State Capitol Roundup for June 6

Here's this week's State Capitol ROUNDUP, a summary of important events in the state Legislature courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147):

Lack of Progress on Budget Bill Continues

Another week of House session has come and gone with no action on the 2008-09 State Budget. The earliest the budget bill, which has now sat in the Democrat-controlled House Appropriation Committee for more than two months, can be voted on is the week of June 23. With more than 160 amendments and only three weeks left to meet the legally mandated deadline of June 30, House Republicans continue to fight for progress. Information released this week showed the budget surplus to be significantly lower than what Gov. Ed Rendell had anticipated. Republican lawmakers are also urging their colleagues to get the process underway and engage in some serious discussions about reigning in government spending. For the latest information on the state budget and revenue projections, visit PAHouseGOP.com and click on "State Budget News."

Questionable School Funding Formula Survives Committee Vote

The House Education Committee has approved legislation that would make sweeping changes to the basic education funding formula. House Bill 2449 is largely the product of the educational costing-out study, which last year indicated a shortfall of $4.6 billion in education funding statewide. The proposal would invest an additional $291 million in basic education this year, and increases over the next six years would total $2.6 billion. In addition to this "state share," the Rendell administration is expecting local school districts to fill the gap and contribute the remaining $2 billion. Some lawmakers are concerned about the minimal funding increases many schools would receive and where the money will come from for the six-year plan. Furthermore, the state's revenue collections are slowing and the diminished revenue is forcing the governor to rethink several hundred million dollars worth of spending in the 2008-09 budget proposal. This issue will be a focal point in upcoming budget deliberations.

Smoking Ban Measure Approved by House, Future Uncertain

In a 163-38 vote, the House this week approved legislation that would ban smoking in many workplaces and public venues. The Senate rejected the measure but will reconsider it next week. Supporters say the bill is watered down by too many exceptions, but they believed it was the best compromise they could achieve at this time. Opponents feel the measure goes too far in regulating smoking policies in privately owned businesses. Portions of the state's casinos, hotels and some bars and private clubs would be exempt from the ban. If it becomes law, the ban would take effect in 90 days. If the Senate rejects the measure a second time, the smoking ban cannot be taken up again until January 2009 when a new legislative session begins.

House Approves Legislation Targeting Deadbeat Parents

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams/Franklin) to make it tougher to avoid paying child support has been approved by the House. House Bill 1027, which passed by a vote of 187-9, establishes a third-degree misdemeanor charge for individuals who owe a year or more worth of child support. The measure also empowers authorities to extradite offenders who flee the state to avoid making payments. Estimates tag the level of delinquent child support payments at about $1.4 billion in Pennsylvania. Often, these payments are not withheld due to a lack of means, but rather as a form of punishment for the custodial parent. Unfortunately, according to Moul, the only people being hurt by these actions are the children. House Bill 1027 now goes to the Senate for approval.