The Coalition for Labor Engagement & Accountable Revenues (CLEAR), a coalition of eight public employee unions, today issued a report that they say would allow legislators to “balance the state budget without making draconian spending cuts that hurt children and families.” According to CLEAR, the report identifies $2.3 billion in specific recommendations that include closing corporate tax loopholes, cutting waste and abuse, and demanding greater efficiency in how government delivers services. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for complete story.

JANUARY REVENUE COLLECTIONS RELEASED

Secretary of Revenue Daniel Meuser announced in a press release yesterday that Pennsylvania collected $2.2 billion in General Fund revenue in January, which was $10.4 million, or 0.5 percent, less than anticipated,. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $13.8 billion, which is $497.2 million, or 3.5 percent, below estimate. Check out the Press Releases section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE PROPOSES NEW ASSET TEST LIMITS FOR SNAP

The Department of Public Welfare announced in a press release yesterday that it has submitted its final plan to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to reinstate the asset test for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). The final proposal sets the limits at $5,500 for households (age 59 and under) and $9,000 for households with older Pennsylvanians (age 60 and above) or disabled individuals. The final levels are above federal thresholds and adjusted for inflation, making them significantly higher than the asset-testing levels enforced by the previous administration. Pennsylvania last had an asset test in 2008, when the limits in place were $2,000 for a household and $3,250 for a household with an elderly or disabled individual.  Check out the Press Releases section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

SEN. HUGHES SAYS JUDICIARY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO MAKE BUDGET PRESENTATION

Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Sen. Vincent J. Hughes strongly suggested yesterday that Senate Republicans reconsider their decision to cancel the budget hearing for state courts and allow justices to discuss their financial needs before the full Appropriations Committee. “The court should be given the opportunity to come before the Senate Appropriations Committee to discuss its budgetary needs for the next fiscal year,” Hughes said in a press release.  “In these lean times, it is important for the members of the Appropriations Committee to hear directly from courts since they are one of the three co-equal branches of government. Check out the Press Releases section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

FORMER CONGRESSMAN PATRICK MURPHY STRIVES TO BECOME FIRST ELECTED DEMOCRAT TO THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

Shortly after he lost his Bucks County Congressional seat in 2010, Patrick Murphy was mentioned as the Democratic frontrunner for the party’s go at the Attorney General race in 2012. Today, Murphy is living up to the expectations and is travelling around the Commonwealth in an attempt to receive his party’s nomination for the seat. As the Congressman who authored the federal repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and with a background as an Army prosecutor, Murphy hopes to bring this experience to bear as he strives to become the first Democrat elected as the Commonwealth’s top prosecutor. On February 1, 2012, Murphy sat down with PLS to discuss the race and the Office of Attorney General. Check out the Around the Capitol section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

Upcoming Meetings

11:00 a.m., Main Rotunda CLEAR Coalition (unconfirmed)

Senate Democratic Policy Committee
10:00 a.m., Franklin Institute, 5th Floor Conference Center, 222 N. 20th
Street, Philadelphia
Public hearing on campaign finance reform, specifically: SB 1260 Costa, J Amends PA Election Code re expenses, reporting

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SLOTS REVENUE HAS NOT DELIVERED EXPECTED TAX RELIEF

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, in 2004 during the debate over whether to legalize gambling in Pennsylvania, Gov. Ed Rendell predicted that slot machine revenue one day would be able to cut school property taxes by an average of 23 percent. About 71/2 years and 10 casinos later, many homeowners are still waiting for that day. While slot machine gambling is delivering promised tax relief, it doesn’t appear that many residents locally are getting close to the 23 percent savings predicted by the former governor — or even the 15 percent to 20 percent estimated when slots gambling was legalized in July 2004. This year, the average reduction statewide will be $198. It might buy a nice dinner out or a cheap flat screen TV, but chances are it won’t come close to covering a school tax bill. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

DEWEESE EXPECTED TO TESTIFY AT HIS CORRUPTION TRIAL

According to an article in the Patriot News, Rep. Bill DeWeese is expected to take the witness stand Wednesday in Dauphin County Court to defend himself against corruption charges, his lawyer William Costopoulos said yesterday. Costopoulos is into the heart of the defense case during the trial’s second week. DeWeese, 61, a Greene County Democrat and 35-year legislator, is charged by the state attorney general’s office with theft, conspiracy and conflict-of-interest. Prosecutors claim DeWeese used state-paid employees on his election campaigns from 2001-06 when he was House minority leader. Click here to read the Patriot News article.

STATE SEEKS OUTSIDE JURY FOR SANDUSKY TRIAL

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, calling Penn State University and Centre County “inextricably intertwined; both philosophically and economically,” the state attorney general’s office on Tuesday filed a motion asking that an outside jury be chosen to hear the criminal case against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. Although the prosecution’s motion repeatedly references the “complete saturation” of media coverage in Centre County of the scandal that led to the termination of legendary coach Joe Paterno and the resignation of university President Graham Spanier, it is the relationship of the community to the school that takes up most of the government’s argument. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF STATE-RELATED STUDENTS RALLIES FOR MORE HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING

The Pennsylvania Association of State-Related Students (PASS) held a press conference in the Main Rotunda of the Capitol yesterday to demand more funding for higher education. Students from Penn State University, Temple University, Lincoln University and the University of Pittsburgh spoke about how the budget cuts to education have caused tuition to rise, making it difficult for Pennsylvania residents to obtain a quality education. Elliott Griffin, Executive Director of PASS, stated investing in universities is an investment in Pennsylvania and the state needs educated and innovative young people to stay in the Commonwealth. She emphasized that making higher education a priority involves proposing a responsible budget that includes reputable increases to Pennsylvania schools. She noted a responsible budget does not involve more increases for correctional institutions than the state’s academic institutions and does involve making natural gas companies pay their fair share. She stated cutting higher education funding will inevitably result in tuition increases that students will not be able to afford. Check out the Around the Capitol section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

Upcoming Meetings

10:00 a.m., Media Center, Rep. DePasquale, Senator Schwank & PSEA on assisting distressed school districts

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The Pennsylvania Association of State-Related Students (PASS) held a press conference in the Main Rotunda of the Capitol to demand more funding for higher education.  Students from Penn State University, Temple University, Lincoln University and the University of Pittsburgh spoke about how the budget cuts in education have caused tuition prices to rise, making it increasingly difficult to obtain a quality education. Elliott Griffin, Executive Director of PASS, stated investing in Pennsylvania’s universities means investing in the future of Pennsylvania. She emphasized “making higher education a priority involves proposing a responsible budget that includes reputable increases for Pennsylvania schools.” Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

SPEAKER FILES FEDERAL SUIT ON PA REDISTRICTING DISPUTE

According to an Associated Press article, the speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Monday asked a federal judge to rule that the state legislative district maps in place for the past decade are unconstitutional and may not be used for elections; a spokesman for Speaker Sam Smith said the federal lawsuit was filed to resolve the ensuing “chaos” the state court’s decision creates for candidates seeking to run in special elections to fill six House vacancies. Click here to read the Associated Press article.

DEWEESE PLANS TO RUN AGAIN IF ACQUITTED AT TRIAL

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Rep. Bill DeWeese will run for re-election “one more time” if he is successful in beating six felony counts in Dauphin County Court, his attorney said today. Volunteers are circulating nominating petitions in DeWeese’s Greene County district as the defense opened at his corruption trial, said his lawyer William C. Costopoulos. The Democratic lawmaker, in his 18th two-year term, would have to resign if the jury convicts him of a felony. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Tribune Review article.

MUSTIO ENTERS RACE FOR PIPPY SENATE SEAT

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Rep. Mark Mustio, R-Allegheny, will once again try to replace Sen. John Pippy, R-Allegheny. Mr. Mustio, 54, announced Monday that he will run for Mr. Pippy’s 37th District Senate seat, after Allegheny County Councilman Vince Gastgeb, R-Bethel Park, backed out of his announced run. Mr. Mustio got his start in Harrisburg in a 2003 special election to replace Mr. Pippy in the 44th state House seat after he moved to the upper chamber. Mr. Pippy announced last week that he would not seek another term in the Senate district, which represents Allegheny and Washington counties. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

JOBLESS BENEFITS TO EXPIRE UNLESS HOUSE ACTS

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, thousands of Pennsylvanians will see their federally funded unemployment benefits expire after this week, with legislation to extend those checks lingering in the state House of Representatives. A pending measure, which passed the state Senate last week, would offer 13 additional weeks of benefits to the state’s jobless residents. The federal funding was approved by Congress in December but requires the state to tweak its unemployment compensation rules in order to receive those dollars. That bill is awaiting consideration by a House panel, which has a vote scheduled for Monday. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

Upcoming Meetings

12:00 noon, Main Rotunda Temple University Higher Education Funding

House Consumer Affairs
10:00 a.m., Middletown Township Municipal Center, 3 Municipal Way, Langhorne
Public hearing on: HB 2031 Farry Act re carbon monoxide alarm standards

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REPUBLICANS ENDORSE WELCH FOR SENATE RUN

According to an article in the Morning Call, Chester County businessman Steve Welch won the Republican endorsement for U.S. Senate Saturday, but he’ll still face a potentially bruising spring primary fight. Welch, who’s been endorsed by Gov. Tom Corbett to run for Democrat Bob Casey’s seat, beat back four other hopefuls to win the support of a majority of Republican state committee members who gathered here for their winter meeting. “Now it’s time to unite as a party and as a conservative movement for the very important battle that lies before us,” Welch said in a brief acceptance speech that came at the end of a five-hour-long conclave. “Our nation and our state are at a critical crossroads. Click here to read the Morning Call article.

CHARTER SCHOOLS STRUGGLE TO MEET STANDARDS

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Since the charter school movement began in Pennsylvania nearly 15 years ago, most of the state’s charter schools continue to struggle to meet state standards. Yet, charters in Western Pennsylvania keep growing. More than 90,000 students are enrolled in 142 public charter schools, including 12 cyber charter schools, according to the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools. An estimated 30,000 students are on waiting lists. Data show traditional charter schools fare better academically than their virtual counterparts. In Pennsylvania, 94 percent of school districts met adequate yearly progress under the federal No Child Left Behind law in 2010-11. Sixty percent of charter schools and 17 percent of cyber charter schools met the standard. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Tribune Review article.

REDISTRICTING DECISION SENDS CAMPAIGNS BACK TO DRAWING BOARD

According to an article in the Patriot News, in a decision supporters say puts meaning back into the rules, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court this week rejected new state Senate and House district lines set by the state Legislative Reapportionment Commission last month. But the early result of that ruling? Turmoil. Legislative leaders — or Republican legislative leaders, anyway — are seething, awaiting a majority opinion with fresh direction on how to move forward with the once-a-decade redistricting process, even as candidate nominating petitions for ballot spots are due Feb. 16. Click here to read the Patriot News article.

WELFARE DRUG TESTING TRIED IN PENNSYLVANIA

According to an article in the Morning Call, a drug testing mandate for welfare applicants with felony drug convictions promises to thrust Pennsylvania to the forefront of a national fight over welfare rights. Lawmakers who supported the program that started this month in Schuylkill County say it’s a step toward controlling costs in the state’s single most expensive government department. “Welfare recipients shouldn’t be using their benefits to support drug habits,” said state Sen. David Argall, a Schuylkill County Republican seeking re-election this year. Argall said constituents are demanding an end to the “free ride” for people who shouldn’t receive benefits. Click here to read the Morning Call article.

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