PA HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE REVIEW - March 8, 2013

A state legislative update from the PA House Democratic Caucus THE LATEST... Taxpayers could save $365 million with charter/cyber school reform bill State Rep. James Roebuck, D-Phila., Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee, has unveiled his new charter and cyber charter school reform bill, which could save school districts an estimated $365 million per year. The estimate is largely based on a 2012 report from the auditor general's office. "While I do support charter schools, I believe major revisions are needed regarding the governance, financing and accountability of charter and cyber charter schools. These revisions will result in significant savings to our school districts, and I believe this is the most far-reaching reform bill of its kind introduced in Pennsylvania in this session," Roebuck said. "Two years ago, Pennsylvania cut about $900 million from K-12 education, and the governor's new budget proposes to restore only about 10 percent of that cut. This reform bill would return four times that proposed increase to school district budgets -- without raising taxes," Roebuck said. "It's possible the amount might be even higher than this conservative estimate of $365 million, but we can't know for sure without the increased transparency and accountability requirements in this bill. There are significant unknowns about charter and cyber charter school finances, even though they are public schools." READ MORE HERE. HDPC examines impact of potential Medicaid expansion in Pa. Members of the House Democratic Policy Committee heard from health care providers and advocates for older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities at a public hearing on March 7 to learn the potential impact of expanding Medicaid if the governor reverses his decision and chooses to opt in, said Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, requested the hearing and served as co-chairman. State Rep. Flo Fabrizio, D-Erie, Democratic chairman of the House Health Committee, and state Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, also attended. The hearing looked specifically at how expanding Medicaid would impact the health of residents, and spur job growth and direct investment in the state. Under Medicaid expansion, which is a key component of 2010’s Affordable Care Act, the federal government would pay 100 percent of funding needed to expand in the first three years of implementation, and no less than 90 percent after 2017. Twenty-four states and Washington, D.C., have opted to expand Medicaid thus far, including neighboring states Maryland, New Jersey and Ohio. READ MORE HERE. Conklin introduces 3 bills to help regulate oil and gas drilling in the state Centre County state Rep. Scott Conklin has introduced three bills designed to better regulate oil and gas drilling and production in Pennsylvania. "Natural gas drilling and extraction is a new industry in Pennsylvania. With any new industry, there are a great deal of unknowns, and the natural gas extraction industry is no exception," Conklin said. "We need to do all we can to make sure the public health and our environment are safeguarded as we venture further into this new industry." Conklin's first bill (H.B. 880) would require well operators to provide public notice of their intent to drill in the area. Public notice would consist of an advertisement published in the local newspaper before the permit application is filed with the Department of Environmental Protection. The ad would run once a week for four consecutive weeks, and proof of publication would be required to be submitted with the permit application. READ MORE HERE. Nurse-to-patient ratio bills introduced in Pa. House and Senate State Rep. Phyllis Mundy and state Sen. Daylin Leach have introduced bills in their respective chambers that would set a minimum number of registered nurses to patients at Pennsylvania hospitals. The ratio would vary depending on the nature of the care. For example, there would be one registered nurse for every two neonatal patients, and one registered nurse for every four patients in a pre-surgical unit, under their legislation. "Studies show that patients in hospitals with higher registered nurse staffing levels are less likely to get an infection during their care, and as a result, health care costs can be reduced by as much as 30 percent," said Mundy, D-Luzerne. READ MORE HERE. Frankel reintroduces Medicaid expansion bill House Democratic Caucus Chairman Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, reintroduced legislation this week that would require Pennsylvania to expand Medicaid to cover uninsured residents living below 133 percent of the federal poverty level, as provided for in the Affordable Care Act. "Pennsylvania needs to do the right thing, accept the $37 billion in federal funding over the next 10 years for this expansion, and benefit from the 41,000 resulting new jobs," Frankel said. "We just learned that our own legislature must keep its commitment to use some of our income from tobacco companies for health care for working low-income adults. This is the obvious way to do that." Ray Landis, advocacy manager for AARP Pennsylvania, said: "Medicaid expansion is particularly important to individuals who are over age 50 and not yet eligible for Medicare. These middle-aged adults are more likely to face the onset of health conditions that if left untreated could inevitably increase their need for and use of health and long-term care. Expanding Medicaid will give people without insurance access to preventive care that can save lives, and ease dangerous and expensive emergency room overcrowding that hurts all of us." READ MORE HERE. Democratic Policy Committee looks at liquor store privatization in Erie The House Democratic Policy Committee heard from labor leaders, beer distributors and advocates for seniors and people with disabilities at a public hearing in Erie on March 6 to examine how privatization of the state’s liquor stores would impact Pennsylvanians, Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, said. Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, requested the hearing and served as co-chairman. Rep. Paul Costa, D-Allegheny, democratic chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee, and Reps. Pat Harkins and Flo Fabrizio, both D-Erie, were also in attendance. The hearing focused on the effect on the state’s revenue and jobs under Gov. Tom Corbett’s liquor privatization proposal. The Corbett administration declined an invitation to send a representative to explain the governor’s plan. “The governor’s proposal to privatize Pennsylvania’s liquor stores falls short on every front,” Sturla said. “It doesn’t respond to the modernization concerns that residents have, and his plan to tie liquor sales to a one-time infusion of cash for our schools is bad policy for education in the Commonwealth.” READ MORE HERE. Dermody comments on introduction of complex liquor bill House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody issued this statement in response to the introduction of House Bill 790 by Republican Leader Mike Turzai: “The proposal is more convoluted than ever and it would drastically expand the places where alcohol is available, raising the potential for illegal sales to minors. “Most legislators want to discuss ways to improve service and convenience for customers through the normal committee process, including hearings. Leader Turzai is pushing for a vote on his liquor bill before almost any discussion takes place. The more complicated his plan becomes, the faster he wants to vote on it with no committee hearings. That should be a big flashing sign that something is wrong. “One would think the governor and Republican leadership had learned a lesson with the failed attempt to outsource the lottery without proper review. They should put more effort into developing ideas that will get jobless Pennsylvanians back to work, and spend less time trying to pass legislation that would favor a few big corporations, hurt small businesses and increase unemployment.” White to offer bill requiring hospitals to test newborns for heart defects State Rep. Jesse White, D-Washington/Allegheny/Beaver, said he has reintroduced legislation that would require hospitals to test newborns for congenital heart defects within 24 hours of birth. Under H.B. 809, hospitals would be required to perform a pulse oximetry screening on newborn babies, which is a simple and painless test that places sensors on the baby’s skin to determine the amount of oxygen in the blood and measure the pulse rate. Although some hospitals already perform pulse oximetry newborn screenings, it is not required under current law. Meanwhile, an estimated 300 infants with an undiagnosed CHD are discharged each year from hospitals in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, congenital heart defects account for nearly 24 percent of infant deaths. In addition, about 12 percent of babies born each year have one of seven critical congenital heart defects. Newborns who are not screened for CHDs are at greater risk of death or lifelong disabilities. READ MORE HERE. DeLuca measure would limit outside income for members of the Pa. legislature State Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Allegheny, announced he has introduced legislation limiting the amount of income members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly could earn from employment outside of their legislative duties. “I’m a strong supporter of Speaker Smith’s efforts to shrink the size of the legislature,” DeLuca said. “However, a smaller legislature will require a more full-time commitment from members. Distractions from outside employment may impede upon their ability to serve their constituents.” House Bill 368 would limit outside earned income to a maximum of 35 percent of the legislative salary for state representatives and senators. READ MORE HERE. Democratic Policy Committee looks at health impacts of Medicaid expansion The House Democratic Policy Committee on March 5 heard from health care practitioners, administrators and advocates at a public hearing at Lycoming College to investigate what Medicaid expansion would mean for the commonwealth, said committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. State Rep. Rick Mirabito, D-Lycoming, requested the hearing and served as its co-chairman. The hearing examined the impact of Gov. Tom Corbett’s decision to reject the expansion in Pennsylvania. Under Medicaid expansion, which is a component of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, the federal government would pay 100 percent of funding needed to expand in the first three years of implementation, and no less than 90 percent after 2017. Twenty-four states and Washington, D.C., have opted to expand Medicaid thus far, including neighboring states Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio and Delaware. READ MORE HERE. Haggerty bill would protect seniors from exploitation through powers of attorney A bill sponsored by state Rep. Kevin Haggerty, D-Lackawanna, would empower local agencies on aging to investigate the agents of powers of attorney when there is reason to believe the elderly person being represented is being exploited. To do so, H.B. 130 would broaden the definition of exploitation under the Older Adults Protective Services Act to include an individual acting under a power of attorney. The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee is slated to vote on H.B. 130 on March 12. READ MORE HERE. Democratic Policy Committee explores economic and health impacts of Medicaid expansion in Pa. Members of the House Democratic Policy Committee heard from health care professionals and advocates at a public hearing March 4 regarding the effect Gov. Tom Corbett’s decision to not expand Medicaid in the commonwealth would have on the residents. Policy Committee Chairman, Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, led the hearing. Medicaid is the jointly funded, federal-state health insurance program for low-income people. A key component of 2010’s federal Affordable Care Act included expanding Medicaid to offer health coverage to more people. Experts forecast that in Pennsylvania the expansion would cover an additional half-million residents, many of them working parents, older people or veterans, and would cut the state’s number of uninsured in half. READ MORE HERE. WATCH VIDEO HERE. Costa urges quick action on PLCB modernization State Rep. Paul Costa, D-Allegheny, is calling on legislative leaders to take swift action on measures that would modernize the state’s Liquor Control Board. As Democratic chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee, Costa said he believes the LCB administration should work quickly to maximize profits and increase consumer satisfaction. “Our modernization plan is a commonsense approach to maximizing profits today. These initiatives directly address consumer concerns and have received bipartisan support. We can act now! Let’s maximize convenience now; not wait on a plan that has no guarantees,” Costa said. READ MORE HERE. Democratic Policy Committee examines the intersection of transportation and job growth in Pa. Members of the House Democratic Policy Committee heard from business leaders, state transportation specialists and engineers at a public hearing Feb. 28 at Allentown’s America on Wheels Museum to explore how Pennsylvania’s aging transit infrastructure is impacting the state’s job climate, said Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. The meeting was co-chaired by state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, who requested the hearing. Lawmakers looked at how the current condition of the state’s roadways, bridges and public transit systems are affecting Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness, as well as elements of the governor’s recent plan to make marginal improvements to some of the state’s roads. “While the governor’s inadequate transportation plan is being debated in Harrisburg, the Policy Committee is taking the discussion to communities around the state to educate and get feedback from the public,” Sturla said. “Representative Schlossberg recognizes that investing in our state’s infrastructure won’t just make our roads safer, but will produce thousands of jobs for our residents at the same time, improving our state’s economy on several levels.” READ MORE HERE. WATCH VIDEO HERE. Looming federal cuts an added burden for Pa. schools State Rep. James Roebuck, D-Phila., Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee, said that automatic federal funding cuts due to take effect Friday only would intensify the huge impact that Pennsylvania's deep education funding cuts already have had on schools and students – particularly in the state’s poorest communities. The U.S. Department of Education has announced that the sequestration cuts caused by inaction in Congress could hit neediest students the most, cutting $725 million from federal education grants that help to serve nearly 23 million students in high-poverty areas of the country, Roebuck said. Roebuck said the impact on schools and students in Pennsylvania would be stark: nearly $48 million in lost funding for primary and secondary schools, as well as education services for children with disabilities. Up to 360 more teachers could lose their jobs, along with more than 250 teacher aides and staff who help children with disabilities. State funding cuts under Gov. Tom Corbett already have cost nearly 20,000 education jobs. READ MORE HERE. Democratic Policy Committee hearing evaluates impact of cuts in state education funding The House Democratic Policy Committee on Feb. 27 heard from public school administrators, a college president and education advocates at a public hearing in Bethlehem held to examine how state budget cuts have impacted their organizations, said Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. State Rep. Dan McNeill, D-Lehigh/Northampton, requested the hearing and served as co-chairman. The hearing looked at how Pennsylvania public schools have managed two consecutive years of budget cuts, and how the Corbett administration's 2013-14 budget proposal would further impact students. "Schools in Lehigh and Northampton counties and across the state have experienced setbacks due to Governor Corbett's cuts to education," Sturla said. "But some schools have suffered more than others due to lopsided cuts. Reversing the inequitable cuts is one of Representative McNeill's top priorities and I applaud his efforts to examine this issue fully." READ MORE HERE. Evans: Measure would ‘Pay for Success,’ not survival State Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Phila., has unveiled his “Pay for Success” legislation that would break the chains of traditional government funding by investing in innovative programs that produce better outcomes and save tax dollars. “Government is rooted in an archaic and ineffective system of wasting scarce taxpayer dollars to perpetuate programs that have been highly successful in securing their survival but dismal in achieving results,” Evans said. “I propose a 21st century way of thinking to make headway against some of our most persistent problems.” Evans’ proposal would convert government into a catalyst, instead of conduit for cash, for programs that produce clearly defined benchmarks. READ MORE HERE. Democratic Policy Committee looks at state education funding in Reading The House Democratic Policy Committee met Feb. 26 for a public hearing at Reading Area Community College to hear from education advocates and stakeholders about how cuts to education funding have impacted public schools, said committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. State Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, requested the hearing and served as its co-chairman. The hearing centered on the effects of Gov. Tom Corbett's cuts to education during the past two years, and how this year's budget proposal may further impact schools. "The repetitive cuts to our public schools under the Corbett administration are already proving detrimental; and those harmful impacts will multiply the longer our children endure the cuts," Sturla said. "Representative Rozzi has hit the ground running on this issue and is facilitating a dialogue with local and statewide stakeholders." READ MORE HERE. WATCH VIDEO HERE. Costa working to protect public from violent offenders State Rep. Dom Costa, D-Allegheny, has introduced legislation that would increase community safety by enacting greater restrictions concerning the parole of violent offenders. House Bill 859 would require that violent offenders serve out the entire minimum portion of their sentences prior to being granted release to half-way houses or other community facilities that would allow them access to the general public for an extended period of time. "People convicted of violent crimes should not be released prior to their minimum sentence. This legislation is designed to ensure that does not occur," Costa explained. READ MORE HERE. Electric vehicle charging station tax credit proposed by Cohen State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., has reintroduced legislation that would create a tax credit for the establishment of electric vehicle charging stations. Cohen's legislation (H.B. 842) would provide a tax credit of up to 50 percent of the total cost of building a charging station. Existing stations which sell gasoline would be eligible for the tax credit if they are compliant with all Pennsylvania tax obligations. "This initiative would provide consumers with an additional incentive to go 'green' and to purchase energy-efficient and emission-free electric vehicles," Cohen said. "The ability to access a charging station would eliminate the fear drivers of electric vehicles currently have of getting stuck in traffic or having to drive long distances to obtain electric refueling options." READ MORE HERE. Painter seeks to help veterans transition from 'Combat to College' Veterans who are transitioning from combat duty to college classrooms would receive special assistance at Pennsylvania colleges under bipartisan legislation announced by state Rep. Mark Painter. "More than a million veterans and their families are going to college with the financial backing of the federal government through the G.I. Bill and other programs. Thousands of Pennsylvania's National Guard members are also going to school with the help of state-based tuition assistance," said Painter, D-Montgomery, who discussed the legislation during a news conference at Montgomery County Community College, West/Pottstown Branch. "For those who have given so much, I believe we can do a better job to ensure that they receive a quality education. We should remove obstacles that affect veterans' ability to graduate and find employment." READ MORE HERE. WATCH VIDEO HERE. Neuman: Convicted state Supreme Court Justice must resign State Rep. Brandon Neuman has called on suspended Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin to resign following her conviction in a public corruption trial in Pittsburgh. “Justice Orie Melvin should immediately step down from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court,” Neuman said. “The jury has spoken and it’s in the public’s best interest to move forward with replacing Justice Orie Melvin on the bench.” An Allegheny County jury convicted Orie Melvin on six counts for using her judicial staff and the Senate staff of her sister, former state Sen. Jane Orie, to do work on her unsuccessful campaign for Supreme Court in 2003 and her successful run for the court in 2009. HDPC looks at adopting autism guidelines in Pennsylvania courts The House Democratic Policy Committee heard from judicial and police officials, and local residents at a public hearing in Pittsburgh Feb. 22 to consider training for first responders on managing incidents involving autistic residents and the potential of adopting autism guidelines. State Rep. Dom Costa, D-Allegheny, requested the hearing and served as its co-chairman. “Autism is increasing at an alarming rate. We need to put more effort into training our public safety personnel to recognize the special needs of these individuals when responding to incidents,” Costa said. READ MORE HERE. Impact of failure to expand Medicaid in Pa. discussed at public hearing State lawmakers on the House Democratic Policy Committee heard from health experts and consumer advocates at a public hearing Feb. 21 at Pittsburgh’s Jewish Healthcare Foundation regarding the wide-ranging negative impacts of not expanding Medicaid in the commonwealth. State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, requested the hearing and served as co-chairman. The hearing, which occurred just days after Gov. Tom Corbett officially decided not to expand Medicaid in Pennsylvania, focused on the effects on uninsured low-income and working Pennsylvanians, as well as the state's health care industry and providers. "Accepting federal funds for Medicaid expansion would be a great economic driver in the Pittsburgh region and throughout Pennsylvania by allowing for the creation of potentially thousands of quality, good-paying jobs in the health care sector; worse, failing to accept those funds would damage our economy. The Republican governors of Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio – and as of Wednesday, Florida – have agreed to accept federal funds to improve health care in their states because they know it's vital for their states' economies, it's vital for keeping hospitals open and it's the right thing to do," Frankel said. READ MORE HERE. HDPC looks at DEP reporting procedures for environmental testing results The House Democratic Policy Committee heard from local residents and environmental advocates at a public hearing in Washington County on Feb. 19 to examine the guidelines for the state Department of Environmental Protection’s reporting of results of environmental tests following natural gas drilling, said Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. State Rep. Jesse White, D-Allegheny/Beaver/Washington, requested the hearing and served as its co-chairman. White recently introduced H.B. 268 that would require DEP to disclose full testing results, including raw data and documentation, of any environmental tests conducted by the department on a landowner’s or leaseholder’s property in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvanians in the Marcellus Shale region have a right and need to know what chemicals are in the water linked to natural gas drilling,” Sturla said. “I applaud Representative White for the thorough job he has done of reaching out to stakeholders in southwest Pennsylvania in the best interest of all residents.” READ MORE HERE. Evans and Waters: It's time to end the voter ID charade State Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Phila., and Rep. Ronald G. Waters, D-Phila./Delaware, said that they are joining forces on legislation that would repeal Pennsylvania’s costly and ill-advised voter-suppression measure. “The legacy of Pennsylvania’s voter ID law -- Act 18 of 2012 – is one of divisiveness and costliness and is an affront to Democratic and Republican principles,” Evans said. “The sooner we rid the commonwealth of this embarrassment then the sooner we can focus time, efforts and money on Pennsylvania’s real and pressing problems.” “Pennsylvania has spent millions of dollars chasing zero confirmed cases of in-person voter fraud,” said Waters, the House Democratic Caucus secretary. “Before spending another dime for disenfranchisement, let’s end this charade.” READ MORE HERE. Youngblood wants study on use of gaming funds that best helps Phila. taxpayers With the recent release of new property tax assessments as a result of the mayor's Actual Value Initiative, or AVI, state Rep. Rosita C. Youngblood, D-Phila., announced she is asking the Commonwealth to study the allocation of gaming revenue provided to Philadelphia from the Property Tax Relief Fund to see if the money provided by casino gambling can help offset the massive tax increases facing hundreds of thousands of city residents. Youngblood said that currently, Philadelphia is the only county that uses money from the Property Tax Relief Fund to reduce the city's wage tax. All of the other 66 counties utilize taxes on casinos to reduce property taxes for homeowners. When casino gaming was first legalized in Pennsylvania, financial analysts said that Philadelphia residents paid less in property taxes and more in wage taxes than residents of many other jurisdictions, and residents would best be served with a reduction in wage taxes. But with the administration's implementation of AVI, Youngblood said it is time to rethink how gaming money is appropriated in Philadelphia. READ MORE HERE. Democratic Policy Committee looks at Corbett’s transportation plan Members of the House Democratic Policy Committee heard from local officials, business leaders and transportation experts at a public hearing in Pittsburgh Feb. 20 regarding the Pennsylvania’s transportation funding obstacles. State Rep. Erin Molchany, D-Allegheny, requested the hearing and served as co-chairwoman. The hearing analyzed Gov. Corbett’s plan to fund transportation projects introduced as part of his 2013-14 state spending plan and also considered the recommendations of the governor’s Transportation Funding Advisory Commission’s report from August 2011 which are the basis of legislation backed by House Democrats. “Governor Corbett has lagged on making transportation infrastructure a priority, and as a result public safety and economic competitiveness have suffered,” Sturla said. “Adequately funding our state’s transportation infrastructure in a comprehensive and sustainable way has been a key tenet of the House Democratic agenda and Representative Molchany has added her voice to those calling on the Corbett administration to get serious regarding transit funding.” READ MORE HERE. WATCH VIDEO HERE. Vitali bill would increase Pa. renewable energy requirements State Rep. Greg Vitali has introduced legislation which would increase the amount of electricity companies such as PECO and PPL must obtain from renewable sources such as wind and solar. Vitali said the purpose of the legislation is to help address climate change and create good, green jobs. "Superstorm Sandy was a reminder of the consequences we face if we ignore the climate change issue," said Vitali, Democratic chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. "We will not solve this problem without increasing our use of renewable energy.” House Bill 100 would amend the Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act by requiring Pennsylvania electric companies to obtain 15 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2023. The AEPS now requires electric companies to purchase 8 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2021. For 2013, Pennsylvania’s AEPS requires 4 percent to come from renewable energy sources. READ MORE HERE. Freeman introduces bill to extend Main Street Program participation State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, has introduced legislation that would allow communities to extend their participation in the Main Street Program up to an additional five years to help ensure the success of the communities' overall downtown revitalization. The state's Main Street Program, funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, provides grants to help revitalize downtown districts and for the assistance of a full-time Main Street manager who works with local officials and downtown merchants to implement a revitalization plan for the downtown. Current program participation is limited to five years. Freeman's bill would extend funding for administrative support costs for an additional five years. READ MORE HERE. Mundy bill would bring swift financial help to disaster victims State Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-Luzerne, has reintroduced legislation, H.B. 697, that would allow the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to distribute bridge loans to help municipalities and residents recover from a natural disaster while they wait to receive federal assistance. The loans would be interest free for the first 60 days. After that, it would carry a 1 percent interest rate. Mundy initially introduced the bill after flooding caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 brought to light problems with the way Pennsylvania assists victims of natural disasters. READ MORE HERE.

March 8, 2013 HOUSE DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS Democrats say Corbett's budget plan is lackluster Corbett's budget plan falls flat with House Democrats Corbett's plan to sell state liquor stores getting shaken and stirred PA House Democratic panel hears comments on Corbett's liquor privatization plan Rep. Mirabito says Medicaid expansion is important to Lycoming County Gun debate makes for good business in Bucks County Legislative staffers spend their days working on constituents' problems Democratic Rep. Mundy, Sen. Leach begin push for nurse-patient ratios in PA PA should embrace early voting 'Window of opportunity' for early mental healthcare Uncertainty for thousands and Corbett after judge's ruling on adultBasic Allegheny County Councilman Robinson considers running for Pittsburgh mayor House bill introduced by Rep. Turzai would shut PA liquor stores House could get liquor privatization bill soon Lawmakers question Corbett's plan to close half of PA’s health centers Healthcare workers say PA should OK Medicaid expansion State agencies failed to communicate about a threat to drinking water in Beaver County Township supervisors drilled by natural gas company attorney Charter school reform heating up as part of state budget debate Former Allegheny County Executive Onorato says he is not running for Pittsburgh mayor PA inmates' heavy usage of Right to Know Law becoming problematic PA House revises law for small games of chance Should anyone licensed to carry a concealed firearm have to buy insurance? Superintendents implore lawmakers for charter and special education funding reforms Mapping Harrisburg infrastructure could cost up to $10 million PA lawmakers have to face pension pain sooner or later Rep. Kim, Harrisburg government officials, businesses and residents to find infrastructure answers for city Rep. Schlossberg joins gun control group CeaseFirePA in supporting background checks for all gun sales Liquor store workers attend PLCB budget hearing to try to save their jobs Public education on brink Treasurer McCord blasts Corbett pension reform plan Republican urges Corbett to join Medicaid expansion Concern about student debt load convinces lawmakers of need for more funding for state-related universities Heads of University of Pittsburgh, Penn State, Temple, and Lincoln universities tell PA House panel more money needed PA needs to fix loophole that punishes some rape victims Bill would allow rape victims to prevent difficult choice Secretary Krancer should review climate-change studies What would Johnstown region look like with municipal consolidation? Demand for home services for elderly continues to climb Trained officers at center of school safety debate in PA Republicans want to end prevailing wage for PA transportation projects Corbett weighing options about lottery management privatization Northeastern PA schools need funding for safety now Rep. Thomas snubbed at PA House's annual Black History Month celebration Lottery contract, Medicaid expansion stir ire as PA budget hearings begin Editors blast DEP for refusing to send representative to DC hearing Funding repeal threatens commuter shuttle to Robinson Town Centre Towns stretching trooper force too thin Corbett transportation plan draws kudos, complaints Philadelphia casino revenue should be used for property tax relief Range Resources Corp. accused of bullying fracking foes Gaming Control Board approves Nemacolin Woodlands Resort’s petition to include table games PA's first Marcellus Shale driller accused of bully tactics against foes DEP Secretary Krancer refused to acknowledge climate change Corbett's Cabinet members grilled over state budget DEP chided at PA House Democratic Policy Committee hearing Disrupt America's political gridlock State officials give back $50 million to private firm hired to manage PA Lottery Bill would require police to get court approval to use unmanned aerial surveillance Residents take DEP to task in hearing about fracking Residents testify to lack of DEP oversight at PA House policy hearing Gov. Corbett’s Pa. budget plan cuts agriculture funding 10 percent Corbett's drive to privatize some parts of state government AG Kane's move on PA Lottery deal surprises some Lancaster County lawmakers Corbett looks for ways to shovel out of avalanche of pension debt AG Kane rejects proposed contract to hire private firm to manage lottery PA lawmakers say students deserve more public education funding Rep. Davis aims to launch online gambling debate in PA Rep. Freeman's bill calls for Main Street programs to get more funding Rep. Vitali introduces legislation to force PA utilities to hike renewable energy production Is Corbett push too risky? State should regulate law-enforcement drones AG Kane calls new lottery contract illegal DEP not attending hearing on  environmental testing policies Background of crime analyst a perfect fit for Johnstown’s Drug and Crime Commission Rep. Haluska introduces bill that would exempt firefighters' equipment from state sales tax PA Lottery contract illegal, AG Kane says Woman charged in connection with kidnapping of 5-year-old girl from Philadelphia elementary school Corbett plan to lift cap on gasoline prices to fund transportation improvements sparks debate AG Kane rejects Corbett's Camelot lottery contract ------------- Follow the House Democratic Caucus on Social Media:

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