Recent legislative activity by PA House Democrats

 

Dec. 11, 2009

 

PASSED THE HOUSE

 

House passes Mirabito bill that would bring transparency to state spending

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week unanimously passed state Rep. Rick Mirabito's bill that would post most state spending on a public Web site. House Bill 1880 would create the Pennsylvania Government Accountability Portal, or PennGAP, a searchable Web site that would give the public access to Commonwealth expenses, including those of the state legislature.

 

"This bill would not only bring transparency and accountability to state government, but it could also result in significant savings," said Mirabito, D-Lycoming. "By opening state spending to public review we give opportunity to more people to help us find ways to control and cuts costs."

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Shapiro's terror-free investing bill passes House

The state House has unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery, that would prohibit Pennsylvania's public pension funds from investing in foreign companies with significant business ties to Iran and Sudan. The bill is now awaiting Senate action. Shapiro's bill (H.B. 1821), the Protecting Pennsylvania's Investments Act, would require the state Treasurer's Office, Public School Employees' Retirement System and State Employees' Retirement System, within 22 months, to end investments in targeted foreign companies who choose to continue business activities in Iran or Sudan.

"Investing in companies with ties to terrorist nations puts the Commonwealth's assets at substantial financial risk. A company's association with terrorism and human rights abuses undermines the value of our investment in such a company," Shapiro said. "While it is morally right to divest from companies that do business with terror-sponsoring nations, during these tough economic times, we must do all we can to protect and strengthen Pennsylvania's investments."

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COMMITTEE ACTION

 

Judiciary Committee approves Casorio's Salvia bill

The state House Judiciary Committee has approved legislation introduced by Rep. James E. Casorio Jr., D-Westmoreland, that would ban the unauthorized sale, distribution and possession of a dangerous hallucinogen called Salvia divinorum in Pennsylvania. The bill (H.B. 2037) would classify the Salvia plant and its derivatives in Pennsylvania as a Schedule I controlled substance, making the illegal sale, possession or distribution of Salvia punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

"The federal government does not regulate Salvia, and it is not classified as a controlled substance under federal law," said Casorio, who is a member of the Judiciary Committee. "But mounting evidence shows it presents a real danger, especially to young people, who currently have easy access to it and are making it a popular recreational drug."

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DeLuca bill to study sales and use tax moves forward

A bill authored by state Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Allegheny, that would establish an 11-member commission to study changes in the sales and use tax has been approved by members of the House Finance Committee. DeLuca said his legislation (H.B. 2066) would establish the Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax Commission to study if the sales and use tax is right for better economic growth in Pennsylvania.

"The addition of certain tax exclusions and exemptions has caused confusion for many consumers and vendors when they have to pay or collect the sales and use tax," DeLuca said. "We need to establish a way to broaden the sales and use tax base so that we can alleviate the overall tax burden on the people of Pennsylvania."

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Costa aggravated assault bill advances in the House

State Rep. Dom Costa's legislation (H.B. 2087) that would add crossing guards, volunteer firefighters and special fire police to Pennsylvania's aggravated assault law, was approved by the House Judiciary Committee this week. The law allows for increased penalties for people convicted of assault against certain public officials, such as school administrators, police officers and government officials.

"The intent of this bill is to offer protection to these officials whose primary function is to ensure the safety of the public," said Costa, D-Allegheny.

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Goodman bill to elect Pa. insurance commissioner clears House State Government Committee

State Rep. Neal P. Goodman's bill that would require the state insurance commissioner to be elected rather than appointed was approved by the House State Government Committee this week. House Bill 1363 would amend the state constitution to require the insurance commissioner be elected on the day the general election is held for the auditor general and state treasurer and would establish a four-year term.

"Currently, the state constitution authorizes the governor to appoint the insurance commissioner," said Goodman, D-Schuylkill. "However, I strongly believe that because of the important responsibilities and duties given to the insurance commissioner, the citizens of Pennsylvania should ultimately choose who is placed in this position."

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Galloway's job protection bills advance in the House

A pair of bills sponsored by state Rep. John Galloway, D-Bucks, targeting contractors who deliberately hire illegal workers to gain an unfair competitive advantage, was voted unanimously from the House Labor Relations Committee this week. House Bill 1502 would require state contractors and subcontractors that work on public projects to verify the employment eligibility of their employees, and H.B. 1503 would require all contractors in the construction industry to verify the employment eligibility of their employees. Both bills would require use of the Social Security Number Verification Service to verify existing employees, and the E-Verify Program for newly hired employees. Contractors who violate these rules could be debarred from state projects or, in the case of private construction work, may face forfeiture of state licenses or certifications.

"These bills are about saving Pennsylvania jobs," Galloway said. "By penalizing unscrupulous contractors who hire and abuse illegal workers, we can level the playing field for honest contractors who do the right thing and hire American workers and those legally authorized to work here."

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Committee holds hearing on medical marijuana legislation

The House Health and Human Services Committee recently held a public hearing on state Rep. Mark Cohen's legislation (H.B. 1393) that would allow for the use of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. Cohen said numerous medical studies, including a 1999 study by the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine, have discovered the beneficial use of medical marijuana in treating or alleviating pain and other symptoms associated with some debilitating conditions. For some patients, traditional treatment options have not worked or have severe side effects.

"This is an opportunity for patients, health-care workers, attorneys and other supporters to tell the legislature and the public about the safe and effective benefits of medical marijuana, and continue to alter the outdated view of what should be another treatment option for many Pennsylvanians living in pain and discomfort," Cohen said. "The time has come for Pennsylvania to join 13 states that allow patients suffering from cancer, glaucoma, HIV or other physically painful diseases to treat their symptoms and alleviate their suffering with this proven health-care option."

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