legslative update

I fell down on the job of compiling this information weekly. What you see here are bills that have passed since June 30. Standard caveats apply (resolutions not generally included, list of sponsors deleted if it was too long - three lines in the originally formatting).

Our accountants friends at PICPA have updated their legislative page.

Other weekly updates are available for this week:

PA House Democrats
PA House GOP daily updates
PA Senate Democrats
PA Senate Republicans

Special Session

Sunday, July 2, SB 30 re-referred to Finance and re-reffered as amended.

Regular Session

Resolutions

There were so many bills in this update that I skimmed over the resolutions

Bills

House

HB 93 Prior Printer's No. 87. Printer's No. 4365. An Act establishing the Long-Term Care Partnership Program; and conferring powers and duties on the Insurance Department, the Department of Aging and the Department of Public Welfare.

HB1479 Prior Printer's No. 1797. Printer's No. 4367. An Act relating to the delivery of services and programs to persons with disabilities; conferring powers and duties on the Office of the Governor; and creating the Office for People with Disabilities and providing for its powers, duties and funding.

HB 2397 Prior Printer's Nos. 3425, 3855. Printer's No. 4351. An Act amending the act of January 25, 1966 (1965 P.L.1546, No.541), referred to as the Higher Education Scholarship Law, further providing for the length of scholarships.

HB 2545 HB 2545 By Representative J. TAYLOR. Prior Printer's Nos. 3751, 4368, 4458. Printer's No. 4515. An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing, in municipal police education and training, for definitions, for police training, for automatic certification and for reimbursement of expenses; further providing, in parking authorities, for purposes and powers, for limousine carriers and taxicabs and for competition in award of contracts; further defining "limousine service" and "taxicab"; adding definitions relating to taxicabs and limousines in first class cities; further providing, in taxicabs and limousines in first class cities, for contested complaints; providing, in taxicabs and limousines in first class cities, for parking authority powers generally; further providing, in taxicabs and limousines in first class cities, for power of authority to issue certificates of public convenience, for certificate and medallion required and for additional certificates and medallions; providing, in taxicabs and limousines in first class cities, for wheelchair accessible service and for ambassador taxicabs; and further providing, in taxicabs and limousines in first class cities, for restrictions, for regulations, for civil penalties and for certificate of public convenience required.

HB 2597 By Representatives KENNEY, SABATINA, J. TAYLOR and W. KELLER. Printer's No. 3915. An Act amending the act of April 13, 1988 (P.L.349, No.51), entitled, "An act designating a section of Traffic Route 63 in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, as the Veterans Memorial Road," further providing for designation; and providing for signs.

HB 2699 Prior Printer's No. 4132. Printer's No. 4366. An Act authorizing and directing the Department of Public Welfare to establish and maintain a managed health care program for medical assistance recipients; requiring actuarially sound rates for certain managed care organizations; providing for the right of appeal and approval by the General Assembly of changes to the Commonwealth medical assistance plan and associated waivers; and repealing inconsistent portions of other acts.

HB 2378 Prior Printer's Nos. 4162, 4191. Printer's No. 4364. An Act amending the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the Workers' Compensation Act, further providing for schedule of compensation, for definitions relating to procedure and for enforcement of standards and processing of claims; providing for the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board; further providing for assignment of claims to referees, for rehearings, for counsel fees and for the Office of Adjudication; providing for an Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund; and making a related repeal.

SB 1043 Prior Printer's Nos. 1451, 1621. Printer's No. 1944. An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for association group life insurance for Pennsylvania National Guard and for tuition costs and fees for children and spouses of deceased soldiers.

HB 256 Prior Printer's Nos. 279, 2210. Printer's No. 4398. An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for conditional certification of persons by the Department of Education; and further providing for definitions and for health services.

HB 258 Prior Printer's No. 281. Printer's No. 4313. An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code, providing for pharmaceutical modification statement.

HB 446 By Representatives PETRI, BLACKWELL, BUNT, CALTAGIRONE, FABRIZIO, GERGELY, GODSHALL, W. KELLER, KILLION, McGILL, MILLARD, MUSTIO, PAYNE, REICHLEY, TANGRETTI, THOMAS, YUDICHAK, DALEY and HARPER. Printer's No. 485. An Act amending the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code, further providing for liquor importers' licenses.

HB 492 Prior Printer's No. 531. Printer's No. 3526. An Act establishing the Direct Care Advanced Training Program; providing for tuition reimbursement and financial payments for direct care employees upon program completion; and conferring powers and duties on the Department of Education.

HB 2508 By Representative FEESE. Prior Printer's No. 3688. Printer's No. 4469. An Act making an appropriation to the Trustees of Drexel University, Philadelphia.

HB 2631 Prior Printer's Nos. 3971, 4039. Printer's No. 4394. An Act amending the act of February 19, 1980 (P.L.15, No.9), known as the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act, defining "commercial property"; and further providing for disclosure at initial interview.

HB 2802 By Representatives NAILOR, ALLEN and BELFANTI. Prior Printer's No. 4290. Printer's No. 4393. An Act amending the act of July 2, 2004 (P.L.492, No.57), known as the Sign Language Interpreter and Transliterator State Registration Act, further providing for definitions and for State registration requirements.

HB 243 Prior Printer's No. 269. Printer's No. 4421. An Act establishing the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Program to provide premium assistance to eligible Pennsylvania residents who purchase flood insurance; and imposing powers and duties on the Insurance Department.

HB 548 Prior Printer's No. 596. Printer's No. 4420. An Act regulating tanning facilities; providing for the registration of persons operating tanning facilities; requiring that certain warnings be given and safeguards be taken; imposing penalties; and making a repeal.

HB 1082 Prior Printer's No. 1240. Printer's No. 4167. An Act amending the act of December 31, 1965 (P.L.1257, No.511), known as The Local Tax Enabling Act, further providing for delegation of taxing power and for limitations on rates of specific taxes.

HB 1959 By Representatives KILLION, CALTAGIRONE, HERSHEY, E. Z. TAYLOR and YOUNGBLOOD. Prior Printer's No. 2692. Printer's No. 4423. An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, providing for the English language as the official language of the Commonwealth and of official acts; further providing for fees charged by the Insurance Department; establishing the Office of Consumer Advocate for Insurance as an independent office within the Office of Attorney General and prescribing its powers and duties; and establishing the Consumer Advocate for Insurance Fund.

HB 2253 Prior Printer's No. 3141. Printer's No. 4413. An Act establishing the State Energy Office and an advisory council; and imposing duties on the State Energy Office.

HB 2292 Prior Printer's Nos. 3207, 3428. Printer's No. 4414. An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for the offense of phishing.

HB 2588 By Representatives REICHLEY, CALTAGIRONE, CRAHALLA, GOODMAN, GRUCELA, HICKERNELL, JAMES, M. KELLER, SONNEY, STABACK, E. Z. TAYLOR, YOUNGBLOOD, DeLUCA and BEYER. Prior Printer's Nos. 3906, 4314. Printer's No. 4412. An Act requiring a circulating nurse in certain operating rooms.

HB 2746 By Representatives HALUSKA, S. H. SMITH, CALTAGIRONE, DALEY, FLAHERTY, GOODMAN, HERSHEY, KOTIK, McILHATTAN, PYLE, R. STEVENSON, WOJNAROSKI, BELFANTI, BENNINGHOFF, SIPTROTH and GEIST. Prior Printer's No. 4184. Printer's No. 4302. An Act authorizing the Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to AMFIRE Mining Company, LLC, the right to remove coal underlying certain highway right-of-way situate in Cresson Township, Cambria County.

HB 2793 Prior Printer's No. 4268. Printer's No. 4422. An Act authorizing the incurring of indebtedness, with the approval of the electors, of $150,000,000 to provide additional funding for the preservation of land for open-space uses and for the mitigation of flood hazards.

HB 2794 An Act providing for small disaster assistance, for low- interest loans to individual disaster victims and businesses and for municipal grants.

HB 2795 An Act providing for the acquisition of property by the Commonwealth and local government units to mitigate flood hazards.

HB 2799 By Representatives J. TAYLOR, PETRONE and MANN. Printer's No. 4274. An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, further providing for neighborhood assistance tax credits.

SB 809 By Senators THOMPSON, ROBBINS, STOUT and WOZNIAK. Prior Printer's No. 1020. Printer's No. 1958. An Act amending the act of May 1, 1933 (P.L.103, No.69), known as The Second Class Township Code, further providing for organization meeting and appointment of secretary and treasurer, for the duties of township supervisors, for county associations and for State Association of Township Supervisors authorized.

SB 1055 By Senator REGOLA. Prior Printer's Nos. 1444, 1961. Printer's No. 1992. An Act authorizing and directing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, to accept by donation a tract of land and any improvements on the tract, situate in Penn Township, Westmoreland County; authorizing the Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to AMFIRE Mining Company, LLC, the right to remove coal underlying certain highway right-of-way situate in Cresson Township, Cambria County; and authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the Allentown Commercial Industrial Authority, or their assigns, certain lands situate in the City of Allentown and the City of Bethlehem, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.

SB 1114 By Senators ROBBINS, CONTI, STOUT and WOZNIAK. Prior Printer's Nos. 1581, 1655, 1715. Printer's No. 1782. An Act amending the act of May 1, 1933 (P.L.103, No.69), known as The Second Class Township Code, further providing for county associations; and authorizing appropriations by townships to counties for land acquisitions.

SB 1222 By Senators ROBBINS, LEMMOND, EARLL, MADIGAN, MELLOW, SCARNATI and M. WHITE. Prior Printer's Nos. 1810, 1829. Printer's No. 1963. An Act designating the portion of U.S. Route 6 in Linesville Borough, Crawford County, as the U.S. Route 6 "Gateway to the West" and "Gateway to Pennsylvania" and designating the portion of U.S. Route 6 in Matamoras Borough, Pike County, as the U.S. Route 6 "Gateway to the East" and "Gateway to Pennsylvania"; and authorizing the Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to AMFIRE Mining Company, LLC, the right to remove coal underlying certain highway right-of-way situate in Cresson Township, Cambria County.

HB 1588 Prior Printer's No. 1989. Printer's No. 4439. An Act providing for fluoridation of public water.

HB 1729 Prior Printer's Nos. 2196, 3853. Printer's No. 4438. An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, further providing for compulsory school attendance and for exceptions to compulsory school attendance; and requiring all public school districts in this Commonwealth to conduct interviews for all students who withdraw or are illegally absent from school.

HB 2596 Prior Printer's No. 3914. Printer's No. 4442. An Act amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, enacting provisions to comply with Federal law relating to child abuse by further providing for grounds for involuntary termination, for definitions relating to child protective services and for release of information in confidential reports; providing for citizen review panels; further providing for annual reports to Governor and General Assembly; and providing for mandatory reporting of infants born and identified as being affected by illegal substance abuse.

HB 2667 Prior Printer's Nos. 4051, 4315. Printer's No. 4418. An Act amending the act of May 28, 1937 (P.L.955, No.265), known as the Housing Authorities Law, providing for the definition of "mixed-use projects"; further providing for powers of the authority; and providing for mixed-use projects.

HB 2741 Printer's No. 4179. An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for reports and removal of abandoned vehicles within the boundaries of a city of the first class.

SB 660 By Senators GREENLEAF, O'PAKE, RAFFERTY, LEMMOND, FERLO and PILEGGI. Prior Printer's Nos. 754, 1423. Printer's No. 1969. An Act amending Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, adding the Uniform Trust Act; abolishing the rule against perpetuities; making conforming amendments; and making a related repeal.

SB 868 By Senators SCARNATI, GORDNER, CORMAN, MADIGAN, RAFFERTY, D. WHITE, PIPPY, LEMMOND, COSTA, WOZNIAK, RHOADES, ROBBINS and KASUNIC. Prior Printer's Nos. 1137, 1304, 1332. Printer's No. 1970. An Act amending the act of May 17, 1929 (P.L.1798, No.591), referred to as the Forest Reserves Municipal Financial Relief Law, increasing distribution of annual charge; and making editorial changes.

SB 1007 By Senator D. WHITE. Prior Printer's Nos. 1345, 1427. Printer's No. 1650. An Act amending the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682, No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921, providing for fire insurance contracts, standard policy provisions to exclude damage caused by terrorism.

HB 222 Prior Printer's No. 248. Printer's No. 4390. An Act establishing the Long-Term Care Quality Improvement Council; and providing for a system for data collection, for benchmarking and dissemination of long-term care provider quality performance reports, for annual reports to the General Assembly and for publication of reports for public use.

HB 1809 Printer's No. 2382. An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for arson and related offenses.

HB 2178 Prior Printer's Nos. 3017, 4391. Printer's No. 4462. An Act amending the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682, No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921, further providing for notice of policyholder's right to examine life and endowment insurance policies and for notice of contract holders's right to examine annuity or pure endowment contracts; providing for the protection of insurance consumers in annuity transactions; regulating the solicitation of insurance; prescribing penalties; and providing for the retroactive denial of reimbursement of payments to health care providers by insurers.

HB 2498 Prior Printer's No. 3672. Printer's No. 4457. An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for Gold Star Family registration plate.

HB 2590 By Representatives R. STEVENSON, BOYD, CALTAGIRONE, DENLINGER, FAIRCHILD, GINGRICH, HARHART, M. KELLER, KILLION, LEH, MAJOR, MILLARD, PAYNE, PICKETT, PYLE, SIPTROTH, THOMAS, WANSACZ and WILT. Printer's No. 3908. An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for costs imposed following conviction for passing bad checks.

HB 2625 Printer's No. 3956. An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for bail, fines, costs and restitution.

HB 2687 Printer's No. 4083. An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for the offense of unlawful procurement, sale or receipt of telephone records.

HB 2749 By Representative MAITLAND. Prior Printer's No. 4187. Printer's No. 4396. An Act amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for bail intercept; further providing for relatives' liability and procedure; and repealing provisions relating to guardian.

SB 300 Prior Printer's Nos. 312, 710, 1902. Printer's No. 1986. An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, further providing, in sales and use tax, for exclusions; further providing, in personal income tax, for definitions, for classes of income, for election by small corporation, for manner of making election, for revocation of election, for termination by corporation ceasing to be a small corporation, for revocation or termination year and for election after revocation or termination; further providing, in capital stock franchise tax, for the definitions of "average net income," "capital stock value" and "corporation" and for imposition; further providing, in realty transfer tax, for stamps, commissions, payments and transfers; further providing, in inheritance tax, for valuation of certain farmland; and making related repeals and repealing a provision relating to taxation of restricted professional companies.

SB 707 By Senators ERICKSON, PILEGGI, M. WHITE, WOZNIAK and WONDERLING. Prior Printer's Nos. 851, 1243, 1674, 1721, 1821. Printer's No. 1971. An Act amending the act of May 3, 1933 (P.L.242, No.86), referred to as the Cosmetology Law, further providing for definitions, for practice of cosmetology without license, for eligibility requirements, for limited licenses, for requirements of a school of cosmetology, for practice in cosmetology shops only, for booth rental, for temporary licenses, for fees, for duration and renewal of licenses, for penalties and for regulations; and substituting the term "salon" for the term "shop" throughout the act.

SB 1090 Prior Printer's Nos. 1492, 1885, 1887, 1913, 1957. Printer's No. 1973. An Act amending the act of January 17, 1968 (P.L.11, No.5), known as The Minimum Wage Act of 1968, giving effect to Federal changes in wage rates; providing for preemption; and making editorial changes.

SB 1205 By Senators GREENLEAF, BOSCOLA, RAFFERTY, O'PAKE, RHOADES, KITCHEN, WASHINGTON, C. WILLIAMS, STACK and ORIE. Prior Printer's No. 1766. Printer's No. 1869. An Act amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for insurance proceeds intercept; and further providing for State disbursement unit.

HB 881 Prior Printer's Nos. 1004, 3321. Printer's No. 4512. An Act amending the act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45), known as the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, further providing for administration and enforcement, for applications and inspections, for changes in Uniform Construction Code, for appeals and for education and training program.

HB 1695 By Representatives GERGELY, BOYD, CALTAGIRONE, CAPPELLI, DeWEESE, FABRIZIO, GOODMAN, HANNA, HESS, KOTIK, PRESTON, RAMALEY, REICHLEY, SHANER, STABACK, SURRA, WALKO, WOJNAROSKI and YOUNGBLOOD. Prior Printer's No. 2157. Printer's No. 4331. An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for a special license and license auction to hunt one elk.

HB 2650 By Representatives B. SMITH, STABACK and PHILLIPS. Prior Printer's No. 4020. Printer's No. 4508. An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for the organization of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and for report to commission official.

SB 82 By Senators GREENLEAF, EARLL, KITCHEN, RAFFERTY, LOGAN, COSTA, CORMAN, KASUNIC, LEMMOND, TARTAGLIONE, ORIE, O'PAKE, BOSCOLA, STACK and REGOLA. Prior Printer's Nos. 73, 786, 1901. Printer's No. 1983. An Act providing for the display of the American flag, Commonwealth flag or military flag by residents in a unit owners association, homeowners association or master association.

SB 151 By Senators BRIGHTBILL, RHOADES, STOUT, TOMLINSON, ERICKSON, VANCE, LAVALLE, RAFFERTY, GORDNER, O'PAKE, THOMPSON, PILEGGI, EARLL, WOZNIAK, COSTA, KITCHEN, M. WHITE, BOSCOLA, ROBBINS and ORIE. Printer's No. 137. An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, further providing for State Report Card.

SB 594 By Senators M. WHITE, MUSTO, EARLL, COSTA, LEMMOND, ERICKSON, KITCHEN, ORIE, RAFFERTY, O'PAKE, WAUGH, PICCOLA, PILEGGI, D. WHITE, WONDERLING and ROBBINS. Printer's No. 668. An Act providing for the creation of a trust for the benefit of certain owners of interests in oil and gas; authorizing trustee to enter into leases of interests in oil and gas under terms and conditions authorized by the court of common pleas; providing for the administration of the trust and for payment of moneys to the trustee; and imposing penalties for nonpayment.

SB 651 Prior Printer's No. 748. Printer's No. 1987. An Act amending the act of June 14, 1961 (P.L.324, No.188), known as The Library Code, further providing for waiver of standards; providing for standards; further providing for quality libraries aid, for incentive for excellence aid, for district library centers, for county coordination aid, for equal distribution grants to local libraries' basic literacy skills, for Statewide library resource centers, for equalization aid and for equal distribution grants to local libraries and library systems; and providing for fiscal year 2006-2007 public library subsidy allocation, for fiscal year 2006-2007 minimum State-aid guarantee and for State-aid for 2006-2007.

SB 845 By Senators CORMAN, GREENLEAF, LEMMOND and RAFFERTY. Prior Printer's Nos. 1092, 1355. Printer's No. 1984. An Act amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for willful failure to pay support order; and providing for court-appointed child custody health care or behavioral health practitioners.

SB 1159 By Senator WENGER. Printer's No. 1608. An Act making an appropriation from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Consumer Advocate in the Office of Attorney General.

SB 1160 By Senator WENGER. Printer's No. 1599. An Act making an appropriation from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Small Business Advocate in the Department of Community and Economic Development.

SB 1161 By Senator WENGER. Printer's No. 1600. An Act making appropriations from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide for the expenses of administering the Workers' Compensation Act, The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act and the Office of Small Business Advocate for the fiscal year July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006.

SB 1162 By Senator WENGER. Printer's No. 1601. An Act making an appropriation from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund and from Federal augmentation funds to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

SB 1163 By Senator WENGER. Printer's No. 1602. An Act making appropriations from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account and from restricted revenue accounts within the General Fund to the Department of State for use by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in support of the professional licensure boards assigned thereto.

SB 1164 By Senator WENGER. Printer's No. 1603. An Act making an appropriation from the Public School Employees' Retirement Fund to provide for expenses of the Public School Employees' Retirement Board for the fiscal year July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006.

SB 1165 By Senator WENGER. Printer's No. 1604. An Act making an appropriation from the State Employees' Retirement Fund to provide for expenses of the State Employees' Retirement Board for the fiscal year July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006.

SB 1166 By Senator WENGER. Prior Printer's Nos. 1605, 1898. Printer's No. 1972. An Act providing for the capital budget for the fiscal year 2006-2007 and itemizing transportation assistance and redevelopment assistance projects to be constructed or acquired or assisted by the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Transportation, together with their estimated financial costs; authorizing the incurring of debt without the approval of the electors for the purpose of financing the projects to be constructed or acquired or assisted by the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Transportation; stating the estimated useful life of the projects; and making appropriations.

SB 1179 By Senators RHOADES, D. WHITE, O'PAKE, MUSTO, WONDERLING, LEMMOND, REGOLA and WOZNIAK. Prior Printer's Nos. 1672, 1950. Printer's No. 1982. An Act amending the act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45), known as the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, further providing for applicability, for training of inspectors and for exemptions.

SB 1188 Prior Printer's Nos. 1704, 1868, 1910. Printer's No. 1985. An Act amending the act of August 26, 1971 (P.L.351, No.91), known as the State Lottery Law, further providing for definitions, for physician, certified registered nurse practitioner and pharmacy participation, for reduced assistance, for program generally, for restricted formulary, for reimbursement, for income verification, for contracts and for the pharmaceutical assistance contract for the elderly needs enhancement tier, for pharmacy best practices and cost controls review; further providing for penalties; establishing the coordination of Federal and State benefits; providing for continued eligibility under certain circumstances; and making editorial changes.

SB 1224 By Senators WENGER, WAUGH, WONDERLING, PUNT and COSTA. Prior Printer's Nos. 1856, 1942. Printer's No. 1955. An Act amending the act of May 15, 1945 (P.L.547, No.217), known as the Conservation District Law, further providing for Commonwealth appropriations.

HB 2425 Prior Printer's No. 3490. Printer's No. 3822. An Act amending the act of April 24, 1931 (P.L.48, No.40), entitled "An act requiring the recording of certain written agreements pertaining to real property, and prescribing the effect thereof as to subsequent purchasers, mortgagees, and judgment creditors of the parties thereto," providing for the requirements for valid recording of documents.

HB 2757 By Representatives GANNON, BUNT, BIANCUCCI, DeLUCA, FICHTER, KOTIK, LaGROTTA, RAMALEY, J. TAYLOR and FEESE. Prior Printer's No. 4208. Printer's No. 4507. An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, providing for legislative intent; further providing for definitions and for licensing of cigarette dealers; providing for prohibited activities; further providing for retention of records and for examination of records, equipment and premises; providing for property rights; further providing for labeling and packaging and for administration powers and duties; providing for enforcement powers and duties; further providing for violations and penalties; and making a transfer of an appropriation.

SENATE

HB 901 Prior Printer's No. 1024. Printer's No. 3978. An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for lighting on motorcycles.

HB 2376 Prior Printer's Nos. 3392, 3454, 4040. Printer's No. 4310. An Act amending the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code, further providing for definitions, for sale of malt or brewed beverages by liquor licensees, for restrictions on purchases and sales of malt and brewed beverages by retail dispensers, for permit renewals and for possession or transportation of liquor or alcohol; and prohibiting the use of alcohol vaporizing devices.

HB 2457 Printer's No. 3569. An Act redesignating the bridge carrying section A80 of the East Side Access Highway, SR 4034, over Fourmile Creek and the Wintergreen Gorge in Harborcreek Township, Erie County, as the Sergeant Donald S. Oaks Memorial Bridge.

SB 439 By Senators ORIE, STOUT, COSTA, TARTAGLIONE, TOMLINSON, WONDERLING, GORDNER, RAFFERTY, KITCHEN, REGOLA, GREENLEAF, LEMMOND, STACK, BRIGHTBILL and BOSCOLA. Prior Printer's No. 462. Printer's No. 797. An Act providing for a sexual assault evidence collection program and for powers and duties of the Department of Health and the Pennsylvania State Police; and establishing civil immunity.

SB 506 By Senators GREENLEAF, COSTA, O'PAKE, STOUT, THOMPSON, PILEGGI, TOMLINSON, KITCHEN and M. WHITE. Prior Printer's Nos. 539, 1487, 1798. Printer's No. 1883. An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and codifying Title 61 (Penal and Correctional Institutions) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for temporary release from county correctional institutions, for transfers of inmates needing medical care and for State intermediate punishment; amending the heading of Title 61; adding definitions, provisions relating to general administration of correctional institutions, State Correctional institutions, county correctional institutions, the Philadelphia County Prison, house of detention for untried inmates and witnesses, inmate labor, medical services, visitation, motivational boot camp, execution procedure and method, miscellaneous matters relating thereto, probation and parole generally, the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, County Probation and Parole Agents' Firearm Education and Training, and correctional institution interstate compacts; and making repeals relating to codification.

SB 655 By Senators MADIGAN, STOUT, O'PAKE, M. WHITE, COSTA, RAFFERTY, RHOADES, BOSCOLA, D. WHITE, ORIE and WONDERLING. Prior Printer's Nos. 844, 1354, 1799. Printer's No. 1911. An Act amending the act of May 23, 1945 (P.L.913, No.367), known as the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law, providing for the definition of "geologist- n-training" and for the use of the terms "engineer" and "engineering"; further providing for general powers of the board and for procedure for licensing as professional geologist; and providing for continuing professional engineering competency and education requirements.

SB 1104 By Senators TOMLINSON, RHOADES, LEMMOND, VANCE, PILEGGI, KITCHEN, COSTA, EARLL, PIPPY, RAFFERTY, FONTANA, KASUNIC, ORIE, WAUGH, BROWNE, WONDERLING, O'PAKE, LOGAN and FERLO. Prior Printer's Nos. 1526, 1545, 1801. Printer's No. 1920. An Act amending the act of December 10, 1974 (P.L.852, No.287), referred to as the Underground Utility Line Protection Law, further providing for the title of the act, for definitions, for duties of facility owners and for the duties of the One Call System; providing for liability, fees and governance of the One Call System; further providing for applicability; providing for the duties of project owners and for rights of the Auditor General; further providing for the governing board of the One Call System, for fines and penalties and for applicability to certain pipeline systems and facilities; providing for a voluntary payment dispute resolution process, for best efforts, for removal or tampering with a marking, for determination of position and type of lines and for impairment of rights and immunities; further providing for expiration; repealing provisions of the act of June 19, 2002 (P.L.421, No.61), known as the Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act, concerning the prohibition of certain liquefied petroleum gas facilities or distributors from being subject to the Underground Utility Line Protection Law; and making an editorial change.

SB 1115 Printer's No. 1639. An Act amending the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, further providing for liquefied ammonia gas, precursors and chemicals.

SB 1116 By Senators WONDERLING, MADIGAN, ROBBINS, GORDNER, ARMSTRONG, PUNT, SCARNATI, BOSCOLA, ORIE, D. WHITE, KASUNIC, RAFFERTY, COSTA, PILEGGI, RHOADES, PICCOLA and STACK. Prior Printer's No. 1640. Printer's No. 1890. An Act amending the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, further providing for prohibited acts and penalties; and providing for reporting, for confidentiality and for false statements or misrepresentation.

SB 1117 Prior Printer's No. 1641. Printer's No. 1824. An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for methamphetamine laboratories.

SB 1118 Prior Printer's No. 1642. Printer's No. 1825. An Act amending the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, further providing for prohibited acts and penalties; and providing for methamphetamine production.

SB 1119 Prior Printer's No. 1643. Printer's No. 1826. An Act amending the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, providing for environmental costs.

SB 1120 Prior Printer's No. 1644. Printer's No. 1912. An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for methamphetamine laboratories and minors.

SB 1237 By Senator MELLOW. Printer's No. 1842. An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the County of Lackawanna Transit System Authority (COLTS), certain lands situate in the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County, in exchange for a certain tract of land from COLTS situate in the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County.

HB 1632 Prior Printer's Nos. 2017, 3230. Printer's No. 4284. An Act amending the act of July 22, 1974 (P.L.589, No.205), known as the Unfair Insurance Practices Act, further defining "abuse," "unfair methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive acts or practices."

SB 1158 An Act providing for a tax credit to encourage property owners to include visitability design features on their properties.

SB 1230 By Senators ORIE, PICCOLA, WONDERLING, EARLL, PIPPY, FERLO, RAFFERTY, M. WHITE, REGOLA and BRIGHTBILL. Prior Printer's No. 1819. Printer's No. 1952. An Act amending Title 4 (Amusements) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, deleting provisions relating to supplier licenses; and providing for a law enforcement agency grant fund.

HB 804 Prior Printer's Nos. 966, 3216, 4160, 4399, 4437. Printer's No. 4503. An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for an electronic titling program, for suspension of registration upon sixth unpaid parking violation in cities of the first class, for unattended children in motor vehicles, for fleeing or attempting to elude police officer and for exemption from additional requirements for highway occupancy permits for agricultural purposes; and providing for levy and imposition of surcharge in cities of the first class.

HB 1320 Prior Printer's Nos. 1568, 2175. Printer's No. 4308. An Act amending Title 30 (Fish) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, restricting the transport, sale, importation or release of non- native injurious fish.

HB 1725 By Representatives GINGRICH, ROSS, HERMAN, LESCOVITZ, TANGRETTI and CORNELL. Prior Printer's No. 2192. Printer's No. 3757. An Act amending the act of May 25, 1945 (P.L.1050, No.394), known as the Local Tax Collection Law, further providing for basic and continuing education programs for tax collectors; providing for records in possession of tax collector; further providing for expenses paid by taxing districts and for discounts, penalties and notice; providing for compensation for interim tax bills; and further providing for penalty.

SB 1121 By Senators ROBBINS, WONDERLING, MADIGAN, GORDNER, WASHINGTON, RAFFERTY, WENGER, LAVALLE, PICCOLA, ERICKSON, KASUNIC, RHOADES, COSTA, ARMSTRONG, D. WHITE, PILEGGI, BOSCOLA, PUNT, REGOLA, BROWNE and LOGAN. Prior Printer's No. 1645. Printer's No. 1891. An Act providing for a program to address the illicit manufacture of methamphetamines in underground laboratories.

SB 1224 By Senators WENGER, WAUGH, WONDERLING, PUNT and COSTA. Prior Printer's Nos. 1856, 1942. Printer's No. 1955. An Act amending the act of May 15, 1945 (P.L.547, No.217), known as the Conservation District Law, further providing for Commonwealth appropriations.

SB 1244 By Senator CONTI. Prior Printer's No. 1873. Printer's No. 1954. An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for certain individuals vested with powers of deputy Game Commission officers.

HB 1528 Prior Printer's No. 1877. Printer's No. 4309. An Act amending Titles 3 (Agriculture) and 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for taxidermists; and further providing for licenses and fees relating to taxidermists.

HB 2383 Prior Printer's Nos. 3399, 3456, 3574, 4041, 4400. Printer's No. 4459. An Act amending the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code, further providing for definitions; requiring the Bureau of Alcohol Education to make certain reports to the General Assembly; and further providing for special occasion permits and for limiting the number of special occasion permits.

HB 2425 Prior Printer's No. 3490. Printer's No. 3822. An Act amending the act of April 24, 1931 (P.L.48, No.40), entitled "An act requiring the recording of certain written agreements pertaining to real property, and prescribing the effect thereof as to subsequent purchasers, mortgagees, and judgment creditors of the parties thereto," providing for the requirements for valid recording of documents.

HB 2542 By Representatives BAKER, CAUSER, RAPP, DiGIROLAMO, CAPPELLI, DALLY, HARPER, PHILLIPS, SIPTROTH, THOMAS, TIGUE, WILT and DENLINGER. Prior Printer's No. 3748. Printer's No. 4003. An Act amending Title 13 (Commercial Code) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing, in secured transactions, for effectiveness of actions prior to amendment and for continued effectiveness of financing statements.

HB 2740 Prior Printer's No. 4172. Printer's No. 4349. An Act designating the bridge to carry State Route 68 over the Allegheny River from East Brady Borough, Clarion County, to Brady's Bend Township, Armstrong County, as the Sergeant Carl F. Curran II Memorial Bridge.

SB 896 By Senators BOSCOLA, LAVALLE, TARTAGLIONE, COSTA, WOZNIAK, GREENLEAF, O'PAKE, RAFFERTY, STOUT, RHOADES, FONTANA, LOGAN, ORIE, KASUNIC, STACK, WAUGH and BROWNE. Printer's No. 1177. An Act amending the act of December 4, 1996 (P.L.911, No.147), known as the Telemarketer Registration Act, further providing for unlawful acts and penalties.

SB 993 By Senators BROWNE, WONDERLING, ORIE, M. WHITE, LEMMOND, EARLL, BOSCOLA, RAFFERTY, JUBELIRER and REGOLA. Prior Printer's No. 1334. Printer's No. 1893. An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, further providing, in sales and use tax, for assessment, for reassessment, for review by Board of Finance and Revenue, for appeal to Commonwealth Court, for refund of sales tax attributed to bad debt, for refund or credit for overpayment, for restriction on refunds, for refunds, for refund petition, for review by Board of Finance and Review, for appeal to Commonwealth Court and for extended time for filing special petition for refund; further providing, in personal income tax, for assessment, for jeopardy assessments, for procedure for reassessment, for review by Board of Finance and Revenue, for appeal to Commonwealth Court, for restrictions on refunds and for limitations on refund or credit; further providing, in corporate net income tax, for definitions, for reports and payment of tax; for changes made by Federal Government, for settlement and resettlement and for enforcement relating to corporate net income tax; providing, in corporate net income tax, for assessments, for jeopardy assessments, for limitations on assessments, for extension of limitation period, for audit by Auditor General and for collection; further providing, in gross receipts tax, for imposition; further providing, in realty transfer tax, for determination and notice, for lien and for refunds; further providing, in mutual thrift institutions tax, for imposition and report; providing, in malt beverage tax, for assessment by department; providing for procedure and administration; further providing, in general provisions, for estimated tax, for underpayment, for refund petitions and for timely filing; and providing, in general provisions, for assessments to be made by department.

HB 247 Prior Printer's Nos. 273, 1862, 2216, 3556. Printer's No. 4415. An Act amending the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the Health Care Facilities Act, further providing for definitions; providing for licensure of home care agencies and home care registries; establishing certain consumer protections; and providing for inspections and plans of correction and for applicability of act.

HB 1195 By Representatives YUDICHAK, GEORGE, THOMAS, SURRA, CALTAGIRONE, DeWEESE, BELARDI, BELFANTI, BOYD, CAPPELLI, FRANKEL, GRUCELA, MUNDY, PRESTON, REICHLEY, SAINATO, SOLOBAY, WALKO, YOUNGBLOOD and DENLINGER. Prior Printer's Nos. 1401, 4369. Printer's No. 4416. An Act amending the act of July 6, 1989 (P.L.169, No.32), known as the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act, further providing for definitions, for Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund, for the Underground Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup Program and for Underground Storage Tank Pollution Prevention Program.

HB 2437 Printer's No. 3506. An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for the amounts of part-time student assistance grants.

HB 2441 Printer's No. 3510. An Act amending Title 62 (Procurement) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for application of part; and providing for electronic bidding by local government units.

HB 2499 By Representative FEESE. Prior Printer's Nos. 3673, 3850, 4280. Printer's No. 4513. An Act to provide from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and for the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007, for certain institutions and organizations, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006; to provide appropriations from the State Lottery Fund, the Energy Conservation and Assistance Fund, the Hazardous Material Response Fund, The State Stores Fund, the Milk Marketing Fund, the Home Investment Trust Fund, the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, the Tuition Payment Fund, the Banking Department Fund, the Firearm Records Check Fund, the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority Fund, the Tobacco Settlement Fund and the Health Care Provider Retention Account to the Executive Department; to provide appropriations from the Judicial Computer System Augmentation Account to the Judicial Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007; to provide appropriations from the Motor License Fund for the fiscal year July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007, for the proper operation of the several departments of the Commonwealth and the Pennsylvania State Police authorized to spend Motor License Fund moneys; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive Department of the Commonwealth and for the establishment of restricted receipt accounts for the fiscal year July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006; to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds from the General Fund, the Motor License Fund and the State Lottery Fund for the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth for the fiscal year July 1, 2005, to June 30, 2006, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005.

HB 2633 By Representative ROBERTS. Prior Printer's No. 3973. Printer's No. 4282. An Act designating the bridge on State Route 3027 which passes over U.S. Route 40 in Fayette County as the Cpl. Victor Kozares, D.S.C., Bridge.

HB 2802 By Representatives NAILOR, ALLEN and BELFANTI. Prior Printer's No. 4290. Printer's No. 4393. An Act amending the act of July 2, 2004 (P.L.492, No.57), known as the Sign Language Interpreter and Transliterator State Registration Act, further providing for definitions and for State registration requirements.

SB 180 By Senators CORMAN, WONDERLING, GREENLEAF, M. WHITE, KASUNIC, RHOADES, TARTAGLIONE, KITCHEN, MUSTO, O'PAKE, COSTA, D. WHITE, STACK, ORIE, RAFFERTY, ARMSTRONG and VANCE. Prior Printer's Nos. 251, 1886. Printer's No. 1959. An Act providing for protection from identity theft, for security freezes, for procedures for access after imposition and removal of security freezes and for related matters.

SB 557 By Senators GREENLEAF, COSTA, LEMMOND, O'PAKE, RAFFERTY, BOSCOLA, PUNT, TARTAGLIONE, KITCHEN, RHOADES, WOZNIAK, C. WILLIAMS and FERLO. Prior Printer's No. 590. Printer's No. 1962. An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for weapons or implements for escape and for contraband; and making a conforming amendment.

SB 1148 By Senators PIPPY, LOGAN, COSTA, FERLO, WAUGH, RAFFERTY, PILEGGI, WONDERLING and TARTAGLIONE. Prior Printer's No. 1615. Printer's No. 1894. An Act amending the act of May 22, 1935 (P.L.233, No.99), referred to as the Second Class City Policemen Relief Law, further providing for benefits for pensioners, surviving spouses, children and parents of police officers.

SB 1218 By Senators WONDERLING, CONTI, C. WILLIAMS, ERICKSON, RAFFERTY and PILEGGI. Prior Printer's No. 1851. Printer's No. 1945. An Act amending the act of December 17, 1968 (P.L.1224, No.387), known as the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, defining "internet service provider."

SB 1242 By Senators FERLO and PIPPY. Printer's No. 1918. An Act amending the act of December 14, 1992 (P.L.818, No.133), known as the Port of Pittsburgh Commission Act, further providing for the definition of "port district."

SB 1262 By Senators CONTI and PIPPY. Printer's No. 1877. An Act amending Title 30 (Fish) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for chemical testing to determine amounts of alcohol or controlled substances and for operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances; and providing for aggravated assault by watercraft while operating under influence.

HB 30 Printer's No. 33. An Act amending the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the Workers' Compensation Act, further providing for the payment of compensation to widows, widowers and children.

HB 185 Prior Printer's Nos. 189, 1643, 2277, 3723, 4464, 3723, 4510. Printer's No. 4517. An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, further providing for background checks of prospective employees; providing for competitive food or beverage contracts and for certain budget timelines; further providing for annual budget and for financial reports; providing for the Distinguished Educators Program; further providing for continuing professional development, for program of continuing professional education, for safe schools advocate, for certain health services and for advisory health councils; providing for local wellness policies, for an interagency coordinating council for child health and nutrition, for duties of the Department of Education and for physical education; providing for physiology and hygiene; further providing for the Educational Assistance Program, for definitions, for responsibilities of Department of Education, for responsibilities of school entities, for transportation, for definitions, for education empowerment list, for board of school directors, for education empowerment districts, for school improvement grants, for limitation and for alternative education grants; providing for alternative education demonstration grants; further providing for State funding; providing for articulation agreements; further providing for definitions and for limitations; providing for transfer of credits between institutions of higher education and for transportation of certain students; further providing for definitions and for small district assistance; providing for basic education funding for 2005-2006 school year and for funding for partnership schools; further providing for payments on account of limited English proficiency programs, for payments to intermediate units and for special education payments to school districts; providing for special education community support services; further providing for payments, for approved reimbursable rental for leases and for Pennsylvania Accountability Grants; and providing for Statewide costing-out study.

HB 456 Prior Printer's No. 495. Printer's No. 1074. An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for the offense of terrorism; further providing in controlled substances forfeitures for loss of property rights to Commonwealth; providing for terrorism forfeiture; further providing for procedure with respect to seized property subject to liens and rights of lienholders; and providing for penalties.

HB 509 Prior Printer's Nos. 547, 3215. Printer's No. 4505. An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, further providing for campus police powers and duties.

HB 700 Prior Printer's Nos. 917, 4350, 4417. Printer's No. 4350. An Act providing for lobbying registration, regulation and disclosure; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of State, the Office of Attorney General and the State Ethics Commission; imposing penalties; establishing the Lobbying Accountability Fund; and making a related repeal.

HB 801 Prior Printer's Nos. 963, 4278. Printer's No. 4514. An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, further providing for fees charged by the Insurance Department; and authorizing and directing the Department of Health to establish a Cervical Cancer Task Force to evaluate and make recommendations for education and prevention of cervical cancer.

HB 1326 Prior Printer's Nos. 1574, 3105. Printer's No. 4044. An Act establishing the At-Risk Elderly Wireless Emergency Telephone Program; conferring powers and duties on the Department of Aging; and providing additional powers to the Area Agencies on Aging.

HB 1641 Prior Printer's Nos. 2026, 3240, 4312. Printer's No. 4392. An Act amending Titles 30 (Fish) and 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for boat and marine forfeiture, for the powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, for boat, marine equipment and watercraft trailer forfeiture and for the powers and duties of the Department of Transportation.

HB 1746 Prior Printer's Nos. 2236, 4036, 4226. Printer's No. 4389. An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for establishment of fees and charges, for limitations of time for other offenses, for inspection of court files and records, for law enforcement records and for the expiration of provisions on access to justice; and making a related repeal.

HB 1928 Prior Printer's Nos. 2637, 2882, 3638. Printer's No. 4307. An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for permit for movement during course of manufacture and for permits for movement of a mobile home or a modular housing unit and modular housing undercarriage.

HB 1992 Prior Printer's Nos. 2733, 4506. Printer's No. 4516. An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, further providing, in Local Government Capital Project Loan Fund provisions, for assistance to municipalities; providing for budget implementation, for restrictions on appropriations for funds and accounts and for family planning funding limitations.

HB 2295 Prior Printer's No. 3220. Printer's No. 3734. An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for a special registration plate for recipients of the Korean Defense Service Medal.

HB 2328 Prior Printer's Nos. 3624, 4440, 4463. Printer's No. 4440. An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and Title 42 Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for fines and costs; and providing for adoption of guidelines for fines.

HB 2627 By Representatives FLICK and MELIO. Prior Printer's No. 3958. Printer's No. 4053. An Act amending the act of October 6, 2005 (P.L.319, No.59), entitled, "An act amending the act of June 24, 1976 (P.L.424, No.101), entitled, as amended, 'An act providing for the payment of death benefits to the surviving spouse or children or parents of firefighters, ambulance service or rescue squad members, law enforcement officers or National Guard members killed in the performance of their duties,' further providing for death benefit eligibility and for definitions," further providing for retroactivity of death benefit eligibility.

HB 2633 By Representative ROBERTS. Prior Printer's No. 3973. Printer's No. 4282. An Act designating the bridge on State Route 3027 which passes over U.S. Route 40 in Fayette County as the Cpl. Victor Kozares, D.S.C., Bridge.

HB 2425 Prior Printer's No. 3490. Printer's No. 3822. An Act amending the act of April 24, 1931 (P.L.48, No.40), entitled "An act requiring the recording of certain written agreements pertaining to real property, and prescribing the effect thereof as to subsequent purchasers, mortgagees, and judgment creditors of the parties thereto," providing for the requirements for valid recording of documents.

Veterans Kick Rick

VoteVets has a long list of reasons why they don't like Rick Santorum. Read it here.

Things To Do

Looking for something to do in the next few weeks? Bryan Lentz (Democratic candidate for the 161st state house district) and Patrick Murphy (Democratic candidate for the 8th congressional district) both have some interesting events coming up. Details on their campaign sites.

Faith in Public Life Launched

I'm a little late with this. A new website and blog has been launched, called Faith in Public Life. If you look closely you'll notice a local connection -- a Temple U prof is on the board. If the subject interests you give it a look see.

Joining "Blogs on Demand"

I've added a new piece of "blogger bling" to the template. If you scroll down, you will see a blue box just above the Patrick Murphy icon. I've signed up with Newstex (www.newstex.com) and Above Average Jane is now part of their Blogs on Demand product. Newstex will add subject headings and the like to blog posts and market them to media outlets, corporate clients and any other interested parties. Their customers seem particularly interested in state and local information, which is where blogs like this one come in. There is a clause for the possibility of payment, but, honestly, I'll be surprised if I see any over the life of the contract (though Mr. Jane is very hopeful). It might increase readership and give broader exposure to the candidate interviews and other meatier posts that show up occasionally, and those are all good things. In any event, I wanted to be up front about this and make a public announcement so no one will feel blindsided or mislead if it comes up later.

PA-08 Update

Patrick Murphy and Mike Fitzpatrick have each proposed ways to protect children from online predators. Fitzpatrick's bill was discussed in congressional hearings recently. Here are a few information resources on recent developments:

"Fitzpatrick’s MySpace bill stirs debate," by Brian Scheid from today's Bucks County Courier Times (link)

Murphy campaign's posting on mydd.

Murphy campaign press release on the endorsement of his plan by law enforcement officials and teachers. (press release here, via politicspa)

My own personal viewpoint on this, that parents should not allow young children unrestricted access to home computers (most schools and the children's sections of public libraries are already loaded with blocking software) and not allow susceptible children to have internet access in their rooms, would seem to be hopelessly naive and uninformed.

Press Release Round-up

I should have regular connectivity tomorrow so standard posting will resume then. Until then here is a virtual feast of press releases. Enjoy!

Rick Taylor, Democratic candidate for the 151st house seat introduces himself. (via politicspa)

Tom Ferrick has a nice column on Raj Bhakta. (via Keystone Politics)

Josh Shapiro would like us to know the Katie Elise Lambert bill has been signed into law. I wrote on this bill earlier.

Things to Do

An item for your consideration:

There is a free screening of Why We Fight, which is officially sponsored by
Lower Bucks for Democracy and co-sponsored by PA Action. Why We Fight is
the award-winning documentary that examines America's military-industrial economy
and how it has affected us and the world since WWII. These are the details:

When: Thursday, July 13 at 7:00 pm sharp
Where: Langhorne Public Library
301 S. Pine St.
Langhorne, PA
215.757.2510
Handicapped Accessible: Y

This is the URL to read about the event and to RSVP:
http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=9521

(h/t eRobin)

News Round Up

A few items from here and there:

Via Capitol Ideas we find this item from the Harrisburg: Online:

Joe Hoeffel - a one-time candidate for the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor and former Congressman - starts today as the Deputy Secretary for the State Office of International Business Development in the Department of Community and Economic Development...Joe's public service actually began in Harrisburg as a Member of the State House from 1978 to 1984...Joe also served as a County Commissioner in suburban Philly's Montgomery County...Welcome back to the 'burg, Joe...

Bryan Lentz, Democratic candidate for the 161st house district has been endorsed by the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF); press release via politicspa here. Lentz is also the subject of a new blog, citizensforlentz.blogspot.com.

Shapiro Tuition and 529 Tax Savings Bill Passes

State Rep. Josh Shapiro, who sponsored a bill calling for a credit sharing agreement among state colleges has announced that the bill passed, and includes additional wording on tax credits for 529 plans. (see information on his campaign site, linked off his name, and a press release on PoliticsPA here). For previous information on the credit sharing bill see a previous posting here.

An Interview with Russ Shade

Russ Shade, Democratic candidate for the 183rd state house district, recently took the time to answer some interview questions. For a district description and biography of Russ, see this previous posting.

Not to second guess, but wouldn't it have been easier to make sure your petition signatures were correct and in sufficient number?

The Department of State requires 300 signatures for a person running for a state representative seat. When DOS reviewed my petition, they determined that there were sufficient signatures.

My opponent’s campaign arranged for my petition to be challenged – that’s a perfectly legal tactic. I chose to not defend the petition because I knew I could easily secure enough write-in votes to garner the nomination. To my thinking, my funds could be put to better use in getting my message out to voters.

You do raise a most interesting point. I’d like to tell you about a Democrat named Jeff Hamer from Allegheny County.

Infuriated by Rep. Frank Dermody’s “Yes” vote on the pay raise and Dermody’s acceptance of “unvouchered expenses,” Jeff decided to mount a primary challenge. He walked into the Department of State with over 500 signatures. Dermody had the petition challenged and when the smoke cleared, Jeff was thrown off the ballot. If somebody wants you gone from the race, they will mount a challenge.

We used supervoter lists that we compiled from voter history files, but, as we learned, some of the signature gatherers allowed folks whose names were not on the list to sign the petition. We had some other unanticipated difficulties that I would prefer not to discuss. Yes, I will agree, we could have done a much better job and I accept full responsibility for the shortcoming.

The Morning Call announced that I was withdrawing from the race when, in reality, I only withdrew my petition. The day that article appeared my phone began ringing with calls from supporters who were shocked that I would drop out. After some discussion, we decided to mount a write-in campaign.

As it turns out, we got far more write-in votes than we did petition signatures. But, even more importantly, we managed to mobilize Democrats in the district in a major way. We intend to use that momentum to drive change in the November election.

You were the campaign manager for John Stoffa for the office of Northampton County executive and won over an opponent with much greater funding. What strategy did you use?

For the Primary election, the underlying principle was that county government belongs to the citizens of the county. We expected that the incumbent would not take us seriously – and that turned out to be the case. The party did not support us – we were orphaned. That gave us incredible flexibility to drive the campaign we wanted to run – and drive it we did. We defined the issues, we set the example, and we used our limited resources wisely and effectively to convey John’s vision to the voters.

The Primary forced both the Democratic and Republican structures in the county to re-examine themselves. Both had proved ineffective in advancing their endorsed candidates. We used press conferences to keep the campaign in front of the voters. We used radio to give the voters a chance to learn about John’s vision. We spent hours at community fairs talking with voters and, perhaps more importantly, listening to voters.

Our opponent frequently pointed to having important friends in Harrisburg as a reason for voting for him. When the pay raise hit, voters stopped considering that to be an important qualification. The fact that John was an outsider (not a politician) but had 30 years of well-respected administrative experience in county government was impossible for the voters to discount.

Had you been active in politics before managing John Stoffa's campaign? How?

I’ve been a professional taxpayer for over 35 years.

Over the years I have been very active – not as an activist, but rather as a gadfly. Frankly, I was like the vast majority of residents –apathetic at best, but willing to complain at the drop of a hat. I saw our role as voters to be essentially meaningless.

In the fall of 2004 I met a county-level politician from the western part of the state who told me that, in her opinion, it may already be too late for PA. That angered me. My entire family was born, raised, and educated in PA. We love this commonwealth and we love living in the 183rd district.

I turned to the Web to try and learn just what she meant – and I found it virtually impossible to uncover meaningful information about how the state government operated. I was horrified.

At the same time I discovered political weblogs – specifically, PoliticsPA. On 2/18 a fellow named Stoffa put up a post on their message board that he was disgusted at what was going on in Northampton County and was planning to challenge the incumbent executive in the Primary. I sent him a note and offered to sign his petition and contribute $100 to his campaign. He responded that he had to talk to me first. We met in my dining room a few days later. After we chatted a bit, I asked him how he envisioned his campaign. He replied that he was going to get more yard signs than he had used in a run for County Council a few years earlier. I gave him a book I was reading on running for local office and suggested he read it while on a trip to China that he was taking in a few days.

When he returned home, he called and acknowledged that a successful campaign was going to require more than yard signs, and that he intended to win this race. I showed him the rough strategy I had drawn up while he was gone. The rest is now history.

We were still in our post-primary doldrums when the pay raise got shoved through. As the arrogance of House leadership revealed itself, I first got angry at the voters who put these clowns in office year after year. Then it occurred to me that perhaps it was time to listen to the mantra I had been mouthing for years, namely, if you don’t like who is running, find somebody better to run… and if you can’t find anybody better, then run yourself.

I wrote a letter to my state representative Julie Harhart, asking her if she would vote “yes” on a repeal bill and if she would support a discharge petition to pull such a bill onto the floor.

She never answered. Frankly, if I was to remain true to my principles, I had no choice but to run.

Will you accept all donations or will you limit yourself to only taking money from certain populations or groups?

I presently am limiting the contributions I accept to those from

Individuals

Sitting Democratic/progressive politicians whose platforms I can support

Labor PAC money

One of my biggest concerns about statewide and federal politics is the role that money plays. Without going into a lengthy discussion, we both know that effective campaigns require money to get the message into voters’ homes.

Frankly, I am a firm believer that the residents of the district should provide the financial support for the candidates of the district. I become suspicious about who my representative *really* works for when I see that more 94% of her contributions come from outside of the district – some of that money comes from out of state.

You think people should be taxed on what they consume not on what they earn. Does this mean food and other basic essentials would be taxed?

The plan is already on the table (see http://www.fairtax.org). We build a price index on what it costs to live in this state – food, energy costs, housing costs, medical/prescriptions costs, etc., and we come up with a realistic deduction that will be indexed to reflect changes in the State’s economic climate. Once a person’s or family’s expenditures exceed that figure, the consumption tax goes into effect. The tax is levied only on the retail sale of new goods and services.

Besides being a taxation system that rewards savings, the Fair Tax eliminates the expensive tax collection bureaucracy. It also taxes those portions of the underground economy that have gone untaxed for years.

During my conversations with business people and workers, I have seen strong support for this approach to taxation.

What about luxury items bought over the internet or in other states and brought to PA?

If it’s a PA customer buying online from a PA supplier, tax it. If it’s a PA buyer purchasing from an out-of-state supplier, let the taxes at the seller’s location apply.

If elected, how long would you want to stay in office?

I am not looking to have a career in politics. My goal is to provide the vision, drive, and vote to help progressive Democrats effect the reforms voters are demanding. I will devote two terms to that effort. If my efforts are successful, I will leave the State House after two terms. If I am unsuccessful in my efforts, I will run for a third term unless the community advances another candidate that I can support.

Even though there are a number of colleges in the general area (if not in the district), the percentage of people in many areas of the 183rd with a college degree is around 10%. Would you like to see that improve? Why? If yes, how would you encourage it? (Source: http://www.city-data.com/city/Slatington-Pennsylvania.html stats). [Interviewer's note: He is correct that my statistics are for just a portion of the district.]

Slatington is but a small part of the district. The Whitehall area boasts over 29% of residents with a 4-year degree.

The Lehigh Valley is blessed with numerous 2-year and 4-year undergraduate institutions as well as a variety of technical training programs. There is ample opportunity for every resident to partake of their offerings.

I want to see every person in the district obtain as much education as they desire.

One frustration with the state legislature has been the lack of transparency - ghost voting so we don't know if our legislators are actually hearing the debates on bills, leadership slush funds to pay for campaigning costs, legislative pay and pension raises, the long lag time in the release of the House Journal, voting records not available, candidates promising to only stay in office a set number of years then running over and over again - what would you do differently?

Eliminate ghost voting provisions for the next session – forever, if possible.
Public financing of elections for ALL legislative seats.
Elimination of defined pension programs for all State elected officials.
No bill may be voted or acted upon until the Legislative Journal containing the most recent action on the bill has been freely available to the public (including the Internet) for three days. No exceptions.
Voting information available within 2 hours of the vote. No exceptions.
A state-maintained computer-based repository of past roll call vote information.
The voters determine how long a person stays in office. A term-limits law takes power FROM the people. If a candidate makes an unconditional promise to limit himself/herself to a specific length of time and then breaks that promise, the voters should acknowledge that violation with a refusal to vote for the candidate in the next election.

What do you think the legislature can do to encourage existing businesses to come to the state and entrepreneurs to start businesses here?

I think the best thing government can do to encourage healthy business growth is get out of the way. That being said, business can encourage State government to stay out of the way by

Paying their employees a living wage and adjusting it as necessary to prevent employees from “falling behind.”
Treating employees and customers with dignity and respect.
Refusing to shjp the jobs of Pennsylvanians overseas.
Refusing to hire illegal immigrants.
Enhancing the quality of life rather than inflicting environmental harm.

You've "reinvented" yourself a number of times - career changes, starting a research oriented nonprofit, and so on. Is that flightiness or flexibility and will it help or hinder you in public office?

I believe my work history demonstrates not only my flexibility, but also my ability to see “what’s coming” in time to do something about it. I truly enjoyed the work I did in industrial distribution; but then I saw the nation begin to ship the industrial base overseas – indeed, even the company I was working for was erecting manufacturing facilities in Mexico and China. As the computer became an increasingly important tool, I identified the need for a way to make the machines and their software more accessible to users. From a personal viewpoint, working in the computer industry was a smart move for me.

That being said, I have proved that I can function well in a variety of arenas. That has to be an asset for a legislator.

I truly believe that if we have a legislature with members who come from all walks of life, we will have a better-functioning, more representative Legislature.

If elected would you make the legislature your primary focus or continue your work as a writer and with research on parrots?

As long as the position of State Representative is a full-time position, I will devote my attentions accordingly.

Will I avoid making trips to the Andes Mountains? Absolutely not, but I will schedule those trips so they do not interfere with my responsibilities to the citizens of my district.

What question didn't I ask that you would like to answer?

Why do you feel that the upcoming election may be the most important in Pennsylvania’s history?

Voters in Pennsylvania have a tremendous opportunity to reshape their state government in meaningful ways in the coming election.

With a few notable exceptions, our lawmakers have closeted themselves away from their constituents, preferring instead to advance the causes of the special interests that fund their campaigns. Instead of working to improve the lives and fortunes of all Pennsylvanians, they labor only to feather their own nests – hoping that the voters are asleep and will not notice their pay-grabbing arrogance. That approach has worked for decades.

Pennsylvanians deserve a public education system that does a better job at a lower cost, one that treats all students equitably – regardless of where they live.

With lower education costs in place, we will have the breathing room in which to develop a taxation system that spreads the cost of government services more equitably.

We need businesses that are dedicated not only to being successful economically, but which are also concerned with the success of the communities in which they reside.

We need to build a government apparatus that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs and desires of its constituents, not one that acts like it is operated by a ruling class.

If we send the same people back to Harrisburg, we will have more business-as-usual.

Frankly, Pennsylvania has to progress if it is to remain a wonderful place to live and conduct business. Over the past 18 months we have seen the out-of-touch legislature that business-as-usual has given us.

Voters are angry and disgusted. If the voters express their displeasure at the polls in the general election and toss out those incumbents that were untouchable during the primary, I predict that 2006 will forever be remembered as the year that Pennsylvania citizens took back their government from the ruling class.

The 183rd District and Russ Shade

The 183rd state house district includes parts of Lehigh and Northampton Counties. In Lehigh County, parts of South Whitehall, Washington and Whitehall townships, and Slatington borough are in the 183rd. In Northampton county, Allen and Lehigh townships and the boroughs of North Catasauqua, Northampton and Walnutport. Since 1994 the district has been represented by Republican Julie Harhart. She voted against the pay raise and did not take the unvouchered expenses.

Her opponent in this year's election is Democrat Russ Shade. The bio from his web site is as follows:

Russ Shade was born in Reading, PA in 1949 and, except for 1975-1979, has resided in eastern PA for all of his life. He graduated from Schuylkill Valley High School in Leesport, PA in 1967 and Albright College in Reading, PA in 1971 with a degree in English.

He taught secondary English in the Northwestern Lehigh School District from 1971-1974. In 1975 he moved to Rochester, New York to accept a position with Otetiana Council, Boy Scouts of America where he rose rapidly from the position of Assistant District Executive to District Executive, then Exploring Executive. In these positions he was responsible for community organizing, volunteer recruitment and management, and program development/delivery. In 1977, he was a camp director for the Council's summer camp program at Massawepie Scout Camps in Tupper Lake, NY and served as Assistant Reservation Director of the 3,000 acre, four-camp reservation in 1978.

In 1979, Russ returned to Pennsylvania and settled in Danielsville, Northampton County. For the next 11 years he worked for several employers in the industrial distribution field including Martin Sprocket & Gear. After the deaths of his parents in the mid-90's, Russ shifted gears yet again, this time combining his growing interest in computers with his writing ability. Over the next seven years he worked primarily in five corporate sectors - financial, wholesale distribution, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and computer software - organizing highly technical information into manuals that enabled the companies' clients to maximize their software investments. Once he had built up a broad portfolio, he struck out on his own as an independant technical writing consultant.


In 1999 when he found it difficult to obtain accurate information about a genus of parrots, Russ went to the scientific literature which he found to be as lacking as the avicultural literature. After raising some money, he flew to Ecuador and located several large flocks of these parrots in Mindo, a tiny community high in the Andean cloudforest outside of Quito.


He joined with like-minded aviculturists and formed the Pionus Parrots Research Foundation in late 1999 to raise money and conduct joint avicultural/scientific research into the genus. After 6 more visits to Mindo with field ornithologists, graduate students, and aviculturists, he wrote a book about the genus, The Practical Pionus: Pet Pionus Parrots, considered by many aviculturists to be the best book ever written about the genus. Russ sits on the executive board of the Pionus Breeders Association and is also the Managing Director of the Pionus Parrots Research Foundation. He frequently presents lectures to avicultural associations in the US and Canada.

Northampton County politics captured his attention early in 2005. Disturbed by what he observed in the operation of the Executive Branch and County Council, he began searching Internet political boards for more information about effective ways to reform county government. One morning he responded to a post in which John Stoffa expressed his desire to run for the county executive seat. After a brief email exchange, the two men met in person; within 2 weeks Stoffa's campaign was up and running. Despite being seriously underfunded and in spite of both Russ' and John's lack of political experience, Democratic voters responded favorably to the issues-oriented positive campaign and chose Stoffa in the primary as their candidate over incumbent Glenn Reibman. Stoffa went on to be elected County Executive in November, 2005. During the summer of 2005, Russ and John worked with party leadership and council candidates to share ideas for the council races. As a result, two additional Democrats, Diane Neiper and Charles Dertinger, displaced incumbent Republican candidates in the general election and returned the Democratic Party to a majority on Council.

Forecast: Light Postings

I'm breaking in some new computer equipment and postings may be light for a few days until all the bugs are worked out. The weekly legislative update probably won't be out until late next week. Sorry about that.

As a preview of things to come, Russ Shade, candidate for the 183rd state house district, has just sent in answers to interview questions so those will be showing up in the next week. Another interview may follow shortly afterward.

For those new to the blog or coming in after seeing it mentioned in the Inquirer or on C-SPAN (she says, as if this happens every day), see this introductory post.

Bryan Lentz Receives Combat Badge

Bryan Lentz has been awarded the Army Combat Action Badge active engagement by enemy while in Iraq in 2004. According to the press release:

In one incident, in September 2004, Lentz was the senior ranking officer on a convoy north of the city of Mosul that came under attack by insurgents. The unit’s mission was to travel to several water treatment plants to help initiate water reconstruction projects in the region.

“It is certainly an honor to receive the Army Combat Action Badge,” said Lentz. "But, today my thoughts and prayers are with America's real heroes, those men and women who are still serving in harm’s way, and the many soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. May God bless them all."

Bryan Lentz is the Democratic candidate for State Representative in the 161st Legislative District in Delaware County. Lentz served with distinction in the Iraq War and with MFO and NATO peacekeeping missions in the Sinai Peninsula and Bosnia. In civilian life, Lentz served for six years as a prosecutor with the Philadelphia District Attorney's office, where he prosecuted violent crime.

A Note About Temple and Sustainability

Austin in PA left a comment on a posting with a very interesting link. I wanted to make sure it got a good airing so here you go:

Here's a link for some info on floodplain research being done out of our own Temple U. They're (actually the Center for Sustainable Communities located at Temple Ambler), creating new floodplain maps for the Pennypack Creek watershed. Initial results show a much larger 100-yr floodplain than was previously mapped.

Thanks, Austin!

Mapchangers

I don't really like these things but they are important to the candidates so I'll mention it again. The Forward Together PAC is having a "mapchangers" vote. Patrick Murphy has made it through the first 2 rounds and is now in the national top ten. He is the only PA candidate on the list. You can vote for him here. (Note: you have to set up an account to vote but there is an "opt out" box for the email list.)

Independence Day Candidate Sightings

Over the weekend I went out and about with the family to various holiday events and outings. Since it's getting to be campaign season there were a number of candidates around. Here is a list of some of the big names I saw:

Ed Rendell (incumbent Dem governor)-- always smiling, always friendly
Lynn Swann (GOP candidate for governor)-- throwing little plastic football into the crowd
Rick Santorum (incumbent GOP senator) -- NEWSFLASH -- Santorum was wearing a short-sleeved shirt. Last December while writing the Reading Rick series of posts on his book, I looked through over 100 images of him on Google trying in vain to find one of him in short sleeves. Well, now I can tell you that there are no noticeable tattoos or disfigurations visible from across a two lane street. Mr. J. actually shook hands with him; not intentionally, Santorum caught him by surprise.
Jim Matthews (GOP candidate for lt governor) -- sensibly wore shorts given the weather (at least I think that was him).
Mike Fitzpatrick (incumbent GOP congressman for 8th district) -- he was in a place that he isn't usually at this time of year, which I took as a sign that he is a little worried about Patrick Murphy.
Raj Bhakta (GOP candidate for 13th congressional district) -- pink pants. interesting choice. Some of his campaign workers are aggressive to the point of being a little scary, hopping around, yelling and trying to get the crowd worked up. Note to campaign team -- small children find this behavior alarming.
Allyson Schwartz (incumbent Democrat congresswomen for 13th district) -- not hopping or yelling, but talking with people in what appeared to be calm tones.

There were a lot of local candidates around but none were wearing pink pants or hopping around or throwing little plastic footballs so I'll leave them alone. On a personal note I did get to hear bagpipes and once or twice a year I really enjoy that.

A Miscellany of Links

Ben at Young Philly Politics has a few things to say about the marraige amendment and the upcoming elections.

Some of Joe Sestak's supporters have started a new blog, PA7Watch.

More on Fitzpatrick and Flooding

Have you seen those commercials where a group of people are standing around a piece of trash on the ground, and pontificating about what needs to be done to clean it up, and someone else comes along, picks it up, throws it in a nearby trash can and walks away? I love it. Mostly because I think it is very illustrative of how much of life works. You have people who talk up a storm and people who get things done and there is seldom any overlap.

I thought of that commercial again when I saw this quote from an article on Sunday's phillyburbs.com ("Fitzpatrick calls for hearings," by Elizabeth Fisher)

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick wants answers.

So he’s calling for a series of congressional hearings to gather information on the causes of frequent flooding in Bucks County and to find ways to prevent or lessen their impact.

Speaking in the aftermath of a visit by Gov. Ed Rendell to Lower Makefield Saturday, Fitzpatrick, R-8, said he wants to question representatives from the Delaware River Basin Commission and any other state or federal agency that can provide answers so desperately needed by flood victims.

I thought it was especially interesting in light of this from a recent press release of his:

I am in close contact with local, state, and federal authorities as well as the Delaware River Basin Commission for up-to-date information on the state of the river and what needs to be done to ensure that our residents are protected.

The Delaware River Basin Commission has, on its web site a 96 page comprehensive plan dated 2001. I wonder how many of the PA-related goals have been implemented. There is also a lengthy report from 2004 on flow management issues.

I would also like to note this from Mid-Atlantic River Basins

New Delaware River Task Force -- On October 25, 2005, Representative Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA-8th), working cooperatively with the Northeast-Midwest Institute and the Delaware River Basin Commission, continued his leadership in addressing environmental concerns impacting the Delaware River by launching a reinvigorated Delaware River Basin Task Force. ... Serving along with Representative Fitzpatrick as co-chairs will be Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-New York), Representative Jim Gerlach (R-PA), and Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ)

Let me get this straight -- he co-chairs the Delaware River Basin Task Force. He was in constant contact with the Delaware River Basin Commission. And, now, after a major flood, he's standing around calling for congressional hearings? He's been in constant contact with the DRBC but now he needs congressional hearings to make them answer questions? Why hasn't his task force, co-chaired with Rep. Jim Gerlach, asked these questions before now?

I still like the "pick it up and go on" approach. Patrick Murphy, who is running against Fitzpatrick, had his staff shift from fundraising to flood relief and was actively involved himself. At the end of a fundraising quarter, for a candidate challenging an incumbent, this must have been a difficult choice.

"Our Part" on C-SPAN

Holy cow!!! Joe from NY writes in to tell me Chris Satullo's article on the "our part of the bargain" posts was discussed on the Washington Journal this weekend. Sure enough, Sunday, July 2nd's broadcast starts out with a reading of the column and callers response.

The link to Chris's column and to the "our part" posts from this and other blogs are linked from here.

Missing Monday

For those new to the regional blogosphere, participating bloggers set aside the first Monday of each month to highlight a missing persons case.

James Edward Amabile
Missing Since: December 4, 2003 from Folsom, Pennsylvania
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: May 19, 1965
Height: 5'11" / Weight: 200 lbs.
Hair / Eye Color: Brown / Brown
Race: White / Gender: Male
Distinguishing Characteristics: Tattoos: "tiger's head" on
upper back, "bird" on one shoulder and a "panther" on other,
pierced left ear. Crewcut hairstyle.
Medical Conditions: Insulin-dependent diabetic.
Clothing: Dk. blue or black windbreaker, white "Nike"
athletic shoes.
Jewelry: "Medic tag" necklace. Diamond stud in left ear.
James was last seen at approx. 5:00 p.m. leaving his residence near the 700 block of 2nd Ave. to pick up his daughter in nearby Woodlyn, PA. He never arrived. His vehicle, also missing, is described as a hunter green 2002 Ford Explorer with PA Lic# FLA 4785. James had a tendency to become confused and disoriented because of his diabetes.

Quick News Round Up

The State Senate passed the budget in the wee hours of the mornign on Sunday. Link to story in the Inky here. ("After delay, Pa. Senate passes budget," By Mario F. Cattabiani and Amy Worden). My favorite sentence:

Without that [revisions to the state's slots law], Fumo said, he would not allow Democratic members to vote for the budget, even though it was supported by Rendell, a fellow Democrat.

He wouldn't allow people to vote? Something wrong there.

Everyone else noted this six months ago, but it just came to my attention. Ebonya Washington, a Yale economist, studied federal legislator's voting records on issues relating to women and found that the more daughters a male legislator has the more favorable his votes. details here. I'm not sure how this explains Bob Casey....

If you have checked in looking for the weekly legislative update, it is delayed by the weekend sessions. Expect it early next week.

Hello, Inky Readers!!!

My thanks to Chris Satullo for the wonderful column he wrote on the "Our Part of the Bargain" discussion. You can find it here.

Earlier this year area bloggers got together and had a similar discussion on the role of faith in politics. My view is here. Links to other blogger's views are here.

While you are here, you might want to take a look at some of other area bloggers listed on the blogroll (right hand sidebar).

Some of the more popular posts on this blog are also on the right hand sidebar. A few of my favorites are listed below (sorry for the shameless self-promotion).

Seth Williams profile
Interview with Patrick Murphy
Reading Patrick Murphy
Meeting Patrick Murphy
Interview with Joe Hoeffel (4/06)
Interview with Joe Hoeffel (11/05)
Interview with Paul Lang


Thank you for stopping by. The virtual door is always open and you are welcome any time.

Kudos #3: Paul Lang's Wedding Day

Paul Lang, Democratic candidate for the 6th state senate district is getting married today. Not sure what to get the happy couple? See the contributions page on Paul's website.