State Capitol Roundup for May 8

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

State Court Puts Gaming Interests Above Those of the Public

A recent ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to permit contributions to political campaigns from gaming interests has several House members worried that the gaming industry may soon be able to exert undue influence over policy makers. Some House Democrats want to study the ruling, while others believe donations could continue to occur in the interim. Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester County), Republican chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, is already moving forward with legislation to address the court's concerns. In the meantime, lawmakers from both parties are calling upon their colleagues in the General Assembly to adopt a self-imposed moratorium on fundraising from gaming interests.

Senate Passes $27.3 Billion Budget

The state Senate passed a $27.3 billion budget which ensures necessary government operations continue functioning in these challenging economic times. The Senate-passed budget spends approximately $1.7 billion less than Gov. Ed Rendell's and the House Democrats budget proposal, which increases state spending despite an estimated $3 billion deficit. Revenue collections in recent months have come in far lower than projected. The Senate's version funds essential government functions and does not raise taxes. House Republicans are hopeful their colleagues will bring the budget to a vote before the June 30 deadline.

Lawmakers Propose to Pay Down Pension Spike with Stimulus Funds

Several House Republicans introduced a proposal this week to allocate $435 million in federal stimulus, funds that are currently set aside for "unspecified uses," to pay down a looming public school employee pension spike. The legislation would require the Pennsylvania Department of Education to allocate federal stimulus money to school districts to remit to the Public School Employees' Retirement Fund (PSERS). Over the past two years, the state has reduced its contribution to PSERS by $116.7 million, or about 26 percent. Left unanswered, residents could be subject to an avoidable increase in school property taxes. For the latest legislative information, visit PAHouseGOP.com

Negative Effects of Government-run Health Care Focus of Committee Hearing

The cost and rationing of care in universal, government-run health care programs and the inherent weaknesses in such expensive systems were the focus of testimony presented to the House Republican Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York), this week. The overwhelming themes throughout the hearing were the unforeseeable expenses promised by the implementation of a universal health care system and the long waiting lists for patients to see physicians and receive treatments. The hearing was the second held by the committee and Health Care Task Force to better determine how the state should proceed in ensuring residents' access to affordable and quality health care services. House Republicans will be announcing legislation to meet these goals in the near future. For more information, visit PAHouseGOP.com