State Capitol Roundup for April 3

Here's this week's State Capitol Roundup from Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147):

Republican Leader Responds to Governor's Deal to Avoid Layoffs

House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) is referring to a recent deal between the Rendell administration and union leaders as "more of the same" from a governor intent on spending other people's money, and leaving the hard decisions for the next governor. Contributions to the Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund will be withheld over the next 15 months, costing taxpayers more than $200 million when the deferred health care payments come due in 2010. The "solution" fails to address the underlying problems of the state budget: overspending, unnecessary borrowing, and inefficient programs. As a result, many legislators fear calls for more taxes when the 2009-10 budget is enacted, despite the economic slowdown impacting citizens across the state.

Lawmakers Call for Action on State Budget

With the support of more than 45 of his colleagues, Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) sent a letter to House Democrat leadership asking them to lay aside other legislative issues and focus on the passage of the state budget before the June 30 deadline. In the past, the administration and House Democrats have typically waited until the last week of June, creating an artificial crisis to hasten the process. Last year's overreaching budget passed with no public input and has given rise to an ever-increasing budget deficit. According to the Department of Revenue, tax collections in March came in at $334.6 million below estimates, expanding the current deficit to more than $1.6 billion. House Republicans are pointing to a projected deficit of more than $2.6 billion this year and are calling for a fiscally responsible budget that does not increase burdensome taxes.

Republican-Sponsored Legislation to Help Consumers Passes House

House Republicans were successful in sending two pieces of legislation to the Senate this week. House Bill 222, sponsored by Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford), requires convicted identity thieves to pay restitution to their victims to help offset investigation and legal expenses. Identity theft is a growing problem in Pennsylvania costing businesses and consumers millions of dollars every year. House Bill 312, sponsored by Rep. Mauree Gingrich (R-Lebanon), also received the support of the House. If enacted, this proposal would enable consumers to more effectively compare facilities when shopping for long-term care services by requiring the availability of information relating to licenses, certifications and any enforcement actions.

House Republicans Hear Testimony on Graduation Competency Exams

The House Republican Policy Committee heard testimony this week from Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak on the Rendell administration's proposed Graduation Competency Assessments. Development of the new exams will cost taxpayers approximately $210 million over the next seven years, and there is no guarantee any school will use the optional test. Already, the state is spending $91 million on PSSAs, the state's existing assessment system, through 2011. Given the cost and concerns that further testing will only distract students and teachers from preparing for higher education and careers after graduation, lawmakers enacted legislation to specifically prohibit development of the tests; however, the Rendell administration is proceeding anyway, regardless of the projected $2.3 billion budget deficit facing Pennsylvania.