State Capitol Roundup for July 8

In what probably is the last State Capitol Roundup for a couple of months, state Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147th Dist.) sends along this recap of the Legislature's final days before the traditional summer break.

Lawmakers Oppose Additional Spending, Debt in State Budget

After weeks of intense negotiations, a state budget for the 2008-09 fiscal year has been passed by the House. While House Republicans were successful at preventing the Rendell Administration from dipping into the state's emergency Rainy Day Fund, some voted against the plan due to the 3.98 percent increase in spending over last year's enacted budget. Many were also opposed to the additional debt linked to the new budget, amounting to approximately $2.87 billion. While some of these borrowing initiatives would have to be approved by voters, lawmakers are concerned the additional debt and higher spending could create a situation where future budget crises are possible. Closing out the 2007-08 fiscal year, the state's General Fund revenues fell below estimate by more than $100 million three out of the last four months.

(Mensch voted NO on the budget, which passed the house by a vote of 170-32. The Senate passed the budget 49-1, with Sen. John Eichelberger, R-30th Dist., casting the only negative vote.)

House OKs Coal Miners' Safety Legislation

The Commonwealth's 40-year-old mine safety statutes are set for a facelift under legislation recently passed by the House. If enacted, Senate Bill 949 would update safety statutes related to bituminous coal mining with the creation of a Coal Mine Safety Board, stricter inspection duties and defined responsibilities for mine operators during accidents. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would administer the state's mine safety program, including making inspections, conducting investigations and issuing orders. The DEP would also be responsible for conducting semi-annual inspections on electrical components and general safety inspections on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the Coal Mine Safety Board would have authority to establish new regulations. The measure is currently awaiting signature by the governor.

Legislation Requiring Insurers to Cover Autism Treatment Passes House

Families affected by autism disorders will have improved access to care under legislation requiring private insurance companies and government insurance programs to cover autism treatments. The legislation, which passed with unanimous support, calls on insurers to provide up to $36,000 a year in coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis and other medically necessary treatments to individuals under the age of 21. House Bill 1150, which is expected to be signed by the governor in the near future, could affect more than 21,000 children between the ages of 2 and 20, who have been diagnosed with the disorder. It is estimated that the new law will save the Medicaid program as much as $13 million in its first year, while increasing the average monthly premium for policyholders by about $1.