BUSINESS LEADERS PUSH CORBETT FOR TRANSPORTATION FIXES

According to an article in the Morning Call, Lehigh Valley business leaders called on the Corbett administration Wednesday to come up with a long-term solution to the state’s transportation funding woes — even if that means paying more at the DMV and at the pump to do it. State government needs to “own up to the responsibility for taking care of our transportation infrastructure,” said Chad Heimbecker, of Swift Water Solutions in Allentown, and one of more than 100 local businesspeople who attended the lunchtime forum put on by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Click here to read the Morning Call article.

TABLE GAME REVENUE UP 6.8 PERCENT

According to an article in the Scranton Times, gross revenue from all table games at the 11 casinos in Pennsylvania in April was nearly $56.5 million, a 6.8 percent increase from April last year, according to the state Gaming Control Board.  An average of 1,031 table games were in daily operation statewide during April, an increase of an average of 869 tables last year. About $8 million in tax revenue was generated for the state from table games during April. Click here to read the Scranton Times article.

GAS DRILLERS IN PA REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, natural-gas drillers in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus shale reduced the rate of blowouts, spills and water contamination by half since 2008, according to a study based on state-agency actions. State regulators issued environmental violations at 27 percent of the wells drilled in the first eight months of 2011, 54 percent below the full-year rate in 2008, according to the study from the University at Buffalo’s Shale Resources and Society Institute, which opened last month. Stronger regulations, tougher enforcement and improved industry practices helped trim the violations, researchers found. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Tribune Review article.

CORBETT: SCHOOLS SHOULD USE RESERVES TO AVERT CUTS

According to an Associated Press article, Gov. Tom Corbett said Wednesday that school districts could be dipping deeper into their reserves to avoid cutting programs next year, but public school advocates say most districts are already using the money and others are worried about being able to afford rising pension costs. “The school districts are making a concerted effort not to go into those reserves,” Corbett said, adding that reserves are a rainy day fund that should be used at times like this. Click here to read the Associated Press article.

Upcoming Meetings

Independent Regulatory Review Commission
10:00 a.m., 333 Market Street, 14th Floor Conference Room, Harrisburg
Public meeting to consider the following Regulations:

• Reg. No. 2928 State Board of Education #6-325: Safe Schools (Final-Omit)
• Reg. No. 2891 Milk Marketing Board #47-15: Electronic Methods for Testing Milk for Fat Content
• Reg. No. 2898 PA Gaming Control Board #125-152: Table Game Rules for Four Card Poker, Let it Ride Poker, Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em Poker
• Reg. No. 2899 PA Gaming Control Board #125-154: Table Game Rules for Caribbean Stud Poker and Texas Hold ‘Em Bonus Poker
• Reg. No. 2880 Department of Public Welfare #14-524: Participation Review Process for Medical Assistance Nursing Facilities
• Reg. No. 2877 PA Public Utility Commission #57-278: Call Recording for Telephone Companies
• Reg. No. 2837 PA Public Utility Commission #57-273: Default Service Regulations (Previously Disapproved)

Public Employee Retirement Commission
10:00 a.m., Room 461 Main Capitol
Commission Meeting

House Democratic Policy Committee
10:00 a.m., Peirce College, 1420 Pine Street, Room 51-51, 5th Floor,
Philadelphia
Public hearing on Voter ID Law Hearing Notice & Agenda

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CORBETT OPEN TO SPENDING MORE

According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Gov. Corbett sounded open on Tuesday to spending more on the state budget that starts July 1 than the $27.1 billion he first proposed in February. But Corbett dismissed the concerns of those protesting outside the Prince Music Theater, where he had his annual “conversation” with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, saying that the state cannot attract the jobs they clamor for if it increases business taxes. Click here to read the Philadelphia Inquirer article.

GROUP SEEKS TO INTERVENE IN PA VOTER ID CHALLENGE

According to an Associated Press article, a bipartisan group of voters who support Pennsylvania’s tough new voter ID law is seeking to join the court battle over the statute, saying their rights would be violated if the law designed to combat fraud is not in place on Election Day. The mostly Republican voters, who include one GOP state legislator who is seeking re-election, have filed a petition to intervene in opposition to a constitutional challenge of the law filed in state Commonwealth Court on behalf of 10 other voters earlier this month. Click here to read the Associated Press article.

DEWEESE CHIEF OF STAFF SENTENCED TO UP TO FOUR YEARS

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, A day after his one-time boss surrendered to begin a state prison sentence, former state House Democratic staffer Michael Manzo began his own prison term for a public corruption conviction. Manzo, who served as chief of staff to former Democratic Leader Bill DeWeese of Waynesburg, was charged in 2008 in the state attorney general’s legislative probe. Prosecutors portrayed him as one of the key players in the so-called Bonusgate scheme to award taxpayer-funded bonuses for campaigning during state work hours. Manzo, 42, was sentenced to serve between 11/2 and 4 years in state prison, plus three years’ probation. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

FEDERAL JUDGE DISMISSES HBG COUNCIL BANKRUPTCY APPEAL

According to an article in the Patriot News, a federal appeals court judge has dismissed Harrisburg City Council’s latest bankruptcy appeal. But Judge Kent A. Jordan today also dismissed motions that Mayor Linda Thompson, Dauphin County and the state filed last month seeking legal fees and court costs that each spent blocking the appeal from council attorney Mark Schwartz. Schwartz said wording Jordan used in today’s order makes it unclear whether council’s appeal was completely dismissed. Click here to read the Patriot News article.

Upcoming Meetings

House Democratic Policy Committee
10:00 a.m., West Laurel Hill Conservatory, 215 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd
Public hearing on jobs and lifelong learning Hearing Notice & Agenda

Senate Democratic Policy Committee
11:00 a.m., Lackawanna College, 501 Vine Street, Scranton
Roundtable discussion on cuts in the proposed 2012-13 budget that would adversely affect human services programs and providers

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PREMIER EPISODE OF THE PLS RUNDOWN A SUCCESS

The first episode of the PLS Rundown premiered Friday night to high acclaim. Jason, Matt, Jeff and Catharine discussed the week’s events in the capitol, including the latest on the budget as it begins to move through the General Assembly. Check out future episodes of the PLS Rundown every session week, 6 p.m. on Fridays and 4 p.m. on Sundays on PCN.

JUDGE DELAYS ORIE’S SENTENCING BY TWO WEEKS

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, an Allegheny County judge has delayed the sentencing date for state Sen. Jane Orie for two weeks to give both sides additional time to prepare to address a motion by the prosecution for her to repay nearly $1.3 million that was paid by the Senate for her defense.  Judge Jeffrey A. Manning issued the decision this afternoon, after previously denying a request by Ms. Orie’s attorney asking for a postponement from the original May 21 date to better prepare for the senator’s sentencing hearing. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

DEWEESE REPORTS TO PRISON

According to an Associated Press article, former longtime House Democratic leader Bill DeWeese on Monday began serving a 2½- to five-year prison term for corruption. DeWeese, 62, reported to Dauphin County Prison about 1 p.m., a half-hour ahead of the court-ordered deadline, officials said. Click here to read the Associated Press article.

COURT SETS CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR NEW HARRISBURG RECEIVER

According to an article in the Patriot News, Commonwealth Court Judge Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter has scheduled a hearing to consider the confirmation of Harrisburg’s next receiver for 10:30 a.m. May 24 in the state Judicial Center, 601 Commonwealth Ave., Harrisburg. Gov. Tom Corbett nominated retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William B. Lynch as the city’s next receiver on Friday, the day after City Council Attorney Mark Schwartz filed a motion in Commonwealth Court, asking Leadbetter to stay all activities in the receiver’s office and to subpoena former Receiver David Unkovic to find out why he resigned. Click here to read the Patriot News article.

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Upcoming Meetings

House Democratic Policy Committee
10:00 a.m., IBEW Local Union 98 Hall, 1719 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia
Public hearing on state budget cuts Hearing Notice & Agenda

House Labor and Industry ** POSTING CHANGE **
10:00 a.m., International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, 2401
Swanson Street, Philadelphia (Note time change from 9:00 a.m.)
Informational meeting on construction industry contractor/subcontractor payment issues

House Republican Policy Committee
1:00 p.m., The Club at Shadow Lakes, 2000 Beaver Lakes Boulevard, Hopewell
Public hearing on Marcellus Shale Water Issues, hosted by Rep. Christiana

Would you like additional details about these stories and more? You can try PLS free for one month. Give us a call at 717-236-6984 or send us an email at mypls@mypls.com to sign up.

PREMIER EPISODE OF THE PLS RUNDOWN A SUCCESS

The first episode of the PLS Rundown premiered Friday night to high acclaim. Jason, Matt, Jeff and Catharine discussed the week’s events in the capitol, including the latest on the budget as it begins to move through the General Assembly. Check out future episodes of the PLS Rundown every session week, 6 p.m. on Fridays and 4 p.m. on Sundays on PCN.

STATE LEADERS REPORT GIFTS

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, what do a custom-made gown, a Browning shotgun and a dozen bagels have in common? State officials reported all these things — and more — as gifts they had received in 2011. Legislators and administration officials told the state ethics commission about presents, trips and hospitality, although many reported accepting nothing that year. Gov. Tom Corbett, reported receiving a ticket to two Steelers playoff games in January from Jack Barbour, an adviser who has served as outside counsel to the Pittsburgh team. He also reported receiving tickets to a Pittsburgh Penguins game, lodging for the November meeting of the Penn State University board of trustees and travel to meetings of the Republican Governors Association in Washington, Houston, Dallas, Aspen and Orlando. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

CORBETT NAMES NEW HARRISBURG RECEIVER

According to an article in the Patriot News, Harrisburg receiver nominee retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William B. Lynch said he will not comment on whether he thinks the Commonwealth Court should subpoena former Receiver David Unkovic to discuss why he quit until the court confirms him as the city’s new receiver. Lynch also said he has yet to speak with Unkovic, but would be happy to talk with him, or anyone else who can help with Harrisburg’s fiscal recovery process. Unkovic resigned March 30, saying political and ethical problems with the city’s fiscal recovery process hindered him from developing a fair recovery plan for the city. Click here to read the Patriot News article.

BUDGET RESTORATION DEBATE TAKES OFF

According to an article in the Scranton Times, while higher education, basic education and county-run human service programs benefit mainly from state aid restoration efforts so far, advocates for a host of other programs are competing to join that group now that state tax revenue collections are improving. Public libraries, agricultural programs and the Keystone Fund, which helps pay for local park and conservation projects, also get money to offset proposed cuts in the $27.6 billion state budget bill for fiscal 2012-13 approved by the Senate last week. The measure overall restores $500 million of spending cuts proposed by Gov. Tom Corbett in February when the state’s fiscal picture was more dire. Click here to read the Scranton Times article.

JUDGE DENIES DEWEESE REQUEST TO DELAY PRISON TERM

According to an Associated Press article, Former Democratic legislative leader Bill DeWeese has lost a bid for a postponement of his prison sentence for corruption. Dauphin County Judge Todd Hoover on Friday denied DeWeese’s request to delay the start of his 2 1/2-to-five-year prison term until Hoover decides if he can remain free on bail while appealing his conviction. Hoover ordered the 62-year-old former Greene County lawmaker to surrender to the state Department of Corrections on Monday, as scheduled. Click here to read the Patriot News article.

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PLS ANNOUNCES UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP WITH PCN: THE PLS RUNDOWN

Pennsylvania Legislative Services (PLS), the undisputed leader in unbiased coverage of state government, is proud to announce a unique partnership with Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN), your public affairs cable network, to bring you The PLS Rundown. PCN will air The PLS Rundown, a weekly review of what took place in the Capitol. PLS reporters will discuss the legislative events of the past week that impact you. Nobody in Pennsylvania covers more state government action than PLS. Join us and see for yourself why PLS is the most trusted source for complete, nonpartisan coverage of state government. Check it out 6 p.m. on Fridays and 4 p.m. on Sundays.

SENATE VOTES TO BOOST SPENDING BY $500 MILLION

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, a state budget for next year that would spend $500 million more than the governor’s proposal passed the Senate on Wednesday, setting up weeks of give-and-take between the Corbett administration and Republican legislative leaders. The $27.65 billion Senate plan was approved on a vote of 39-8, and now awaits further action in the House. Gov. Tom Corbett and House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-Bradford Woods, said the Senate budget, which restores portions of the Republican governor’s cuts to education and social services, represents the “ceiling” for debates over how much revenue the state should spend next fiscal year. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

REPORT: PA GAMING REVENUE UP 21 PERCENT IN 2011

According to an Associated Press article, a new report shows Pennsylvania pulled in more than $3 billion in gross casino revenue last year, an increase of more than 21 percent from 2010. The American Gaming Association’s 2012 “State of the States” survey released Wednesday reports consumers spent $3.02 billion at Pennsylvania’s casinos in 2011. That places the state third in the report, behind New Jersey and Nevada. Click here to read the Associated Press article.

DA SAYS ORIE MUST REPAY $1.5 MILLION IN LEGAL FEES

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the government is seeking more than $1.5 million in reimbursement for the legal expenses paid by the Senate on behalf of state Sen. Jane C. Orie, who was convicted in March on public corruption charges. In a motion filed Wednesday, the Allegheny County district attorney’s office said the law requires Ms. Orie repay the monies spent on her defense. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

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The House Urban Affairs Committee voted on bills regarding homestead exemption and the Philadelphia Housing Authority. The committee voted to give the mayor the power to appoint members to the board following confirmation by the city council. Chairman Chris Ross (R-Chester) stated the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development would like to give the housing authority back to the city but will only do so if there is a functional board created and noted, from discussions with both, the mayor and the Philadelphia City Council cannot  come to an agreement on their own so the state must act. Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.