Weekly Wrap
Though the legislature was not in Harrisburg for session this week, there’s still some news you can use from the capital city.
While this year’s primary may seem a little sleepy, we’ve now got a little more action to look forward to next May. Two current Pennsylvania state representatives will battle it out in the republican primary to challenge U.S. Senator Bob Casey next fall. Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) announced this week that he will enter the republican primary, pitting him against caucus colleague Rep. Rick Saccone (R-Allegheny).
Further from our federal front, news outlets are reporting that U.S. Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA10) is in the final stages of filing paperwork to join the Trump Administration to oversee the Office of National Drug Control Policy, a post commonly referred to as the “drug czar.” Marino was first elected in 2010 to represent the third largest congressional district in Pennsylvania; expect a special election to be called to fill his Williamsport-area seat.
Moving to medication, the Department of Health released draft regulations this week for doctors who plan to participate in the state’s medical marijuana program. Comments on these regulations will be accepted until April 20.
And finally, a “Stack moment,” as our Lt. Governor apologized for his behavior in response to an Inspector General’s investigation into his alleged mistreatment of staff. Offering very little detail on what may have prompted the investigation, Stack apologized for anything he or his wife may have said in anger toward his state trooper detail or staff at his Fort Indiantown Gap residence, referring to his actions as a “Stack moment.”
A Look Ahead
Both chambers will return to Harrisburg on Tuesday for two days of voting session and committee meetings. But first, the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, Health Committee and Human Services Committee will hold a hearing on Monday on the proposed consolidation of the Departments of Human Services, Health, Aging, and Drug and Alcohol Programs.
Tuesday, the House Consumer Affairs Committee will meet to consider two bills amending the Telemarketer Registration Act, H.B. 105 (Cox, R-Berks), and H.B. 448 (Topper, R-Bedford). They’ll also consider H.B. 1071 (Farry, R-Bucks), which would prohibit fees, surcharges and taxes on recyclable plastic bags. Immediately after, the Committee will hold an informational meeting on the Public Utility Commission and the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Advocate.
The House Education Committee will also meet on Tuesday to consider bills including H.B. 97 (Reese, R-Somerset), a comprehensive charter school reform bill, and H.B. 1022 (Roebuck, D-Philadelphia), which will allow students in advanced placement courses to receive college credit. The House Liquor Control Committee will also meet to consider two bills by Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) that would move the Commonwealth toward liquor privatization: H.B. 975 and H.B. 1075.
Turning to the Senate, the Senate Aging and Youth Committee and Finance Committee will hold a joint public hearing on the health and solvency of the Lottery Fund.
That brings us to Wednesday. The House Aging and Older Adult Services will hold an informational meeting on our PACE/PACENET programs, and discuss PACE related bills, including H.B. 270 (Farry, R-Bucks), which would increase the maximum income requirement for PACENET services; H.B. 296 (Sonney, R-Erie), which would exclude the money earned from savings bonds from being considered “income” for eligibility for PACE/PACENET services; H.B. 425 (Nelson, R-Westmoreland), which proposes a moratorium including social security cost of living increases when determining eligibility for PACE/PACENET; and H.B. 673 (Goodman, D-Schuylkill), which would exempt veteran’s benefits from the calculation of income for eligibility for PACE/PACENET.
The House Health Committee will also meet on Wednesday to consider H.B. 118 (Kaufer, R-Luzerne), which would allow health care facilities to use available beds for medically supervised detoxification; H.B. 353 (Nesbit, R-Butler), which would mandate electronic prescribing for opioids; H.B. 713 (Baker, R-Bedford), which would amend the Mental Health Procedures Act to provide for involuntary examination and treatment of people who have experienced a drug overdose; and H.B. 1043 (Baker, R-Bedford), which will provide for the regulation of pain clinics.
A full list of committee meetings can be found here:
For anticipated floor action see below:
In Other News
- John Estey, an aide to former Governor Ed Rendell, avoided jail and was sentenced to one year probation for wire fraud.
- Scott Pruitt, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, visited Western Pennsylvania this week.
- State Treasurer Joe Torsella announced a new investment strategy intending to save $5 million.