February 19, 2021
Weekly Wrap
Budget hearings to examine the Governor’s FY 2021-22 budget proposal began this week in the House of Representatives. Hearings in the Senate begin on March 8. Here’s a look at the hearings that took place and some main topics discussed in each.
Tuesday
Department of Revenue and Lottery
- Tax forgiveness program
- Combined reporting and net operating loss
- Property tax relief
Independent Fiscal Office
- Budget revenue estimates
- Minimum wage increase
- Personal income tax increase
Department of Aging
- COVID-19 vaccination
- COVID-19 nursing home deaths
- Long-term care facilities
Wednesday
Department of Corrections
- Impact of COVID-19
- Inmate population
- Staffing levels and concerns
Department of State
- Constitutional amendment process
- Election reforms
- Professional licensing
The Week Ahead
Budget hearings in the House continue next week with the schedule as follows:
Monday
- Department of Environmental Protection
- Department of Community and Economic Development
Tuesday
- Department of Transportation
- Department of General Services
- Liquor Control Board
Wednesday
- Department of Agriculture
- State-Related Universities
- Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
Thursday
- Department of Health
In addition to budget hearings, on Tuesday the House Education Committee will hold a public hearing on the impacts of COVID-19 on elementary and secondary schools. The committee will meet again on Wednesday to hold a similar hearing on institutions of higher education.
Also on Wednesday, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will hold a voting meeting on a letter to IRRC regarding Regulation #7-556 Dam Safety & Waterway Management. The committee will then hold an informational meeting regarding the natural gas industry and opportunities for energy industry growth.
Furthermore, the House and Senate State Government Committees will hold a joint public hearing on the 2020 census data. Lastly, the House Gaming Oversight Committee will hold a public hearing on the impact of COVID-19 on casinos.
Thursday, the House Labor and Industry Committee will hold a public hearing on H.B. 262 (Diamond, R-Lebanon), which would provide for the right of an employee to refuse to participate in invasive medical screenings and vaccinations required by an employer. The committee will then hold a public hearing to get an overview of unemployment compensation legislation.
A full list of committee meetings can be found here:
In Other News
- PennDOT announced the bridges being considered for its Pathways Major Bridge Public-Private Partnership (P3) Initiative.
- It was a record month for internet-type casino gaming in Pennsylvania.
- The Department Of Health and Legislative Joint Task Force took action to ensure Pennsylvanians get second doses of COVID-19 vaccine.