Senate Resolution 166 (Tartaglione) observes September 15 through October 15, 2007 as "Hispanic Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania.  Adopted by Voice Vote. 

Senate Resolution 167 (Dinniman) designates the week of September 9 through 15, 2007 as "Suicide Prevention Week" in Pennsylvania.  Adopted by Voice Vote. 

Senate Resolution 168 (Pippy) recognizes the week of September 17 through 23, 2007 as "Constitution Week" in Pennsylvania.  Adopted by Voice Vote. 

Senate Resolution 169 (Orie) recognizes the 87^th anniversary of the ratification of the 19^th amendment to the Constitution of the United States, granting women the right to vote.  Adopted by Voice Vote. 

Tuesday, September 18, 2007 

Senate Resolution 162 (Wonderling) designates the month of September 2007 as "Youth Soccer Month" in Pennsylvania.  Adopted:  47-0. 

Senate Resolution 170 (Boscola) commends the Chiropractic Fellowship of Pennsylvania for its educational efforts and recognizes the week of September 16 through 22, 2007 as "Vertebral Subluxation Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.  Adopted by Voice Vote.

Executive Session

Steven Kaplan as Secretary of Banking and Other Nominations to Various Boards and Commissions.  (See Attached)  Confirmed:  47-0. 

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 

Senate Resolution 164 (Baker) designates September 25, 2007 as "Pennsylvania First Responder Appreciation Day."  Adopted by Voice Vote. 

House Bill 483 (Bastian) would create the Mine Families First Act.  The bill would direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish the Mine Families First Program as part of the Mine Emergency Response Program to ensure two-way communication between those persons in command of a mine emergency response operation and the families of the miners trapped, injured or awaiting rescue.  Within 90 days of the effective date of the act, DEP would be required to develop a mine families first response and communication plan to outline the steps that will be taken by the department and mine owners and operators to communicate with families of miners involved in a mine emergency.  Within 30 days of completing the initial plan, the department would submit it for public review and comment.  After completion of the review period, the department would make the necessary revisions to the plan and develop a final plan for use as part of a mine emergency response program.

In addition, the department would be required to designate a person to serve as a mine families first liaison for each mine emergency and develop a training program for the liaisons to have a basic level of competency in handling the emergency situations.  The bill would establish the Mine Families First Response and Communications Advisory Council comprised of one member each representing mine owners, mine labor unions, local emergency response professionals, mental health professionals and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.  These members would be appointed by the Governor.  The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives would each appoint one at-large member to the advisory council from the general public.  The advisory council would assist the department in developing the mine families first response and communications plan and provide assistance in updating the plan.  Passed:  47-0.