5/6/08 - Senator Bob Robbins (R-50), a longtime supporter of Science in Motion, speaks in support of the program that promotes science and mathematics education during a press conference at the State Capitol.

Issues

Resources

Focus on Pennsylvania - May 2008

This month’s program features a special report on how Pennsylvania’s Intermediate Punishment Program is working inside one state correctional institution. We also have a report on how Senate Republicans are seeking to help volunteer firefighters and EMS workers.

More Focus on PA

Pennsylvania Senate Republican Podcast

5/9/08 - State Senator Jane Earll (R-49) explains how the Task Force on Gaming Committee is working to enhance and refine the process by which gaming licenses are granted in Pennsylvania.

More Podcasts

Monthly Radio Address From Senate Republicans

May 2008 - State Senator Jake Corman (R-34) discusses the need to get serious about health care affordability in Pennsylvania.

More Radio

Senate News

Next Session:  Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - 1 p.m.
Watch It Live

5/13/08 - Senate Approves Sen. Robbins' Science in Motion Bill
The Senate approved Senate Bill 472, a bill introduced by state Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) to formally enact into law the highly-touted Science Technology Partnerships Program, better known as "Science in Motion."

5/9/08 - H2O PA Plan Would Fund Critical Infrastructure Needs
Senator Jane Earll (R-49), Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Sen. Mike Folmer (R-48) today announced H2O PA, a plan to provide $750 million in funding for critical water and sewer projects, storm water projects, flood control projects, and high-hazard dam repairs.
- Senator Pileggi
- Senator Earll
- Senator Folmer

5/8/08 - Senate Approves Baker Bill to Improve Review of Child Deaths
The state Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker aimed at increasing child safety in Pennsylvania.  The bill would implement a child death review program to coordinate local teams to examine the circumstances surrounding deaths of individuals under the age of 21. 

5/8/08 - Sen. White Urges BNYM to Honor Commitment
Senator Don White (R-41) today called on Bank of New York Mellon (BNYM) CEO Robert P. Kelly to honor his firm's agreement by following through with the expansion of a data center in Armstrong County.

5/8/08 - Sen. Mary Jo White, Sen. Tomlinson  Respond to Gov. Rendell on Energy Policy (PDF)

5/8/08 - Senators Unveil Foreclosure Relief and Affordable Housing Initiative
Legislation that would increase emergency mortgage assistance, provide grants and loans to homeowners facing foreclosure, and create a housing trust fund was announced by two Republican senators today. 

5/7/08 - Committee Approves Browne Bill to Open Spending Records
The Senate Finance Committee approved Senate Bill 1350, the Taxpayer Transparency Act, according to Senator Pat Browne, committee chairman and prime sponsor of the measure.

5/7/08 - Senate/House Panel to Hear Testimony on Restructuring PA's Emergency Response System
The Senate and House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees will hold a joint informational hearing on proposed legislation to restructure Pennsylvania's emergency management agency and statewide response system.  The committees are chaired by Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) and Representative Tony Melio (D-141).

5/6/08 - Greenleaf Bill to Strengthen State’s Puppy Lemon Law Clears Committee
The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee approved Senate Bill 536, State Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf’s (R-Montgomery/Bucks) proposal to strengthen Pennsylvania’s Dog Purchaser Protection Act, commonly known as the Puppy Lemon Law.   

5/6/08 - Rhoades Co-Chairs General Assembly Coal Conference
Realizing the need to shift focus back to Pennsylvania's most abundant natural resource, State Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) today joined Senate and House members in the formation of a General Assembly Coal Conference, a bipartisan committee emphasizing the continued importance of coal and coal-driven technologies in the Commonwealth. 

(running time 1 hour 13 minutes)

5/6/08 - Bill Allowing Children of Military Personnel to Enroll in PA Cyber Schools Approved by Committee
Legislation sponsored by state Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to allow children of military personnel to enroll in a Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School was approved by the Senate Education Committee.

5/6/08 - Senator Brubaker Holds Agriculture Committee Meeting
Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee members today approved three pieces of legislation and a resolution, Committee Chairman Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) said. 
- Sen. Waugh
- Sen. Greenleaf

5/5/08 - Appropriations Committee Meeting - Vote on Senate Bill 1250 (Marriage Amendment)
(running time 26 minutes)
(running time 26 minutes)

5/2/08 - Senate Approves Earll Bill Consolidating Collection of Earned Income Taxes at County Level
The state Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Jane Earll (R-49) that would update the Local Tax Enabling Act of 1965 to consolidate the collection of earned income taxes at the county-wide level.  
 

4/30/08 - Senate Approves Sen. Pileggi's Legislation to Create a Do-Not-Call List for Political Robo-Calls
Legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) which would allow Pennsylvanians to stop receiving political robo-calls was approved today by the full Senate, 48 to 1. 

4/30/08 - Senate Passes Folmer's Measure Protecting Child Custody Rights of Deployed Servicemen
The State Senate has unanimously passed Sen. Mike Folmer's (R-Lebanon) legislation protecting the child custody rights of deployed military servicemen. 

4/29/08 - Public Hearing on Proposed Constitutional Amendment Defining Marriage - Senate Bill 1250
- Part 1 (running time 1 hour 10 minutes)
- Part 2 (running time 1 hour 33 minutes)

4/29/08 - Committee Holds Public Hearing on DPW Pharmaceutical Carve-Out Proposal
The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), held a public hearing today on the state Department of Public Welfare's proposal to carve pharmaceutical services out of its managed care programs.   
- Part 1 (running time 56 minutes)
- Part 2 (running time 1 hour, 16 minutes)
- Sen. Erickson

4/29/08 - Measures to Resolve Disputes over Coal Bed Methane Wells, Encourage Brownfield Redevelopment Agreements Approved by Committee
Measures aimed at resolving disputes over coal bed methane wells, encouraging brownfield redevelopment and protecting property rights were unanimously approved by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21).

4/28/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

4/24/08 - Committee to Hold Hearing on DPW Pharmaceutical Carve-Out Proposal
The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), will hold a public hearing regarding the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare's proposal to carve pharmaceutical services out of its managed care programs.   

4/23/08 - Sen. Browne Bill Would Open Spending Records to Public
Pennsylvania taxpayers ultimately pay the Commonwealth's bills; therefore, they should have a basic right to easily monitor how state government spends its money, according to Senator Pat Browne (R-16).

4/16/08 - Statement of Senator Roger A. Madigan Regarding Gov. Rendell’s Release of Proposed Terms and Conditions for the Lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Roger A. Madigan (R-23) issued the following statement today regarding Gov. Rendell’s release of proposed terms and conditions for the lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

4/15/08 - Senate Appropriations Committee To Hold Public Hearing On Proposed Constitutional Amendment Defining Marriage
Senate Appropriations Chairman Gib Armstrong has set an April 29th public hearing on a proposed constitutional amendment defining marriage.  Senate Bill 1250, which is on the Senate calendar, must go through the Appropriations Committee before it can be voted by the full Senate.

4/14/08 - Second Hearing on Health Centers and Care for Low-Income and Uninsured Pennsylvanians
As part of the ongoing effort to make quality health care more accessible in Pennsylvania, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware), will hold a second public hearing tomorrow on the role that health centers play in providing care for low-income and uninsured Pennsylvanians.  

4/10/08 - Senate Committees Consider Regional Planning, Services
The Senate Local Government Committee, chaired by Senator Bob Regola (R-39), and the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, chaired by Senator John Pippy (R-37), held a joint public hearing Thursday (April 10) in the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center to hear testimony on multi-municipal planning and shared services.
- Part 1 (running time 1 hour, 6 minutes)
- Part 2 (running time 1 hour)
- Part 3 (running time 34 minutes)

4/10/08 - Piccola to Unveil Legislation Banning Lobbyist-Paid Gifts & Hospitality
In an effort to strengthen citizens’ trust in Pennsylvania state government and prevent the appearance of impropriety, Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) is unveiling legislation that bans gifts, hospitality, travel, and lodging from registered lobbyists to members of the General Assembly, their staff, the governor, and the executive branch.

4/9/08 - Senate Approves Scarnati Legislation To Deny Public Benefits to Illegal Aliens
Illegal aliens who live in Pennsylvania will no longer be eligible for public benefits, including Medicaid, welfare and in-state college tuition, under legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati that was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 9 passed the Senate with a bi-partisan vote of 39 to 10.

4/9/08 - Committee Exploring Health Centers and Care for Low-Income and Uninsured Pennsylvanians
As part of the ongoing effort to make quality health care more accessible in Pennsylvania, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware), is examining the role that health centers play in providing care for low-income and uninsured Pennsylvanians.  

4/9/08 - Senate Approves Regola's Oath of Office Bill
The Senate today unanimously approved Senate Bill 1332, legislation introduced by Senator Bob Regola (R-39) that would provide for a uniform oath of office for all elected and appointed municipal officials who are required to take an oath prior to taking office. 

4/9/08 - Finance Committee Approves Tax Credits for Volunteers
The Senate Finance Committee today approved legislation to provide tax credits to Pennsylvania's emergency first responders and their employers as a way to help fire companies and emergency medical service companies recruit and retain volunteers, according to Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne (R-16).
- Sen. Browne
- Sen. Baker
- Sen. Orie

4/9/08 - Corman's Constitutional Change That Alters Lieutenant Governor Succession Rule Clears Senate
The State Senate passed legislation written by Sen. Jake Corman (R-34) that would amend the state constitution to change the Lieutenant Governor succession rule.

4/9/08 - Pennsylvania Senate Adopts Resolution Encouraging Pennsylvanians to Participate in the ICE Campaign
A Senate Resolution, prime sponsored by Senator John Rafferty (R-Montgomery), was adopted Monday afternoon by the full Senate. Senate Resolution 252 encourages all citizens of Pennsylvania to take part in the "In Case of Emergency" campaign by entering information, under the acronym of ICE, into the memory of their cellular phones in order to assist medical and other emergency personnel in contacting designated persons in the case of an emergency.

4/9/08 - Rafferty Introduces Bills to Reform Nominating Process For Various State Boards and Commissions
As part of his efforts to make government more open and accountable, Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) has introduced legislation to reform the process for nominating individuals to various state boards and commissions.

4/9/08 - Senator Corman: Affordability in Health Care is Key to Greater Access
As the governor and Legislature begin negotiations on this year's state budget, one of the key areas of debate will be health care. 

4/8/08 - Senate Approves Pippy Bill Creating Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement System
Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to assist counties and municipalities in responding to disasters was approved by the state Senate today.

4/8/08 - Senate Approves Sen. Regola's Veterans' Measure
Furthering Pennsylvania's efforts to better serve its military veterans, the Senate today approved Senate Bill 1033, legislation introduced by Senator Bob Regola (R-39) to add a representative of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) to the Pennsylvania State Veterans' Commission.

4/8/08 - Senate Labor and Industry Committee Forwards Important Building Code Reform
The Senate Labor and Industry Committee today approved legislation that will establish a technical review and advisory council to address updates to  the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, according to Senator John R. Gordner (R-27).  Senator Gordner, the Committee Chairman, said House Bill 1096 is the product of several public hearings in both the Senate and the House of Representatives over the past year to address problems with the Code.

4/8/08 - Senate Approves McIlhinney Bill to Aid Social Workers
The Senate approved legislation today that would require Highmark to pay social workers directly for their services, according to Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks), the bill's sponsor. 

4/8/08 - Pennsylvania Senate Passes Legislation to Reform State Conservation Districts
Today, the Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation, Senate Bill 1020, introduced by Pennsylvania Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24th) to reform the Commonwealth’s 66 conservation districts. 

4/8/08 - Senator Orie Leads Harrisburg Rally Calling for Equal Pay for Women
Senator Jane Orie (R-40) joined legislators and a number of prominent statewide women's organizations at a 2008 Pennsylvania Equal Pay Day Rally today at the State Capitol.  A crowd of supporters were also on hand at the event to show their support for closing the wage gap.

4/8/08 - Joint Hearing on Multi-Municipal Planning and Shared Services to be Held in Greensburg
The Senate Local Government Committee, chaired by Sen. Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland), and the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy (R-Allegheny), will hold a joint public hearing on multi-municipal planning and shared services on Thursday in Greensburg.

4/7/08 - Senate Panel to Hear Testimony on Bill Authorizing Public-Private Transportation Partnerships in PA
The Senate Transportation Committee will hold a public hearing on proposed legislation that would allow the Commonwealth and regional transportation authorities to enter into public private partnerships to fund transportation maintenance and improvement projects, according to Committee Chairman Senator Roger Madigan (R-Bradford).

4/7/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

4/4/08 - Committee to Hold Hearing on Health Centers and Care for Low-Income and Uninsured Pennsylvanians
As part of the ongoing effort to make quality health care more accessible in Pennsylvania, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware), will hold a public hearing Wednesday examining the role that state-supported health centers play in providing care for low-income and uninsured Pennsylvanians. The important role that these clinics play in communities across the state is often underestimated.

4/1/08 - Sen. Regola's Veterans' Measure Clears Committee
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee approved Senate Bill 1033, legislation introduced by Senator Bob Regola (R-39) to add a representative of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) to the State Veterans' Commission.

3/31/08 - Piccola Calls for Gaming Reform
Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin/York) and Rep. Doug Reichley (R-Berks/Lehigh) and their colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives unveiled a joint legislative package that establishes a number of necessary fixes to Pennsylvania’s Gaming Law and implements recommendations made by the Fourth Dauphin County Grand Jury.
- Sen. Piccola
- Sen. Folmer
- Sen. Corman
- Sen. Pippy

3/28/08 - Senate Republicans Urge House to Consider One-Year Extension to MCare Abatement Program
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25), Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), and Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Chairman Don White (R-41) today called on House leaders to consider legislation which would extend Pennsylvania's MCare abatement program for one year.
- Sen. Pileggi

3/26/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

3/20/08 - Senator Pileggi: State Should Report Personal Information Breaches Within One Week
State agencies would be required to report data breaches involving personal information within one week under legislation being introduced by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9). 

3/18/08 - Senator Eichelberger Introduces 'Child Rapist and Sexual Predator Detection Act'
Senator John H. Eichelberger, Jr. (R-30) held a joint news conference introducing a bill to strengthen laws against child rapists and sexual predators.

3/18/08 - Baker and Waugh Push Tax Credit Bills To Help Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Workers
Stressing that Pennsylvania needs to do more to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters and emergency responders, Senators Mike Waugh (R-York) and Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) have introduced a three-bill package to provide tax credits to fire and emergency service volunteers and their employers.
- Sen. Baker
- Sen. Waugh 

3/18/08 - Uninsured Pennsylvanians: Sen. Corman Discusses the Rendell Administration’s Plan
In January 2007, Governor Rendell first introduced his Prescription for Pennsylvania that included the Cover All Pennsylvanians health care plan. While sounding nice, the details left many with the feeling that CAP would be a bitter pill to swallow. In fact, over a year has passed and as more information comes out about the plan, the harder it is to swallow. 

3/18/08 - Statement of Senator Bob Regola Urging Passage of Lame Duck Session Amendment
The following are the remarks delivered by Senator Bob Regola (R-39) at a March 18 press conference in the State Capitol urging the House State Government Committee to move Senate Bill 468 – legislation introduced by Senator Regola providing for a constitutional amendment banning lame duck legislative session.
- Sen. Regola
- Sen. Folmer
- Sen. Eichelberger
- Sen. Corman

3/17/08 - Senator White Comments on House Democrat Health Care Plan
Senator Don White, Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, issued the following statement in response to the House Democrat health care proposal passed by the House of Representatives today.

3/14/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

3/12/08 - Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Examines Deer Management Issues
The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee held hearings Tuesday to examine deer management issues and receive the Pennsylvania Game Commission's annual report, according to Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks). 
- Part 1 - 1 hour 18 minutes
- Part 2 - 39 minutes

3/11/08 - Senate Approves Mortgage Reform Bills
The Senate today (March 11) unanimously approved six bills introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) targeting predatory and other questionable mortgage lending practices in Pennsylvania.
- Sen. Browne
- Sen. Baker

3/11/08 - Senator Regola Introduces Two Tax Cut Measures
State Senator Bob Regola (R-39) introduced two bills during the General Assembly’s Special Session on Energy that would provide tax breaks for individuals and businesses that take steps to improve their energy efficiency and reduce pollution.

3/11/08 - Special Hearing on Budget Cuts
Institutions and the programs that again fell victim to the Governor's budget cuts were given the chance to publicly detail their contributions to the Commonwealth.
The Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Senator Gib Armstrong (R-Lancaster), took testimony from more than a dozen groups that saw funding cut or eliminated in Governor Rendell's proposed state budget.  Science in Motion, New Choices/New Options, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine are notable examples of affected programs.
- Sen. Armstrong
- Hearing - 2 hours 35 minutes

2008 Budget Hearings - Video, Audio and Summaries

3/4/08 - Senate Appropriations Committee Adds Special Budget Hearing
While it is customary for state departments and agencies to discuss their proposed funding in budget hearings, those who have their funding axed usually must make their case outside the process.  That will change this year, as the institutions and the programs that again fell victim to the Governor's budget cuts will have a chance to publicly detail their contributions to the Commonwealth, according to Senate Appropriations Chairman Gib Armstrong.

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