Weekly Wrap
Only the House of Representatives were in session this week, but it was a pretty busy week nonetheless. Topics from the budget to mandatory minimum sentences were all up for review and debate.
The week’s headliner was the House’s advancement of a 2017-2018 General Appropriations bill. H.B. 218 (Saylor, R-York) was reported from the Appropriations Committee on Monday with a party line vote, and finally passed on Wednesday by a vote of 114-84. The bill, which is $815 million less than the Governor’s 2017-2018 proposal and $245.6 million less than this year’s budget, carries a $31.25 billion price tag and does not contemplate any additional tax increases. It now heads to the Senate for consideration, but is really considered a first step in the budget process. It’s expected that the bill will be amended significantly after negotiations between the legislature and the administration. The balanced budget is required to be passed by June 30.
See how the numbers stack up in the new budget here.
Beyond the budget, liquor and gaming were also hot agenda items this week. On Monday, the House Appropriations Committee reported out H.B. 271 (Ortitay, R-Allegheny), which would allow “tablet gaming” at large airports in the Commonwealth. That bill was finally passed on Tuesday. The House Liquor Control Committee reported out two bills that would allow for sale of wine and spirits to-go: H.B. 438 (Reese, R-Westmoreland) and H.B. 991 (Harris, Adam, R-Juniata) are now before the full House for consideration.
Finally, on Monday, the House Labor and Industry Committee reported out H.B. 409 (Evankovich, R-Westmoreland), making significant changes to the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act. That bill is now in the Appropriations Committee for consideration.
Turning to Tuesday, the House Health Committee met to consider bills and reported out H.B. 239 (Toepel, R-Montgomery), establishing the Rare Disease Advisory Council; and H.B. 125 (Baker, R-Tioga), improving the insurance credentialing process for health care practitioners. The House Judiciary Committee advanced S.B. 261 (Scarnati, R-Jefferson), which extends the statutes of limitations for criminal and civil complaints of child sexual abuse.
Before wrapping up for the week on Wednesday, the House Consumer Affairs Committee held a public hearing on the Pennsylvania One Call Act, known to most as the “call before you dig” law.
Look Ahead
Neither chamber will be in Harrisburg next week, but there will be a number of committee meetings on the road. On Monday, the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a hearing on recovery residences. On Tuesday, the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a hearing on issues facing people with disabilities. Wednesday, the House Gaming Oversight will hold a hearing on local share assessment, gaming expansion and casino competitiveness. And finally, the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, Health and Human Services Committee, Intergovernmental Operations Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee subcommittee on Health and Human Services will hold a public hearing on the proposed consolidation of the Departments of Health, Human Services, Aging and Drug and Alcohol Programs.
For a complete list of next week’s hearings, go to:
In Other News
- Didn’t do your taxes yet? The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has extended hours for any procrastinators out there.
- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a settlement with Uber.
- Five state universities warn of possible layoffs, cuts.
- Major League Baseball made a visit to the Keystone state, as MLB uniforms will continue to be made in Pennsylvania.
- The Pennsylvania Superior Court dismissed $1 million in restitution and ordered a new sentencing hearing for former House Speaker John Perzel.
- Emilio Vazquez, who successful ran a write-in campaign, was sworn in on Wednesday as the new state Representative for the 197th District. The seat was vacated by former state Rep. Leslie Acosta.