Here's another installment of State Capitol ROUNDUP, a weekly summary of important events coming from the state Capitol provided by Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147):
Special Task Force on Gaming Sought by House GOP
House Republicans, led by Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester), are calling for the creation of a special House committee to oversee the licensing process for the state's growing gaming industry. Schroder will introduce a resolution creating a 10-member bipartisan committee to hold hearings and take formal testimony on the awarding of gaming licenses. The committee would also have the ability to subpoena individuals and penalize those who refuse to testify or produce records requested by the committee. Schroder and other House Republicans remain committed to the restoration of integrity to the regulatory process associated with Pennsylvania's gambling industry after the indictment of Mt. Airy Casino Resort owner Louis DeNaples on perjury charges and contradictory testimony presented by the PA Gaming Control Board and PA State Police in the Appropriations Committee hearings.
Market-Driven Competition Highlighted at Energy Hearing
The House Republican Policy Committee conducted a hearing this week to better understand the impact of expiring rate caps on the electricity industry and consumers. Testimony from industry leaders highlighted the desire for a competitive, market-driven industry that allows consumers to play an increasingly important role. To ease the transition from a state-regulated industry to a competitive market as rate caps are removed, House Republicans are calling for a reduction of the Utility Gross Receipts Tax. This issue is just one of many energy-related initiatives being advanced by the policy committee's Energy Task Force. For more information on this plan, visit EnergyForPA.com.
Lawmakers Voice Concern During Budget Discussions
The House Appropriations Committee took time this week to hear testimony from numerous lawmakers regarding the 2008-09 budget proposal. Several House Republicans were present to voice concern over the growth of the budget and the ballooning debt caused by the governor's irresponsible spending priorities. Rep. Scott Perry (R-York/Cumberland) noted that the year-to-year increases are compounded by cutting other programs, which are often very successful, from the budget to make room for unproven ones. Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren) also voiced concern over changes to the education funding formula that seemingly favor only a handful of schools in a system of over 500 school districts. House Republicans remain committed to giving residents a budget that contains no tax increases and keeps spending in check
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