Here's this week's State Capitol Roundup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147):
Legislation Unveiled to End Pay-to-Play Politics in PA
Several House Republicans this week unveiled a legislative package to end pay-to-play politics in Pennsylvania -- a perception that large campaign donors can obtain no-bid government contracts. The reforms, introduced by Reps. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver), Craig Dally (R-Lehigh), Robert Godshall (R-Montgomery), Glen Grell (R-Cumberland), Douglas Reichley (R-Berks/Lehigh) and Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), would change state contracting procedures for all three branches of government. News reports have indicated millions of state dollars were used for lucrative, no-bid legal services contracts with companies tied to the Rendell administration. Lawmakers also called for a criminal investigation into misuse of the funds.
Republicans Seek to End 'Revolving Door' of Gaming Board Lawyers
Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin/Cumberland) this week introduced legislation to help restore integrity to the state's gaming operations. The bill is in response to at least four former employees of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board who are presently working for casino operators or law firms representing the gaming industry. Kauffman said that because the employees are attorneys, state law has been ignored in terms of gaming employees' future jobs. His legislation would prohibit casino applicants, casinos or affiliates from hiring Gaming Control Board employees for at least one year, closing a loophole that is currently being used to protect former employees.
Budget Hearings to Begin Next Week
The recent Congressional agreement on the federal stimulus plan is expected to be among the topics discussed when the House Appropriations Committee begins hearings on the governor's 2009-10 proposed spending plan next week. House Republicans are concerned that the federal funds -- which are not yet guaranteed to the Commonwealth -- are not a sustainable revenue source to plug the state's projected $2.3 billion deficit and balance the governor's spending plan for the coming fiscal year. Lawmakers have also raised concerns about Rendell's plans to increase spending by $705 million in the face of the deficit, as well as his proposed $281 million in new or increased taxes. Those expected to appear before the Appropriations Committee next week include the state treasurer; departments of Revenue, Banking, Labor and Industry, Community and Economic Development, and Transportation; as well as the Gaming Control Board, Turnpike Commission, state police and attorney general. Meanwhile, the House Republican Budget and Economic Policy Task Force, of which I am a member, will conduct a line-by-line review of the administration's budget proposal beginning next week. We will identify cuts that can be made and then work in conjunction with the hearings that are getting underway.
House Approves Bill to Better Protect Children
Legislation that would better protect Pennsylvania's children by making it a crime to intentionally view child pornography passed the state House unanimously this week. State law currently prohibits knowingly possessing or controlling child pornography, but it is silent on the "intentional viewing" of child pornography. The result is a loophole through which individuals may be able to use child pornography without fear of legal repercussions. House Bill 89 would correct that oversight in the law, thereby preventing further exploitation of children. Without this law, pedophiles can view thousands of images of child pornography, and as long as they do not download the images to their computer, they cannot be prosecuted under Pennsylvania law. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.
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