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Accomplishments July 2008 Update
The House Democratic Majority is proud of the accomplishments that were achieved thus far in 2008 on behalf of all Pennsylvanians. Below are highlights. There is still much more to be done. When we return to session, health care, property tax cuts, conservation and rate mitigation, and legislative reforms will top our priority list.
Together with our 2007 accomplishments, these initiatives reflect our commitment to an agenda that answers Pennsylvanians' needs.
House Democrats tout budget investments
The Commonwealth's 2008-09 budget maintains the state's commitment to education while investing in alternative energy, infrastructure and economic development programs all in the midst of a downturn in the national economy. The $28.2 billion budget grows below the 4.2 percent rate of inflation and does not raise taxes. The budget's energy plan invests $650 million in a mix of commercial and consumer efforts designed to help large companies, small businesses and homeowners take advantage of alternative energy technology. Projects will range from investments in cutting-edge research to energy-saving weatherization efforts and tax credits for alternative energy products and programs. Also, the measure includes funding for the nation's first standards for harnessing cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel as motor fuels - putting Pennsylvania farmers to work harvesting crops that will be the low-emission, home-grown fuel of the future. State legislators and the governor also agreed to provide significant funding for bridge repairs, water and sewer projects, high-hazard dam improvements and other community revitalization and economic development endeavors that will create thousands of jobs.
"The House Democratic Caucus stood strong with Governor Edward G. Rendell in his commitment to fund our state's educational system by making it our priority. We ensured that our public schools can continue programs that are proven to work, including valuable pre-kindergarten classes for our earliest learners."
-- Click here to read more on the 2008-09 Pennsylvania state budget.
Education
2008-09 school funding bill a boon for kids
Legislation (H.B. 1067, Act 61 of 2008) that funds education for 2008-09 was signed into law as part of the state budget. It includes a 5.5 percent increase in basic education funding, the largest increase in 20 years. Pennsylvania's children get the VIP treatment they deserve with a move toward a better school funding system that tries to help all children meet established academic standards. The formula also reflects our commitment to school districts in Pennsylvania that are experiencing record growth rates, and takes into account the unique characteristics in each district. We won approval for proven programs that help kids succeed with significant funding for Classrooms for the Future, Pre-K, Accountability Block Grants and Dual Enrollment.
"We need to find an equitable solution for funding our growing schools while continuing to meet the needs of districts with declining enrollments but operational costs that have not declined."
Energy Independence
Governor signs Energy Independence Strategy
"The single biggest expense affecting working families today is the cost of energy and we've taken historic steps toward declaring our energy independence with these initiatives. We're going to invest in our best and brightest and promote innovative power generation and technology created right here in the Keystone State, generating power and high-tech, high-wage jobs."
Clean fuels and energy independence act now law
Gov. Rendell has signed legislation introduced by Rep. Mike Gerber, D-Montgomery, that will establish per-gallon gasoline content requirements of biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol based on the levels of Pennsylvania production and the establishment of sufficient transportation and distribution infrastructure. Act 78 of 2008 will hasten the shift to clean, renewable, domestically produced fuels that will create jobs in Pennsylvania and reduce the state's dependence on foreign sources of oil. The use of both biodiesel and cellulosic (not corn) ethanol also will significantly decrease emissions of the heat-trapping gases that contribute to global warming.
"These mandates will ensure Pennsylvania carries its weight in helping to make America more energy independent, will result in our burning cleaner fuel, and will make Pennsylvania a leader in the emerging green energy economy. With fast-rising gas prices, Pennsylvanians could also benefit from affordable, homegrown, renewable fuel sources."
Energy law includes plan to 'kick-start' biodiesel production in Pa.
A proposal championed by Rep. David Kessler, D-Berks, to increase yearly in-state production of biodiesel is included in a broader energy bill (Special Session S.B. 22), now Special Session Act 2 of 2008. The measure establishes a 75-cents-per-gallon incentive for in-state production of biodiesel if the fuel is also sold in Pennsylvania. This subsidy will be capped at $5.3 million statewide per year and will last three years. Estimates show that our biodiesel plants will become profitable with this temporary subsidy within three years, if not before.
"The price of this homegrown fuel is projected to become lower than what petroleum-derived diesel costs today. This incentive will create jobs at biodiesel production facilities in the Commonwealth and help our farmers by increasing demand for soybeans and other agricultural products that are used to produce biodiesel."
Energy Independence Fund will fuel clean, green energy
The Energy Independence Fund (Special Session Act 1 of 2008), sponsored by Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, ensures that Pennsylvania's economy will benefit from the burgeoning national growth in alternative energy. The fund will pump $650 million into the Pennsylvania economy, a $500 million bond over two years and $150 million in direct spending over eight years. The Energy Independence Fund will be capitalized by using a portion of the Gross Receipts Tax. As the electric rate caps come off over the next few years, the anticipated revenue generated by the Gross Receipts Tax is expected to increase substantially. A portion of this increased revenue (approximately $60 million per year) will be used to fund the direct investment and to pay down the debt service on the bond.
"According to a recent Reuters news report, this nation is in the midst of a 'green rush' - similar to California's gold rush in the 1800s - to invest in clean energy resources. In the last five years alone, investors have pumped $24 billion into clean-energy projects - a two-fold increase over previous investment levels. This plan places Pennsylvania in the driver's seat to become the global leader in alternative energy production - taking the millions we send overseas and investing that money right here at home."
Green buildings
The Energy Independence Fund includes $25 million to help homeowners and small businesses defray the costs of building new green-certified homes and buildings, making sure newly built structures efficiently use the lowest amount of energy. The proposal was originally offered by Rep. Matt Smith, D-Allegheny, in the Special Session on Energy. Green buildings must meet specific size standards in order to qualify, and must also meet specific environmental standards in several areas, including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
"This law will not only pay off environmentally, but economically as well. By encouraging the use of environmentally smart materials and building design, we will generate new economic growth and development in an industry that has nowhere to go but up."
Economic Development
Rebuild PA major component in 2008-09 budget
With Pennsylvania facing nearly $20 billion in unmet needs for its water and wastewater facilities, as well as inadequate flood control measures and unsafe, high-hazard dams, House Democrats were proud to advance into law a historic investment in the state's infrastructure that will provide up to $1.2 billion in new investments to ensure safe, clean water and safer communities.
Infrastructure investments in the budget include: $1.2 billion for water and sewer infrastructure improvements; $800 million in Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program funding; $350 million in new state funding to help repair more than 400 of the state's worst bridges; and $15 million in additional funding for airports and rail freight facilities.
Senate Bill 2, now Act 63 of 2008, will provide $800 million over the next 10 years for critical water, sewer, flood control projects and repairs to unsafe, high-hazard dams in areas outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The debt service on the bond will be repaid using uncommitted gaming revenues - which will have absolutely no affect on the share of slots revenue going to the Property Tax Relief Fund. There are 900 community drinking water facilities and 1,100 community wastewater operations statewide that are owned by municipalities or municipal authorities that would qualify for grants ranging from $500,000 to $20 million. The law also provides at least $100 million for flood control projects and a minimum of $35 million to address state and municipally owned unsafe, high-hazard dams in need of repair.
"A sustainable infrastructure that is capable of protecting its citizens and providing quality, dependable services is paramount to the public's health and well-being."
Senate Bill 1341, now Act 64 of 2008, will place a referendum on the November ballot asking voters to approve an additional $400 million for improvements in public drinking water and wastewater systems, including innovative, cost-effective strategies such as nutrient trading. If approved, the funding would be used for grants and loans to be administered by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (Pennvest).
Under both bills, the 183 publicly-owned water systems in Pennsylvania that are facing federal mandates to reduce the amount of nutrient pollution in the Susquehanna and Potomac river basins and downstream in the Chesapeake Bay will be eligible for additional support.
House Bill 2231, or Act 48, the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, sponsored by Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Phila., enables over a billion dollars worth of regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects to proceed. It increases the debt ceiling cap by $800 million, which will enable more than $1.6 billion in development projects to proceed. By investing in infrastructure improvements, we guarantee the creation of thousands of jobs and an immediate economic boost by purchasing tons of steel, concrete and other building materials.
"This year's budget includes a comprehensive effort to ensure that Pennsylvania's economy remains stable, even if the U.S. economy continues to worsen. Funding for economic development projects is an integral part of the effort."
House Bill 2522 (Act 54), sponsored by Rep. Dwight Evans, will allow PennDOT to start repairs on over 400 bridges this year. Despite increased funding, Pennsylvania leads the nation with more than 6,000 structurally deficient bridges, which, while safe, are in need of maintenance to avoid being closed or posted with weight restrictions.
"This key component of Rebuild PA assures improvements to our infrastructure and helps create thousands of good paying jobs; by their very nature, infrastructure jobs can't be outsourced. Building and repairing long-term infrastructure assets will keep the Commonwealth competitive for decades to come, and improve public safety."
Senate Bill 1412, which mirrors a proposal offered by Rep. Cherelle Parker, D-Phila., to expand business and economic development opportunities for communities across Pennsylvania, is now Act 79 of 2008. The measure will extend and expand the life of the Keystone Opportunity Zone program, the state's tax abatement law that is a component of the state's larger economic stimulus package and Rebuild PA initiative.
"The economy is one of the major issues on the minds of Pennsylvanians as we continue to fight through a weak national economy. Here in Pennsylvania, we have been able to weather much of the storm, mainly because of innovative and successful initiatives like KOZ. In order to protect the progress we have made, and keep the Commonwealth moving forward, we needed to expand programs that are working and invest in our communities.
Health Care
Autism insurance bill to protect children, save lives
Under a new law, Act 62 of 2008, private health insurance companies will begin to help cover the costs of autism services for Pennsylvanians under the age of 21. Before H.B. 1150 was signed into law, these services were provided mainly under Medical Assistance, which will remain a safety net.
"Under the new standards, kids with autism will continue to receive the services they need to move forward and to prevent them from slipping back."
Law continues Rx coverage for Pa. seniors
Legislation championed in the House by Rep. Chris King, D-Bucks, and passed earlier this session has been amended into a Senate bill (S.B. 4) that has become law. Act 69 of 2008 ensures through 2010 that senior citizens enrolled in Pennsylvania's PACE and PACENET programs do not lose their prescription drug coverage due to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. "Many Pennsylvania seniors rely on PACE and PACENET for prescription drugs that are necessary to their quality of life. This new law will allow those residents affected by the Social Security COLA to continue to receive those vital services."
Patient safety bills now law
Legislation introduced by Rep. Dante Santoni, D-Berks, to better protect patients undergoing long and difficult surgeries has been signed into law. The legislation, H.B.s 500 and 501, require perfusionists to be licensed in Pennsylvania and added to the state Board of Medicine and state Board of Osteopathic Medicine. Perfusionists are the medical professionals who monitor and analyze heart-lung machines during complicated procedures such as open-heart surgery and live-donor organ transplants.
"This new law will protect patients in the operating room while distinguishing the medical professionals who have gone through the necessary training and follow the rules as they practice their profession. Perfusionists are a critical part of many life-saving procedures, literally keeping patients alive as doctors do their work. This new law reflects their vital role in our health-care system."
Expanding responsibilities for more health-care professionals
Sponsored by Rep. Curtis Thomas, D-Phila., H.B. 1199, now Act 38 of 2008, expands the scope of practice for physical therapists by, among other things, enabling licensed assistants to perform patient services.
House Bill 1804, sponsored by Rep. John Yudichak, D-Luzerne, is a companion bill to H.B. 2088, which expands the scope of practice for physician assistants by, among other things, authorizing them to order medical equipment, do referrals and perform and sign the initial assessment of methadone treatment evaluations. Now Acts 45 and 46 respectively, they are among the efforts we are making to improve access to health care.
"This series of new laws builds on the scope of practice initiatives we advanced last year as part of our health-care reform effort. They're designed to not only expand access to care for all Pennsylvanians, but also to reduce costs to the health-care system and health-care consumer."
Lowering costs through access to basic health care
House Majority Policy Committee Chairman Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne, championed an amendment to S.B. 1137, which cleared the House last March. Yet the Senate has failed to act on Pennsylvania Access to Basic Care, an innovative package of health-care reforms that promises health-care coverage for a quarter million working Pennsylvanians. PA ABC would also improve the economic conditions of health-care providers and reward small employers who offer health care.
"Providing health insurance to the hundreds of thousands of working people who can't afford to get sick was, unfortunately, not part of this budget. But, rest assured, the House Democratic Caucus is going to spend the summer taking this issue to the people of the state and we plan to aggressively work to deliver access to health care for all working people when we return in the fall."
Losing patience with mandatory overtime for nurses
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Dan Surra, D-Elk, prohibiting mandatory overtime for nurses is a key component of improving health care in Pennsylvania. In two consecutive sessions, the House of Representatives has passed the bill and sent it to the Senate. It still sits there, untouched.
"It is a simple matter of safety. For far too many Pennsylvania nurses, 16-hour days and 80-hour weeks are the rule, not the exception. It's not good for them or their patients."
Consumer Protections
Governor signs mortgage reform package
The governor signed into law H.B. 2179 (Act 56), sponsored by Rep. Pete Daley, to streamline the licensure and administrative process for mortgage brokers and bankers by creating a single license and creating a new licensure category for all mortgage originators, regardless of the type of lending involved.
Rounding out the package of mortgage reform bills are S.B. 483, S.B. 484, S.B. 485 and S.B. 486 (Acts 56, 57, 58 and 59). As a package, the new laws tighten and secure industry regulations to reduce the number of mortgage foreclosures and protect homeowners and communities. Pennsylvania continues to weather a crisis of significant proportions. The number of home mortgage foreclosures has skyrocketed in Pennsylvania over the last five years and it is estimated that foreclosures in 2007 in Pennsylvania hit approximately 9,000 to 10,000 homes - and thousands of children, the elderly and families.
"Just like the corner barber, commercial truck driver or dozens of other professionals who work with the public trust, the professionals who make what is the most important financial transaction of most people's lives should be examined, trained, professional and accountable. Everyone who makes a mortgage loan in Pennsylvania should play by the same rules and the Banking Department should be able to check their backgrounds, ensure their understanding of the law, and have tools available to sanction misconduct."
Public Health and Safety
Landmark miner safety legislation becomes law
The governor has signed legislation (S.B. 949) that will ensure stronger mine safety standards for Pennsylvania miners through an update of the state's nearly 50-year-old Bituminous Coal Mine Act, according to House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington. A key provision in Act 55 permits a representative of the miners, selected by at least two miners, to accompany a state inspector on mine inspections, also known as "walk around rights." The representative must be employed by the mine being inspected. Other provisions require detailed examination of equipment at the beginning of and throughout each shift; require fire-related safeguards and specific ventilating practices; give miners a better opportunity to escape or transport injured miners when an emergency occurs through specified track distance and transport vehicle standards; and prohibit dual compartment shafts. The distance between emergency escape shafts could be no less than 200 feet, and the distance between openings to the surface of slopes and between drifts could be no less than 50 feet.
"It has been more than 45 years since those who toil within the earth's recesses have had improvements made to the law which governs their daily safety. The hard-working miners of the Commonwealth deserve the best mine safety law in the nation.
Proposal to prevent child abuse deaths signed into law
Child abuse prevention is the goal of a new law the governor has signed that gives the Department of Public Welfare new tools to investigate child fatalities and serious injuries resulting from child abuse. Rep. Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny, sponsored the proposal (H.B. 823), which was amended into a bill that ultimately became law. The law requires DPW to review and report on each child fatality and serious injury that stems from child abuse, while creating uniform standards for county children and youth agencies reviewing and reporting on these cases. Current law does not provide specific guidelines for the review and reporting of child fatalities and near fatalities resulting from abuse.
"This new law has been a long time in coming -- nearly 10 years -- but it's now law and will be an important tool in child abuse prevention. It will help agencies and communities, through collaboration, to better protect children from tragic and fatal consequences caused by neglect and abuse."
Personal care home inspection bill becomes law
The governor has signed legislation (H.B. 1788) introduced by Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith, D-Chester, that requires the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to post on its Web site a personal care home report each year. The bill, now Act 44, also requires DPW to submit annual reports on inspections of personal care homes in a timely fashion to the legislature.
"Personal care homes are where some of our most vulnerable citizens are living. They and their families should have the utmost assurance that the environment is safe, clean and secure."
Help for those who sacrifice
As volunteer fire and EMS companies face losing more and more members each year, Rep. Chris King, D-Bucks, successfully included in the state budget package an incentive for more men and women to answer the call and become volunteer first responders. Act 66 of 2008 includes a provision for a pilot program allowing active volunteer firefighters and active volunteer emergency medical services workers to receive a $100 credit on their state income tax returns for the 2008 taxable year.
"Volunteer firefighters and emergency service personnel are critical to our public safety. These brave men and women who heed the call put other people's lives above their own. The goal of this legislation was to say 'thank you' and in a small way help recruit more volunteers."
Governor signs Solobay fire-safe cigarettes bill
Legislation crafted by Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, that could help prevent fires caused by careless smoking has been signed into law by the governor. House Bill 1612 requires all cigarettes sold in Pennsylvania to meet fire-safe standards as set by the American Society of Testing and Materials.
"Cigarette fires kill approximately 1,000 people, injure another 3,000 and cost Americans more than $6 billion annually. Fire-safe cigarettes go out when left unattended, so this bill will help reduce cigarette-related fires, injuries and deaths in Pennsylvania."
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