May 26, 2016

Weekly Wrap:

This was the last week of session before high-budget season starts in June, and all of the action was in the House of Representatives. Though it’s never really certain how the state spending plan will shake out until it’s practically on the Governor’s desk, and even then its fate isn’t certain, some of the week’s activities could be a sign that this year’s budget negotiations could be a little less contentious than last year’s. In particular, the House concurred in the amendments to H.B. 1552 (Roae, R-Crawford), which would codify a new basic education formula. The formula represents a bipartisan effort to provide adequate and fair funding for public schools in Pennsylvania, and now, after going through some legislative gymnastics during the last budget battle, is officially on the books for the 2015-2016 school year and each year thereafter.

Read what the Governor had to say here: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2016/2016052573.HTM

While the passage of H.B. 1552 might evidence a degree of agreement (albeit small) in how to spend some state funds, the General Assembly is still faced with the problem of how to raise funds. Pennsylvania has a growing structural budget deficit, and it’s no secret that pension funding is a huge part of the problem. While searching for a resolution that doesn’t include a tax increase, the idea of expanding gambling has been bandied about for some time now. This week, the House considered two omnibus amendments to H.B. 1925 (Santora, R-Delaware), both of which would allow internet gambling and slots at airports and off track betting sites: the difference between them is that one of the amendments would have allowed video gaming terminals or “VGT’s” at truck stops and bars. In both amendments, the funds from expanded gaming would be used to supplement contributions to the Public Employees Retirement System (PSERS). However, both amendments failed, and both hinged on whether or not VGT’s were included. Votes on the amendments were split more along regional lines than party lines, and while the issue remains unresolved, the start of a discussion on expanded gaming might be encouraging as the General Assembly and the Governor try to reach consensus on this year’s revenue raisers.

While most of the action was on the House floor this week, there was some committee activity worth mentioning. On Monday, the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee reported out H.B. 2069 (Farry, R-Bucks), which would modernize the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly law.  The bill is now in the House Appropriations Committee. The House Appropriations Committee also met on Monday and reported out S.B. 1152 (Browne, R-Lehigh), which would require that babies under two years of age be placed in a rear facing car seat; the bill was finally passed by the House later in the week.

On Tuesday, the House Children and Youth Committee met to consider S.B. 1156 (Sabatina, D-Philadelphia), which would clarify background check requirement for doctors and health care personnel under the Child Protective Services Law. That bill is now on second consideration in the House. Finally, on Wednesday, the House Appropriations Committee reported on H.B.585 (Petrarca, D-Westmoreland), which would ensure that a person in need of an anatomical gift would not be deemed ineligible due to a mental or physical disability. H.B. 585 is now on third consideration in the House.

Wednesday’s biggest news came from the Liquor Control Board (LCB), which approved the applications of nine gas stations to sell six packs of beer. The six pack issue centers around a provision in the state liquor law that disallows the sale of alcohol where liquid fuels are sold and is currently before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Not wanting to wait for the decision, which may not come until 2017, the LCB approved the licenses, despite strong opposition from the Malt Beverage Distributors Association.   However, the measure is widely supported by consumers, and the LCB’s action to approve the sale of six packs comes just in time for anyone planning a cozy little Memorial Day barbecue.

A Look Ahead:

The House and Senate will not return to Harrisburg until Monday, June 6.

Next week, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania will hold a hearing in Aliquippa on opioid abuse, and the House Finance Committee will hold a public hearing in Philadelphia a on H.B. 1871 (Taylor, R-Philadelphia), which would amend the constitution to allow Philadelphia to impose higher taxes on real estate used for business than on real estate used for other purposes.

Read H.B. 1871 here: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1871

In Other News: