News
Radio PA Roundtable 04.05.13
On this week’s Radio PA Roundtable, Brad Christman brings you an interview with PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch and Matt Paul speaks with a supporter of legislation that would set minimum staffing standards for nurses in Pennsylvania hospitals. Radio PA Roundtable is a 30-minute program featuring in-depth reporting on the top news stories of the week. […]
State Announces Impact Fee Collections for 2013
The state has tallied the amount of money coming in for the second year of the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee. The number is not as high as the first year. The state has collected 198 million dollars through the impact fee this year, about 6 million less than last year due mainly to the lower […]
Next “Ask the Governor” Program Moved to April 29th
The date for our next “Ask the Governor” program with Governor Tom Corbett, which was originally planned for April 25th, has been moved to Monday, April 29th. Click on the Ask the Gov link above to submit your question or comment for the governor today. Ask the governor about Medicaid expansion, transportation funding, the budget talks or […]
Equine Coalition Concerned About Drop in Slots Revenue at Racetrack Casinos
Slot machine revenue at Pennsylvania’s casinos in March tallied the second highest monthly total since gaming began in the state, exceeding July of 2011. But a year to year comparison is thornier, because the highest month ever was March of last year. This year, slots were down 1.6%, with only Rivers Casino posting an increase. […]
Gov. Corbett Talks Medicaid with Secretary Sebelius
Governor Tom Corbett was in Washington DC, Tuesday evening, to talk Medicaid expansion with Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Corbett has repeatedly said that he “cannot recommend Medicaid expansion at this time,” but he has never shut the door completely on the idea. Under the Affordable Care Act the federal government is […]
Supporters Push Nurse-to-Patient Ratio Bills
Pennsylvania hospitals would be required to meet minimum nurse-to-patient ratios under bills introduced in the state House and Senate. The ratios would vary depending on the care setting, but supporters say they could both improve patient safety and save money in the long run. Inadequate staffing is the ultimate concern for Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses […]
Great American Cleanup Underway in PA
Wanted: volunteers to participate in the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania. The annual statewide roadside cleanup effort plays an important role in keeping Pennsylvania beautiful. “It’s surprising how much litter is out there,” says PennDOT spokeswoman Jamie Legenos. “For instance, last year alone there was 6.7-million pounds of litter that was collected from roads, trails […]
Sen. Casey Issues Statement in Support of Same-Sex Marriage
During his reelection bid last year US Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) favored civil unions but did not take a position on the same sex marriage debate. Now, with the question before the US Supreme Court, Casey says he favors marriage equality and believes the federal Defense of Marriage Act should be repealed. Casey’s official statement […]
Report: 2 in 5 Pennsylvanians Financially Insecure
State-by-state data is shedding new light on the problem of financial insecurity. While 13% of Pennsylvanians live in poverty as defined by their incomes, more than 37% live in what’s known as liquid asset poverty. “We need to encourage residents to build savings and prepare for the unforeseen,” says Lyn Kugel of PathWays PA, “so […]
Hospital Study Finds Medicaid Expansion Would Have Multiple Benefits
More food for thought as Governor Tom Corbett prepares to meet next week (April 2nd) with the U. S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to discuss Medicaid expansion. The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania has released a study that shows expanding Medicaid coverage in Pennsylvania will boost economic activity by at least 3.2 […]