PA SUPREME COURT INVALIDATES REDISTRICTING PLAN

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, the state Supreme Court today overturned the Legislature`s new maps for 2012 House and Senate races, leaving current districts in place until a five-member commission that designed the plan fixes the court`s concerns. The 4-3 decision gave a glimmer of hope to lawmakers opposed to the changes in the Legislative Reapportionment Commission`s plan. Sen. Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, one of those who appealed the commission`s maps, said the court decision would present an opportunity to argue for keeping the Brewster seat. Stephen Miskin, spokesman for House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R -Allegheny, said Turzai believes the plan that was submitted “met the standards, and conditions set forth in the Constitution” and in legal precedent.  “Until we get an opinion, we can`t know what needs to be fixed but will respond accordingly,” Miskin said. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Tribune Review article.

SENATE DEMOCRATS GATHER TO OUTLINE BUDGET PRIORITIES

The Senate Democratic Caucus held a press conference yesterday to outline its budget priorities and called on the governor to make job creation, tax fairness, education funding, shale and the restoration of funds for safety net programs budget priorities. Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) stated Senate Democrats believe that Pennsylvania’s priorities under the current administration are “out of line and out of whack.” He said Gov. Corbett is wrong on jobs, education, and fiscal policy. He indicated the state has lost a whole year on job creation and the unemployment rate, which is now at 7.6 percent, has been stagnant. He noted education funding has been driven back to 2006 levels and the state is no longer investing in education. In the past Pennsylvania had an outstanding record of making appropriate successful investments in public education and had the results to prove it and “now we are simply trying to plug funding holes to get by,” Sen. Costa argued. He stated higher education support from this administration has floundered with steep tuition increases already occurring and now radical funding plans are being considered to take even more money away from these institutions. Check out the Around the Capitol section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

RENDELL, HOUSE DEMS URGE REVERSAL OF SNAP ASSET TESTING PLAN

Former governor Ed Rendell joined House Democrats today in urging Gov. Tom Corbett to abandon plans to require an asset test for determining eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps. Gov. Rendell and Rep. Mike Gerber (D-Montgomery) advised they have both sent letters to Gov. Corbett conveying their concern about the tests, which would render ineligible anyone under the age of 60 who has more than $2,000 in savings and assets, or anyone over 60 or disabled with more than $3,250. Both contend that, among other things, the bureaucratic costs of administering the test outweigh any potential savings. Rep. Gerber warned asset tests could also lead to higher unemployment and greater strain on already-struggling private charities and churches. Noting it is “important to stay focused on the human cost” of asset tests, he also contended asset tests will harm vulnerable citizens throughout Pennsylvania. “This isn’t just an urban issue,” he stated. Check out the Around the Capitol section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

REED AND DEPASQUALE INTRODUCE BUSINESS TAX REFORM PROPOSAL

Representatives Dave Reed (R-Indiana) and Eugene DePasquale (D-York) were joined by a group of bicameral House members including Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) and Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) to unveil House Bill 2150, a proposal to reform Pennsylvania’s business tax structure. Rep. Reed said the proposal is necessary as a mechanism for job creation, an issue he said is number one on the minds of Pennsylvanians. He said the bill’s business tax reforms will make Pennsylvania more competitive and business friendly, an initiative that began years ago with the Keystone Manufacturing Initiative. This is especially important, he said, since Pennsylvania has a long history of being uncompetitive with its business tax climate. Rep. Reed explained the key components of the bill include: reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax from 9.99 percent to 6.99 percent over six years; having a single sales factor; a nine-year phase-out of the net operating loss carry-forward; and closing the Delaware Loophole. Check out the Around the Capitol section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

Upcoming Meetings

Independent Regulatory Review Commission
10:00 a.m., 333 Market Street, 14th Floor Conference Room, Harrisburg
Public meeting to consider the following Regulation:
•  Reg. No. 2884 PA Gaming Control Board #125-137: Table Game Equipment

Task Force on Child Protection
1:30 p.m., Hearing Room 1, North Office Building
Organizational meeting as directed by: SR 250 Ward Resolution re Child Protection Task Force

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Former Gov. Ed Rendell opposes SNAP asset tests

Former governor Ed Rendell joined House Democrats today in urging Governor Tom Corbett to abandon plans to require an asset test for determining eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), otherwise known as food stamps.

Gov. Rendell and Rep. Mike Gerber (D-Montgomery) advised they have both sent letters to Gov. Corbett conveying their concern about the tests, which would render ineligible anyone under the age of 60 who has more than $2,000 in savings and assets, or anyone over 60 or disabled with more than $3,250. Both contend that, among other things, the bureaucratic costs of administering the test outweighs any potential savings.

Rep. Gerber warned asset tests could also lead to higher unemployment and greater strain on already-struggling private charities and churches. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

The Senate Democratic Caucus held a press conference today to outline their budget priorities and called on the governor to make job creation, tax fairness, education funding, shale and the restoration of funds for safety net programs budget priorities. Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) stated “we need a budget that moves Pennsylvania forward, not one that puts us in reverse.”  He said Senate Democrats have identified nearly one billion dollars in new revenues from smart policy changes, efficiencies and a responsible shale tax that can be used to pay for their agenda. Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee conducted an informational hearing on the role of government in addressing elder abuse and the Older Adults Protective Services Act. Legislators heard from a panel of experts including Secretary of Aging Brian Duke. The panel discussed current efforts to protect the elderly and suggested changes in the Act. All agreed that they have seen a large increase in cases involving financial exploitation. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

TURZAI NOT RUNNING FOR CONGRESS

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review Mike Turzai’s off again, on again congressional bid is off again, he told the state House Republican caucus on Tuesday. The Republican House majority leader, who told party officials late last week that he was seriously weighing a bid for election in a newly drawn 12th Congressional District, said he will instead seek re-election to his state seat. Turzai, 52, of Bradford Woods, said he never made a concrete decision to run. He said Gov. Tom Corbett asked him recently to run, but he decided against it after his wife, Lidia, told him to consider the impact he’s making in his job. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Tribune Review article.

BICAMERAL DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP CALLS FOR FUNDING TO SAVE FINANCIALLY DISTRESSED SCHOOL DISTRICTS

A virtual bevy of both House and Senate Democratic leaders held a news conference yesterday to discuss funding for the financially distressed Chester Upland School District and other financially distressed school districts.  House Minority Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) said the funding crisis in Chester Upland specifically has been caused by the current administration and has put a tremendous stain on the students, teachers, and administrators of the school district. Rep. Dermody indicated while yesterday’s meeting between the administration and the school district was encouraging, the promise to fund Chester Upland only through the end of the school year is not enough. He said Democratic leadership will hold the governor accountable to fund education to the extent required under the constitution. Check out the Around the Capitol section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

PIPPY WILL NOT RUN FOR ANOTHER TERM

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Sen. John Pippy, R-Allegheny, announced Tuesday that he would not run this year for a third full term in the state Senate. Mr. Pippy, 41, served in the state House for eight years before being elected to the 37th District state Senate seat in 2003, an election he won while serving on active duty with the U.S. Army Reserves in Iraq. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

DALEY URGES EXEMPTION OF STATE SALES TAX ON AIRPLANE SALES & MAINTENANCE

Rep. Pete Daley (D-Washington) yesterday announced the introduction of HB 1100, legislation that would exempt from the sales and use tax fixed-wing sales, parts, maintenance, and repair in Pennsylvania. The measure, according to Rep. Daley, would bring Pennsylvania onto even terms with neighboring states that do not charge sales tax on such items, drawing business and jobs away from the Commonwealth. According to Rep. Daley, Pennsylvania is the only northeastern state not to enact some form of meaningful tax reform on fixed-wing aviation. He said that as a result Pennsylvania employees only 2,900 people in the industry compared to 8,300 in Ohio and 9,400 people in New York. Check out the Around the Capitol section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

Upcoming Meetings

House Aging and Older Adult Services
9:30 a.m., Room 205, Ryan Office Building
Roundtable discussion on the role of government in addressing elder abuse and adult protective services

9:30 a.m., Rotunda Balcony Rep. Reed: Creating a more competitive business climate through tax reform & close Delaware Loophole

10:00 a.m., Hearing Room 1, North Office Building Legislative Briefing on School Choice in PA

10:30 a.m., Rotunda Balcony Senate Democratic Caucus to Unveil Budget Priorities

11:00 a.m., Media Center Rep. Gerber, Rendell, Central PA Food Bank Director to discuss proposed SNAP changes

House Appropriations
Off the Floor, Room 140 Main Capitol
Agenda to be announced

Senate Transportation
Off the Floor, Rules Committee Conference Room
To consider: SB 1372 Greenleaf Act re Dr. Robert R. Kuhn Bridge SB 1382 Solobay Act re Ofcr John David Dryer Mem. Interchange HB 1091 Harkins Act re Michael D. Crotty Memorial Parkway

Senate Rules and Executive Nominations
Off the Floor, Rules Committee Conference Room
To consider: HB 1458 Tallman Amends Title 75 and executive nominations

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Wind industry leaders, environmental advocates and legislatures gathered in Capitol to launch ChoosePAWind, a coalition to help educate consumers on the economic and environmental benefits of wind power in Pennsylvania.  Jim Spencer, President and CEO of Everpower stated “wind is an important part of a diverse energy solution for Pennsylvania.  Alongside natural gas, solar and other locally sourced options, Pennsylvania’s commitment to wind is another example of how our state is leading the national movement to produce more domestic energy.”  Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.