Mike's Memo

Senate Approves Smoking Ban

Despite my misgivings, the full Senate last week approved Senate Bill 246, a proposed statewide smoking ban bill. The vote was 41 – 9.  The bill was signed by the Governor on Friday, June 13, and take effect in 90 days. Click here to see how the other members of the Senate voted on this initiative. 

Senate Approves Infrastructure Bill

Last week the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 2, a plan to provide $800 million in funding for critical water and sewer projects and other infrastructure needs. I am a cosponsor of the legislation that would also provide funding for storm water projects, flood control projects, and high-hazard dam repairs.

To be eligible for funding, a project must be owned by a municipality or authority, and must include local matching funds. The Commonwealth Financing Authority will evaluate applications, with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority providing technical review and assistance.

Unlike other bonding proposals, Senate Bill 2 will fund projects from existing revenues, including the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund.   

Senate Education Committee Questions Graduation Tests,

The Senate Education Committee recently took action to counter the plans of State Board of Education and the Rendell Administration to mandate high school graduation tests.  In January, the State Board proposed regulations that would require high school students demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies through “Graduation Competency Assessments” or other tests.  While I believe that more accountability of our education tax dollars is needed, I am concerned that $15 million price tag to implement this mandate has not been justified. 

To address these concerns, the Senate Education Committee approved (10 -1) Senate Bill 1442, which would require any statewide graduation requirements be established by the General Assembly. I am a cosponsor of the legislation, which now goes to the full Senate for consideration. Click here to see how members of the Senate Education Committee voted.  I look forward to the continued discussion on these tests, which are opposed by many school districts in my Senate District and across Pennsylvania. 

Senate State Government Committee Questions Need for Furloughs

The Senate State Government Committee, which I serve as vice chair, recently heard from Secretary of Administration Naomi Wyatt on the Governor’s assertion that furloughs of 25,000 “non-critical” state employees are required if a budget impasse occurs after June 30.  As you may remember, a one-day furlough was ordered by the Governor last year.  The Committee repeatedly asked for the justification of such action under the state Constitution, state law, federal law/regulations, and/or court decisions.  The answers relied on one court case (District Council 13 v. Casey) and interpretations of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (which has not resulted in any fines in any other state).  The Senate previously passed, by unanimous vote, Senate Bill 1122, which would stop the practice of furloughing state employees by declaring them “critical” to state service. 

Health Care Plan Unveiled

I was pleased to join with my Senate colleagues to offer a health care plan designed to improve access and affordability to quality health care.  HealthNET PA incorporates a number of the initiatives in my Healthy PA plan, including the creation of a state High Risk Pool and tax credits for the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).  Other elements of HealthNET PA include:

• Encourage the development of health care clinics to help the working poor and ease pressures on hospital emergency rooms;
• Promote the use of “telemedicine” in hospitals and doctors’ offices;
• Ease the sale of low-cost prescription drugs at retail establishment pharmacies;
• Institute healthy living discounts;
• Provide for oversight of the proposed “Blues” merger; and
• Forgive student loans of physicians who stay and practice in Pennsylvania;

For additional information on HealthNET PA, please visit www.pasenategop.com.