State Capitol Roundup for May 15

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

Education Officials Push Forward with Questionable Graduation Exam Plans

As Pennsylvania faces a current $3 billion budget deficit and an uphill battle to craft a balanced state budget for next year, lawmakers are expressing major concerns over the Rendell administration signing a state contract for development of a new high school Graduation Competency Assessment program without legislative approval. A $201.1 million deal was reached this week between the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Data Recognition Corp. to develop "voluntary" exams for high school seniors. The state is already contracted with the same company for $91 million over the next three years on PSSAs, the state's existing and objectively validated assessment system. The idea of a new round of proficiency exams lacks broad support among many parents, students and legislators, as well as the education community, so much so that lawmakers enacted legislation to specifically prohibit development of GCAs last year. However, it appears the Rendell Administration feels they know better than others, as it continues to ignore alternative opinions.

Proposal to Allow Children to Remain on Parents' Insurance Plans Passes

Legislation permitting individuals through the age of 29 to remain on their parents' health insurance plans received the approval of the House this week. According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, as many as 400,000 individuals, ages 19 to 29, are currently living in Pennsylvania without health insurance. Several officials note that high unemployment figures have exacerbated the problem, forcing otherwise qualified individuals to rely on part-time jobs with limited or no health benefits. The legislation is currently awaiting the governor's signature. House Republicans are hopeful other proposals to reform the state's health care industry will also be considered in the coming months. For more information on House Republicans' efforts, visit PAHouseGOP.com

Applicants Can Now Check Status of Property Tax/Rent Rebate Online

Individuals applying for tax rebates under the state's Property Tax/Rent Rebate program can now check the status of their application using a newly launched Web feature. Six weeks after a resident submits an application, he or she may visit the site to check the status. To use the system, individuals will need to have their Social Security number, date of birth, and the anticipated rebate amount. The new service will allow applicants to confirm the status, rebate amount and the date a rebate is expected to be mailed or directly deposited. The Department of Revenue will begin distributing rebate checks on July 1. To check the status of a rebate, individuals can visit RepMensch.com and click on "Where's My Property Tax Refund?"