12/3/08 - Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) is sworn in as Lieutenant Governor. The oath of office was administered by Pennsylvania Superior Court Justice John M. Cleland.

Issues

Resources

Focus on Pennsylvania - December 2008

This month’s program features memorial services for Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, who died in November, and Senator Jim Rhoades, who died in October. In addition, the show pays tribute to four retiring members of the Senate Republican Caucus.

More Focus on PA

Pennsylvania Senate Republican Podcast

11/21/08 - State Senator Don White (R-41) comments on a Senate Banking & Insurance Committee recommendation that the Blues insurance merger be rejected.

More Podcasts

Monthly Radio Address From Senate Republicans

December 2008 - Senator Mike Folmer (R-48) looks back at the 2007/2008 legislative session and discusses budgeting challenges for 2009.

More Radio

Senate News

12/4/08 - Scarnati Appoints Browne as Caucus Administrator
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) today appointed Senator Pat Browne (R-16) to serve as Majority Caucus Administrator for the 2009-10 Legislative Session.

12/4/08 - Senator Pippy Named to Leadership Post
State Senator John Pippy of the 37th Senatorial District announced that he has been named Chairman of the Senate Policy Committee.  Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati named Senator Pippy to this significant leadership position.

12/3/08 - Scarnati Sworn In as Lieutenant Governor
In a private ceremony, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati was sworn in today as the next Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scarnati succeeds Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, who passed away in November after a battle with cancer.

12/3/08 - Senate Republican Leaders to Return COLA
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25), Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), Majority Whip Jane Orie (R-40), Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman (R-34), Caucus Chairman Mike Waugh (R-28), and Caucus Secretary Bob Robbins (R-50) today announced that they would not accept the annual COLA, instead returning the money to the state Treasury.

11/20/08 - Senate Republicans Elect Leadership Team for New Session 
State Senate Republicans today elected their leadership team for the 2009-2010 legislative session.

11/20/08 - Scarnati Re-Elected to Top Leadership Post 
State Senator Joe Scarnati of the 25th Senatorial District has been nominated by his Republican colleagues to once again be President Pro Tempore in the Pennsylvania State Senate.

11/20/08 - Senator Pileggi Re-Elected Majority Leader
Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-9) today was re-elected by his colleagues to serve as Majority Leader for the 2009-10 legislative session. 

11/20/08 - Senator Orie Re-Elected Senate Majority Whip
Senate Republicans today elected their leadership team for the 2009-2010 legislative session, re-electing Senator Jane Clare Orie (R-Allegheny) to her second term as the third-highest position of Majority Whip.

11/20/08 - Waugh Re-Elected Majority Caucus Chairman
Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) won unanimous support today from his fellow Republicans in his bid to serve as Majority Caucus Chairman during the 2009-2010 legislative session.

11/20/08 - Senator Robbins Re-Elected to Senate Leadership Position
State Senate Republicans today unanimously re-elected Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) to a Senate leadership position for the upcoming 2009-10 legislative session.

11/20/08 - Republicans Name Corman as Senate Appropriations Chair
Senate Republicans today elected Sen. Jake Corman (R-34) to serve as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee for the 2009-10 Legislative Session. The Appropriations Committee reviews all legislation for its fiscal impact and plays a crucial role in developing the state budget.

11/20/08 - Senator White's Statement on Blues Recommendations
Senator Don White, (R-41 and Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee) issued the following statement today (November 20) after his committee approved its recommendations to the Department of Insurance regarding the proposed merger of Highmark and Independence Blue Cross.

11/20/08 - Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Examines Hunting License Fee Increases
The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee explored the possibility of hunting license fee increases during a public hearing Wednesday, according to Committee Chairman Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery). 

11/20/08 - Report Confirms High Costs for Chesapeake Upgrades, Vance Says
A Legislative Budget and Finance Committee report issued today validates municipal cost estimates to comply with the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy (CBTS), said Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York).

11/19/08 - Committee to Finalize "Blues" Recommendations
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will meet at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, November 20, in Hearing Room 1 of the State Capitol North Office Building to finalize its recommendations regarding the proposed merger of Highmark and Independence Blue Cross, according to Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-41).

11/18/08 - Senate Majority Policy Committee Public Hearing on Marcellus Shale
- Part 1 - (running time 57 minutes)
- Part 2 - (running time 1 hour, 4 minutes)
- Part 3 - (running time 54 minutes)
- Part 4 - (running time 46 minutes)
- Part 5 - (running time 25 minutes)

11/17/08 - Senate Republican Transportation Summit Studies Infrastructure, Funding Needs
Members of the Senate Republican Caucus sought fiscally responsible alternatives for funding the state's transportation needs during a Transportation Funding Summit in Harrisburg today, according to Committee Chairman Roger Madigan (R-Bradford).

11/17/08 - Senate Game and Fisheries Committee to Hold Hearing on Hunting License Fees
The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday in Doylestown to examine hunting license fees, according to Committee Chairman Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery).

11/17/08 - Senate Majority Policy Committee to Hold Hearing on Marcellus Shale Tuesday, November 18
The Senate Majority Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 18th, 2008, in Dallas to better understand and manage the opportunities and challenges posed by the development of the Marcellus Shale natural gas deposit in the Commonwealth.   
- Sen. Baker

11/13/08 - Scarnati to be Next Lieutenant Governor
Due to the unfortunate passing of Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) will be the next Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The swearing-in and transition of Senator Scarnati will be determined in the near future.

11/13/08 - Senator Brubaker Introduces Legislation to Prevent Mortgage Fraud
Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) introduced two bills today that would protect consumers from mortgage fraud and protect employees of mortgage companies who report illegal activities.

11/12/08 - Senate Republican Caucus to Host Transportation Funding Summit
Seeking input on the challenges facing all areas of transportation, the Senate Republican Caucus will host a Transportation Funding Summit from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, November 17th in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg.  
- Sen. Pileggi

11/12/08 - Senate Majority Policy Committee to Hold Hearing on Marcellus Shale
The Senate Majority Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 18th, 2008, in Dallas to better understand and manage the opportunities and challenges posed by the development of the Marcellus Shale natural gas deposit in the Commonwealth.

11/10/08 - Senate State Government Committee hearing on municipal electricity procurement
(running time 2 hour, 39 minutes)

11/10/08 - State Urged to Support Local Procurement Measures
Local government officials today (November 10) urged the Senate Local Government Committee to support two Senate Bills addressing municipal electric procurement issues.

11/5/08 - Brubaker Unveils Legislation to Promote Agritainment
State Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) announced legislation that will promote additional profit-making opportunities for agriculture at a press conference today in Ronks.

10/31/08 - Piccola, Gordner and Earll to file "Friend of the Court Brief" in Support of AFSCME Lawsuit against Furloughs
Senators Jeffrey Piccola (R-15), John Gordner (R-27) and Jane Earll (R-49) announced their intention today to file an amicus curiae brief in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in support of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees' (AFSCME) appeal regarding furloughs of Commonwealth employees.

10/30/08 - Panel to Hold Hearing on Electric Procurement
The Senate Local Government Committee will hold a public hearing to receive testimony on the issue of "Municipal Electric Procurement" on Monday, November 10th, according to Senator Bob Regola (R-39), Committee Chairman.
- Sen. Rafferty

10/18/08 - Statement from Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi Regarding Senator James J. Rhoades

10/15/08 - 2007-08 Senate Accomplishments
Senate Republicans led the effort in the 2007-08 legislative session to reform state government, increase Pennsylvania’s use of alternative energy sources, improve the quality of health care, control the growth of state spending, and make sound investments in our infrastructure.

10/15/08 - Orie Calls on Gov. Rendell to Halt Wasteful Spending on Controversial Program
State Sen. Jane Orie (R-40), along with Senate Republican leaders and the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, today called on Gov. Ed Rendell to cease wasteful spending on a controversial standardized graduation requirements program.

10/10/08 - Letter from Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati to House and Senate Leaders Concerning State's Economic Status (PDF)

10/9/08 - General Assembly Makes Improvements to State Dog Law
The Senate approved changes to the state's Dog Law on Wednesday that would ensure a humane and healthy environment for dogs living in commercial breeding kennels, according to Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36).

10/9/08 - Baker's Child Protection Legislation Signed Into Law
Legislation establishing a Public Health Child Death Review Program to promote safety and reduce child fatalities has been signed into law by the governor, according to Senator Lisa Baker (R-20), who sponsored the measure.

10/8/08 - Folmer Bill Protecting Deployed Servicemen’s Child Custody Rights Heads to Rendell’s Desk
The General Assembly has approved Sen. Mike Folmer's (R-Lebanon) legislation protecting the child custody rights of deployed military personnel. 

10/8/08 - Senate Sends Another Rhoades Bill Limiting Local Government Appeals to the Governor
The Senate today overwhelmingly supported legislation that would prevent school districts from raising property taxes on homeowners following the sale of a property, according to prime-sponsor Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29).

10/8/08 - Tomlinson's Home Repair Fraud Legislation Goes to Governor
Legislation that would provide consumers with stronger protections against home repair scam artists has passed the Senate and House and now goes to the governor for his approval, according to Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), who sponsored the measure.

10/8/08 - Sen. Browne's "Anti-idling" Legislation Heads to Governor
Legislation introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) that will reduce the noise and noxious exhaust fumes of idling tractor trailers received final legislative approval today and is headed to Governor Ed Rendell for his signature and enactment into law.

10/8/08 - Piccola Lauds Senate's Passage of Energy Measure
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) praised today the Senate’s passage of House Bill 2200, legislation that can help to ease the effects of spiking energy costs when the rate cap expires in 2010, and also applauded the recent work of the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee of which he is a member.

10/8/08 - Pippy Bill Creating Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement System to be Signed Into Law
Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to assist counties and municipalities in responding to disasters received final legislative approval Tuesday and was sent to the governor to be signed into law.

10/8/08 - Senators Hail Legislature’s Passage of Bill to Crack Down on Cop Killers
Three state Senators who have fought hard for tougher penalties for criminals who murder or assault police officers today hailed passage of legislation that will help to protect law enforcement officials.
- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Rafferty

10/8/08 - Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, makes remarks on HB 2220, legislation that is intended to lower energy costs and promote energy efficiency and conservation.

10/8/08 - Senate State Government Committee hearing on lobbyist disclosure regulations
- Part 1 (running time 1 hour, 7 minutes)
- Part 2 (running time 2 minutes)

10/7/08 - Senator Orie Leads Rally to Promote Awareness of Domestic Violence
Pennsylvania needs to build on successful efforts to prevent domestic violence and to make the public aware of the signs of abuse, according to Sen. Jane Orie, Majority Whip (R-40), who today led a rally at the state capitol to focus greater attention on the issue.

10/6/08 – Senate Appropriations Committee hearing to question state Budget Secretary Mary Soderberg about the impact of the current economic situation on Pennsylvania’s spending plans and revenue projections.

10/6/08 - The Senate State Government Committee is briefed by Terry Mutchler, Executive Director for the new Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, on the status of implementing the new Open Records Law, which takes effect January 1, 2009.

- Sen. Piccola

10/6/08 - Sen. Orie to Hold News Conference to Focus Greater Awareness on Domestic Violence
Marking October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, Senator Jane Orie (R-40) will hold a news conference at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7, in the Rotunda of the Main Capitol in Harrisburg.

10/3/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

10/2/08 - Second Hearing on Merger Recommendations on Tuesday
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will hold its second public hearing to take testimony prior to developing its recommendations on the proposed merger of Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross on Tuesday, October 7 at 9 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the State Capitol North Office Building, according to Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-41).

9/30/08 - Regola Bill Would End Conflicts of Interest
As part of his ongoing reform efforts, Senator Bob Regola (R-39) is introducing a bill that would bar elected officials from serving on municipal authorities.

9/29/08 - Pippy's PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act Moves Forward
The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) that would expand affordable housing initiatives in Pennsylvania.

9/25/08 - Senator Wonderling Legislation to Protects Online Auctions From Government Redtape Approved by Senate
The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation introduced by state Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24th) to allow individuals who sell items via on-line auctions to continue to do so without auctioneer licensure requirements.

9/25/08 - Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Amends and Passes HB2525
House Bill 2525 was passed yesterday by the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee with amendments, according to Committee Chairman Senator Mike Brubaker. This bill, known as the Dog Law, sets a higher standard for commercial kennels in Pennsylvania.

9/24/08 - Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation Limiting Local Government Appeals
The Senate approved legislation today that would prevent school districts from raising property taxes on homeowners following the sale of a property, according to Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29).

9/24/08 - Local Government Committee Approves Several Measures
The Senate Local Government Committee recently approved several measures, including ones protecting religious viewpoints of such sects as the Amish, clarifying powers of municipal authorities; increasing loan limits for local governments; and establishing a uniform system for recording and registering deeds, according to Senator Bob Regola (R-39), Committee Chairman.

9/24/08 - Senate Acts to Help Uninsured Pennsylvanians
The Senate today unanimously approved and sent to the House of Representatives two bills aimed at expanding options for Pennsylvanians without medical insurance coverage.
- Sen. Don White
- Sen. Corman

9/24/08 - Senate Committee Approves Bill to Prevent Blight
The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee approved legislation today that would help municipalities prevent blight and remediate abandoned properties.

9/23/08 - Regola's Booking Center Proposal Heads to Governor
Senator Bob Regola's proposal to help counties cover the costs of regional police "booking centers" recently received legislative approval and is headed to the Governor for enactment into law.

9/22/08 - Committee Acts to Help Uninsured Pennsylvanians
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee today approved two bills aimed at expanding health care options for Pennsylvanians with coverage, according to Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-41).

9/22/08 - Senate Approves Bill to Promote Cooperative Efforts
The Senate today unanimously approved a measure introduced by Senator Bob Regola (R-39) and Senator John Pippy (R-37) that would encourage municipal authorities to work more closely with local  governments.
- Sen. Regola

9/22/08 - White Urges Action on Coal Bed Methane Well Dispute Act
Senator Don White (R-41) urged the House to expeditiously move his legislation establishing a special review board to arbitrate coal bed methane well disputes.

9/22/08 - Senator McIlhinney Legislation Would Prevent Discrimination Against Military
Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery) introduced legislation today that would prohibit public school officials from discriminating against members of the Armed Forces.
- Sen. McIlhinney
- Sen. Baker
- Press Conference

9/22/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

9/18/08 - Committee Sets Hearings on Merger Recommendations
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will hold two public hearings in the upcoming weeks to take testimony prior to developing its recommendations on the proposed merger of Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross, according to Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-41).

9/18/08 - Committee Approves Erickson’s Community-Based Health Care Program
The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), today unanimously approved a major piece of a comprehensive health care package designed to improve and expand health care access and affordability in Pennsylvania.
- Sen. Erickson
- Sen. Baker

9/18/08 - Pippy Bill Providing Honor Guards at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies Heads to Governor for Enactment
Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to provide honor guards for burials at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies received final approval today and was sent to the governor to be signed into law.

9/18/2008 - McIlhinney to Announce Bill Allowing Military Uniforms In Schools
State Senator Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery) will announce legislation to prohibit school officials from denying members of the military access to school grounds because they are in uniform at a Capitol press conference Monday, September 22 at 12:30 in the Capitol Media Center.

9/17/08 - Senate Panel Endorses Piccola Measure Addressing Loophole in State's Wiretap Law
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) applauded members of the Senate Judiciary Committee today for approving Senate Bill 1555 – legislation that he has sponsored aimed at closing a loophole in Pennsylvania's Wiretap Law which allowed criminal defense lawyers to obtain the cell phone records of Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico and his First Assistant District Attorney, as well as state police investigators, without their knowledge or the knowledge of the presiding judge. 

9/16/08 - Senate Republicans Call for House Action on Reform Measures
Senate Republicans called on the House of Representatives to pass and send to the governor seven pieces of reform legislation which passed the Senate unanimously earlier this year.
- Sen. Scarnati
- Sen. Pileggi
- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Eichelberger
- Sen. Folmer
- News Conference

9/15/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

9/3/08 - Joint Senate Hearing in Pittsburgh on Municipal Pensions
The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy (R-Allegheny), and the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh and Northampton), will hold a joint public hearing on Monday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the University of Pittsburgh’s William Pitt Union, Lower Lounge, 5th Ave. and Bigelow Blvd. on municipal pensions.

8/26/08 - Piccola, Marsico Introduce Legislation Establishing Timeline for Future Budgets
Sen. Jeff Piccola (R-15) and Rep. Ron Marsico (R-105) have introduced proposals to establish a more definitive timeline for all future state budgets and are hopeful they will be fast-tracked through committee to give lawmakers the ability to enact this much-needed legislation during the fall session.

8/14/08 - Senator Orie Urges Gaming Board to Reopen Bidding Process for Pittsburgh Casino Project
Senate Majority Whip Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) today in written testimony urged members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to revoke the license awarded to PITG Gaming and reopen the bidding process for the financially troubled casino project in Pittsburgh.

8/14/08 - Regola Wants Expanded Tax Break for Disabled Vets
Senator Bob Regola (R-39) is introducing legislation calling for a state constitutional amendment to expand the Property Tax Exemption Program for Disabled Veterans. 

8/12/08 - Orie, Fumo Propose Revisions to Gaming Act 
Two state Senators have developed bipartisan legislation that would make several important amendments to Pennsylvania's 2004 slot machine gambling law, including prohibiting outside income by Gaming Control Board members, expanding the prohibition on campaign contributions from casino interests, and increasing public disclosure of previously confidential information supplied by license applicants.

8/8/08 - Orie Calls for Gaming Hearings to be held in Pittsburgh with Regard to the PITG Casino Bailout
Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) and Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny) called on the Gaming Control Board to hold at least one public hearing on the application submitted by Neil Bluhm and Don Barden for the change in ownership of the Majestic Star Casino in the City of Pittsburgh.

7/30/08 - Senator Brubaker Released From Hospital Following Surgery
State Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) was released from Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia today following Tuesday's surgery to remove his prostate.

7/25/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

7/22/08 - Orie Joins Auditor General to Call for GPS Monitoring of Sex Offenders
State Sen. Jane Orie (R-40) joined state Auditor General Jack Wagner today to call for Global Positioning System (GPS) monitoring of convicted sex offenders.
- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Rafferty

7/16/08 - Statement from Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi regarding the proposed Special Session:
"We applaud Senator Piccola for trying to bring additional attention to reform issues. The Senate has passed numerous reform-focused bills unanimously this session, some more than a year ago – and most of which await House action. Yesterday, we urged Rep. DeWeese to ensure that the members of the House have an opportunity to vote on those bills.
- News Conference
- Sen. Piccola
- Sen. Vance
- Sen. Rhoades
- Sen. Folmer

7/16/08 - Senator Rhoades Statement on Governor's Veto of SB 1247 
Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) issued the following statement concerning the governor's veto of Senate Bill 1247, legislation that would have closed a loophole that allows school districts to raise taxes on homeowners.

7/16/08 - Piccola Leads Call for Special Session on Ethics Reform
In response to the first wave of presentments handed down by the State Attorney General late last week, Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin/York) was joined by fellow Senators and colleagues from the House of Representatives and members of the reform movement today to call on Governor Edward G. Rendell to convene a special session of the General Assembly in the fall for the purpose of reforming the General Assembly and providing for the ethical for the conduct of state government.

7/16/08 - Senator Regola Proposes Inheritance Tax Repeal
While recognizing that nothing is sure in life except death and taxes, Senator Bob Regola (R-39) is introducing legislation to at least separate the two.  Senate Bill 1529 would phase-out Pennsylvania's Inheritance Tax -- more commonly known as the "Death Tax."

7/15/08 - Letter from Senate Leaders to House Majority Leader
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) urged House Majority Leader H. William DeWeese to take immediate action on seven reform-focused bills languishing in the House.

7/11/08 - Statement from Senator Scarnati Regarding Senator Regola
"This is welcome news and quite frankly news I fully expected all along," Scarnati stated.  "From the get go, this has been nothing more than a political vendetta against Bob Regola and I am pleased the jury saw it for what it was.  Now that the verdict is in, I am hopeful that the Regola family and the Farrell family can find it in their hearts to move forward and find some sort of closure to this sad tragedy."

7/10/08 - Tomlinson's Alternative Fuels Bill Signed into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) that would encourage the use of energy efficient alternative fuels was signed into law today.

7/10/08 - Testimony of Senator Don White Before the State Insurance Department/Blues Merger
Commissioner Ario, distinguished panelists, I would like to open by thanking you for the opportunity to present my views and concerns regarding the proposed merger of Highmark and Independence Blue Cross.  As Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, I have a number of concerns about the potential impact this extraordinary merger would have on all aspects of healthcare in Pennsylvania. 

7/9/08 - Governor Signs House Bill 1150
Governor Ed Rendell today signed House Bill 1150, a measure to require insurance companies to provide coverage for autism services and colorectal cancer screening and to provide state oversight of proposed mergers involving non-profit health insurance companies, according to Senator Don White, Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
- Sen. D. White

7/7/08 - Regola's Oath of Office Bill Sent to Governor
Legislation sponsored by State Senator Bob Regola (R-39) that would establish a uniform oath of office for municipal officials was passed by the General Assembly this past week and sent to the Governor for final approval.

7/4/08 - Senate Approves Final 2008-09 Budget Bill
The Senate today approved a state budget for Fiscal Year 2008-09 that holds the line on state spending while ensuring the continuation of essential services and programs.
- Sen. Scarnati
- Sen. Pileggi
- Sen. Armstrong
- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Baker
- Sen. Robbins

7/4/08 - Senator Gib Armstrong: The Necessity of State Borrowing
Across Pennsylvania, thousands of projects need to be done.  Some for economic reasons.  Some for environmental reasons.  Some to meet community development hopes.  Others to address public safety.

7/4/08 - Senate Approves Tax Credit for Volunteer Responders
The Senate today (July 4) approved legislation providing a $100 tax credit for active volunteer firefighters and EMS workers, according to Senator Pat Browne, author of an amendment providing for the tax credit. The provision was included as part of House Bill 377, the tax code bill passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2008-09 budget.
- Sen. Browne
- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Rafferty
- Sen. Baker
- Sen. Waugh

7/4/08 - Pippy Bill Expanding Keystone Opportunity Zones to Become Law
Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to expand programs that use tax abatements to attract employers to Pennsylvania communities has been approved by the General Assembly and sent to the governor to be signed into law.

7/4/08 - Corman's Legislation Reforming CPA Certification Clears House & Senate
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman (R-34) that changes the certification process for certified public accountants (CPAs) passed cleared the House and Senate this week and is now before the Governor for his signature to become law.

7/4/08 - General Assembly Passes $650 Million Alternative Energy Investment Act
The Alternative Energy Investment Act, a measure spearheaded by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) to boost renewable energy development and help consumers reduce energy use without imposing new taxes, received final legislative approval today and was sent to the governor to be signed into law.

7/3/08 - Orie: Senate Endorses Bill to Expand PA's Newborn Screening Program
The state Senate today approved legislation that would expand Pennsylvania’s Newborn Screening and Follow-up Program to include 29 “core” genetic conditions that are serious but treatable if caught early, according to Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny).

7/3/08 - Senate Passes Orie Legislation to Eliminate ‘Pinstripe’ Patronage
Yesterday, in a unanimous vote, the State Senate passed legislation introduced by Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny, Butler) to eliminate conflicts of interest when state government enters into contracts with outside consultants.

7/3/08 - Sen. Wonderling Bill Prohibiting Government Intrusion Into VoIP Passes Senate
On July 2nd, the Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation (SB 1000) introduced by state Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24th) preventing any state government agency from regulating Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP. VoIP allows telephone calls to be made via a broadband internet connection instead of a regular phone line.  Use of VoIP services grew by more than 500 percent in the last two years.

7/2/08 - Sen. Orie Champions Approval of Landmark Legislation Providing for Autism Insurance Coverage
Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) today hailed passage of landmark and national model legislation that would require Pennsylvania insurance companies, for the first time, to cover treatment for a wide spectrum of autism disorders. House Bill 1150 passed the Senate by a vote of 49 to 1. The Governor has indicated his support and intention to sign this legislation into law.  It will be one of the strongest insurance mandates for autism yet achieved in the nation. 

7/2/08 - Blues Oversight Bill Headed to the Governor
Legislation providing for state oversight of proposed mergers involving non-profit health insurance companies received final legislative approval today and is headed to the Governor for his signature and enactment into law, according to Senator Don White, Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.

7/1/08 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.
 

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