News
Both Sides Claim to be Protecting Your Vote
A capitol rally has fanned the flames of the Voter ID debate. Back in June the House voted, largely along party lines, to approve a controversial Voter ID bill. As supporters work to get HB 934 considered in the Senate, the Protect Our Vote Coalition is speaking out. Pennsylvania Voice field director Jeff Garis delivered […]
Top Lawmaker Wants to Address Transportation Funding Now
Make room in the already crowded fall agenda. In addition to Marcellus Shale, education reform, redistricting and privatization – transportation funding is the latest high profile issue to be added to the front burner. State Senate Appropriations Chair Jake Corman (R-Centre) tells reporters that he’ll soon introduce legislation that mirrors the recommendations of the governor’s […]
State Supreme Court Goes “Social”
The state’s highest court is using social networking to alert people about decisions and rulings. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has established a Twitter feed to provide quick notification of new orders, rules, opinions and statements written by the justices. Art Heinz, communications coordinator for the administrative office of PA Courts, says it’s part of the court’s […]
PennPIRG Report Encourages Pennsylvania to Create Its Own Health Exchange
A nationwide study of health exchanges being set up under the federal health care reform law says Pennsylvania should act to create a new insurance marketplace. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department is still deciding if the state will design its own health exchange, or leave it up to one managed by the federal government. The Pennsylvania […]
Lawmakers Stepping in to Highmark, UPMC Dispute
Time is running short to resolve the stalemate between Highmark and UPMC. As it stands now, UPMC plans to end its contract with Highmark next year, meaning 20 hospitals and 27 hundred doctors would no longer be in network for the insurer’s subscribers. State Representative Tony DeLuca (D-Allegheny), says he feels it’s the responsibility of […]
Changes Coming to Powerball Early Next Year
Powerball turns 20 next year and there will be some changes in how the game is played, and how much it will cost for a ticket. The goal is to create more millionaire winners and increase the odds of winning a prize in Powerball. Elizabeth Brassell, spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Lottery, says the number […]
State Takeover Looms Over City of Harrisburg
State takeover legislation is another step close to the governor’s desk, after passing the Senate 37 – 13 on Tuesday afternoon. Despite $450 million dollars in mounting debt, officials in the City of Harrisburg cannot agree to a financial recovery plan. SB 1151 would allow the governor to declare a state of emergency and assume […]
Busy Week for State House Committees
Unanimous votes in the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee have advanced two bills to the House floor. A newly amended version of HB 955 would both extend and expand the Pennsylvania Fire and EMS Grant Program. Gaming dollars currently fund $25 million in firefighting grants per year, but Chairman Stephen Barrar’s(R-Chester) bill would […]
School Bus Safety Is Everyone’s Job
This is School Bus Safety week. In addition to the school bus drivers, officials say students and other drivers play an important role in keeping kids safe going to and from school or school-sponsored activities. Craig Yetter, community relations coordinator for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Safety Administration, says an important part of the safety routine […]
Lawmaker Suggests If We Sell The State Stores, We Spend The Money On Roads
If Pennsylvania privatizes the state store system, one lawmaker is suggesting the money be spent on transportation. Representative Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Schuylkill) is calling it the IFF Act; that stands for Infrastructure Future Fund. He says it means if we sell the state stores, the money should go to roads and bridges. Knowles says under his […]