduced legislation today that would preserve Pennsylvania jobs by giving employers alternatives to layoffs.

1/26/10 - Piccola and Local Government Officials Unveil Plans for Dauphin County Violent Crime Task Force
Senator Jeffrey Piccola (R-15) was joined today by Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico, Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick and members from the law enforcement community to share the goals and mission of a newly-created Violent Crime Task Force to serve Dauphin County, which has been established as a result of the Legislature's recent table games authorization, the final component to the 2009-2010 state budget. 

1/25/10 - Coal Bed Methane Dispute Measure Headed to Governor
Legislation establishing a special review board to arbitrate coal bed methane (CBM) well- location disputes between land owners and gas companies received final legislative approval and is headed to the Governor for enactment into law, according to Senator Don White (R-41).

1/22/10 - Media Advisory:  TUESDAY: Senate Law and Justice Committee Hearing on Beer Distribution
The Senate Law and Justice Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy (R-37), will hold a public hearing on the beer distribution system in Pennsylvania on  Tuesday, January 26 at 10 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the Capitol's North Office Building.

1/21/10 - Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee Hears Testimony on Impact of Natural Gas Industry on Housing in Northcentral Pennsylvania
The emerging natural gas industry is Northcentral Pennsylvania is bringing jobs and revenue to the area but it is also having an impact on many related issues, including the housing.  The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, chaired by Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) held a public hearing today in Towanda to hear how communities are dealing with the increased demand for housing and what can be done to ensure that affordable housing is available for local residents.

1/21/10 - Senate Committee to Hold Hearing on Marcellus Shale Wastewater Issues
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), will hold a public hearing January 27 on Marcellus Shale natural gas wastewater treatment issues. | Agenda

1/19/10 - Senator Ted Erickson (R-26) Guest Column: Federal Health Care Legislation
Currently, I and other members of the general public are sitting and holding our breath while a handful of U.S. House and Senate leaders and the President craft an overhaul of the nation’s health care marketplace in secrecy.  The deal that these individuals reach to guarantee health insurance – NOT health care services – to the people of the United States will impact the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, its citizens, and our budget for years to come. 

1/14/10 - Sen. Orie Continues Efforts on Government and Gaming Reform
Continuing her push to close loopholes in the state's gaming law and ensure accountability and transparency in the gaming industry and state government, Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) is proposing legislation to extend financial ownership and employment restrictions under the gaming law to include court personnel and to strengthen ethics reporting requirements. 

1/14/10 - AdultBasic Costs: Government Can't Manage Health Care
Senator Don White, Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, took issue with a statement released by state Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario arguing that "federal health reform is the only viable path to providing affordable insurance options for all Pennsylvanians."

1/5/10 - Scarnati Re-Elected, Sworn In to Top Senate Leadership Post
State Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) was sworn in to serve his fourth year as Senate President Pro Tempore during ceremonies held today at the State Capitol.  Scarnati was unanimously elected to the post by his Senate colleagues and sworn in by Commonwealth Court Judge Johnny J. Butler.

12/30/09 - Piccola Unveils Legislation to Update Pennsylvania's Education Empowerment Law  
Senate Education Committee Chairman Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) shared plans today of his legislative proposal that creates a new Education Empowerment Law for the Commonwealth, replacing the current statute to comply with federal standards and providing under-performing schools in the state the tools necessary to turn themselves around.

12/29/09 - Supreme Court Affirms Senators' Position in Employee Furlough Case
State Senators John R. Gordner (R-27), Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15), and Jane Earll (R-49) welcomed the Pennsylvania Supreme Court opinion yesterday which concluded that Governor Ed Rendell is not required by law to institute furloughs or "payless paydays" in the event of a budget impasse.
- Senator Piccola

12/16/09 - Senate Hearing Explores Potential Welfare Fraud and Abuse
The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), and the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Vance (R-31), held a joint public hearing today on potential fraud and abuse in state welfare programs.
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12/16/09 - Senate Committee Hears from DCNR Secretary on Budget, Natural Gas Leasing
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), held a public hearing Tuesday to receive testimony on implementation of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources budget.
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12/15/09 - Senator Baker – Senate Panel Approves Cosgrove Nomination
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nomination of Joseph M. Cosgrove to fill a pivotal judicial vacancy on the Luzerne County bench, according to Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne).  Baker introduced Cosgrove to the committee members and lauded his experience and qualifications prior to the vote.
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12/11/09 - Joint Senate Hearing to Explore Potential Welfare Fraud and Abuse
The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), and the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Vance (R-31), will hold a joint public hearing on potential fraud and abuse in state welfare programs.
- Senator Vance

12/9/09 - Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Hearing Examines Milk Pricing Structure
In an effort to help struggling dairy farmers, the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee examined the current milk pricing structure at a hearing in Harrisburg today, according to Committee Chairman Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36).

12/7/09 - Charter School Reform Package Introduced by Senate Education Committee Chairmen
Pennsylvania's 12-year old Charter School Law would undergo major revisions under legislation introduced today by the Senate Education Committee Chairmen, Senator Jeffrey Piccola (R-15/Majority Chair) and Senator Andrew Dinniman (D-19/Minority Chair).

12/3/09 - Education Committee Chair Joins State Officials to Renew the Call for School Safety Measures
Reiterating his call for safer classrooms in the Commonwealth and underscoring the significance of his legislative package, Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15), Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, joined today Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak, State Board of Education Chairman Joseph Torsella, and Representative James Roebuck, Jr. (D-188) to emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing school safety.   

12/1/09 - Committee Holds Public Hearing on Procurement Procedures
Senator Mike Folmer (R-48), Chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, today conducted a public hearing on Auditor General Jack Wagner's recent report on state procurement procedures. Auditor General Wagner and Department of General Services Secretary James Creedon both offered testimony.

- Part 1 - 2:33
- Part 2 - 0:45

11/13/09 - Brubaker Schedules Hearing to Discuss Milk Pricing 
Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) has scheduled a hearing of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee to examine the current milk pricing structure to help struggling dairy farmers.

11/5/09 - Senate Leaders Introduce Rules of Ethical Conduct
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25), Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), and Senate Democratic Leader Robert Mellow (D-22) today announced that they will jointly introduce a set of Rules of Ethical Conduct for the state Senate.

10/30/09 - Senator Pileggi Comments on Completing the 2009-10 State Budget, Authorizing Table Games
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) today issued the following statement regarding the completion of work on the 2009-10 state budget, including the authorization of table games.

10/30/09 - Education Chairs to Unveil Comprehensive Charter School Reform Proposal
Keeping with their commitment to choice and options for Pennsylvania's students and their families, Senator Jeffrey Piccola (R-15), Majority Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, and Senator Andrew Dinniman (D-19), Minority Chairman, announced today their plans to introduce a comprehensive reform package to update the state's 12 year-old Charter School Law that will facilitate the creation of charter schools while improving oversight and accountability.  This will be first major rewrite of the statute since its inception. 

10/28/09 - Argall Introduces Legislation to Reduce the Size of the Legislature
Senator David G. Argall (R-29) announced legislation today that would reduce the size of the state legislature by more than 20 percent.
Chart

10/23/09 - Education Chair Praises IRRC Approval of Regulations to Advance Keystone Exams
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15), Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, issued the following statement today lauding the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) for their recent approval of the final form regulations to change end-of-course statewide testing requirements for Pennsylvania high school students, known as the Keystone Exams.

10/22/09 - Senator Mike Brubaker - OP-ED: Budget Process is in Dire Need of Changes
One of the lessons we learned during this year’s budget impasse is that the budget process is fatally flawed. The impasse put many of our citizens in harm’s way, and we cannot allow our social services and non-profit organizations to be faced with the prospect of receiving no state funding while elected officials continue to hash out their differences months after the budget deadline. Any process that puts politics above people requires a drastic overhaul.

10/21/09 - Senator Scarnati Announces New Senate Committee Chairs 
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) has appointed new committee chairs for five Senate panels – Policy, Law and Justice, Transportation, Public Health and Welfare and Aging and Youth.

10/19/09 - Senator Mensch Takes Over 24th District Senate Seat
Bob Mensch today (Monday, October 19) wrapped up his career in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives and started his new job as the state Senator representing the nearly 240,000 residents in Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton counties living in the 24th Senatorial District.

More News
 

Session: Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010 - 10 a.m.

 

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