7/1/09 - At a ceremony in Camp Hill, Governor Rendell signs legislation sponsored by Senator Jake Corman (R-34) that would extend health insurance coverage to adult dependent children up to the age of 30.

Issues

Resources

Focus on PA - Summer 2009

Our Summer edition of Focus on Pennsylvania shines the spotlight on the growing trend of biking in our Commonwealth. We also have a report on the new law that provides more tools to protect against home improvement fraud as well as an inside look at one of the premier Air National Guard units in the state.

More Focus on PA

Pennsylvania Senate Republican Podcast

6/26/08 - Senator Jeff Piccola (R-15) discusses his Senate-passed legislation that improves school safety in the Commonwealth.

More Podcasts

Monthly Radio Address From Senate Republicans

July 2009 - State Senator John Gordner (R-27) discusses the impact of the state budget impasse on state employees.

More Radio

Senate News

Next Session: Monday, July 6, 2009 - 4 p.m.

7/1/09 - Scarnati: Governor Must Stop Scare Tactics
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati said he would like to see an end to Governor Ed Rendell's public scare tactics and begin sincere negotiations on a 2009/2010 final state budget.

7/1/09 - Enacting a Responsible State Budget
One fact – a simple, indisputable and painful fact – is at the center of the ongoing debate about Pennsylvania's state budget: the Commonwealth has a revenue shortfall of $3.3 billion.

7/1/09 - Senate Panel Approves Measure to Fight Neighborhood Blight
The Senate Urban Affairs Committee today approved two matters aimed at combating neighborhood blight according to its chairman, Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock. 

6/30/09 - Robbins Bill Eliminates Costly Construction Mandate
Legislation drafted by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50), Senate Bill 1001, would eliminate an impending mandate that would drive up the costs of new housing and increase the burden on municipalities with existing water supply problems.

6/30/09 - Committee Explores Claim of Reduced State Police Complement
The Senate Law and Justice Committee, chaired by Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery), held a public hearing Tuesday on erroneous Rendell Administration claims that the Senate-passed budget bill would reduce the number of Pennsylvania State Troopers.
- Hearing

6/30/09 - Education Committee Advances Piccola’s EITC Legislation 
The Senate Education Committee, Chaired by Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola, voted out today Senate Bill 899, legislation he has authored that would make long-overdue changes to Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) by expanding income limits and allowances to benefit more families—without placing an additional financial burden on the Commonwealth.

6/30/09 - Education Committee Reports Out Revised Higher Education Measure
The Senate Education Committee endorsed today legislation sponsored by Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15), Chairman of the Committee, which would take another step toward addressing the issue of college affordability by establishing a newly created commission to consider tuition control proposals and other measures to improve college affordability.

6/29/09 - Senator White Issues Statement on House Bill 1
Senator Don White, chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee today (June 29) issued the following statement on House Bill 1.

6/29/09 - Appropriations Committee Endorses Juvenile Court Study
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill establishing a special commission charged with conducting a comprehensive study of Pennsylvania’s juvenile court system, according to Committee Chairman Senator Jake Corman (R-34).
- Senator Baker

6/29/09 - Robbins Bill Extends Check Off Box for Military Family Aid
A tax refund donation program providing assistance to Pennsylvania’s service members and their families will be extended until 2015 under Senate Bill 992 drafted by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50).

6/29/09 - Mortgage Fraud Prevention Bills Signed Into Law
Two bills that will help protect consumers from mortgage fraud were signed into law today, according to Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36).

6/29/09 - Senate Bill 1 Will Bring Balance to Budget Process
Each year, the General Assembly and the Governor have a constitutional obligation to pass a balanced budget. And, as we have seen recently, this is not an easy task as political and ideological differences have stalled negotiations.

6/29/09 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

6/25/09 - Ward Bill Provides Option for Local State Police Coverage
Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) today introduced legislation to give municipalities the option to have police protection and services by the Pennsylvania State Police.

6/25/09 - Safe Schools Package Sponsored by Piccola Is Approved by Senate
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola, Chairman of the Education Committee, applauded the Senate today for approving a legislative bill package he has authored that would make significant and long overdue changes to Pennsylvania's Safe Schools Law by ensuring those with criminal records are banned from employment in the Commonwealth's schools and improving the relationship and reporting requirements between school districts and their local law enforcement.

6/23/09 - Mortgage Fraud Prevention Measures Head to Governor's Desk
Two bills that would help protect consumers from mortgage fraud have passed the Senate and House and will head to the governor's desk for his signature, according to Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) and Rep. David Kessler (D-130).

6/23/09 - Senate Committee Advances Gaming Reform Bill
Bipartisan legislation to make significant reforms to the law governing casinos in Pennsylvania was unanimously approved today by the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, said Senator Jane Earll (R-49), the committee's chairwoman.
- Senator Earll
- Senator Orie
- Senator Tomlinson

6/22/09 - Corman Says Rockview Labor Agreement Would Hurt Local Contractors
At a news conference today at the Benner Commerce Park, State Senator Jake Corman (R-34) took issue with a decision by the Department of General Service to enter into project labor agreements (PLAs) for the construction of the new 2,000-bed prison in Rockview.
- running time 15 minutes

6/22/09 - Senator White Protects Lease Holder Access to State Parks
State Senator Don White (R-41) will introduce legislation this week to ensure the Commonwealth honors leases allowing groups to use state park facilities in the event of a stalemate over the state budget.

6/22/09 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

6/18/09 – Senator Pileggi Writes to Senators Specter, Casey on Education Funding
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) urged U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Robert P. Casey, Jr., to contact the U.S. Secretary of Education to ensure that Pennsylvania is not unfairly penalized for allocating education funds in a manner authorized by the federal stimulus funding law.

6/17/09 - Scarnati: No Tax Increases
Governor Ed Rendell's proposal to hike the state's personal income tax by almost 17 percent is the worst thing to do for Pennsylvania at the worst time according to Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati who said such a move would be job-crushing and fiscally irresponsible.

6/17/09 - Finance Committee Approves Senate Bill 1
The Senate Finance Committee today approved Senate Bill 1, legislation intended to fundamentally reform Pennsylvania's budgeting process while increasing transparency and accountability in state government, according to Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne (R-16).

6/16/09 - Orie Calls Governor's Plan to Hike Personal Income Tax Fiscally Irresponsible
Senate Majority Whip Jane C. Orie (R-40) strongly criticized Governor Ed Rendell's plan to raise the personal income tax on working Pennsylvanians by 16 percent, calling the move unnecessary, fiscally irresponsible and a threat to Pennsylvania's future.

6/16/09 - White: Committee Approves Measures to Ensure State Park Services are Not Reduced
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), unanimously approved legislation today that would ensure funding for services at state parks is not reduced as a result of budget constraints.

6/16/09 - Baker Bill Sets Review of Juvenile Justice System
The Senate Judiciary Committee today approved a bill sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) that seeks to prevent further cases of corruption in county juvenile courts and restore public confidence by establishing an Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice.

6/15/09 - Piccola’s Safe Schools Legislation Reported out of Appropriations Committee
The Senate Appropriations Committee passed today Senate Bill 55 and 56, a legislative package sponsored by Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola, Chairman of the Education Committee, which would provide an overhaul to Pennsylvania’s Safe Schools Law (Act 26 of 1995) by making changes to the state’s school violence reporting system and creating tougher school hiring policies.  Both bills now await consideration by the full Senate.

6/15/09 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

6/12/09 - Philadelphia Fraud Case Points to Need for Stronger Laws To Ensure that Illegal Aliens Do Not Receive Public Benefits 
The arrest this week of 18 people in Philadelphia who were ripping off a public assistance program of more than half a million dollars emphasizes the need for legislation that would ensure that illegal aliens living in Pennsylvania do not receive public benefits, according to Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), who has sponsored such a bill. 

6/12/09 - Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee Seeks Testimony On Issues Affecting Third-Class Cities
The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee held a hearing yesterday in Lancaster to hear testimony on many issues confronting third-class cities, according to committee Chairman Senator Gene Yaw (R-23).
- Part 1 - (59 minutes)
- Part 2 - (1 hour 4 minutes)
- Part 3 - (58 minutes)
- Part 4 - (48 minutes)

6/12/09 - Senate Committee to Consider Legislation to Ensure State Parks Remain Open 
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), will meet Tuesday to consider four bills.  

6/11/09 - Governor Signs Senator Corman's Health Care Measure
The Governor signed into law legislation introduced by Senator Jake Corman (R-34) to extend health care coverage for young adults under their parents' insurance plans.

6/10/09 - "Mini-COBRA" Program Enacted in Pennsylvania
Legislation creating a "Mini-COBRA" health insurance plan in Pennsylvania was signed into law by the Governor today, according to Senator Don White (R-41), prime sponsor of the Senate version of the measure.

6/10/09 - Senate Approves Orie Bills to Halt Graduation Tests; Provide Students with Severe Allergies Access to Medication
The State Senate today overwhelmingly approved two measures sponsored by Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40) that would halt a costly new graduation test and ensure that students with severe allergies have access to life-saving medication.
- SB736
- SB281

6/10/09 - Baker Bill to Revamp State's Emergency Medical Services Law
The state Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) that would modernize, standardize and improve Pennsylvania's Emergency Medical Services Law to ensure high levels of patient care and greater public safety.

6/10/09 - Senator Lisa Baker - Floor Remarks – State Budget & Veterans Services

6/9/09 - Senator Pileggi: Legislation Protecting Tax-Exempt Status of Charter Schools Approved by the Senate
Legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) to protect the tax-exempt status of charter schools was approved today by the Senate, 49 to 0.

6/9/09 - White: Committee Votes to Extend Funding of Recycling Act, Fund Waste Tire Cleanup 
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), approved three bills today, including a measure that would extend funding of the state recycling program and fund the cleanup of waste tire piles across Pennsylvania.  
- Senator Baker

6/9/09 - Senator Jane Orie and Representative Matt Smith Push Measures to Help Students with Medical Conditions
State Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40) and Representative Matt Smith (D-42) held a press conference today to promote their legislation that would amend the Pennsylvania School Code by providing additional protections to students who suffer from severe allergies and diabetes and need access to their medications and treatment.
- News Conference

6/8/09 - Yaw's Bill Expanding Gas Well Reporting Requirements Approved by Senate  
Senate Bill 297, which would change the requirements for reporting gas well data to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was unanimously approved by the state Senate today, according to Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock, the bills prime sponsor.

6/4/09 - Eichelberger To Introduce Alternative County-Wide Tax Reform Plan
Today, Senator John H. Eichelberger, Jr. (R-Blair) announced his intention to introduce an alternative to the local sales tax plan proposed by the Governor.  Under his proposed "Balanced Options-Local Decisions" Act, the voters could also select a new local tax structure which could include a sales or income tax at the county level. 

6/3/09 - Orie Legislation on Problem Solving Courts Unanimously Adopted by the Senate
The Senate today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senator Jane C. Orie, Majority Whip (R-Allegheny) which seeks to improve public safety while at the same time providing more extensive supervision of non-violent offenders.

6/3/09 - Vance Legislation Reauthorizing Health Care Cost Containment Council Heads to Governor
Legislation reauthorizing the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) until 2014 is on its way to the governor's desk after the bill unanimously passed the Senate today, said prime sponsor Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York).

6/3/09 - Senate Approves White Bill Extending Deadline for PA Climate Change Action Plan
The state Senate today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) to extend the deadline faced by the state Department of Environmental Protection for submitting a Pennsylvania Climate Change Action Plan.

6/3/09 - "Mini-COBRA" Bill Headed to Governor
Legislation creating a "Mini-COBRA" health insurance plan in Pennsylvania is headed to the Governor for enactment following Senate approval today, according to Senator Don White (R-41) prime sponsor of the Senate version of the measure.

6/2/09 - Senate Approves Browne's Information Sharing Bill
The Senate today (June 2) approved legislation introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) that will enable county agencies to work in a cooperative manner to address family issues.

6/2/09 - Senate Education Committee Moves Orie Measures 
The Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee today unanimously approved two measures introduced by State Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40). 

6/1/09 - Senate Approves Browne's Taxpayer Transparency Act
The Senate today (June 1) approved a measure introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) to expand the public’s access to state spending records.

6/1/09 - Senate Approves Brubaker Stimulus Oversight Bill 
The Senate unanimously approved legislation today that would provide transparency and oversight of all federal stimulus dollars spent in Pennsylvania, according to the bill's sponsor Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36). 

6/1/09 - Senator Lloyd Smucker: Floor Remarks – Sunshine Penalties Bill (SB 101) 
Although many Pennsylvanians are understandably focused on economic difficulties, and tax and spending matters, they still want to see action on reform. 

6/1/09 - Senator Lloyd Smucker: Floor Remarks – Aircraft Log Requirements (SB 110) 
This reform bill puts into law the sort of accountability measure that taxpayers believe should be standard across state government.  It details the information about the use of state aircraft that must be compiled and accessible.

6/1/09 - Erickson: "Alarmist and Inaccurate" Statements Impede Budget Process
Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Ted Erickson (R-26) today challenged the state Health Secretary’s claims that the Senate-approved state budget plan "threatens the health of millions of Pennsylvanians." 

6/1/09 - Pennsylvania Senator Rob Wonderling to Resign from Senate
Pennsylvania Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24th) announced today he will not be seeking a third term as Senator of the 24th district and has agreed to serve as the new President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

6/1/09 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

5/29/09 - Sen. John Eichelberger's Memo to Acting DCNR Secretary Concerning Lobbying By State Employees on State Budget Issues

5/27/09 - Senator White Issues Statement on CHIP Funding
Senator Don White, (R-41) Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, issued the following statement reaffirming the Senate Republican Caucus's commitment to Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program.

5/27/09 - Senate Bill 1 Would Bring Transparency to Budget Process
A landmark bill drafted by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) would fundamentally reform Pennsylvania's budgeting process to expedite the procedure while increasing transparency and accountability in state government.

5/27/09 - Scarnati Challenges DCNR Statement on State Budget, Threat to Close Parks
State Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) questioned several assertions from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources regarding the impact of the Senate-passed state budget plan for 2009-2010, and called on DCNR to tone down its rhetoric.

5/21/09 - Senate Education Committee Chair Introduces Revised Higher Education Affordability and Accountability Legislation
Senate Education Committee Chairman Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) announced he has revised and reintroduced his legislation focusing on higher education accountability and affordability.

5/20/09 - Senator Baker Says Key Veterans' Services Are Safe (PDF)

5/15/09 - Senators Pileggi, Baker Work to Save Volunteer Emergency Responders from Unnecessary Paperwork 
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senator Lisa Baker (R-20), chair of the Senate’s Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, announced today that they have introduced legislation to clarify the status of volunteer fire companies and other volunteer emergency responders under Pennsylvania’s new Right-to-Know Law.

5/12/09 - Senator Corman’s Health Care Measure Headed to Governor
Legislation introduced by Senator Jake Corman (R-34) to extend health care coverage for young adults under their parents’ insurance plans is headed to the Governor for enactment into law following the House of Representatives’ approval (192 to 2) of the measure today.

5/7/09 - Pippy Chairs Meeting on Impact of Tax-Exempt Property on Municipalities  
The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy (R-37), gathered experts Wednesday to discuss the impact tax-exempt properties have on the fiscal status of Pennsylvania municipalities.

5/6/09 - Education Committee Chair Calls Education Spending Priorities Necessary to Avoid Future Funding Disasters
Senate Education Committee Chairman Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) issued the following statement today on passage of a balanced state budget with realistic education spending priorities.

5/5/09 - Orie Sponsors Bill to Reinstate Ban on Gaming Contributions 
As part of her continued effort to reform Pennsylvania's gaming laws, Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) has introduced legislation to reinstate the state's ban on political contributions by gaming interests. 

5/5/09 - Senate Committee Hears Testimony on Blight Legislation
The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, chaired by Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) and Vice-Chair Senator David Argall (R-29) met today to hear testimony on blighted property and the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act.
- Senator Argall

5/5/09 - Banking and Insurance Committee Approves Health Care Bills
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee today approved two bills that include provisions of the HealthNET PA legislative package introduced by Senate Republicans, according to Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-41).

5/5/09 - White: Committee Votes to Extend Climate Change Plan Deadline, Increase Transparency of Gas Well Reporting Requirements  
The state Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), approved six bills today, including legislation to extend the deadline for submitting a Pennsylvania Climate Change Action Plan and tighten Marcellus Shale gas well reporting requirements.  
- Senator Yaw

5/4/09 - Appropriations Committee Approves FY 09-10 Budget Proposal
The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved Senate Bill 850, a $27.3 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2009-10, according to Committee Chairman Senator Jake Corman (R-34).
- Senator Scarnati
- Senator Pileggi
- Senator Corman

5/4/09 - Senate Republican leaders provide details on their budget proposal, which was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today.  Senate Bill 850 cuts spending and includes no new taxes to address a growing revenue shortfall.

5/4/09 - Media Advisory: Committee to Consider Health Insurance Bills, Hold Hearing on Long-Term Care Partnership Program
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will meet Tuesday, May 5, to consider two health care-related bills and hold a public hearing on the Long-Term Care (LTC) Partnership Program, according to Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-41).

5/4/09 - Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and Senator John Rafferty offer remarks at the PA Fraternal Order of Police 16th Annual Memorial Service in Harrisburg.
- Senator Scarnati
- Senator Rafferty

5/4/09 - Media Advisory: Impact of Tax Exempt Property on Municipalities Focus of Committee Meeting
The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy (R-37), will hold a meeting Wednesday on the impact tax exempt properties have on the fiscal status of Pennsylvania municipalities.  

5/4/09 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

5/1/09 - Media Advisory - TUESDAY: Climate Change Plan Deadline, Gas Well Reporting Requirements on Agenda of Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), will consider six bills Tuesday, including legislation to extend the deadline for submitting a Pennsylvania Climate Change action plan and tighten oil and gas well reporting requirements. 

5/1/09 - Education Chair Reiterates His Call for Reform to Charter Law
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15), Chairman of the Education Committee, released the following statement today reacting to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) investigation and lawsuit into the Agora Cyber Charter School's activities, criticizing the board’s alleged misconduct, and reiterating his call for a rewrite of the state’s Charter School Law.

5/1/09 Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee to Hold Hearing on Blighted Property and the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act (SB 1291 OF 2007-2008 Session)
The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee will hold a hearing to listen to testimony on blighted property and the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act (SB 1291 of 2007-2008 session), according to committee Chairman Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) and Vice-chairman, Senator Dave Argall (R-29).  The hearing will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5th, in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building in Harrisburg.

4/29/09 - Senate Panel Endorses Brubaker Stimulus Oversight Bill 
The Senate State Government Committee approved legislation yesterday that would provide transparency and oversight of all federal stimulus dollars spent in Pennsylvania, according to the bill’s sponsor Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36). 

4/29/09 - Waugh Garners Senate Support for Vietnam Veteran Diploma Legislation
Today the Senate of Pennsylvania unanimously passed Senator Mike Waugh’s (R-York) Senate Bill 674, which extends the honorary diploma program known as "Operation Recognition" to honorably discharged Vietnam veterans.

4/28/09 - Senate Local Government Committee Endorses Bill to Protect Preserved Farmland From Property Tax Increases 
The Senate Local Government Committee unanimously approved legislation today that could exempt more preserved farmland from property tax increases, according to the bill’s sponsor Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36). 

4/28/09 - Senate Approves Coal Bed Methane Well Dispute Act
The Senate today approved Senate Bill 275, legislation introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) to establish a special review board to arbitrate coal bed methane well disputes.

4/28/09 - Panel Approves Tomlinson Bill To Ban Texting While Driving
The Senate Transportation Committee today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) that would make it illegal for motorists to text while driving.    

4/28/09 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

4/27/09 - Argall Advocates Property Tax Referendum  
State Senator David G. Argall (R-29) today announced a measure that would give Pennsylvania voters a stronger voice in the elimination of the state’s outdated school property tax system. 

- Senator Alloway

4/23/09 - Teacher Strikes the Focus of Education Committee’s Public Hearing
Considering that Pennsylvania continues to hold the distinction as the leader in teacher strikes, the Senate Education Committee, chaired by Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15), convened a public hearing on Wednesday to further profile the issue and hear testimony on the impact walkouts have on the Commonwealth’s students, academic achievement and performance, and the public education system.   

4/22/09 - McIlhinney Introduces Legislation to Protect Drinking Water Supplies
Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery) introduced legislation today that would strengthen the state's Safe Drinking Water Act by extending greater protections for drinking water sources.

4/22/09 - Auditor General's Letter on Stimulus Oversight Demonstrates Need For Accountability, Transparency
Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) issued the following statement today in response to Auditor General Jack Wagner’s recent letter to the federal government urging stronger oversight and transparency measures for stimulus dollars: 

4/22/09 - Finance Committee OKs Expanded Check-Off Box Option
The Senate Finance Committee today approved legislation allowing charitable contributions to be added to income tax remittance payments, according to Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne (R-16).

4/22/09 - Education Committee Chair Comments on Alternative Solution to Keystone Exams
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15), Chairman of the Education Committee, released the following statement today reacting to the Pennsylvania State Education Association and various other organizations unveiling of the "Keystone Exams 2.0," an alternative plan to the Keystone Exams, which was proposed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association last month. 

4/22/09 - Senators Unveil Gaming Reform Package to Provide Stricter Oversight, Greater Accountability
Stressing that Pennsylvania needs to take the lead now to more tightly regulate the gaming industry and provide greater accountability and transparency, a bipartisan group of Senators today unveiled a wide-ranging package of reform bills.
- News Conference - (running time 35 minutes)

4/21/09 - State Senate Approves Corman Legislation to Make Do Not Call Registration Permanent
The State Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman (R-34) that would eliminate the need for Pennsylvania consumers to re-register on the “Do Not Call” registry every five years.

4/21/09 - Senate Approves Browne's Volunteer Education Bill
The Senate today approved legislation introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) that would credit volunteer time by health care professionals toward their continuing education requirements.

4/21/09 - Alloway Introduces Legislation to Expand Self-Defense Law 
Senator Richard Alloway II (R-33) introduced legislation today that would establish the Castle Doctrine in Pennsylvania to protect gun owners who act in self-defense. 

4/20/09 - Appropriations Committee Approves Government Disclosure Bills
The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved a bill increasing public access to state spending records. The Committee also approved a legislative package intended to increase disclosure and reporting requirements for environmental protection programs, according to Appropriations Committee Chairman Senator Jake Corman (R-34).

4/20/09 - Media Advisory: Senators to Unveil Strict Gaming Reform Package
A bipartisan group of legislators, led by Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny), Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) and Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia), will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22 in the East Wing Media Center to unveil a package of gaming reform bills.   

4/20/09 - Media Advisory: McIlhinney to Introduce Safe Water Legislation 
State Senator Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery) will introduce legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s Safe Drinking Water Act at a press conference Wednesday, April 22 at 1 p.m. in the Capitol Media Center. 

4/20/09 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

4/9/09 - Senate Committee Holds Public Hearing on Marcellus Shale Gas Reserves
The Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing today in Williamsport on the multiple issues surrounding the Marcellus Shale gas reserves.
- Senator Yaw
- Part 1 - (running time 51 minutes)
- Part 2 - (running time 59 minutes)
- Part 3 - (running time 43 minutes)

4/6/09 - Brubaker Introduces Prevailing Wage Moratorium to Stimulate Economic Growth 
Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) introduced legislation recently that would place a moratorium on prevailing wage requirements for municipal and school construction projects while the state recovers from the recession.

4/6/09 - Bills Proposed to Solidify Nutrient Trading Program
Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York) and Rep. Eugene DePasquale (D-York) recently introduced legislation that seeks to strengthen Pennsylvania's existing nutrient credit trading policy.

4/2/09 - OP-ED by Senator Mike Brubaker: Pennsylvania Stimulus Oversight Has Room For Improvement
In February, I introduced legislation that would create the Pennsylvania Commission on Stimulus Accountability to ensure transparency, accountability and oversight for all funding the state receives as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In addition to monitoring all stimulus spending and programs, Senate Bill 6 would require stringent reporting standards for all state agencies to determine exactly how stimulus dollars are being spent.

4/2/09 - Senate Passes Erickson Bill to Ensure State Regulations are Based on Reliable Data
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) to help ensure that state regulations are based on reliable data and sound science was unanimously approved by the state Senate this week.

4/1/09 - Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Examines Impact of Proposed Budget Cuts
The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee examined the effect of the governor’s proposed budget cuts yesterday during a hearing with a number of statewide leaders in agriculture.

4/1/09 - Committee OKs Small Games of Chance Prize Increase
The Senate Finance Committee today approved legislation increasing prize limits for small games of chance and another bill that would make several changes to Pennsylvania's Bingo Law, according to Committee Chairman Pat Browne, R-16th District.

4/1/09 - Senate Approves Scarnati Legislation To Deny Public Benefits to Illegal Aliens
Illegal aliens who live in Pennsylvania would be unable to obtain public benefits, including Medicaid, welfare and in-state college tuition, under legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati that was approved today by the Senate with a bi-partisan vote of 41 to 9.

4/1/09 - Senate Approves Senator White's "Mini-COBRA" Bill
The Senate today (April 1) approved Senate Bill 442, a measure introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) intended to improve health care access, affordability and coverage.

4/1/09 - Senate Approves Senator Pileggi's Bill to Strengthen Reporting Requirement of Personal Data Breaches
State agencies and local governments would be required to notify the public of data breaches involving personal information within one week under legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and unanimously approved by the Senate today. 

4/1/09 - Baker Unveils Juvenile Justice Reforms and Remedies
Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) today unveiled a package of reform measures to address corruption in the Luzerne County Courthouse affecting several thousand juveniles and their families.
- Press Conference
- Senator Baker
- Senator Gordner

4/1/09 - Senator Orie and Senator Eichelberger to Sponsor Legislation to Tighten State Laws Involving Government Contracts
Seeking to strengthen state laws involving government contracts, Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) and Sen. John H. Eichelberger Jr. (R-Blair) are introducing legislation that would prohibit the spouse and children of public officials and government employees from entering into contracts with the agencies that their spouse or parents are a member of or employed by. 
- Senator Orie
- Senator Eichelberger

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