Harrisburg Happenings

A report on the Legislative Session week March 8, 2010
By Senator Bob Robbins
50th Senatorial District

Advertising Transparency Act sent to House

The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 109 on Tuesday. The measure, also known as the "Taxpayer-Funded Advertising Transparency Act," would require all paid advertising by state government (i.e. Executive, Judicial and Legislative Branches; Attorney General; Auditor General; Lieutenant Governor; and Treasury) to include the statement "Paid for with Pennsylvania Taxpayer Dollars."

Senate Bill 109 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate approves legislation to improve sportsmen safety

The Senate approved legislation to prevent offenders from obtaining a fishing or hunting license in Pennsylvania.

Under the provisions of Senate Bill 1200, Pennsylvania would join the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. The Compact was created in 1989 and currently includes 33 states, including Pennsylvania's neighboring states of New York, Ohio and West Virginia. As a member of the Compact, Pennsylvania could revoke an individual's hunting, fishing or trapping privileges due to a violation of regulations in any other Compact member state. Senate Bill 1200 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Military education bills approved

The Senate approved two bills this week supporting efforts by members of the military to further their education.

Senate Bill 87, which I co-sponsored, would permit community colleges, state-related and state-owned universities to charge resident tuition rates to active duty military personnel, their spouses and dependents receiving courses or other services through the Internet or other electronic means. Current law does not allow these institutions to offer the in-state tuition rate unless they are state residents.

Senate Bill 825 would allow members of the National Guard returning from active duty to continue working toward their higher education degree under the requirements that were in place prior to the their deployment. Upon returning from their leave of absence, the service members' educational status would be restored to what they had attained prior to being ordered to duty, without the loss of credits, scholarships or grants.

Senate Bills 87 and 825 now go to the House of Representative for consideration.

Senate approves Community-Based Healthcare measure

Senate Bill 5, a measure I co-sponsored, was unanimously approved by the Senate on Wednesday. This bill would establish the Community-Based Healthcare Program for the development of health care clinics across Pennsylvania. This would provide "medical homes" for working poor clients and ease pressure on hospital emergency rooms.

Community-based health care clinics provide the uninsured with a medical home that emphasizes a partnership among the patient, physician, nurses, and clinic staff. These health clinics become the place where patients are known, recognized, supported, and where they find a centralized base for medical care and connection to other medical and supportive community services.

Health clinics provide high-quality and cost-effective health care regardless of patients' insurance status or ability to pay. They also help to reduce the use of costly hospital emergency visits, and avoidable hospital admissions. SB 5 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Governor signs legislation into law

The Governor signed four bills into law this week.

Act 12 of 2010 (House Bill 416) sets criminal penalties for those caught impersonating anyone who holds an occupational or professional license, such as electricians, plumbers, hair stylists or contractors. The crime is now a first-degree misdemeanor carrying a penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Act 13 of 2010 (Senate Bill 206) prohibits any school official from denying any member of the military entry to school facilities simply because he or she is wearing a military uniform. The legislation stemmed from several incidents in which military members wishing to visit friends and former teachers were denied access to school grounds due to their military uniforms.

Act 14 of 2010 (Senate Bill 237) reauthorizes CHIP through Dec. 31, 2013. The CHIP program provides health insurance to all uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for enrollment in Medical Assistance. The legislation also requires those selling annuities in Pennsylvania to make sure the product is right for those purchasing them based on financial status, tax status and investment objectives.

Act 15 of 2010 (Senate Bill 297) requires operators of Marcellus Shale wells to provide production information to the Department of Environmental Protection. That information would be made public in six months and be posted on DEP's website.

Senate Cost Study Commission hears about efforts by other states

The Senate Government Management and Costs Study Commission this week held its third public hearing on cost reduction efforts.

Luke Martel, fiscal affairs analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), testified before the Commission on the efforts of states that have implemented or proposed cost saving measures to close budget gaps. "It goes without saying that the current recession has wreaked havoc on state finances," said Martel.

When asked about cost reductions within the prison system, Martel said Ohio reduced its weekend meal program for state prisoners, while keeping the nutritional value and daily caloric intake the same, thus creating savings.

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322