State Capitol Roundup

Here's the latest State Capitol Roundup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch, R-147:

Alleged Pay-to-Play Contingency-Fee Legal Contract Poses Questions

The Texas law firm hired by the Rendell administration under a no-bid, contingency-fee contract appears to have engaged in similar practices in other states as well. Media reports indicate principles at Bailey, Perrin & Bailey contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to campaign efforts in several states that later contracted with the firm for legal services through no-bid contracts. In Pennsylvania, a BPB principle contributed more than $91,000 to Rendell's 2006 gubernatorial campaign prior to the firm's landing a contract with the Commonwealth. House Republicans recently unveiled a sweeping proposal to fundamentally reform how government operates and restore the public's trust. The Pennsylvania Agenda for Trust in Harrisburg seeks to end the pay-to-play mentality, allow the public to review contracts, ban government contracts from contributors, and prohibit consulting contracts with registered lobbyists. For more information, visit PAHouseGOP.com

Debate Over Gun Laws Continues

This week, Gov. Ed Rendell renewed his push for stronger gun laws, including allowing municipalities to adopt their own regulations and requiring owners to report any lost or stolen handguns. House Republicans have taken a hard line against violent crime through the adoption of Act 131 of 2008. The law includes increased penalties for the possession of stolen firearms and straw purchases, mandatory tracing of all illegally owned guns recovered by police, and penalties for lying on federal paperwork to buy a gun. Last fall's legislation also outlined specific offenses and penalties for violent crimes against law enforcement officers acting in the line of duty.

DEP Holds Workshops to Help Small Business Increase Energy Efficiency

The Department of Environmental Protection recently announced several workshops designed to help small and medium-sized businesses improve their energy efficiency and save money. The workshops will offer businesses information on energy supply options, illustrate how to identify energy cost-saving opportunities, and explain how to develop an energy plan. In addition, information about financial and technical resources for energy efficiency upgrades will be available. Registration for the workshops is free and sessions are open to the public. For more information, including local dates and times, visit Mensch's Web site at RepMensch.com

Flaws in State Gaming Law Point to Needed Reforms

While the Dauphin County district attorney dropped charges against slots casino licensee Louis DeNaples, the grand jury findings highlight serious flaws in Pennsylvania's gaming law and licensing process. House Republicans have proposed a series of changes, supported by the DA and the governor, that would: phase out legislative appointments to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, ensure law enforcement agencies' involvement in gaming investigations, ban felons from operating or working at casinos, and end the revolving door for well-connected individuals. The proposals are part of a much larger legislative package that was introduced by Republican lawmakers to fix the 2004 law responsible for expanding the state's gaming industry.