Mike's Memo

Conference Committee Takes No Action on Smoking Ban Bill

The House/Senate Conference Committee for Senate Bill 246 met but took no action on plans to impose a smoking ban in public facilities and workplaces.  The Committee adjourned until April 29th.  Members of the Committee are:  Senators Greenleaf, McIlhinney, and Mellow and Representatives Belfanti, Gerber, and Miller.

Capital Budget

I had to vote "no" on the Capital Budget, House Bill 1589, because of potential or actual new state spending and/or borrowing, including:

• Public improvement projects:  $5,120,432,000
• Furniture and equipment:  $166,346,000
• Transportation assistance projects:  $750,939,000
• Redevelopment assistance projects:  $6,482,798,000
• Flood control projects:  $74,526,000
• Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund projects:  $28,613,000
• Environmental Stewardship Fund projects:  $143,655,000
• State forestry bridge projects:  $8,300,000
• General Fund current revenue projects:  $29,600,000
• Manufacturing Fund current revenue projects:  $3,000,000
• Fish and Boat Fund projects:  $79,100,000
• Motor License Fund projects:  $24,144,000

Gaming Law Reforms

I was proud to join with Senator Piccola and Representative Reichley and other Senate and House colleagues in cosponsoring a legislative package that addresses a number of weaknesses in Pennsylvania's gaming law.  The following are among the proposed changes:

• Reform the Gaming Control Board
• Establish a Division of Gaming Enforcement under the Attorney General
• Require all license applicants to make Freedom of Information requests and turn that information over to the Attorney General
• Prohibit people proven to be associated with organized crime or career criminals from holding a gaming license