November 25, 2015
Weekly Wrap:
Despite hopes that a state spending plan could be on its way to enactment by Thanksgiving, this week was another budget bust. Amid reports that budget talks had broken down on Tuesday night, Senate Republicans threatened to attempt another veto override; however, within hours it seemed that talks got back on track. Buzz around the capital is that a budget plan could be before the legislature as soon as the end next week. We’re now budget-less for nearly 150 days.
For more, go to: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/11/threatened_veto_override_pulle.html#incart_2box_topmobile
Aside from what didn’t happen with the budget, there’s also some news about what didn’t happen in the Senate. An amendment aimed at eliminating property taxes by increasing the state sales tax and imposing the tax on additional items and services was brought up for consideration in the Senate, only to fail by one vote. Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack had to cast a rare tie-breaking vote when the final roll call showed 24 ayes and 24 nays If this was intended to be a litmus test to see how members will line up on a vote to increase the sales tax as part of an agreed to budget, a tie vote doesn’t give us a solid prediction.
To see how members voted, go to: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/RC/Public/rc_view_action2.cfm?sess_yr=2015&sess_ind=0&rc_body=S&rc_nbr=338
Showing a more united front, the Senate did pass a bill to regulate transportation network companies, such as UBER, by a vote of 48-2.Companies like UBER have increased in popularity over the last year or so, giving rise to the need for state oversight. S.B. 984 (Bartolotta, R-Beaver), now heads to the House for consideration.
As for the House, there’s more of what didn’t happen there, too. Despite being slated on The Week Ahead for consideration this week, the House did not call up S.B. 3 (Folmer, R-Lebanon) for debate this week. The bill, which would allow for the use of medical cannabis in the Commonwealth, passed the Senate in May, but seems to have trouble getting traction in the House.
A Look Ahead:
In anticipation of a budget vote, both chambers have added session days for next week. The House has put out an ambitious agenda, scheduling session from Tuesday, December 1 through Saturday, December 5. So far, the Senate has scheduled session for Wednesday, December 2.
No committee meetings have been scheduled other than House Appropriations, with an agenda to be announced.
Check back here for committee meeting updates: www.legis.state.pa.us or watch our twitter feed for updates.
In Other News:
- The Senate swore in its newest member on Tuesday. Read more: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2015/2015112463.HTM
- Does your Black Friday bargain hunting include shopping for energy? PUC offers tips on savings here: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2015/2015112466.HTM
- Gov. Wolf addressed the PA Press Club on Monday. See what he had to say: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2015/2015112366.HTM
- Advocates of medical marijuana have a friend in TV’s Montel Williams. Check out: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2015/2015112384.HTM
- Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to the first official Thanksgiving? Go to: http://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/11/york_pa_first_thanksgiving_usa.html
- Ham is in, cranberry sauce is out. See how Thanksgiving traditions are evolving: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/how-millennials-are-cooking-up-new-thanksgiving-traditions/2015/11/23/4db94908-8fb8-11e5-ae1f-af46b7df8483_story.html
Finally, whether you’re a ham fan or you think turkey is tops, prefer the parade or the pigskin, we wish you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving 2015.