3/16/10 - The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), held a public hearing on making the Department of Environmental Protection’s permitting process more consistent and efficient.
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Committee Hearings

March 16, 2010
Majority Policy
Department of Environmental Protection’s permitting process
- 1:40

March 11, 2010
Transportation
Hit and Run Legislation
- 1:32

March 10, 2010
Joint Senate and House Finance
Independent Fiscal Office
- 2:08

March 8, 2010
Government Management & Cost Study Commission
- 2:05

Issues

Resources

Focus on PA

March 2010
This month we highlight the important reasons you should participate in the 2010 U.S. Census and also have an update on state government reforms.

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Podcast

March 5, 2010 - Senator Jake Corman (R-34) recaps the 2010 Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings.

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Radio Address

March 2010 - Senator Lloyd Smucker (R-13) discusses the need for additional state government spending cuts.

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Session: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 11 a.m.

3/16/10 - Governor Signs Waugh's Bank Robbery Legislation
Today Sen. Mike Waugh’s (R-York) legislation to establish robbery of a financial institution as a second degree felony, regardless of the method used to commit the robbery, was signed into law by Governor Rendell as Act 11 of 2010.

3/16/10 - Majority Policy Committee Explores Steps to Make DEP Permitting Process More Timely, Efficient
The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), held a public hearing today on improving the Department of Environmental Protection's permitting process.
- 1:40

3/16/10 - Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee to Hold Philadelphia Hearing On Urban Modernization
The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee will hold a public hearing in Philadelphia next week to listen to testimony on the importance of modernization in urban centers across the Commonwealth, according to Chairman Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming).

3/16/10 - In observance of National Guard Day at the Capitol, Senator Lisa Baker (R-20), chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, introduces Pennsylvania Adjutant General Jessica Wright for remarks during session.

3/15/10 - Senate Approves Sen. White's Rx Redistribution Measure
The Senate today (March 15) approved legislation introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) that would authorize the Corrections Department and county prisons to redistribute unopened prescription medicines.

3/15/10 - Senate Approves Education Compact for Military Families
The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) to help students of military families cope with the frequent and stressful relocations associated with active duty service.

3/15/10 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

3/12/10 - Senate Panel Hears Testimony on Legislation To Set Tougher Penalties for Hit-And-Runs 
The Senate Transportation Committee held a public hearing in Philadelphia on Thursday, March 11, to hear testimony on legislation currently before the Senate that would increase fines and prison sentences for those convicted of fleeing from accidents involving injury or death. 
- 1:32

3/12/10 - Majority Policy Committee to Hold Hearing on Making DEP Permitting Process More Timely, Efficient
The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), will hold a public hearing next week on improving the Department of Environmental Protection's permitting process.

3/11/10 - Senator Earll, Senator Costa Introduce PA Campaign Finance Reform Measure
Senator Jane Earll (R-49) and Senator Jay Costa (D-43) have introduced campaign finance reform legislation that would place limits on campaign contributions and prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal use.

3/9/10 - Baker Bill to Strengthen Prosecution of Child Sex Offenders Gains Senate Approval 
Legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) would give the Attorney General stronger tools to prosecute child sexual abuse cases that may cross county or state lines.  The state Senate approved Senate Bill 260 today by a vote of 49-0.  

3/9/10 - Committee Approves Legislation to Allow for Military Burials at Washington Crossing National Cemetery
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today approved legislation sponsored by state Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) and Senator Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks) to allow for formal military burials of veterans at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Bucks County.

3/9/10 - Senate Committee Re-Affirms Directive to DEP Ensuring Water is Protected from Natural Gas Drilling 
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), unanimously approved six bills at its public meeting today. 

3/9/10 - White Bill Would Extend Options for Mining on State Land
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today (March 9) approved legislation introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) that would provide a new option for the leasing of state-owned real property for mining operations.

3/8/10 - Senate Transportation Committee to Hold Hearing On Legislation to Increase Penalties for Hit-and-Runs 
The Senate Transportation Committee will hold a public hearing at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 11 in Philadelphia to hear testimony on legislation currently before the Senate that would increase fines and prison sentences for those convicted of fleeing from accidents involving injury or death.  The hearing will be held in the Marian Hall Conference Center of Nazareth Hospital, located at 2601 Holme Avenue, in Philadelphia. 

3/8/10 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

3/1/10 - Senate Government Management and Cost Study Commission Sets Hearing for Monday
The new Senate Government Management and Cost Study Commission has scheduled their next hearing to discuss cost-cutting measures in state government, according to Commission Chairman Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill). 

2/22/10 - Piccola Introduces Resolution to Study School Costs
Instead of focusing on what is wrong with today's schools, Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-15) wants to pinpoint what high-performing, low-spending schools are doing right.

2/19/10 - Senate Cost Study Commission Holds First Meeting
The Government Management and Costs Study Commission created by Senate Resolution 161 today held its first public meeting.  State Senator David G. Argall (R-29), prime sponsor of SR 161, was unanimously elected as Chairman.
Agenda  | 

2/16/10 - Brubaker Introduces Legislation to Establish Two-Year Budget Cycle 
Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) introduced legislation today that would establish a two-year budget cycle in Pennsylvania to promote greater efficiency and productivity in state government. 

2/16/10 - Rafferty Calls for Reform of PA Beer Sales Laws
At a rally today at the State Capitol, Senator John Rafferty (R-44) joined consumers, grocery and convenience store owners and others who say it is time for Pennsylvania to join 46 other states in reforming its beer sales laws.
| Fact Sheet (PDF)

February 16 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

2/12/10 - Senators Pileggi, Mellow Name Members to Cost Study Commission; First Meeting on Feb. 19
Senator Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senate Democratic Leader Robert Mellow (D-22) announced today the names of members appointed to the Government Management and Cost Study Commission created by Senate Resolution 161. 

2/12/10 - Senate Passes Brubaker Resolution Honoring Hospitalized Veterans 
The Pennsylvania Senate passed a resolution this week saluting hospitalized veterans, according to Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36), the resolution's sponsor.

2/9/10 - Senate Republicans Will Study Rendell Budget Proposal
Senate Republicans will carefully study Governor Rendell's $29 billion General Fund budget request for Fiscal Year 2010-11 and remain committed to enacting a fiscally responsible spending plan in a timely manner while protecting the interests of Pennsylvania's taxpayers.
- News Conference
- Senator Argall
- Senator Corman
- Senator Folmer
- Senator Mensch
- Senator Pileggi
- Senator Rafferty
- Senator Scarnati
- Senator Vance
- Senator Yaw

2/8/10 - Senate Honors Boys Scouts of America Centennial
The Senate today adopted a Senate Resolution introduced by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) marking the centennial anniversary of the Boys Scouts of America.
- Senator Robbins
- Senator Baker

2/8/10 - During session, Senator Bob Mensch delivers the annual Lincoln Day address.

February 8 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

2/5/10 - Testimony Taken on Sen. Ward's State Trooper Services Contractual Program
Members of the Senate Law and Justice Committee met in Hempfield Township Thursday morning to take testimony on Senate Bill 984, a bill designed to provide additional State Police coverage for municipalities.

2/4/10 - Senate Republicans: No Lame Duck Session in 2010
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) announced today that the Senate will not convene for a regular lame duck session in 2010.
- Senator Corman

2/3/10 - Senator Pileggi: Experts Testify on Proposed Senate Rules of Ethical Conduct
Five experts testified today on a proposal to implement Rules of Ethical Conduct for the state Senate, according to Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, which held the public hearing. 
- 2:02

2/3/10 - Rafferty Calls for Legislation to Create Commission To Oversee Disbursement of MCARE Funds in PA 
Seeking to keep doctors in Pennsylvania and hold down health care costs, Senator John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) today joined medical representatives at a Harrisburg news conference to push for legislation he is sponsoring that would create an MCARE Commission to oversee the future disbursement of MCARE funds.    

2/2/10 - Senator Yaw's Clean and Green Proposal Passes Senate, Heads to House
The State Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Senator Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming, which is designed to benefit farmers and landowners by eliminating the inconsistent interpretation of the state's Clean and Green law.

2/2/10 - Committee Backs Robbins Bill Helping Veterans Homes
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today approved legislation introduced by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) intended to alleviate the nursing shortage in Pennsylvania’s six veterans' homes.

2/1/10 - Senate Approves Vogel Bill on Community Fundraisers
The Senate today (February 1) unanimously approved legislation introduced by Senator Elder Vogel (R-47) barring the state from citing groups that sell commonly prepared baked goods.

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

2/1/10 - MEDIA ADVISORY: Greensburg Hearing Set on Ward's Proposed State Police Assistance Program
The Senate Law and Justice Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy (R-37), will hold a public hearing in Westmoreland County, Thursday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 700 Power Line Drive in Greensburg on legislation to give municipalities the option of having State Police protection and services.

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