Mike's Memo

Threatened Gubernatorial Veto Delays Smoking Ban Bill

The Conference Committee to iron out differences between the House and Senate versions of Senate Bill 246 was expected to report out a compromise plan so deliberations could once again take place on a proposed statewide smoking ban.  However, the Governor threatened a veto of a compromise plan in order to maintain preemption of local ordinances (some of which could be stricter than state law).  This threat complicated the process and resulted in the Committee neither meeting nor issuing a report for the House and Senate to consider.  The Governor specifically cited Philadelphia’s smoke-free law as a reason why he would veto the bill. 

Judicial Nominations Rejected

This week the Senate rejected, by a vote of 24 – 26, four of Governor Rendell’s appeals court nominees.  The Governor had been previously asked to work with the Senate on these nominations in accordance with the State Constitution, which states:  "A vacancy in the office of justice, judge or justice of the peace shall be filled by appointment by the Governor.  The appointment shall be with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the members elected to the Senate except in the case of justices of the peace which shall be by a majority."  I joined with a majority of my Senate colleagues in opposing these nominations because I believe the authors of the Constitution clearly intended "advice" to mean something.  Click here to see how the members of the Senate voted on these important nominations. 

Senate Hearing on Graduation Tests

The Senate Education Committee held a hearing on the proposed Graduation Competency Assessments which every high school senior would be required to pass in order to receive a diploma.  This plan is supported by the State Board of Education and by the Rendell Administration.  It is opposed by a number of groups, including many school districts in the 48^th Senatorial District.  During the hearing, proponents admitted that many high school graduates lack the necessary skills for either college or the workforce despite the billions of dollars that are spent annually on public education.  My concern is that before placing any additional costs or mandates on schools, the Commonwealth should assess existing programs and spending to determine what is working and what is not so tax moneys can be better spent.  It has been estimated that the cost of developing and administering the GCA tests will be an additional $160 million over five years. 

Taxpayer Transparency Act Introduced

I am pleased to join my colleague, Senator Pat Browne, in introducing Senate Bill 1350, the Taxpayer Transparency Act. Senate Bill 1350 would require a searchable budget data-driven website that would be open to the public to obtain:

• Information on government agencies' grants and contracts over $25,000
• Agencies' performance indicators and quarterly performance results
• Agencies' line-by-line appropriations analyses

Senate Bill 1350 was reported from the Senate Finance Committee and subsequently re-referred to the Appropriations Committee.  I look forward to its consideration by the full Senate. 

Funding Infrastructure Needs

As I work to help bring state spending under control, I regularly see examples of how the Commonwealth does a poor job of setting priorities.  Infrastructure needs are a good example:  roads, bridges, water, and sewer facilities.  For this reason, I am cosponsoring Senate Bill 2, which would provide $750 Million in funding for critical water and sewer projects, storm water projects, flood control projects, and high-hazard dam repairs.  Unlike other bonding proposals, Senate Bill 2 will fund projects from existing revenues:  the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund.  Senate Bill 2 also requires local matching funds of at least 50% of a project’s cost. 

Reminders

Don't forget these upcoming events. All meetings begin at 7 p.m.

• Berks-Area Town Hall Meetings - Tuesday, May 20, Spring Township Fire Company, West Lawn (joint meeting with Rep. Cox) and Wednesday, May 28, West Lawn Community Center, 101 Woodside Avenue, West Lawn