An update of recent legislative activity by Pennsylvania House Democrats

Oct. 26, 2007

PASSED BY THE HOUSE

House passes Leach bill to remove sales tax on energy-efficient light bulbs 

 

The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill this week introduced by Rep. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery, that would encourage the use of energy-saving light bulbs and promote energy efficiency and energy independence in Pennsylvania. The bill (S.S.H.B. 8), considered during the Special Session on Energy, would establish a sales and use tax exclusion for the retail sale of Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent lamps, commonly known as energy-saving light bulbs.

 

“The simple act of choosing a more efficient method of lighting your home or business can conserve a notable amount of energy and save money,” Leach said. “Removing the sales tax on these bulbs will help to offset the initial higher purchase price, and it will provide more incentive for people to make the switch to energy efficiency.”

 

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Parker’s bill to encourage energy conservation passes Pa. House

 

Legislation introduced by Rep. Cherelle Parker, D-Phila., that would promote energy independence and conservation by encouraging residents in Pennsylvania to purchase certain ENERGY STAR appliances through the creation of a sales tax holiday passed the House this week. Parker said her measure (S.S.H.B. 11), which was introduced as part of the state’s Special Session on Energy, would encourage consumers to buy energy-efficient products by waiving the state sales tax on those products during a specified time. Through this incentive, Parker said, consumers could receive a break on the up-front cost of appliances that, in the long run, would help save money and reduce the state’s dependence on oil from the Middle East.

 

“By eliminating the sales tax on ENERGY STAR appliances during a special sales tax holiday, we will be creating an incentive for people to do their part to conserve energy and reduce their energy costs,” Parker said. “These products are built to use less energy and be more efficient, which is a win-win for the people of Pennsylvania. Not only do they help reduce our energy consumption, but they also will help us save money on our electric bills.”

 

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Grucela bill to prevent tuition, credit loss for military students passes House unanimously

 

The state House of Representatives has unanimously passed legislation that would ensure members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and other United States reservists would not be penalized academically if they are deployed before the end of a semester. The bill (H.B. 1324), introduced by Rep. Richard Grucela, D-Northampton, now goes to the Senate for consideration.

 

“Today we have many more young men and women getting called to serve their country at a time when they normally would be completing higher education,” Grucela said. “Their service is admirable and it should not interfere with their right to an education.”

 

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House passes Shimkus bill to give foster parents stronger say in future of children in their care

 

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week passed legislation introduced by Rep. Frank Andrews Shimkus, D-Lackawanna, that would give foster parents a voice in court decisions about the children in their care. The bill (H.B. 1511) now moves to the state Senate for consideration. The bill would allow foster parents to submit a report, either written or verbally, to a judge about a child in their care before the child’s permanency hearings. Permanency hearings are held every six months to determine whether a child should return to his or her natural parents, remain in foster care or be put up for adoption.

 

“Foster parents are with these children day in and day out. They see how they interact with others, they are able to talk with them about their feelings and they probably understand the needs of these children better than anyone else,” Shimkus said. “Their observations are key to choosing the best placement for children.”

 

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House passes Solobay fire-safe cigarette bill

 

Efforts by Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, to curb the number of fires in Pennsylvania are receiving support in the House of Representatives. The state House this week unanimously passed his legislation (H.B. 1612) that would require cigarettes sold in Pennsylvania to meet fire-safe standards as set by the American Society of Testing and Materials. Solobay said fire-safe cigarettes would help to reduce the number of smoking-related fires and deaths in Pennsylvania.

 

“Careless smoking is a leading cause of fires. Fire-safe cigarettes have a reduced propensity to burn when left unattended, such as when a tired smoker accidentally falls asleep at the end of the day,” said Solobay, who has been a volunteer firefighter in Canonsburg for more than 25 years.

 

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House passes Roebuck’s school-age bill for Philadelphia students

 

The state House this week passed legislation (H.B. 118) introduced by Rep. James Roebuck, D-Phila., which would require children in the Philadelphia School District to begin school at age 6 rather age 8, as required by current state law. The Philadelphia School District has reported that more than 1,500 students enter the district each year between the ages of 7 and 8, a fact that highlights a very distinct problem to be addressed. Roebuck said H.B. 118 would greatly improve the school district’s ability to provide a quality education for all students.

 

“Our schools are tasked with preparing students for a globally competitive economy, yet the school-age requirement is a relic from the mid-1900s when children were expected to help their families work the fields and factories,” said Roebuck, chairman of the House Education Committee.

 

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Legislation honoring late House Speaker Manderino passes House

 

Rep. Tom Caltagirone, D-Berks, said his legislation to honor the accomplishments of the Commonwealth’s first Italian-American speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, James J. Manderino, was overwhelmingly passed by the House this week. Caltagirone’s legislation (H.B. 1192) would rename the state's Keystone Building, which houses the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and a number of other state agencies and offices in Harrisburg, as the Speaker James J. Manderino Office Building.

 

“This building designation would be a fitting tribute to James Manderino’s tremendous accomplishments and his contribution to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the House of Representatives,” Caltagirone said.

 

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APPROVED IN COMMITTEE

 

Smith bill to provide tax credits for ‘green’ buildings sent to full House

 

Rep. Matt Smith, D-Allegheny, said legislation he introduced to provide tax credits for new construction or renovation of existing buildings into “green” buildings in Pennsylvania was moved out of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week. The bill (Special Session H.B. 5) is similar to H.B. 1205, which Smith introduced in regular session. The special session bill would provide tax credits to residential owners or tenants and commercial owners or tenants for either the construction of a green building or the rehabilitation of a non-green building into a green building.

 

“Green buildings not only provide an environmental benefit, but they bring growth to local economies as well,” Smith said. “Particularly in western Pennsylvania, we already have several buildings that have set the bar very high in terms of environmentally friendly construction. They pay off for the environment, they’re more comfortable to work in and they save money in the long run.”

 

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House Finance Committee advances Grucela bill that would exempt all disabled veterans from property taxes

 

The House Finance Committee has unanimously approved a bill (H.B. 211) that would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to allow the state to exempt all honorably discharged, permanently disabled veterans from residential property taxes. The bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Rich Grucela, D-Northampton, said current law requires the State Veterans’ Commission to determine on a case-by-case basis if a disabled veteran qualifies for a property tax exemption based on his or her financial need. 

 

“The lives of these men and women were forever changed when they returned home from their service,” Grucela said. “Unfortunately, the most drastic change may have been the ability to work and produce an income. If a soldier was injured protecting our country, it should be our responsibility to help him or her live a dignified life, and that includes removing burdensome taxes like property taxes.”

 

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Sainato bill to crack down on energy services theft approved by House Consumer Affairs Committee

 

The House Consumer Affairs Committee has approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Chris Sainato, D-Lawrence/Beaver, that would impose criminal penalties on people convicted of stealing energy services in Pennsylvania. Sainato said his legislation (H.B. 1716) would add theft of natural gas and propane service, in addition to electricity and telecommunications services, to Pennsylvania’s Theft of Services law.

 

“Theft of energy service is a huge source of revenue loss and is a safety issue,” Sainato said. “Meter tempering, bypassing and other means used to steal propane, natural gas or other utility services place people committing the theft, as well as their families and others, in grave danger.”

 

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BILL INTRODUCTIONS

 

Cohen’s Electoral College-alternative bill discussed at committee hearing

 

Rep. Mark Cohen’s bill that would change the way Pennsylvania elects the president was the topic of a House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee hearing recently. Cohen’s bill (H.B. 1028) would help change the current system used in the United States to elect the president by authorizing the Commonwealth to join the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote. The agreement would require participating states to pledge their electors in the Electoral College to the presidential candidate who receives the majority of the national popular vote.

 

“The Electoral College has achieved its intended purpose,” Cohen said, referring to the 18th century compromise. “Now the best process to elect a president is a simple one -- the candidate with the most votes wins. That is how almost every other democracy works.”

 

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Solobay bill would increase limits on savings disbursements to heirs

 

Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, has introduced legislation (H.B. 1931) that would increase the amount banks and financial institutions return to the survivors of deceased account holders. Under Solobay’s legislation, following the death of a depositor, a bank or other savings association would pay family members the amount of the account up to $10,000, up from $3,500.

 

“The current limits on deposit account and patient-care account payments to family and funeral directors were put in place in 1993,” noted Solobay. “This legislation would raise the limits to levels more appropriate for 2007.”

 

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DeLuca introduces bill to help landslide victims

 

Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Allegheny, chairman of the House Insurance Committee, has introduced legislation that would create a landslide insurance program for residents affected by the devastation of landslides in Pennsylvania. DeLuca’s measure (H.B. 1934) would create a statewide program consisting of three parts: an insurance fund, a revolving loan program and a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The legislation includes a $2.5 million low interest loan and grant program to help residents with repairs.

 

“We have many people in Pennsylvania who think their homeowner’s insurance policy includes landslide coverage but when they see the policy doesn’t have this type of coverage, they become distressed,” DeLuca said. “Who can they turn to for help?”

 

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James introduces bill to assist low-vision drivers 

 

Rep. Harold James has introduced a bill to assist people with low vision by allowing them to use a special lens to help them drive. James’ legislation (H.B. 1938) would permit people with low vision to use a bioptic, telescoptic lens system while driving. The Philadelphia lawmaker said the device helps a driver’s ability to recognize and respond to traffic devices and other motorists.

 

“By allowing drivers to use all the tools at their disposal like a bioptic lens, we improve the self-sufficiency of people with low vision, which makes their lives easier and gives them a sense of pride,” James said.

 

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Lentz legislation would put the brakes on local speeding

 

Rep. Bryan Lentz, D-Delaware, has introduced legislation that would allow local police to use radar equipment to catch speeding vehicles and increase traffic safety in Pennsylvania. In every state except Pennsylvania, municipal police officers are authorized to use radar to enforce speed limits. Currently, only Pennsylvania State Police officers are authorized to use radar to verify a driver’s speed, and radar is considered to be one of the most effective and accurate speed-control devices available.

 

“Putting radar equipment in the hands of local police would increase safety on our streets and reduce fatalities,” Lentz said. “Consistent enforcement of the speed limit would deter habitual speeding and send a clear message that reckless driving is dangerous and not tolerated.”

 

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Petrone to introduce legislation that would provide health care to volunteer firefighters 

 

Rep. Thomas Petrone, D-Allegheny, announced plans to introduce a bill that would provide health insurance to volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania. The bill would offer volunteer firefighters the same health insurance coverage that is currently provided to state workers. A 2001 study conducted by the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Serves Institute and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania found that 77 percent of fire chiefs ranked recruiting and retaining members as the two most pressing concerns volunteer fire companies face.

 

“There has been a noticeable decline in the number of Pennsylvanians signing up to serve as volunteer firefighters over the last 30 years; add to that the increasing amount of former firefighters who have stopped volunteering their services, and you can see a disheartening trend,” Petrone said. “I want to urge a greater number of Pennsylvanians to join local volunteer fire companies, and I feel that if the state offers incentives such as better health benefits, more people may be encouraged to do so.”

 

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