March 12, 2021

Weekly Wrap

This week was the Senate’s turn to hold budget hearings on the Governor’s proposed FY 2021-2022 budget. Here’s a look at the hearings that took place and some main topics discussed in each.

Monday

Independent Fiscal Office

  • Minimum wage
  • Governor’s proposed tax plan
  • Impact of federal stimulus money

Department of Revenue/Lottery

  • Business taxes and filings
  • Severance tax
  • Lottery revenues

Tuesday

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

  • Oil and gas drilling and leases
  • State park operations

Wednesday

Department of Human Services

  • Community HealthChoices
  • Public assistance programs
  • Employment issues

Thursday

Department of Environmental Protection

  • Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
  • Oil and gas permits
  • Pipeline safety

Department of State

  • Election security
  • Professional licensing
  • Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE)

Along with the budget hearings, there were other committee meetings held throughout the week. On Tuesday, the House Finance Committee held an informational meeting on an analysis of the condition of the state’s financial security. Also, the House State Government Committee held a public hearing on government transparency and the Right to Know Law during COVID-19.

Wednesday, the following committee met:

  • The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee held a public hearing on the COVID-19 vaccination distribution for older adults and long-term care;
  • The House Labor and Industry Committee held a public hearing on the unemployment compensation system;
  • The House State Government Committee held a public hearing on the certification of voting machines; and
  • The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held an informational meeting on the deployment and utilization of carbon dioxide management technologies.

Lastly, on Thursday, the House Commerce Committee held a public hearing on the impact a minimum wage increase would have on commerce.

At the federal level, Congress passed a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. An analysis from BIR’s federal government relations team can be found here.

The Week Ahead

The House and Senate are in session next week from Monday to Wednesday. Senate budget hearings are on hold until Thursday when two hearings will be held, first with the Department of Education, and then with the State System of Higher Education.

On Monday, the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee will consider H.B. 649 (Rapp, R-Warren), which would allow residents of a long-term care facility to have a designated essential caregiver. The House Professional Licensure Committee will consider the following bills:

  • H.B. 192 (Topper, R-Bedford), which would allow Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact;
  • H.B. 245 (Kaufer, R-Luzerne), which would update the process by which graduates of international medical schools become licensed; and
  • H.B. 325 (Greiner, R-Lancaster), which would allow licensed professionals to receive advice from licensing boards concerning the meaning or interpretation of an Act or regulation.

Furthermore, the following public hearings and informational meetings will take place:

  • The House State Government Committee will hold a public hearing on government telework policies and data during COVID-19;
  • The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will hold an informational meeting on the Commonwealth’s energy potential with hydrogen power and carbon capture;
  • The House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee will hold an informational meeting to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on tourism, lodging, and attractions;
  • The House Professional Licensure Committee will hold an informational meeting to receive an update from the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) on the PA Licensing System (PALS) and licensing processing times; and
  • The Senate Special Committee on Election Integrity and Reform will hold a public hearing on best practices from other states. 

Tuesday, the House Transportation Committee will consider: H.B. 37 (Brown, R-Monroe), which would prohibit the use of hand-held interactive wireless communications devices while operating a motor vehicle on the roadway; and H.B. 606 (Rothman, R-Cumberland), which would authorize local police to use RADAR/LIDAR for speed enforcement under certain conditions. In addition, the House Gaming Oversight Committee will consider H.B. 290 (Warner, R-Fayette), which would allow Small Games of Chance licensees to conduct online games and conduct online transactions during the duration of the COVID-19 emergency declaration.

Two public hearings will be held on Tuesday. First, the House Consumer Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing with the Public Utility Commission and the Energy Association of PA regarding the electric industry. Second, the Senate Aging and Youth Committee will hold a public hearing on the programs and services offered by the Department of Aging.

Wednesday, the House Health Committee will consider H.R. 68 (Rapp, R-Warren), which would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study to review the availability of dental services in rural areas.

A full list of committee meetings can be found here:

House

Senate

In Other News

  • The Department of Environmental Protection announced a set of guiding equity principles to help inform the public on the implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and investments of the program’s proceeds.
  • The Department of Labor and Industry took additional action to improve unemployment compensation customer service.
  • Governor Wolf nominated Dr. Denise A. Johnson to service as Physician General.
  • The Insurance Department issued guidance to insurers for consumer protection and called for clarity in telehealth polices.