State Capitol Roundup for November 7

Here's the post-election edition of State Capitol Roundup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch, R-147th District. By the way, congratulations to Rep. Mensch for winning a second term to the state House on Tuesday.

Voter Registration Surpasses Previous Records, Turnout Especially High

According to the most recent figures at the Pennsylvania Department of State, a record-setting 8.75 million Pennsylvanians were eligible to vote in the recent election. High turnout was expected throughout much of the Commonwealth and initial results show that with nearly all ballots counted, turnout exceeded 66.7 percent statewide. Many areas reported figures much higher, some into the 70 percent range. American University's Center for the Study of the American Electorate estimates turnout nationwide at roughly 61 percent. While that rate failed to set a record, the Center estimates between 126.5 million and 128.5 million Americans cast votes on Tuesday, more than ever before.

Pennsylvanians Express Clear Support for Infrastructure Upgrades

Nearly two-thirds of Pennsylvania voters approved a plan to borrow $400 million for state grants and loans to municipalities and public utilities on Tuesday. The new borrowing will be used to fund improvements to wastewater and drinking water treatment systems, control storm water runoff and reduce pollutants that run into state waterways. Only three of the state's 67 counties lacked majority support for the proposed plans. Once the referendum results are official, the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) will have the authority to administer the grant and loan program. Funding will be available to 183 publicly owned water systems throughout the Commonwealth, many of which are facing a number of federal mandates to reduce pollution that has negatively affected the Chesapeake Bay.

Committee to Hold Roundtable Discussion on Blues Insurance Merger

The House Insurance Committee will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 12, for a roundtable discussion with representatives of Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross regarding the pending merger of the two organizations. The consolidation will create the third largest insurer in the nation, covering roughly 53 percent of the insurance market in Pennsylvania. House Republicans have repeatedly expressed concerns that the size of the new company could push smaller insurers out of the market, reducing competetion and increasing prices for those seeking health care services in the Commonwealth. The roundtable is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Room 140 of the Main Capitol.

Share The Harvest: Looking Forward to a Successful Hunting Season

Every year, successful hunters from across the state donate thousands of pounds of deer meat to local food banks and soup kitchens through the Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH) program. Established in 1991, HSH is sponsored by Pennsylvanians for the Responsible Use of Animals and operates with the cooperation of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and state Department of Agriculture. The HSH program asks that hunters donate anything from a few pounds of deer meat, or venison, to a whole deer to help needy Pennsylvanians and pay a voluntary $15 tax-deductable fee toward each processed deer. The remainder of the processing fee is covered through HSH sponsors and generous donations of individuals across the state. For more information, visit RepMensch.com and click on "Share the Harvest."