Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/18/201507:39:08PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
AP:GOP'majorityofmajority'rulecouldtestanybudgetdeal
AP:GOP'majorityofmajority'rulecouldtestanybudgetdeal
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150718_ap_cb5f5231a75246dcbdf7afc31b1e6bfb.html
MARCLEVY,TheAssociatedPress
Posted:Saturday,July18,2015,9:38AM
HARRISBURG,Pa.(AP)InoneofPennsylvania'sdefininglegislativebattlesthiscentury,thenGov.EdRendellwon
passageofa$1billiontaxpackage,anditstillnagssomeRepublicansthattheirleadersworkedwithDemocratstomakeit
law,despiteoppositionfrommostmembersoftheGOP'slegislativemajority.
Twelveyearslater,anunwrittenRepublicanruleinspiredbyvoteslikethatunderRendellcouldbeakeytestasleadersofthe
RepublicancontrolledLegislatureandDemocraticGov.TomWolftrytobreakabudgetdeadlock.
Simplyput,the"majorityofthemajority"rulemeanslegislationcannotgetafloorvoteunlessmostRepublicanlawmakers
supportit.AndmanyRepublicans,particularlythemostconservative,wanttoseetheirleadersadheretothatrulethistime
around,asWolfpursueswhatopponentscallPennsylvania'sbiggesttaxincreaseinhistory.
"Iabsolutelydo,"saidRep.JustinSimmons,RLehigh.Otherwise,hesaid,"Iwouldfeelliketheyaresellingusout."
Sen.JohnEichelberger,RBlair,saidhethinkshisfellowSenateRepublicanssupporttheruleandshouldtheirleadersnot
observeit,they"wouldalienatealotofpeopleinthecaucus."
Thatrule,plusmuchlargerandmoreconservativeRepublicanmajoritiesthanRendellfaced12yearsago,couldmakeit
harderforWolftowinpassageofthepackageoftaxincreaseshewantstofinancearecordboostinpublicschoolaidand
wipeoutalongtermbudgetdeficit.
Inthe2003taxvote,Democratscast90ofthe134"yes"votesintheHouseandSenate.Acombined89Republicansvoted
"no,"while44voted"yes."
Thisyear,amajorityofthemajorityrulesuggeststhat77Republicanswillneedtosignon,countingtwoHousedistrictsthat
arelikelytoseataRepublicaninspecialelectionsonAug.4.
Still,Wolf'sdriveforaroughly$2.5billiontaxincreaseinthefirstyearmorethan$4billiononcefullyinforcecouldultimately
divideRepublicans.SomearewillingtosupportatleastpartofwhatWolfwants,andasmatteringofRepublicanscouldjoin
Democratstodeliverit.
IntheSenate,EichelbergerestimatedatleastahandfulofRepublicansincludinghimselfwillopposeataxincrease.Rep.
SethGrove,RYork,estimated40to50HouseRepublicans,includinghim,willopposeanytaxincrease.
"Deadsetagainstit,"Grovesaid."Noway,nohow,notinterested."
ForRepublicans,thecalculusofabudgetdealcouldgetcomplicated.
TheGOPmaydecideit'sworthallowingafloorvoteonataxpackagethatWolfsupportsifWolfaccedestootherelementsof
abudgetdealthataredeartoRepublicans.Asasweetener,RepublicanscouldtrytoforceDemocratstosupplythelion's
shareofthepoliticallysensitive"yes"votesnecessaryforthetaxlegislationtopass,similartothe2003budgetfight.
Sofar,HouseandSenateRepublicanleadersalreadyhaveruledoutpassageofanincreaseofthesalesorincometax.They
leftthedooropentoothertaxincreasessoughtbyWolfonMarcellusShalenaturalgasproduction,salesoftobaccoproducts
andbankshares.
Rep.EugeneDiGirolamo,RBucks,whosupportedthe2003taxvote,isnowfloatinghisown"middleoftheroad"proposal
toincreasetaxes.HeacknowledgedtheuphillbattleitfacesinthemajorityGOPchamber,butalsoinsistedheisunawareof
amajorityruleadoptedbyHouseGOPleaders.
"Wereallyhavetobereasonablewhenwelookatthisstuff,"DiGirolamosaid.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,saidhisfirstgoalistosecureabudgetdealthatall30SenateRepublicans
cansupport.
Inanycase,thedaysof"sixorsevenRepublicansdoingadealwithalltheDemocratsisnotgoingtohappen,"Cormansaid.
"Thosearedayslonggonebyandwe'vebeenveryclearwiththegovernorthatwe'regoingtoneedamajorityofthe
(Republican)caucustobeinsupport."
___
MarcLevycoverspoliticsandgovernmentforTheAssociatedPressinPennsylvania.Hecanbereachedat
FollowhimonTwitteratwww.twitter.com/timelywriter
Readmoreat
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150718 ap cb5f5231a75246dcbdf7afc31b1e6bfb.html#mHWoHKsSerIq1Xw1.99
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/18/201507:39:08PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
AP:GOP'majorityofmajority'rulecouldtestanybudgetdeal
AP:GOP'majorityofmajority'rulecouldtestanybudgetdeal
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150718_ap_cb5f5231a75246dcbdf7afc31b1e6bfb.html
MARCLEVY,TheAssociatedPress
Posted:Saturday,July18,2015,9:38AM
HARRISBURG,Pa.(AP)InoneofPennsylvania'sdefininglegislativebattlesthiscentury,thenGov.EdRendellwon
passageofa$1billiontaxpackage,anditstillnagssomeRepublicansthattheirleadersworkedwithDemocratstomakeit
law,despiteoppositionfrommostmembersoftheGOP'slegislativemajority.
Twelveyearslater,anunwrittenRepublicanruleinspiredbyvoteslikethatunderRendellcouldbeakeytestasleadersofthe
RepublicancontrolledLegislatureandDemocraticGov.TomWolftrytobreakabudgetdeadlock.
Simplyput,the"majorityofthemajority"rulemeanslegislationcannotgetafloorvoteunlessmostRepublicanlawmakers
supportit.AndmanyRepublicans,particularlythemostconservative,wanttoseetheirleadersadheretothatrulethistime
around,asWolfpursueswhatopponentscallPennsylvania'sbiggesttaxincreaseinhistory.
"Iabsolutelydo,"saidRep.JustinSimmons,RLehigh.Otherwise,hesaid,"Iwouldfeelliketheyaresellingusout."
Sen.JohnEichelberger,RBlair,saidhethinkshisfellowSenateRepublicanssupporttheruleandshouldtheirleadersnot
observeit,they"wouldalienatealotofpeopleinthecaucus."
Thatrule,plusmuchlargerandmoreconservativeRepublicanmajoritiesthanRendellfaced12yearsago,couldmakeit
harderforWolftowinpassageofthepackageoftaxincreaseshewantstofinancearecordboostinpublicschoolaidand
wipeoutalongtermbudgetdeficit.
Inthe2003taxvote,Democratscast90ofthe134"yes"votesintheHouseandSenate.Acombined89Republicansvoted
"no,"while44voted"yes."
Thisyear,amajorityofthemajorityrulesuggeststhat77Republicanswillneedtosignon,countingtwoHousedistrictsthat
arelikelytoseataRepublicaninspecialelectionsonAug.4.
Still,Wolf'sdriveforaroughly$2.5billiontaxincreaseinthefirstyearmorethan$4billiononcefullyinforcecouldultimately
divideRepublicans.SomearewillingtosupportatleastpartofwhatWolfwants,andasmatteringofRepublicanscouldjoin
Democratstodeliverit.
IntheSenate,EichelbergerestimatedatleastahandfulofRepublicansincludinghimselfwillopposeataxincrease.Rep.
SethGrove,RYork,estimated40to50HouseRepublicans,includinghim,willopposeanytaxincrease.
"Deadsetagainstit,"Grovesaid."Noway,nohow,notinterested."
ForRepublicans,thecalculusofabudgetdealcouldgetcomplicated.
TheGOPmaydecideit'sworthallowingafloorvoteonataxpackagethatWolfsupportsifWolfaccedestootherelementsof
abudgetdealthataredeartoRepublicans.Asasweetener,RepublicanscouldtrytoforceDemocratstosupplythelion's
shareofthepoliticallysensitive"yes"votesnecessaryforthetaxlegislationtopass,similartothe2003budgetfight.
Sofar,HouseandSenateRepublicanleadersalreadyhaveruledoutpassageofanincreaseofthesalesorincometax.They
leftthedooropentoothertaxincreasessoughtbyWolfonMarcellusShalenaturalgasproduction,salesoftobaccoproducts
andbankshares.
Rep.EugeneDiGirolamo,RBucks,whosupportedthe2003taxvote,isnowfloatinghisown"middleoftheroad"proposal
toincreasetaxes.HeacknowledgedtheuphillbattleitfacesinthemajorityGOPchamber,butalsoinsistedheisunawareof
amajorityruleadoptedbyHouseGOPleaders.
"Wereallyhavetobereasonablewhenwelookatthisstuff,"DiGirolamosaid.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,saidhisfirstgoalistosecureabudgetdealthatall30SenateRepublicans
cansupport.
Inanycase,thedaysof"sixorsevenRepublicansdoingadealwithalltheDemocratsisnotgoingtohappen,"Cormansaid.
"Thosearedayslonggonebyandwe'vebeenveryclearwiththegovernorthatwe'regoingtoneedamajorityofthe
(Republican)caucustobeinsupport."
___
MarcLevycoverspoliticsandgovernmentforTheAssociatedPressinPennsylvania.Hecanbereachedat
FollowhimonTwitteratwww.twitter.com/timelywriter
Readmoreat
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150718 ap cb5f5231a75246dcbdf7afc31b1e6bfb.html#mHWoHKsSerIq1Xw1.99
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/30/201506:43:02PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
AP:Onlastdayoffiscalyear,PennsylvaniaSenatesendsGOPbudgetbilltoWolf'sdesk,andveto
AP:Onlastdayoffiscalyear,PennsylvaniaSenatesendsGOPbudgetbilltoWolf'sdesk,andveto
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/5ad038859fbb4ed28c38ee2339fcfaec/PAPennsylvaniaBudget
ByMARKSCOLFOROandMARCLEVY
Published:6/30/156:24pmEDTUpdated:6/30/156:28pmEDT
HARRISBURG,PennsylvaniaAvetoawaitedaRepublicanpennedspendingplansent
TuesdaytoDemocraticGov.TomWolf'sdesk,astheGOPuseditshugelegislativemajorities
onthefinaldayofthestategovernment'sfiscalyeartotrytowrapupanambitiousagenda.
Thenearly$30.2billionbudgetbillpassedtheHouseandSenatewithoutasingleDemocratic
voteafternegotiationsbetweenGOPleadersandWolfstalledinrecentweeks.
Inthemeantime,Republicanworkedtopassbillstolicenseprivatecompaniestotakeover
themarketing,shipmentandsaleofwineandliquorfromthestate,andtosqueezesavings
fromthelargepensionsystemsforschoolemployeesandstateworkers,inpartbymoving
newhiresinto401(k)styleplans.Democraticlawmakersalsoopposedthosebills.
WolfsaidTuesdayitwasonlyaquestionofwhetherhewillvetotheentirebudgetorpartof
it,asheseekstoforceconcessionsfromRepublicansonhisagenda.
AfterabriefmeetingwithHouseGOPleadersTuesdaymorning,Wolfsaidbothsides"will
havesomethingstotalkabouttomorrow."
IfWolfrejectsthebudgetintotal,itwouldbethefirsttimethathasoccurredinPennsylvania
foratleastfourdecades.Thestatealsowouldlosesomeofitsauthoritytospendmoney,
includingbillionsofdollarsforpublicschoolsandsocialservices.
WolfalsoopposesRepublicans'pensionandliquorplans,andDemocratsexpecthimtoveto
both.
DuringfourhoursofdebateTuesday,Republicansdefendedtheirbudgetbillasaresponsible
alternativetothemultibilliondollartaxincreasesoughtbyWolftowipeoutagapingdeficit
anddeepcutsineducationunderhisRepublicanpredecessor.
TheGOP'sbudgetbilldoesnotincreasetaxes,andauthorizesanadditional$1.1billionin
spending,primarilyforrisingcostsforpublicpensionsandhealthcare,aswellas$200million
moreforeducation.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,urgedWolftosignthebudgetlegislation,but
saidthatifWolfvetoesit,hewillbereadytoreturntoworkonitWednesday.
"I'llbeheretomorrow,ifneedbeI'llbeherethenextdayandthedayafterthatandthe
FourthofJuly,"Cormansaidduringfloordebate."Whateveritmaybe,wewillbehererolling
upoursleeves,readytogoanddoourjobforthepeopleofPennsylvania."
Wolfhassaidthespendingplanshortchangespublicschools,letstheMarcellusShalenatural
gasindustryoffthehookwithoutaseverancetaxandaddstothestategovernment'sdeficit
becauseitispackedwithonetimestopgaps,includingtransfersfromoffbudgetfundsand
paymentdelays.
ThestopgapsandlackofinputfromDemocratspromptedSen.RobTeplitz,DDauphin,tocall
theGOP'sbudgetbilllittlemorethantheatrics.
"It'salsonotrealbecausethere'snotapersoninthisbuildingwhobelievesit'llbeenacted
intolaw,"Teplitzsaid,referringtotheexpectationofWolf'sveto.
AnotherWolfpriority,legislationtocutlocalschoolpropertytaxesstatewide,stalledinthe
Senate.
Theliquorprivatizationplanwouldallowabout14,000beersaleslicenseholdersretailers,
restaurants,grocerystoresandotherstopayahigherfeeforpermissiontoalsosellwine,
liquororboth.
Itwouldalsoprovideapathwaytotheclosureoftheapproximately600statecontrolledwine
andliquorstoresand,Republicanssaid,addconvenienceandmodernizationtoanarchaic
system.
Democratscounteredthattheplanwouldirresponsiblyliquidateavaluablestatemoney
makerforvirtuallynothing.ItpassedtheSenate,2722,andawaitedavoteintheHouseon
Tuesdaynight.
DuringHousedebateonthepensionbill,Republicanbackerssaidthecurrentsystemisnot
sustainablefortaxpayers.Thebill'smajorfeaturewouldpourmostnewhiresintoa401(k)
styledefinedcontributionplan,anditwouldsaveabout$11billioninpaymentsover30years
onapensiondebtcurrentlyestimatedat$53billion.Lawmakersalsowouldgointothe
401(k)styleplanaftertheirnextelection.
Itpassed10689,andawaitedavoteintheSenateonTuesdaynight.
Republicanssaidtheplanwouldsetthestateonamorefiscallyresponsiblepath,but
Democratsslammedtheproposalastakingawayretirementsecurityforfuturestate
governmentandpublicschoolemployeesandriskingacourtchallenge.
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/30/201506:43:02PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
AP:Onlastdayoffiscalyear,PennsylvaniaSenatesendsGOPbudgetbilltoWolf'sdesk,andveto
AP:Onlastdayoffiscalyear,PennsylvaniaSenatesendsGOPbudgetbilltoWolf'sdesk,andveto
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/5ad038859fbb4ed28c38ee2339fcfaec/PAPennsylvaniaBudget
ByMARKSCOLFOROandMARCLEVY
Published:6/30/156:24pmEDTUpdated:6/30/156:28pmEDT
HARRISBURG,PennsylvaniaAvetoawaitedaRepublicanpennedspendingplansent
TuesdaytoDemocraticGov.TomWolf'sdesk,astheGOPuseditshugelegislativemajorities
onthefinaldayofthestategovernment'sfiscalyeartotrytowrapupanambitiousagenda.
Thenearly$30.2billionbudgetbillpassedtheHouseandSenatewithoutasingleDemocratic
voteafternegotiationsbetweenGOPleadersandWolfstalledinrecentweeks.
Inthemeantime,Republicanworkedtopassbillstolicenseprivatecompaniestotakeover
themarketing,shipmentandsaleofwineandliquorfromthestate,andtosqueezesavings
fromthelargepensionsystemsforschoolemployeesandstateworkers,inpartbymoving
newhiresinto401(k)styleplans.Democraticlawmakersalsoopposedthosebills.
WolfsaidTuesdayitwasonlyaquestionofwhetherhewillvetotheentirebudgetorpartof
it,asheseekstoforceconcessionsfromRepublicansonhisagenda.
AfterabriefmeetingwithHouseGOPleadersTuesdaymorning,Wolfsaidbothsides"will
havesomethingstotalkabouttomorrow."
IfWolfrejectsthebudgetintotal,itwouldbethefirsttimethathasoccurredinPennsylvania
foratleastfourdecades.Thestatealsowouldlosesomeofitsauthoritytospendmoney,
includingbillionsofdollarsforpublicschoolsandsocialservices.
WolfalsoopposesRepublicans'pensionandliquorplans,andDemocratsexpecthimtoveto
both.
DuringfourhoursofdebateTuesday,Republicansdefendedtheirbudgetbillasaresponsible
alternativetothemultibilliondollartaxincreasesoughtbyWolftowipeoutagapingdeficit
anddeepcutsineducationunderhisRepublicanpredecessor.
TheGOP'sbudgetbilldoesnotincreasetaxes,andauthorizesanadditional$1.1billionin
spending,primarilyforrisingcostsforpublicpensionsandhealthcare,aswellas$200million
moreforeducation.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,urgedWolftosignthebudgetlegislation,but
saidthatifWolfvetoesit,hewillbereadytoreturntoworkonitWednesday.
"I'llbeheretomorrow,ifneedbeI'llbeherethenextdayandthedayafterthatandthe
FourthofJuly,"Cormansaidduringfloordebate."Whateveritmaybe,wewillbehererolling
upoursleeves,readytogoanddoourjobforthepeopleofPennsylvania."
Wolfhassaidthespendingplanshortchangespublicschools,letstheMarcellusShalenatural
gasindustryoffthehookwithoutaseverancetaxandaddstothestategovernment'sdeficit
becauseitispackedwithonetimestopgaps,includingtransfersfromoffbudgetfundsand
paymentdelays.
ThestopgapsandlackofinputfromDemocratspromptedSen.RobTeplitz,DDauphin,tocall
theGOP'sbudgetbilllittlemorethantheatrics.
"It'salsonotrealbecausethere'snotapersoninthisbuildingwhobelievesit'llbeenacted
intolaw,"Teplitzsaid,referringtotheexpectationofWolf'sveto.
AnotherWolfpriority,legislationtocutlocalschoolpropertytaxesstatewide,stalledinthe
Senate.
Theliquorprivatizationplanwouldallowabout14,000beersaleslicenseholdersretailers,
restaurants,grocerystoresandotherstopayahigherfeeforpermissiontoalsosellwine,
liquororboth.
Itwouldalsoprovideapathwaytotheclosureoftheapproximately600statecontrolledwine
andliquorstoresand,Republicanssaid,addconvenienceandmodernizationtoanarchaic
system.
Democratscounteredthattheplanwouldirresponsiblyliquidateavaluablestatemoney
makerforvirtuallynothing.ItpassedtheSenate,2722,andawaitedavoteintheHouseon
Tuesdaynight.
DuringHousedebateonthepensionbill,Republicanbackerssaidthecurrentsystemisnot
sustainablefortaxpayers.Thebill'smajorfeaturewouldpourmostnewhiresintoa401(k)
styledefinedcontributionplan,anditwouldsaveabout$11billioninpaymentsover30years
onapensiondebtcurrentlyestimatedat$53billion.Lawmakersalsowouldgointothe
401(k)styleplanaftertheirnextelection.
Itpassed10689,andawaitedavoteintheSenateonTuesdaynight.
Republicanssaidtheplanwouldsetthestateonamorefiscallyresponsiblepath,but
Democratsslammedtheproposalastakingawayretirementsecurityforfuturestate
governmentandpublicschoolemployeesandriskingacourtchallenge.
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/10/201512:22:23PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
AP:Wolfwillingtoexploresales,incometaxhikealternatives
AP:Wolfwillingtoexploresales,incometaxhikealternatives
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/07/10/4830059_wolfwillingtoexploresales.html?rh=1
BYMARCLEVY
AssociatedPressJuly10,2015
HARRISBURG,PA.Gov.TomWolfsayshe'lllistentowaystowipeoutalongtermdeficitandincreaseeducationaid
withoutraisingsalesorincometaxes,whichRepublicansoppose.
WolfsaidFridaythathe'swillingtoexploreideas,aslongasPennsylvaniastategovernment'sdeficitisaddressedhonestly
andwithoutwhathecalls"smokeandmirrors."
TheWolfadministrationisonday10ofthenewfiscalyearwithoutsignedbudgetlegislationthatgivesittheauthoritytopay
allofitsbills.SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormansaidearlierintheweekthatthestalematewilllastforaslongasWolf
insistsonhigherincomeorsalestaxestosupportstatespending.
ButWolfvetoedtheRepublicans'budgetbill,sayingitfeltshortofhisprioritiesandusedunacceptablestopgaps.
Readmorehere:http://www.centredaily.com/2015/07/10/4830059_wolfwillingtoexploresales.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/01/201501:11:06PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
AP:Wolf,GOPlawmakerstoresumebudgettalksafterveto
AP:Wolf,GOPlawmakerstoresumebudgettalksa erveto
h p://6abc.com/poli cs/wolfgoplawmakerstoresumebudgettalksa erveto/819827/
ByMARKSCOLFOROandPETERJACKSONAssociatedPress
Updated19minsago
HARRISBURG,Pa.
Gov.TomWolfsoughttorestartbudgettalkswithlegislativeleadersWednesday,lessthanaday
afterhevetoeda$30.2billionRepublicancraftedspendingplanthateveryDemocratvoted
against.
WolfinvitedHouseandSenatenegotiatorstohisCapitolofficesforanafternoonsession,seeking
tofindawaytobridgethevastgapbetweenthebudgethewants,whichwouldraisetaxesand
substantiallyincreaseeducationfunding,andtheGOPplanthathadnonewtaxesandmuchmore
modestschoolspending.
ThefirsttermDemocrat'swrittenvetomessagesenttotheHouselateTuesdayillustratedthe
challengetheyfaceinlookingforadeal.Republicansholdsubstantialmajoritiesinbothchambers,
andtherehasbeenlittleevidencethesidesareanywherenearacompromise.
"ThecitizensofPennsylvaniasentusheretodoseriousworkandtoaddressproblemsfacingthis
commonwealth,"Wolfsaidinthevetomessage,repeatingthepolicyobjectiveshehasoutlinedfor
monthsmoneyforschoolsfromataxonnaturalgasdrilling,cutsinlocalschoolpropertytaxes,
jobcreationeffortsandwhathecalls"asolutiontofixthestructuralbudgetdeficit."
"Thisbillfailstoaccomplishtheseessentialtasks,soIcannotgiveitmyapproval,"hesaid.
Wolfhasnotsaidwhetherhe'llsignliquorprivatizationandpublicsectorpensionchangesthat
alsopassedtheRepublicancontrolledGeneralAssemblyonTuesday.
RepublicanssaidHouseMajorityLeaderDaveReed,RIndiana,wouldattendalongwithhis
party'swhip,Rep.BryanCutler,RLancaster.Otherleaderswereexpectedtojoinbyphone.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormansaidTuesdaynightthatWolf'sactiondisappointedhimand
arguedthegovernorshouldputforwardsomethinglawmakerscanpass.TheGOPbudget,which
proposeda$1.1billionspendingincrease,wouldhaveaddedmoneyforrisingpensionandhealth
carecostsand$200millionmoreforeducation.
"Thegovernorownsthisnow,"theCentreCountyRepublicansaid."TheGeneralAssemblyputup
thevotestopassabalancedbudget.Heownsthefactthatwedon'thaveabudgetnow,andwe
willwaitforhimtoofferanewplan."
ThehallsoftheCapitol,teemingwithpeopleadayearlier,wererelativelyquietWednesday
morning,andsomelawmakerswerewonderingwhathappensnext.
Rep.MarkCohen,DPhiladelphia,saidhewouldnotbesurprisedifthebudgetstandofflastedfor
months,perhapstotheendof2015.
Wolf"wantshisviewstobetakenintoconsideration,"Cohensaid."Peoplearenotlookingforthe
fifthyearoftheCorbettadministration."
WolfbeatRepublicanTomCorbettintheNovemberelection,denyinghimasecondterm.
Rep.KerryBenninghoff,RCentre,saidhehasnotseenmuchsignofcompromisefromWolfsince
hetookofficeinJanuary.
"Theyhaven'tgivenonanything,"Benninghoffsaid."DoIthinkthatwecancometosome
negotiationsonabudget?Thatdependswhatthewillis."
Thevetooftheentirebudgetbill,ratherthanusinglineitemauthoritytoeliminatepartsofit,had
notoccurredinthestateforatleast40years.
Theabsenceofabudgetasthenewfiscalyearbeganwasnotexpectedtohaveanimmediate
effectonservicesbecauseagenciescantapsurplusesandspecialfunds,butthesituationcould
deteriorateiftheimpassedragson.Thestatehaslosttheauthoritytopayitsvendorsforwork
donenowthatthestate'snewfiscalyearhasbegun.
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OceofCommunica ons|OceoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Oce:
From:
MichaelTurzai<
Senttime: 07/15/201505:01:29PM
To:
JoeScarnati<
<
<
Hanger,John
JakeCorman<
MichaelTurzai<
BryanCutler<
Cc:
Subject:
KarenCoates<
<
DanielleGuyer<
<
ToddBrysiak<
AnthonyAliano<
JohnScarpato<
CurtSchroder<
PatBrowne<
JohnGordner
DaveReed<
WilliamAdolph
McGinty,KathleenIsenhour,MaryAlbright,Randolph
MarciaLampman
DavidDonley<
RitchieLafaver
BudgetMeetingonTuesday,July21st
SenatorScarnatiandIwouldliketoextendaninvitationforyoutoattendabudgetmeetingonTuesday,July21st,
at3:00pminRoom401MainCapitol.HouseandSenateRepublicanLeaderswillbeinattendance.
WelookforwardtoseeingeveryoneonTuesday.
Thankyou,
MikeTurzai
Theinformationtransmittedisintendedonlyforthepersonorentitytowhichitisaddressedandmaycontainconfidentialand/orprivilegedmaterial.Anyreview,
retransmission,disseminationorotheruseof,ortakingofanyactioninrelianceupon,thisinformationbypersonsorentitiesotherthantheintendedrecipientis
prohibited.Ifyoureceivedthisinformationinerror,pleasecontactthesenderanddeletethemessageandmaterialfromallcomputers.
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/07/201504:49:16PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Capitolwire:Nobudgingonbudget.
Capitolwire:Nobudgingonbudget.
TheSenateissettoreturnforraresummersessionnextweek.
ByKevinZwick
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July7)SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanonTuesdaysaidRepublicanleadersareopentonewrevenues,butnot
Gov.TomWolf'ssoughtafterbroadbasedtaxincreases.
InMarch,Wolfcalledfora$4.7billiontaxincrease,withthebulkcomingfromahigherpersonalincometaxrate,from3.07percentto
3.7percent,andahighersalestax,from6percentto6.6percent,whileremovingexemptionsforcertaincurrentlyuntaxeditems.
Thegovernor'sholdingtothefactthatheneedsabroadbasedtaxincreasewedon'tbelievethatwedo,saidCorman,RCentre,after
ameetingTuesdaywithWolf.Untilthatissuecanberesolved,we'regoingtobehereawhile.
Cormansaidwe'reopentodiscussionstogoalittlehigherthanthe$30.2billionGOPbackedspendingproposalvetoedbyWolf.But
we'renotopentoadiscussiononanincometaxincrease,we'renotopentoadiscussiononasalestaxincrease,we'renotopentoa
discussiononclosingsalestaxexemptions.
Everythingelseisopenfordiscussions,hesaid.We'reopentotrytohelpoutthegovernortomeetsomeofhisinitiatives,youknow,
withinreason.Butwe'renotopentoabroadbasedtaxincrease.
Wolf'sbudgetproposalalsocalledforincreasedtaxesonnaturalgasdrillingandcigaretteswhileaddinganewtaxforcertaintobacco
products.Healsocalledforloweringthecorporatenetincometax,whilerequiringstricterreportingrequirementsformultistate
companies,andseeingtheeliminationofabusinessassetstax.
WolfspokesmanJeffSheridantoldreportersthegovernorwantsnewsourcesofrecurringrevenuestoclosethestructuraldeficit,and
thebroadbasedtaxincreasesaresofarthebestproposal.
Heismorethanwillingtocontinuetalkingwiththemaboutfindingwaystodothat,Sheridansaid.Rightnow,therehavenotbeenany
betterideaspresentedtousthanincreasingthepersonalincometax,increasingthesalestaxwhilealsoprovidingpropertytaxrelief
thatwasnotincludedintheirbudget.
Wehavetofindnewrecurringrevenuessomehow,theseverancetaxisawaytodothat,headded.
TheSenateisscheduledtoreturnnextweekforararesummersessiononMonday,TuesdayandWednesday.Thechamberis
planningtorunsomelegislation,butwilldiscussvetooverrides,whichwouldrequireatwothirdsmajority,saidSenateGOP
spokeswomanJenniferKocher.
WolfvetoedtheGeneralAppropriationsbill,FiscalandPublicSchoolcodebills,aswellasaliquorprivatizationbill.Hemustalsomake
adecisiononapensionoverhaulbyFridaythisweek.
ThosebillshadnosupportfromDemocratsinJune.RepublicanswouldneedahandfulofDemocratstoflipforasuccessfuloverride
vote.
30
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/07/201504:49:16PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Capitolwire:Nobudgingonbudget.
Capitolwire:Nobudgingonbudget.
TheSenateissettoreturnforraresummersessionnextweek.
ByKevinZwick
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July7)SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanonTuesdaysaidRepublicanleadersareopentonewrevenues,butnot
Gov.TomWolf'ssoughtafterbroadbasedtaxincreases.
InMarch,Wolfcalledfora$4.7billiontaxincrease,withthebulkcomingfromahigherpersonalincometaxrate,from3.07percentto
3.7percent,andahighersalestax,from6percentto6.6percent,whileremovingexemptionsforcertaincurrentlyuntaxeditems.
Thegovernor'sholdingtothefactthatheneedsabroadbasedtaxincreasewedon'tbelievethatwedo,saidCorman,RCentre,after
ameetingTuesdaywithWolf.Untilthatissuecanberesolved,we'regoingtobehereawhile.
Cormansaidwe'reopentodiscussionstogoalittlehigherthanthe$30.2billionGOPbackedspendingproposalvetoedbyWolf.But
we'renotopentoadiscussiononanincometaxincrease,we'renotopentoadiscussiononasalestaxincrease,we'renotopentoa
discussiononclosingsalestaxexemptions.
Everythingelseisopenfordiscussions,hesaid.We'reopentotrytohelpoutthegovernortomeetsomeofhisinitiatives,youknow,
withinreason.Butwe'renotopentoabroadbasedtaxincrease.
Wolf'sbudgetproposalalsocalledforincreasedtaxesonnaturalgasdrillingandcigaretteswhileaddinganewtaxforcertaintobacco
products.Healsocalledforloweringthecorporatenetincometax,whilerequiringstricterreportingrequirementsformultistate
companies,andseeingtheeliminationofabusinessassetstax.
WolfspokesmanJeffSheridantoldreportersthegovernorwantsnewsourcesofrecurringrevenuestoclosethestructuraldeficit,and
thebroadbasedtaxincreasesaresofarthebestproposal.
Heismorethanwillingtocontinuetalkingwiththemaboutfindingwaystodothat,Sheridansaid.Rightnow,therehavenotbeenany
betterideaspresentedtousthanincreasingthepersonalincometax,increasingthesalestaxwhilealsoprovidingpropertytaxrelief
thatwasnotincludedintheirbudget.
Wehavetofindnewrecurringrevenuessomehow,theseverancetaxisawaytodothat,headded.
TheSenateisscheduledtoreturnnextweekforararesummersessiononMonday,TuesdayandWednesday.Thechamberis
planningtorunsomelegislation,butwilldiscussvetooverrides,whichwouldrequireatwothirdsmajority,saidSenateGOP
spokeswomanJenniferKocher.
WolfvetoedtheGeneralAppropriationsbill,FiscalandPublicSchoolcodebills,aswellasaliquorprivatizationbill.Hemustalsomake
adecisiononapensionoverhaulbyFridaythisweek.
ThosebillshadnosupportfromDemocratsinJune.RepublicanswouldneedahandfulofDemocratstoflipforasuccessfuloverride
vote.
30
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/01/201504:34:01PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Capitolwire:Wolf,legislativeleadersreadytoworktoreachagreementsonbudget,pensions,liquor.
Capitolwire:Wolf,legislativeleadersreadytoworktoreachagreementsonbudget,
pensions,liquor.
ByChrisComisac,KevinZwick&ChristenSmith
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July1)Thearmsareunfolded,saidGov.TomWolf,characterizingthepositivenatureofaWednesdayafternoon
meetingwithlegislativeleadersaboutthestatebudget,lessthanadayafterissuinganunprecedentedcompletevetooftheGOP's
budgetproposal.
Followingtheapproximately30minutemeeting,WolfsaidhehasofferedhisbudgetandlegislativeRepublicanshavenowofferedtheirs,
withthetasknowtofindcommongroundbetweenthetwo.
We'reallgoingtoworkveryhardtomakesurewehaveabudgetasquicklyaspossible,saidWolf,standingwithHouseMajority
LeaderDaveReed,RIndiana.
ThateffortwillbegininearnestonMonday,thegovernorsaid.
DrewCrompton,chiefofstaffandlegalcounseltoSenatePresidentProTemJoeScarnati,RJefferson,saidnothingnewwasoffered
duringthemeeting,withthegovernorandlegislativeRepublicansstillfarapartontheitemsonwhichtheywerefarapartpriortothe
governorsTuesdaynightbudgetveto.Scarnati,likeHouseSpeakerMikeTurzai,RAllegheny,andSenateMajorityLeaderJake
Corman,RCentre,participatedinthemeetingbytelephone.
Anothermeetingabouthavingmoremeetings,saidCrompton,addingthetenorofthegatheringwascollegial.
Thoseattendingthemeetingincluded,fromtheHouse,Reed,AppropriationsCommitteeMajorityChairmanBillAdolph,RDelaware,
MinorityLeaderFrankDermody,DAllegheny,andMinorityWhipMikeHanna,DClintonandfromtheSenateitwasMinorityLeader
JayCosta,DAllegheny,AppropriationsCommitteeMinorityChairmanVinceHughes,DPhiladelphiaandMinorityWhipTonyWilliams,
DPhiladelphia.
Allthoseinvolvedinthemeetingsaidtheconversationabouthowtofindcommongroundandconsensuswouldbeginwithaseriesof
meetingsonMondayandTuesdaynextweek.Untilthen,considerthenextfewdaysabitofacoolingoffperiod.
Youknowfolkshavebeenhereforaprotractedtimeframe,andfolksaregonnagetalittlemorefiredupthanusual,explainedReed.I
thinkrightnowitjustgivesusachancetoevaluatewhatwedidintheHouseandtheSenate,itgivesthegovernorachancetoevaluate
liquorandpensions,andthenwecancomebacktothetableonMondaywithsomemoreinformation,somemoredatasome
justificationastowhysomeoftheideaswethoughtwereinthebestinterestofthepeopleofthecommonwealth,andImsurethe
governorwilldothesame.
Buttherewouldappeartobeplentyofworkaheadforthosewhoparticipateinthosemeetings.
SaidReed:ThegovernorputanoriginalbudgetdocumentonthetableinMarchthatdoesnothavesupportintheHouseandSenate.
WepassedabudgetintheHouseandintheSenateyesterdayandovertheweekendthatdoesnothavethegovernor'ssignature.So
we'vegotalotofworktodooverthenexthopefullyjustcoupledaysorcoupleweekstogettoanagreementonafinalbudget
document.
Thatrequiresalittlegiveandtakeonbothsides,Reedsaid.
Imgladweremeeting,saidAdolph,butlateradded:Idonotwanttogiveyoutheimpressionthatwereclose.Wearefar,far,far
apartonnumbers,andthatsbecausewhatthegovernorwouldliketospendtakesalotoftaxes,andtheyrenotsurehowmanyvotes
theycanproduce[forthosetaxes],soitsgoingtobealotofwork.
Obviouslytheyhavetomoveontheirfiguresbecausetheresnotthevotesforthetypeofrevenuethatsneededforthespendnumber,
Adolphadded.
AndreactingtothegovernorspressconferenceTuesdayevening,duringwhichhesaidhewouldvetotheGOPdevelopedbudget
becausethemathdoesntwork,Adolphsaid:Ournumbersaddup.
Costasaidtheresbeensomemovementbythegovernoronsuchthingsaswineandspiritsalesandpensions.Reedlatersaidgetting
abudgetagreementisthetoppriority,buttheresalsoalotoffocusbeingputonpensionandliquorproposals.
ConversationsbetweenGOPleadersandWolfonapensiondealhavebeenveryfruitful,buttheyarenotclosetoanagreementover
liquorprivatization,Reedsaid.
Propertytaxrelief,whichthegovernorhasmadeoneofhispriorities,willcontinuetobeworkedon,butitdoesnthavetogetdoneas
partofthebudget,addedReed.
But,asRepublicansindicated,thebudgetnumberswillrequiremorediscussions.
Ithinkthatthere'sanumberofissuesweareworkingaltogetheron,butwithrespecttothegeneralfundbudget,Ithinkwehavesome
moreworktodo,butyouknow,ourfolksaregoingtoprepthisweekend,thenextcoupledays,andthencomebackMondaytobe
positionedtocomebackandhavesomeveryseriousconversationswithbothsides,saidCosta.AndIthinkpeopleshouldbe
encouragedthatbothsidesaregoingtocometothetableandbeginaconversation.Ithinkthat'sapositivestep.
Ianticipatetherewillbemeetingseverysingleday,saidReed,notingtheywilllikelyinvolvefewerpeoplethantheworkgroupsthat
hadbeenmeetingpriortoTuesdaysbudgetveto.Reedsaidthoselargerworkgroups,someofwhichhad30or40participants,
includingstaff,justwerentproductive.
SodontexpecttheGeneralAssemblytoreturntothestateCapitolanytimesoon.
Thisisjustaconversationamonghighrankingstaffmembers,reducingthesizeoftheroomtomakecertainwecangettosomevery
seriousdiscussionsandthenoncewegetthroughthatprocessandthenbeginmovingforward,Ibelievethemajorityleaderwouldbe
abletocallfolksback,saidCosta.
Peopleneedtocometothetableinaseriouswaywithalimitednumberofplayerssothatwecannotjustputthingsonthetable,but
alsotakethingsoffthetabletoactuallygettoafinalagreement,Reedsaid.
Reedaddedmembersareonsixhournoticestartingnextweekincaseafinalbudgetagreementisreached.
Andifittakesanextendedperiodoftimebeforeanagreementisreached?
Ithinkcertainlythedaysaregone,aswehadunderGov.Rendell,whenhesentoutthefurloughnotices,atthebeginningofJune
beforethediscussionsevenstartedonafinalbudgetdocument,andthreatenedstateworkerstheywouldbelaidoffJuly1,saidReed.
SoIthinkthecourtrulingstookcareofthatsideoftheequation,sostateworkersarenotreallyindangerofnotgettingpaid.Now,I
thinkthebiggerimpactisonhumanserviceagenciesand,dependingonhowlongitgoeson,schoolsaswell.
ButtherewasoptimismexpressedWednesday.
Eventuallywe'regoingtogetthisdone,government'sgoingtocontinuetooperateandwewillhopefullycontinuetosendabilltothe
governorthatthistimehewillsignasopposedtowithholdinghissignature,Reedsaid.
AddedWolf:Ithinkwhat'shearteningaboutthismeetinghereisthatwe'reonthesamepageaboutdoingwhat'srightforPennsylvania,
I'mnotjustsayingthat,andweactuallyaredoingthiswithagreatdealofmutualrespect.We'regoingtoworktogether.
30
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/10/201510:34:10AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
CentreDailyTimes:LTE:Cormanneedstoshowleadership
CentreDailyTimes:LTE:Cormanneedstoshowleadership
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/07/10/4829432/lettertotheeditorcormanneeds.html
July10,2015
ThefirststatementmadebySenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanaftertheRepublicanonlycraftedbudgetwasvetoedby
thegovernorwasheownsitnow.Thatsleadership?
Inanyorganizationwhentheresaproblemtoresolve,theentireorganizationownstheproblem.Everyoneworkstogether
tocreateasolution.Andtheorganizationalleadersaretheonesresponsibletogeteveryoneelseintheorganization
involvedinhelping.ButapparentlyLeaderCormanisntinterestedinleadingotherstoresolvetheproblemhejustwants
toblamesomeoneelse.Comeonkids.Youallworkforus.Youallowntheproblem.
TIMEDKIN
BELLEFONTE
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Sent me:
Subject:
03/10/201501:51:44PM
CormanJake(R34)
Contact
Name
Company
Address
BusinessPhone
CellPhone
BusinessFax
Emailaddress(es):
JakeCorman(R34)
SenateofPennsylvania
SenateBox203034Harrisburg,PA171203034Room:350MainCapitol
From:
Smith,Kathie
Senttime:
06/16/201507:19:51AM
To:
Wolf,Thomas
Cc:
GVSeniorStaffMaldonado,JacobMelena,BethWillford,Jean
Subject:
Dashboard06162015
POTENTIALLEGISLATIVEAGENDA
TheHouseandSenateareinrecess.
TheSenteisscheduledtoreconvenetoday,Tuesday,Monday,June16that1:00pm.
TheHouseisscheduledtoreconvenetoday,Monday,16,2015
FloorActivity
HouseBillsonConcurrence
HB188(Sonney)AmendstheAgricultureAreaSecurityLaw,furtherprovidingfordefinitionsandforthepurchaseofagricultural
conservationeasements.
HouseFloor3rdConsideration
HB1256(Masser)AmendstheTaxReformCode,allowingforpoliticalsubdivisionstoeliminatetheoptionaloccupationaltaxby
usingtheearnedincometax,whilemaintainingtherevenuegeneratedbybothtaxesindependently.
HB1276(Watson)AnActamendingTitle23(DomesticRelations)clarifyingstipulationsforemployeesandadultvolunteerswho
workwithchildrenwhoarerequiredtoobtainbackgroundchecks.
SB397(Alloway)AmendsTitle42(Judiciary),providingforuniform,statewiderulesforoperatingasabailbondsmen.
SB485(Scarnati)AnActamendingTitle18(Crimes&Offenses),increasingpenaltiesforimpersonatingaphysician.
HouseFloor2ndConsideration
HB97(Costa,D.)CreatesthePennsylvaniaOfficerDownAdvisoryinordertoquicklynotifythepublicofasuspectwhohasinjured
amemberoflawenforcementwhoisatlarge.
HB235(Heffley)AnActamendingTitle18(Crimes&Offenses)&75(Vehicles),infalsificationandintimidation,raisingthe
offenseforimpersonatingapublicservantfromaseconddegreemisdemeanortoathirddegreefelony.
HB308(Caltagirone)AmendsTitle23(DomesticRelations),allowingforaformerorretiredjudge,justice,ormagisterialdistrict
judgewhohasnotservedafulltermtoperformamarriageceremony.
SB622(Mensch)AnActeliminatingcertainthefollowingdutiesoftheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommittee(BLOC):cost
benefitstudiesofmentalhealthinsurancecoverage,asmandatedbyAct1998150,annualstudiesontheimpactofslotsonthestate
lottery,andthePennDOTPerformanceAuditthatisconductedevery6years.
SB699(Yudichak)AuthorizesthedispositionoflandsinPlymouthTownship,LuzerneCounty.
SenateFloor3rdConsideration
SB352(Vogel)AmendstheRaceHorseIndustryReformActtoexpandthecommission,andmakechangestolicensure,fines,
andfees.
SB590(Tomlinson)AnActamendingthePASSHEIntellectualPropertyAct,furtherprovidingfortitleofact,forshorttitle,for
definitionsforrepeal.
SB687(Browne)AnActamendingTitle68(RealandPersonalProperty),ingeneralprovisionsforplannedcommunities,further
providingforapplicabilityoflocalordinances,regulations,andbuildingcodes.
SB688(Browne)AmendsTitle68(Real&PersonalProperty),withregardstogeneralprovisionsforcondominiums,further
providingforapplicabilityoflocalordinances,regulationsandbuildingcodes.
SB861(White)AnActamendingTitle75(Vehicles)
HB863(Benninghoff)AnActdesignatingaportionofRoute3006(CentreCounty)astheBellefonteVeteransBridge
SB880(Smucker)AmendsTitle35(Health&Safety),delayingtheuseoftheKeystoneExamaseitheragraduationorbenchmark
requirementfortheneedforparticipationinaprojectbasedassessmentuntilthe20182019schoolyears.
HB911(Barrar)AnActamendingTitle35,furtherprovidingforemergencytelephoneservice.
SenateFloorSecondConsideration
HB182(Grove)AmendsthePharmacyAct,furtherprovidingfortheauthoritytoadministermedicationsandimmunizations.
HB475(Adolph)AnActdesignatingaportionofRoute22/322(JuniataCounty)astheHonorableDanielF.ClarkMemorial
Highway.
SB663(Vulakovich)AmendsTitle20(DomesticRelations),furtherprovidingforsupportand,inchildcustody,furtherprovidingfor
considerationofcriminalconviction.
SB747(Vogel)AnActamendingtheMedicalCareAvailabilityandReductionofError(Mcare)Act,providingforastudyofpunitive
damagesimposingdutiesontheInsuranceCommissioner.
SB772(Gordner)AmendstheProfessionalPsychologistsPracticeAct,allowingapplicantstotakenecessarytestssooner.
CommitteeActivity
HouseFinance
HB1319(Marshall)AnActestablishingasavingsprogrambytheTreasuryDepartmenttoencourageeligibleindividualswith
disabilitiestosaveprivatefunds,fromwhichtheexpensesrelatedtotheirdisabilitymaybepaidtoassisttheminmaintaininghealth,
independence,andqualityoflife.
HB1205(Dunbar)EstablishestheResultsFirstProjectprovidesfordatacollectionandanalysis.
HouseTourismandRecreationalDevelopment
HB682(Murt)AnActamendingTitle75(Vehicles)makingseveralchangestoallterrainvehicles(ATVssegregatingthe
incomesandexpensesofATVsandsnowmobilesintherestrictedaccountwithinDCNR.
SenateTransportation
SB474(Rafferty)AnActamendingtheAdministrativeCode,furtherprovidingforgubernatorialappointments.
SB748(Argall)AmendsTitle75prohibitinganyindividualfromwillfullyrefusingtocomplywithanylawfulorderordirectionofany
certifiedescortvehiclewhoisactinginthecapacityadriverofacertifiedescortvehicle.
HouseJudiciary
HB123(Delozier)AnActamendingTitle42(Judiciary)requiringtheuseofcashbail,whichwouldotherwisebereturnedtothe
defendant,tobedivertedtopayforanyrestitution,fees,fines,andcostsincurred.
HB758(Toepel)AmendsTitle42(Judiciary),providingforpriorityrestitutionordersbycreatingameansforautomaticpayment
deductionsfromabankaccount.
HB1070(Costa,D.)AnActamendingTitle42(Judiciary),increasingcollectionsfromcourtorderedrestitutionfromcrimevictims
byensuringthattheordersarebeingenforcedatthecountylevel.
HB1089(Stephens)amendsTitle42(Judiciary)providesforproceduresforcollectionfrominmatesofrestitution,fees,costs,
finesandpenalties.
HB1687(Barbin)AnActrequiringtheDepartmentofRevenuetointerceptanystatetaxrefundduetosomeonewhohasan
outstandingrestitutionorder
ConfirmationMeetings
None
PRESSCLIPS
Budget
PLSReporter:Republicansclaimagreementreachedonstructuraldeficitadministrationsaysconversationsareongoing
http://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/artmid/472/articleid/760/Republicansclaimagreementreachedonstructuraldeficitadministrationsaysconversationsare
ongoing.aspx
OfficeofOpenRecords
PatriotNews:SenateGOP'sreactionmixedaboutWolf'sdecisiononArneson
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/senate_gops_reaction_mixed_abo.html
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Wolf:Openrecordschiefcanreturnfornow
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150616_Wolf__Open_records_chief_can_return__for_now.html#x8e6AtidZjgSdZkt.99
StatePolice
TribuneReview:BrownwithdrawsnamefromconsiderationtoleadPa.statepolice
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/857006274/brownpolicepennsylvania#ixzz3d9wewFkk
PittsburghPostGazette:Brownwithdrawsfromconsiderationforstatepolicecommissioner
http://www.postgazette.com/news/politicsstate/2015/06/15/Brownwithdrawsfromconsiderationforstatepolicecommissioner/stories/201506150158
BackgroundCheckFees
MeadvilleTribune:JohnFinnerty:Droppingfeesforvolunteersstirsconfusion
http://www.meadvilletribune.com/opinion/columndroppingfeesforvolunteersstirsconfusion/article_b324261a0dbe5a91b5484b014138c6e5.html
PatriotNews:HousedebateonbackgroundcheckslawpostponeduntilTuesday
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/house_debate_on_background_che.html#incart_river
Dea hPenalty
ABC27:Survey:MostPa.crimevictimssupportdeathpenalty
http://abc27.com/2015/06/15/surveymostpacrimevictimssupportdeathpenalty/
StateLegislature
AP:Pa.lawmakers''reformcaucus'toutsproposedgiftlimits
http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=Tzlxhg2J
COSSCHEDULE
8:15am9:30am
8:15am 9:30am
TraveltoHarrisburg
8:30am9:00am
SeniorStaffCall/BudgetListReview
Dialin#
Passcode
Staff:SeniorStaff
9:00am9:30am
ConfCallw/TomCroft
Pleasecall
Staff:COS
Attendees:TomCroft
9:30am10:00am
Callw/BairdBrown
Pleasecall
Staff:COS
Attendees:BairdBrown
10:00am10:15am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/SmylerprepforLegislativemeeting
GovernorsOffice
Attendees:Gov,COS,Shafer,Isenhour,Hanger,Albright,Smyler
10:15am11:00am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/SmylerLegislativemeeting(Senate&HouseR's)
238ConferenceRoom
Staff:Gov,COS,Shafer,Isenhour,Hanger,Albright,Smyler
Attendees:SenJoeScarnati,SenJakeCorman,RepMikeTurzai,RepDaveReed
11:30am11:45am
TraveltoCapitalCityAirport
11:30am12:00pm
ConfCallw/JoeNeubauer,ARAMARK
Pleasecall
Staff:COS
Attendees:JoeNeubauer
12:00pm12:30pm
TWW/McGintyCapitalCitytoPhiladelphiaviastateplanePilotsDoersom
/Swan
PhiladelphiaFBO=AtlanticAviation
12:30pm1:00pm
TraveltoPAConventionCenter
1:15pm1:30pm
InternationalBIOLuncheonclosingremarks
PAConventionCenter,1101ArchStreet,Philadelphia
Attendees:Gov,COS,DennisDavin,MichaelNutter,LarryMahan,JamesGreenwood,Dr.JaySiegel,TomBrokaw
1:30pm2:15pm
TourPAExhibits(72PACompanies)
PAConventionCenter
2:30pm3:30pm
TWW/McGinty/Albright/Sweetmeetingw/PhiladelphiaChamberExecutiveBoardPOCRobWonderling
ComcastCenter,56thFloor,OneComcastCenter,Philadelphia
Staff:Gov,COS,Albright,Sweet
Attendees:DavidCohen,RobWonderling,LisaCrutchfield,WaltDAlessio,NickDeBenedictis,HaroldEpps,JohnFry,Bill
Hankowsky,DenisOBrien,PhilRinaldi,BillSasso,NicolePullenRoss,JudeeVonSeldeneck
3:30pm3:45pm
TraveltoCornerBakery
3:45pm4:45pm
Mtgw/JohnFry
CornerBakery,1701MarketSt,Philadelphia
Staff:COS,Barsotti
Attendees:JohnFry
5:00pm5:30pm
Mtgw/BillGoodrich
CornerBakery,1701MarketSt,Philadelphia
Staff:COS,Barsotti
Attendees:BillGoodrich
5:30pm6:30pm
BudgetPlanningMtg
238ConferenceRoom/DialIn#
Passcode:
Staff:COS,Isenhour,Shafer,Hanger,Albright,Sheridan,Brunelle,Cross,Bane,Smith,Nicastre,Kernodle,Mead
DAILYINCIDENTREPORT
Thisreportcoverstheperiod6:00a.m.,June15,2015,through6:00a.m.,June16,2015.
STATUSREPORT:(asof6:00a.m.)
THREATSTATUS:
NationalTerrorismAdvisorySystem:
Therearenocurrentalerts.
EOCSTATUS:
StateEOCActivation:None
CountyEOCActivations:None
CAPABILITIESSTATUS:
PAAllHazardsType3IncidentManagementTeamMissionCapable
PATaskForce2(PATF2)Search&RescueMissionCapable
PATaskForce1(PATF1)UrbanSearch&RescueMissionCapable
INFRASTRUCTURESTATUS:
MajorRoadClosures:None
PowerOutageReports:Asof5:30a.m.,916customers.
TelephoneOutageReports:None
SIGNIFICANTEVENTS:
OPEN:
COMMERCIALSTRUCTUREFIREAdamsCounty,6/8/15CleanupcontinuesatthesiteoftheMillerChemical&FertilizerCo.firein
ConewagoTownship.TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectioniscoordinatingoperationswiththeprivatecontractor.
TEXASEMACREQUESTStateofTexas,6/10/15TheLogisticsSectionprocessedanEMACrequestfromtheStateofTexasforsix
DisasterRecoveryCenter(DRC)managers.ThemanagersdeployedtoAustin,TXyesterday.Onemanagerhasalreadybeenassigned
toopenaDRCinHouston.ThedeploymenthasthesixreturningtoPennsylvaniaon6/30/15.
ADVERSEWEATHERStateofPennsylvania,6/15/15Astrongline ofthunderstormspassedthroughtheCommonwealthof
Pennsylvaniaknockingdownpowerlinesandtrees,floodingroadways,andcausingnumerouspoweroutages.Therewerealsoreportsof
rockandmudslidesinthewesternpartofthestate.NumerousFlashFloodWarningswerealsoreceived.
CLOSED:
None
DISASTERDECLARATIONS:
None
CONTIGUOUSSTATEEVENTSOFPOTENTIALINTERESTTOPENNSYLVANIA:
Delaware:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
Maryland:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
NewJersey:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
NewYork:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
Ohio:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
WestVirginia:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
24hourProjectedWeatherStatewide:
NationalWeatherService,5:01a.m.,6/16/15:
AcoldfrontwillmovesoutheastfromtheGreatLakestoday.Showersandthunderstormswithheavydownpourswillbelikelyasitmoves
throughthestatetoday.
FairweatheronWednesdaywillbebriefaswarmhumidairagain movesnorthward.Thechanceofshowersandthunderstormswillreturn
forWednesdaynightandThursday.
Hightemperaturetodaywillrangefromthemid70sinErietoaround90degreesinPhiladelphia.
WATCHESANDWARNINGS:
ThereareFlashFloodWarningsforthefollowingcountiesuntil8:30a.m.:Allegheny,Armstrong,Beaver,Butler,Washingtonand
WestmorelandCounties.
ThereareFlashFloodWatchesforthefollowingcountiesuntil2:00p.m.:BedfordBlairCambriaCameronClearfieldElkMcKean
NorthernCentreNorthernClintonNorthernLycomingPotterSomersetTiogaWarren,AlleghenyArmstrongBeaverButlerClarion
FayetteFayetteRidgesForestGreeneIndianaJeffersonLawrenceMercerVenangoWashingtonWestmorelandWestmoreland
RidgesCrawfordNorthernErieSouthernErieCounties.
TROPICALWEATHEROUTLOOK:
LOTTERYREPORT
Totalsalesaredown$6,927,185.50(9.24%)fromthesameweeklastyear.Thisweekstotalsales$68,027,770.50
Instantsalesaredown$899,372.00(1.83%)fromthesameweeklastyear.Thisweeksinstantsales$48,180,114.00
Terminalbasegamesalesaredown$6,027,813.50(23.30%)fromthesameweeklastyear.Thisweeksterminalbasegamesales
$19,847,657.00
TodaysJackpots(LastYear)
PB$70($50)
MM$35($15)
M6$700,000($1,650,000)
Cash5$325,000($325,000)
KathieSmith|ExecutiveAssistanttotheGovernor
OfficeofGovernorTomWolf
Room225MainCapital|HarrisburgPA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
Email:
www.pa.gov
From:
Smith,Kathie
Senttime:
06/17/201507:31:41AM
To:
Wolf,Thomas
Cc:
GVSeniorStaffMaldonado,JacobMelena,BethWillford,Jean
Subject:
Dashboard06172015
POTENTIALLEGISLATIVEAGENDA
TheHouseandSenateareinrecess;theyarescheduledtoreconvenetoday,Tuesday,June17that1:00am.
FloorAc vity
HouseFloor3rdConsideration
HB97(Costa,D.)CreatesthePennsylvaniaOfficerDownAdvisoryinordertoquicklynotifythepublicofasuspectwhohasinjuredamemberof
lawenforcementwhoisatlarge.
HB235(Heffley)AnActamendingTitle18(Crimes&Offenses)&75(Vehicles),infalsificationandintimidation,raisingtheoffensefor
impersona ngapublicservantfromaseconddegreemisdemeanortoathirddegreefelony.
HB308(Caltagirone)AmendsTitle23(DomesticRelations),allowingforaformerorretiredjudge,justice,ormagisterialdistrictjudgewhohas
notservedafulltermtoperformamarriageceremony.
HouseFloor2ndConsideration
HB794(Gillespie)AnActamendingtheCountyCode,repealingprovisionsrelatingtohoteltaxandexcisetax;providesforhotelroomrentaltax
inthirdclasscoun es.
HB1110(Schreiber)AmendstheLiquorCode,limitingthenumberofretaillicensestobeusedineachcounty.
HB1119(Hill)AnActamendingthePublicSchoolCode,allowingschoolentitiestoapplytotheDepartmentofEducationformandatewaivers,
includingfortheSepara onAct,prevailingwage,andUSSteelproductsrequirements.
HB1196(Petri)AnActamendingtheLiquorCode,inlicenses®ulations,andliquor,alcohol,malt&brewedbeverages,furtherdefining
geographicallycon guousareas.
SenateFloor3rdConsideration
SB352(Vogel)AmendstheRaceHorseIndustryReformActtoexpandthecommission,andmakechangestolicensure,fines,andfees.
SB590(Tomlinson)AnActamendingthePASSHEIntellectualPropertyAct,furtherprovidingfortitleofact,forshorttitle,fordefinitionsfor
repeal.
SB663(Vulakovich)AmendsTitle20(DomesticRelations),furtherprovidingforsupport;and,inchildcustody,furtherprovidingforconsideration
ofcriminalconvic on.
SB861(White)AmendsTitle75(Vehicles),stipulatingthataninsurancecompanyshallprovideprimarycoverageofthirdpartyfinancialliability
obligationsandfirstpartyphysicaldamageobligationswhileavehiclethatisspecificallycoveredundertheinsuredsinsurancepolicyisbeing
repaired,serviced,inspected,ortransportedbyadealeroracer edagent.
SenateFloorSecondConsideration
HB73(Farry)AnActamendingTitle42(Judiciary),furtherprovidingforcounselingofsexuallyviolentpredators.
SB77(Alloway)AmendsTitle34(Game),furtherprovidingfordogtrainingareas.
SB129(Wiley)AnActamendingCountyPensionLaw,addingthatthetriennialcostoflivingincreaseneednotbecalculatedretroactivelyand
neednotapplythecostoflivingindexchangeforeachyearsincesuchpreviouscostoflivingincrease.
HB164(Stephens)AmendsTitle18(Crimes&Offenses),makingitathirddegreemisdemeanortoknowinglyownorpossessanimalfighting
paraphernalia.
HB175(Goodman)AmendsthePersianGulfConflictVeteransBenefitActbyextendingtheapplicationperiodforthe19901991PersianGulfWar
BonusProgramforthreeyears.
HB189(Sonney)AmendstheLiquorCode,inpreliminaryprevisions,allowingwineobtainadirectwineshipperlicensetheabilitytodeliver
directlytoPennsylvaniacustomersanunlimitedamountofwinetoanyci zenofthecommonwealth21yearsorolder,solelyforpersonaluse.
SB202(Schwank)AmendstheUniformCrimeReportingAct,inhighereducationsecurityinformation,furtherprovidingforreporting
requirementsincasesofsexualassault.
HB263(Gabler)Removesthecurrentprohibitiononhuntingwithanairriffle.
HB455(Keller)AnActamendingTitle34(Game),furtherprovidingforunlawfulactivitiesbyremovingtheprohibitiononrefusingtoanswer
certainques onsofthecommissionregardinganimals.
HB475(Adolph)AnActdesignatingaportionofRoute22/322(JuniataCounty)astheHonorableDanielF.ClarkMemorialHighway.
SB772(Gordner)AmendstheProfessionalPsychologistsPracticeAct,allowingapplicantstotakenecessarytestssooner.
HouseVeteransAairs&EmergencyPreparedness
HB784(Barbin)AnActamendingtheTaxReformCode,providingtheVetsFirsttaxcredittohonorveteransfortheirserviceandprovide
incen vesfortheiremployment.
HB687(Hanna)AmendstheHazardousMaterialEmergencyPlanning&ResponseAct;requiresthelocalemergencyplanningcommitteeto
includethe911coordinatorandaPEMArepresenta ve;requiresanowneroroperatorofanyfacilitythatmanufactures,uses,transports,
distributes,orsupplieshazardousmaterialtoprovideemergencyplanningno ca ontothecountyemergencymanagementcoordinator,911
coordinator,andregionalPEMAoce.
SB285(Baker)AmendsTitle51(MilitaryAffairs),furtherprovidingfortheVeteransTrustFund.
SenateCommunity,Economic&Recrea onalDevelopment
SB700(Ward)AmendsTitle4(Amusements),furtherprovidingforslotmachinelicensefee,supplier&manufacturinglicenses,slotmachine
licenses;providingfortablegamedevicetes ngandcer ca onstandards;furtherprovidingforinves ga on,enforcement,anddeten on.
SB385(Pileggi)AmendstheTransitRevitaliza onInvestmentDistrictAct,ingeneralprovisions;fordeni ons;inTRIDcrea onandloca on;TRID
planningstudy;landdevelopmentpowers;fordevelopmentorredevelopment;forpublicmee ng.
HB1154(Costa,D.)AnActamendingTitle75(Vehicles),repealingtheeliminationofthevehicleregistrationsticker.
HB1278(Emrick)AmendsTitle75(Vehicles);prohibitsdrivingamotorvehicleequippedwithanimagedisplaydevicelocatedatanypoint
forwardofthebackdriversseatorvisibletothedriverwhiledriving.
SenateEduca on
HB224(Christiana)ThePublicSchoolWebAccountabilityandTransparency(SchoolWATCH)ActrequirestheDepartmentofEducationtopostall
ofthenancialinforma onenumeratedinthelegisla onforeachpublicschoolen tyonlinebyMay31stofeachyear.
HB530(Reese)AnactamendingthePublicSchoolCode,providingatwoyearperiodwhentraditionalpublicschoolsdeductpension
contribu onsandfoodservicesontheirperpupilcalcula ontocybercharterschools.
HouseStateGovernment
HB564(Pickett)AdoptscelestineastheofficialStatemineral.
HB826(Gingrich)AmendsTitle45(LegalNotices),&71(StateGovernment),requiringexecutiveorderstohavefiscalnotes;repealsprovisionsof
Administra veCode
PRESSCLIPS
GovernorWolf
PhiladelphiaInquire:LTE:Takesasuperhero
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150616_Start_early_for_lifelong_learning.html
StateMarketplaceExchange
TheHill:TwostateswinapprovalforObamaCarebackupplans
http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/245034twostateswinapprovalforobamacarebackupplans
TheWashingtonPost:IfSupremeCourtupendshealthlaw,criticsandbackersmobilizefornextaction
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/healthscience/obamacarecriticsbackersmobilizeeffortsbeforesupremecourtruling/2015/06/15/6171843c106b11e5
972649d6fa26a8c6_story.html
Budget
PLSReporter:TightlipsandmixedreactionsfollowTuesdaybudgetmeeting
http://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/artmid/472/articleid/765/TightlipsandmixedreactionsfollowTuesdaybudgetmeeting.aspx
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Talkingpoints
h p://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/harrisburg_poli cs/Talkingpoints.html
Education
LNP:WhatcouldanewschoolfundingformulameanforPennsylvania?
http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/whatcouldanewschoolfundingformulameanforpennsylvania/article 16c936260a1911e59731231e36fc70d4.html
PittsburghPostGazette:Sevenof10Pa.schooldistrictsexpecttoraisetaxesfor201516schoolyear
http://www.postgazette.com/news/education/2015/06/16/7of10Paschooldistrictsexpecttoraisestaxesfor201516schoolyear/stories/201506160168
Pensions
TimesLeader:Editorial:Pennsylvaniapaystoomuch$720millionininvestmentfeesforpensionfunds
http://www.timesleader.com/news/editorial/154069050/OURVIEW$720Minfeessappedfrompensionfunds
OfficeofOpenRecords
YorkDailyRecord:Editorial:OpenrecordsfightawasteoftimeforWolf
http://www.ydr.com/opinion/ci_28317314/openrecordsfightwastetimewolfydropinion
ObserverReporter:Editorial:Wolfshouldgiveupfightoveropenrecordsdirector
http://www.observerreporter.com/article/20150615/OPINION01/150619645
COSSCHEDULE
8:15am9:30am
NationalTerrorismAdvisorySystem:
Therearenocurrentalerts.
EOCSTATUS:
StateEOCActivation:None
CountyEOCActivations:None
CAPABILITIESSTATUS:
PAAllHazardsType3IncidentManagementTeamMissionCapable
PATaskForce2(PATF2)Search&RescueMissionCapable
PATaskForce1(PATF1)UrbanSearch&RescueMissionCapable
INFRASTRUCTURESTATUS:
MajorRoadClosures:None
PowerOutageReports:Asof5:40a.m.,120customers.
TelephoneOutageReports:None
SIGNIFICANTEVENTS:
OPEN:
COMMERCIALSTRUCTUREFIRE/WATERSUPPLYANDCONTAMINATIONISSUESAdamsCounty,6/8/15Cleanupcontinuesat
thesiteoftheMillerChemical&FertilizerCo.fireinConewagoTownship.TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectioniscoordinating
operationswiththeprivatecontractorandismonitoringwaterwaysandwellsforcontamination.
TEXASEMACREQUESTStateofTexas,6/10/15TheLogisticsSectionprocessedanEMACrequestfromtheStateofTexasfor
sixDisasterRecoveryCenter(DRC)managers.ThemanagersdeployedtoAustin,TXyesterday.Onemanagerhasalreadybeen
assignedtoopenaDRCinHouston.ThedeploymenthasthesixreturningtoPennsylvaniaon6/30/15.TheDepartmentofHuman
Servicesprovidedthepersonnelforthedeployment.
ADVERSEWEATHERStateofPennsylvania,6/15/15Astrongline ofthunderstormspassedthroughtheCommonwealthof
Pennsylvaniaknockingdownpowerlinesandtrees,floodingroadways,andcausingnumerouspoweroutages.Therewerealsoreports
ofrockandmudslidesinthewesternpartofthestate.Numerousflashfloodandtornadowarningswerealsoreceived.Cleanup
operationsareinprogress.
CLOSED:
None
DISASTERDECLARATIONS:
None
CONTIGUOUSSTATEEVENTSOFPOTENTIALINTERESTTOPENNSYLVANIA:
Delaware:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
Maryland:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
NewJersey:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
NewYork:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
Ohio:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
WestVirginia:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
24hourProjectedWeatherStatewide:
NationalWeatherService,5:15a.m.,6/17/15:
Highpressurewillprovideadryandcomfortabledaystatewidetoday.AwarmfrontwillmovenorthwardintoPennsylvanialatertonight
andonThursday,againbringingthechanceofshowersandthunderstormsstatewideaswellasareturnofwarmhumidair.
Thehightemperaturetodaywillvaryfromthelower70sintheLaurelHighlandstothelower80sthroughoutsoutheasternPiedmont.
WATCHESANDWARNINGS:
None
TROPICALWEATHEROUTLOOK:
LOTTERYREPORT
Totalsalesareup$368,888.50(1.71%)fromthesameweeklastyear.
Thisweekstotalsales$21,956,572.00
Instantsalesareup$476,708.00(2.56%)fromthesameweeklastyear.
Thisweeksinstantsales$19,108,491.00
Terminalbasegamesalesaredown$107,819.50(3.65%)fromthesameweeklastyear.
Thisweeksterminalbasegamesales$2,848,081.00
TodaysJackpots(LastYear)
PB$70($50)
MM$44($20)
M6$700,000($1,650,000)
Cash5$450,000($450,000)
KathieSmith|ExecutiveAssistanttotheGovernor
OfficeofGovernorTomWolf
Room225MainCapital|HarrisburgPA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
Email:
www.pa.gov
From:
Smith,Kathie
Senttime:
06/23/201507:42:26AM
To:
Wolf,Thomas
Cc:
GVSeniorStaffMaldonado,JacobMelena,BethWillford,Jean
Subject:
Dashboard06232015
POTENTIALLEGISLATIVEAGENDA
TheHouseandSenateareinrecess.
TheHouseisscheduledtoreconvenetoday,Tuesday,June23rdat11:00am.
TheSenateisscheduledtoreconvenetoday,Tuesday,June23rd,at1:00pm.
FloorActivity
HouseFloor3rdConsideration
HB603(Grove)AmendstheSocialWorkers,Marriage&FamilyTherapists&ProfessionalCounselorsAct;furtherprovidingforStateBoardof
SocialWorkers,addingthatthemembersoftheBoardshallbealicensedmarriageandfamilytherapistoralicensedprofessionalcounselor;
increasespenaltiesforanyonewhostylesthemselveswiththelettersL.M.F.TorM.F.T,withoutreceivingalicenseasamarriageandfamily
therapist,fromamaximumof$1,000toamaximumof$10,000.
HB810(Thomas)AnActamendingTitle64(PublicAuthoritiesandQuasiPublicCorporations),furtherprovidingforSecondStageLoan
Program;providingforexpandedeligibilitycriteriaandadjustingloanguaranteestomarketconditions.
HB826(Gingrich)AmendsTitle45(LegalNotices),&71(StateGovernment),requiringexecutiveorderstohavefiscalnotes;repeals
provisionsofAdministrativeCode.
HB1070(Costa,D.)AnActamendingTitle42(Judiciary),increasingcollectionsfromcourtorderedrestitutionfromcrimevictimsby
ensuringthattheordersarebeingenforcedatthecountylevel.
HB1110(Schreiber)AmendstheLiquorCode,limitingthenumberofretaillicensestobeusedineachcounty.
HB1164(Murt)AnActamendingthePublicWelfareCode,expandingeligibilityforchildcaresubsidiesfromthoseearningupto235%ofthe
Federalpovertyincomeguidelines(FPIG)tothoseearningupto300%oftheFPIGandallowsforreducedchildcarecopaymentsbasedon
increasedwageearninghoursperweekperparent.
HouseFloor2ndConsideration
HB222(Regan)AmendsthePublicWelfareCode,inpublicassistance,prohibitingeligibilityforindividualsconvictedofdrugdistribution.
HB758(Toepel)AmendsTitle42(Judiciary),providingforpriorityrestitutionordersbycreatingameansforautomaticpaymentdeductions
fromabankaccount.
HB1089(Stephens)AmendsTitle42(Judiciary);providesforproceduresforcollectionfrominmatesofrestitution,fees,costs,finesand
penalties.
HB1319(Marshall)AnActestablishingasavingsprogrambytheTreasuryDepartmenttoencourageeligibleindividualswith
disabilitiestosaveprivatefunds,fromwhichtheexpensesrelatedtotheirdisabilitymaybepaidtoassisttheminmaintaining
health,independence,andqualityoflife.
SenateFloor3rdConsideration
HB164(Stephens)AmendsTitle18(Crimes&Offenses),makingitathirddegreemisdemeanortoknowinglyownorpossessanimalfighting
paraphernalia.
HB299(Baker)AnActamendingTitle35(Health&Safety),providingforincentivesformunicipalvolunteersoffirecompaniesandnonprofit
EMSagencies.
HB370(White)AmendsTitle35(Health&Safety),furtherprovidingforawardsofgrantstofirecompaniesandvolunteerservices
SB663(Vulakovich)AmendsTitle20(DomesticRelations),furtherprovidingforsupport;and,inchildcustody,further
providingforconsiderationofcriminalconviction.
HB775(Eichelberger)AnActamendingTitle11(Cities),consolidatingtheThirdClassCityCode;revisingrecordsofordinance,
quali icationsforcitytreasurer.
SB792(Wozniak)AmendstheFirstClassTownshipCode,incorporatepowers,furtherprovidingfortheboardoftownship
commissionerswithregardstobuilding&housinginspectors;andprovidingforUCC,propertymaintenancecode&powers.
SB793(Hutchinson)AnActamendingtheSecondClassTownshipCode,furtherprovidingforbuilding&housingregulations
andrepealingprovisionsrelatingtobuilding&housinginspectors;andforUCC,propertymaintenancecode&powers.
SB871(Eichelberger)AmendstheFirstClassTownshipCode,furtherprovidingforthecorporatepowerinvestedintheboard
oftownshipcommissioners
SB872(Eichelberger)AnActamendingtheSecondClassTownshipCode,furtherprovidingforobservancesbyaddingthatthe
boardmayappropriatefundsforsuchdecorationsas lowers,plaques,etc.,anamountupto$100inordertorecognizetheservice
orpassingofatownshipof icial,employee,orvolunteer.
SB873(Eichelberger)AmendsTitle8(BoroughsandIncorporatedTowns),furtherprovidingforspecificpowers.
SenateFloorSecondConsideration
HB14(Marshall)AmendstheLegislativeCodeofEthics,providingparametersforestablishingandoperatinglegislativenonprofit
organizations.
HB73(Farry)AnActamendingTitle42(Judiciary),furtherprovidingforcounselingofsexuallyviolentpredators.
SB77(Alloway)AmendsTitle34(Game),furtherprovidingfordogtrainingareas.
HB89(Harper)AmendsTitle42(Judiciary),furtherprovidingforautomaticretirementonage.
SB129(Wiley)AnActamendingCountyPensionLaw,addingthatthetriennialcostoflivingincreaseneednotbecalculatedretroactivelyand
neednotapplythecostoflivingindexchangeforeachyearsincesuchpreviouscostoflivingincrease.
HB175(Goodman)AmendsthePersianGulfConflictVeteransBenefitActbyextendingtheapplicationperiodforthe19901991PersianGulf
WarBonusProgramforthreeyears.
HB189(Sonney)AmendstheLiquorCode,inpreliminaryprevisions,allowingwineobtainadirectwineshipperlicensetheabilitytodeliver
directlytoPennsylvaniacustomersanunlimitedamountofwinetoanycitizenofthecommonwealth21yearsorolder,solelyforpersonaluse.
SB202(Schwank)AmendstheUniformCrimeReportingAct,inhighereducationsecurityinformation,furtherprovidingforreporting
requirementsincasesofsexualassault.
HB221(Caltagirone)AmendsTitle42requiringallministerialjudgestocompletecontinuingeducationcoursesforidentifyingmentalillnesses
andintellectualdisabilities.
HB263(Gabler)Removesthecurrentprohibitiononhuntingwithanairriffle.
SB430(Hughes)AnActamendingTitle61(Prisons&Parole),withregardtoStateintermediatepunishment,expandingittoincludegambling
addiction.
HB455(Keller)AnActamendingTitle34(Game),furtherprovidingforunlawfulactivitiesbyremovingtheprohibitiononrefusingtoanswer
certainquestionsofthecommissionregardinganimals.
SB474(Rafferty)AnActamendingtheAdministrativeCode,furtherprovidingforgubernatorialappointments.
SB524(Scarnati)AmendsTitle61(Prisons&Parole),establishingtheNonnarcoticMedicationAssistedSubstanceAbuseTreatmentGrant
Programinordertoincreaseopportunitiesforcountiestoprovidelonglastingnonnarcotic,nonaddictivemedicationcombinedwithsubstance
abusetreatmenttoeligibleoffendersuponreleasefromcountycorrectionalfacilities.
SB609(Mensch)AnActestablishingataskforceonprostatecancerandrelatedchronicprostateconditions.
HB664(Helm)AnActannuallydesignatingeverythirdSaturdayinJuneasJuneteenthNationalFreedomDaythroughoutthecommonwealth.
SB747(Vogel)AnActamendingtheMedicalCareAvailabilityandReductionofError(Mcare)Act,providingforastudyofpunitivedamages;
imposingdutiesontheInsuranceCommissioner.
SB811(Hughes)Actprovidingforthecapitalbudgetforthefiscalyear20152016.
SB875(Bartolotta)EstablishestheTreatedMineWaterAct,providingfortheuseoftreatedminewaterforoilandgasdevelopment;providing
immunityformineoperatorsfromliabilityforcost,injury,ordamageundercertainconditions.
CommitteeActivity
HouseStateGovernment
HB941(Regan)AnActamendingtheAdministrativeCode,reducingthelicensingfeesforadistilleryofhistoricalsignificance(beforeJanuary
1,1875)from$5,400to$1,200.
SB644(Folmer)AnActamendingTitle71(StateGovernment),inIndependentFiscalOffice,requiringtheIFOtoprovideacost
analysisforthecurrentand ivesubsequent iscalyearsoftheimpactofeachproposedcollectivebargainingagreementunderthe
jurisdictionoftheGovernorpriortoexecution.Theanalysisincludescostssurroundingpublicemployeewages,bene its,and
pensions.ThebillrequirestheOf iceofAdministrationandtheOf iceoftheBudgettosubmitcopiesoftheproposedagreements
totheIFOatleasttwoweekspriortoexecution.
SB645(Stefano)AnActprovidingfornoticeanddisclosureofproposedcollectivebargainingagreementsandrelateddocumentsandforopen
records.
HouseFinance
HB928(Mentzer)AmendstheCapitalFacilitiesDebtEnablingAct,decreasingtheamountofRACPobligationsby$50,000,000annually
beginningJuly1,2018untiltheoutstandingobligationis$2,950,000.
HB930(Toohil)AnActamendingtheCapitalFacilitiesDebtEnablingAct,limitingthespendingonRACPto$125millionannuallyandPublic
ImprovementProjects(PIP)to$350millionannually.
SenateEducation
SB910(Smucker)AmendsthePublicSchoolCode,providingforstudentweightedbasiceducationfunding.
HB224(Christiana)ThePublicSchoolWebAccountabilityandTransparency(SchoolWATCH)ActrequirestheDepartmentofEducationto
postallofthe inancialinformationenumeratedinthelegislationforeachpublicschoolentityonlinebyMay31stofeachyear.
HouseJudiciary
HB262(Baker)AnActamendingTitle68(Real&PersonalProperty),creatingaregistryforadultentertainmentestablishmentsaswellas
personsconnectedtothem;restrictsnudity;prohibitssuchestablishmentsfromsellingalcoholicbeverages.
HB1118(Vereb)AnActamendingTitle18(Crimes&Offenses),reestablishingtheIndependentCounselStatute,whichexpiredin2003,which
providedfortheprocessofinvestigatinganAttorneyGeneralandotherpublicof icials.
HB1205(Dunbar)AnActestablishingtheResultsFirstProgram;providingfordatacollectionandanalysis.
SenateJudiciary
SB296(Hughes)AmendsTitle18(Crimes&Offenses)and42(Judiciary),redefiningtheoffenseofreportingfalsealarmstoastateagency.
HB272(Neuman)AmendsSexualAssaultTestingandEvidenceCollectActfurtherprovidingforde initions,collectionofsexualassault
evidence;andprovidingfortherightsofsexualassaultvictims.
Con irmationHearings
SenateConsumerProtection&ProfessionalLicensure
PublichearingonthenominationofIanJ.HarlowasCommissionerofProfessionalandOccupationalAffairs
Tuesday,June23rd11:00am;Room461MainCapitol
PRESSCLIPS
GovernorWolf
PoliticsPA:PAGov:QuinnipiacPoll:WolfsApprovalRatingInchesto47%
http://www.politicspa.com/pagovquinnipiacpollwolfsapprovalratinginchesto47/67170/
QuinnipiacUniversity:June22,2015PollResults(Gov.Wolf,PAlegislaturementioned)
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/newsandevents/quinnipiacuniversitypoll/2016presidentialswingstatepolls/releasedetail?ReleaseID=2236
Budget
TribuneReview:GOPleaders,Gov.Wolfaccuseeachotherofbadfaithbudgetnegotiations
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/861173074/wolfstatesenate#axzz3dpEdOLoi
PatriotNews:Arestatebudgettalksatastandstill?GOPlawmakerssayyes
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/are state budget talks at a st.html#incart river
PatriotNews:Video:Democraticlawmakers:'We'renotgoingtonegotiateawayretirementsecurity'forpublicemployees
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/democratic_lawmakers_were_not.html#incart_river
PatriotNews:Video:Pa.Budget:Demssayboozeprivatizationholdinguptalks
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/06/pa budget dems say booze priva.html
PatriotNews:Video:RepublicanscriticizeGov.TomWolffor'notnegotiatingingoodfaith'onpensions
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/republicans_tell_gov_tom_wolf.html#incart_river
DepartmentNews
TribuneReview:ShellgetsstateairandwaterpermitsforproposedcrackerinBeaverCounty
http://triblive.com/business/headlines/861075574/shellpermitpermits#ixzz3dniJ6ilS
PAPressClub
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Wagnervs.Wolf
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/harrisburg_politics/WagnervsWolf.html
PatriotNews:Sen.ScottWagneronbeingabully,Wolf,giftbanandmore
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/sen scott wagner on being a bu.html
StateLegislature
MorningCall:DUIhearingforStateSen.PatBrownepostponed
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mcallentownpatbrownehearingpostponed20150622story.html
COSSCHEDULE
7:30am9:00am
TraveltoHarrisburg
8:30am9:00am
SeniorStaCall
DialIn
Pin
Sta:SeniorSta
9:00am10:00am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/Nicastre/Smylerre:Legisla vemee ng(strategy)
GovernorsOffice
Sta:Governor,COS,Shafer,SecyIsenhour,SecyHanger,SecyAlbright,Nicastre&Smyler
10:00am10:15am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/SmylerprepforLegisla vemee ng
GovernorsOffice
Sta:Governor,COS,Shafer,SecyIsenhour,SecyHanger,SecyAlbright&Smyler
10:15am11:00am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/SmylerLegisla vemee ng(Senate&HouseR's)
238ConferenceRoom
Sta:Governor,COS,Shafer,SecyIsenhour,SecyHanger,SecyAlbright&Smyler
A endees:SenJoeScarna ,SenJakeCorman,RepMikeTurzai&RepDaveReed
11:00am11:30am
Mtgw/SenJayCosta
535MainCapitol
Sta:COS&Barso
A endees:SenJayCosta
11:30am12:00pm
McGinty/KernodleMtgw/JimKenney
COSOce
Sta:COS&Kernodle
A endees:JimKenney
12:00pm12:30pm
McGinty/Bane/Hanger/AlbrightMtgw/Shell
238ConferenceRoom
Sta:COS,Bane,SecyHanger&SecyAlbright
A endees:JohnHines,SanjeevAyyar&MikelvanBeek
12:30pm1:00pm
McGinty/Hanger/Albright/BrunelleMtgw/MercyHealthSystem
238MainCapitol
Sta:COS,SecyHanger,SecyAlbright&Brunelle
A endees:KaraBeem,MarkBullock&CathyCardillo
1:00pm2:00pm
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/Nicastre/Smylerre:Legisla vemee ng(strategy)
GovernorsOffice
A endees:Governor,COS,Shafer,SecyIsenhour,SecyHanger,SecyAlbright,Nicastre&Smyler
2:00pm2:30pm
McGinty/Hanger/Shaferre:PrepforPML
COSOce
Sta:COS,SecyHanger&Shafer
2:30pm3:00pm
McGinty/Brunelle/Shaferre:PrepforPipeTrades
COSOce
Sta:COS,Brunelle&Shafer
2:00pm5:30pm
HOLD:BudgetNego a ons
GovernorsOffice
3:30pm4:00pm
Mtgw/RepHaroldEnglish
111RyanOceBuilding
Sta:COS&Barso
A endees:RepHaroldEnglish
4:30pm5:30pm
Mtgw/DennisYablonsky
Lobby,Hilton,OneN2n dStreet,Harrisburg
Sta:COS&Barso
A endees:DennisYablonsky
5:45pm6:00pm
TraveltoGovernorsResidence
6:00pm8:00pm
TWW/McGinty/Isenhour/HangerLegisla veDinner
GovernorsResidence
Sta:Governor,COS,SecyIsenhour,SecyHanger,Danowski,Spade,Hanna&Harris
A endees:MembersoftheHouseDemocra cCaucus
DAILYINCIDENTREPORT
Thisreportcoverstheperiod6:00a.m.,June22,2015,through6:00a.m.,June23,2015.
STATUSREPORT:(asof6:00a.m.)
THREATSTATUS:
NationalTerrorismAdvisorySystem:
Therearenocurrentalerts.
EOCSTATUS:
StateEOCActivation:None
CountyEOCActivations:None
CAPABILITIESSTATUS:
PAAllHazardsType3IncidentManagementTeamMissionCapable
PATaskForce2(PATF2)Search&RescueMissionCapable
PATaskForce1(PATF1)UrbanSearch&RescueMissionCapable
INFRASTRUCTURESTATUS:
MajorRoadClosures:None
PowerOutageReports:Asof5:30a.m.,2,101customers.
TelephoneOutageReports:None
SIGNIFICANTEVENTS:
OPEN:
COMMERCIALSTRUCTUREFIRE/WATERSUPPLYANDCONTAMINATIONISSUESAdamsCounty,6/8/15Cleanupcontinuesat
thesiteoftheMillerChemical&FertilizerCo.fireinConewagoTownship.TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectioniscoordinating
operationswiththeprivatecontractorandismonitoringwaterwaysandwellsforcontamination.
TEXASEMACREQUESTStateofTexas,6/10/15TheLogisticsSectionprocessedanEMACrequestfromtheStateofTexasfor
sixDisasterRecoveryCenter(DRC)managers.ThemanagersdeployedtoAustin,TXandarecurrentlyrunningfiveDRCs.The
deploymentisscheduledtoendon6/30/15.Texashasrequestedtoextendthedeploymentsforonetotwomoreweeks,depending
uponavailability,ortosendreplacementsforanyonewhoisunabletoextendtheirdeployment.TheDepartmentofHumanServices
providedthepersonnelforthedeployment.
BRIDGECOLLAPSEElkCounty,6/18/15WhileunderconstructiontheUS219PennsyBridgeinRidgewayBoroughcollapsed.
Thereweretwominorinjuriesandonecriticallyinjuredconstructionworker.Heavyequipmentfromtheconstructionsiteenteredthe
water.US219isclosedinbothdirectionsusingthecurrentdetoursetupforongoingconstructionwork.Thereisnoestimatedtimeof
reopeningtheroadway.
CLOSED:
NATURALGASLEAKBucksCounty,6/21/15AnaturalgasleakoccurredattheChesterfieldApartmentsat1300Veterans
Highway,MiddletownTownship.Fivebuildings,with12unitseachwereevacuated.Allresidentswereabletoreturntotheirunitsat
3:00p.m.,6/22/15.
WATERRESCUENorthamptonCounty,6/22/15AfemalejumpedoffofthebridgeonInterstate78Eastjustbeforethetollplaza
headingintoNewJersey.Thewomanwasneverlocatedinthewater.AllNorthamptonUnitsclearedthescene.NewJerseyassumed
responsibilityforanyothersearch/recoveryefforts.NorthamptonunitswillassistifrequestedbyNewJersey.
HIGHANGLERESCUENorthamptonCounty,6/22/15Ahighanglerescuewasconductedtoretrievetwofishermanwhofell
downontotherockswheretheDelawareandLehighRiversmergeinEastonCity.Bothsufferedleginjuriesandhadtoberemoved
usingstokesstretchers.
ROADCLOSURESchuylkillCounty,6/22/15AvehicleaccidentoccurredinaconstructionzoneonInterstate81NorthinPine
GroveTownshipclosingbothnorthandsouthboundlanesbetweenmilemarker100and104.Theroadwaywasclosedfortwohours.
DISASTERDECLARATIONS:
None
CONTIGUOUSSTATEEVENTSOFPOTENTIALINTERESTTOPENNSYLVANIA:
Delaware:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
Maryland:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
NewJersey:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
NewYork:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
Ohio:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
WestVirginia:Nosignificanteventsatthistime.
24hourProjectedWeatherStatewide:
NationalWeatherService,4:55a.m.,6/23/15:
AstormsystemoutaheadofanapproachingcoldfrontwillbringshowersandthunderstormstoPennsylvaniatoday.Giventhewarm
moistairmassoutaheadofthesystemandthestrongupperlevelwindsinsupportofthesystem, thereisaslightriskofsevere
stormsthroughcentralPennsylvaniaandanenhancedriskforseverestormsthroughthesoutheasternportion ofPennsylvaniatoday.
FairweatherwillprevailWednesday.
Thehightemperaturetodaywillrangefromthemid70sinErietothemid90sinPhiladelphia.Lowtemperaturestonightwillrange from
themid50sacrossthenorthernhalfofPennsylvaniatothemid60sacrossthesouthernportionofthestate.
WATCHESANDWARNINGS:
ASevereThunderstormWarninghasbeenissuedforCameron,ClearfieldandElkcountiesexpiringat7:15a.m.
ASevereThunderstormWarninghasbeenissuedforClinton,Lycoming,PotterandTiogacountiesexpiringat7:30a.m.
TROPICALWEATHEROUTLOOK:
LOTTERYREPORT
Totalsalesareup$3,045,259.50(4.55%)fromthesameweeklastyear.
Thisweekstotalsales$69,977,761.00
Instantsalesareup$3,566,684.00(7.89%)fromthesameweeklastyear.
Thisweeksinstantsales$48,744,992.00
Terminalbasegamesalesaredown$521,424.50(2.40%)fromthesameweeklastyear.
Thisweeksterminalbasegamesales$21,232,769.00
TodaysJackpots(LastYear)
PB$40($70)
MM$52($25)
M6$800,000($2,000,000)
Cash5$225,000($125,000)
KathieSmith|ExecutiveAssistanttotheGovernor
OfficeofGovernorTomWolf
Room225MainCapital|HarrisburgPA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
Email:
www.pa.gov
From:
Sturla,Michael<
Senttime:
07/08/201510:18:03PM
To:
Sheridan,JeffreyShafer,JosephMcGinty,KathleenHanger,John
Subject:
DowningtonSD
Intheattachedarticle,GovsaysDowningtonwouldhaveonlyreceived$300kmoreinRepublicanbudgetcomparedtolastyearvshis
planthatwouldsendanextra$1.3m.
ButtheGovfailedtomentionthattheRbudgetwasalsostiffingschoolsoutof2monthsSocialSecurityreimbursements.Accordingto
dataIgotfromPDE,Downingtownwouldhavebeenshorted$511,224inSSpaymentswhilegetting$251,247inBEFand$80,879in
specialedfindsforanetLOSSof$179,098comparedtofundstheyreceivedfromthestatelastyear.
Icansendyouthespreadsheetforall500SDsifyouwant.
Originalmessage
From:"Dawes,James"
Date:07/08/20155:10PM(GMT05:00)
To:"Sturla,Michael","Bohnke,Michelle","Brunner,Nicole","McIlmoyle,Ryan","Miller,Brandi"
Subject:Corman'sFlipFloponTaxes
GoodPoliticsPAarticlebelowthatshowsAdministrationcallingoutCormanshypocrisy:
Ithinkitneedstobemadeveryclearthatthisisgoingtobeawhileaslongasthegovernorholdsontotheneedforbroadbasedtax
increases,Cormansaidashelefthisearlyafternoonmeeting.WerecertainlyatanimpasseoverbroadbasedtaxesThosebroad
basedtaxincreasesarenotgoingtobeapartofthediscussions,andthatswhathewantsanduntilthatissuecanberesolved,were
goingtobehereawhile.[HarrisburgPatriotNews,
07/07/15<http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/impasse_in_pa_budget_talks_it.html>]
Soonerorlater,abroadbasedtaxincreasewillbenecessarytopayforit,Cormansaid.Whetherthatsnextyearortheyearafterthat,I
dontknow.Buttheyreincreasingatabilliondollarsayearandrevenuesarentkeepingup.[AssociatedPress,
06/28/14<http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/06/get_ready_for_the_big_gimmick.html>]
Mike,Downingtownactuallyhad$180,000cutifWolffactoredinthesocialsecuritypayment.
PABGT:Wolf,GOPSparoverEducationFunding
WrittenbyNickField,ManagingEditor
GovernorWolfistakingthebudgetfighttotheschoolsliterally.
AspartoftheGovsSchoolsthatTeachtour(youllrememberthatisoneofhisbudgetsthreepillars<http://www.politicspa.com/pagov
wolfdeliversfirstbudgetaddress/64204/>),WolfvisitedDowningtownSchoolDistrict<http://www.dasd.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=1>.
ThepeopleofPennsylvaniawantfundingforeducation,andtheysupportacommonsenseseverancetaxtopayforit,GovernorWolf
said.Whilemybudgetproposesahistoric$1billioninvestmentineducationatalllevels,including$500millionforK12education,the
Republicanbudgetcontinuesthehandoutsforoilandgascompaniesandtheunderfundingofourschools.Theirbudgetincludesonly$8
millionforeducationthatslessthan3cents,perchild,perday.
TheGovernorwentontoassertthathisbudgetplanwouldprovide$1.3millioninadditionalfundingtotheDowningtownSchoolDistrict,
whiletheRepublicansbudgetwouldgrantjust$300,000more.
JustdaysaftervetoingthelargeststatebudgetinPennsylvaniahistory,itlookslikeTomWolfisheadedbacktothecampaigntrail,
respondedPAGOPCommunicationsDirectorMeganSweeney.TomWolfvetoedahistoricstateinvestmentinourschoolsbecauseit
waspaidforwithoutraisingtaxes.
TomWolfstaxhikeswouldcostresidentsoftheDowningtownAreaSchoolDistrictnearly$27millioninnewtaxeslikeadiaperandday
caretax shecontinued.ItsnowonderthatGovernorWolfsbudgetwasunanimouslyrejectedintheStateHouse.ItstimeforTomWolf
tostepoffofthecampaigntrailandjoinwithRepublicansinsupportingafiscallyresponsiblebudget.
WolfandCorman
WolfsPressSecretaryJeffreySheridanalsocameoutswingingagainstSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormantoday.Whilethe
Administrationhasfrequentlybeensendingoutemails<http://www.politicspa.com/pagovwolfseekstoframebudgetdebate/67267/>
defendingtheirplanandpokingholesintheGOPbudget,directattackshavebeenrareforthem.
TherefusalbySenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanandRepublicanleaderstoacceptbasicmathandacknowledgePennsylvanias
massivestructuralbudgetdeficitisthesoleobstaclepreventingbudgettalksfrommovingforward,theemailbegins.
SheridangoesontoaccuseSen.Cormanofflipfloppingontaxincreases.
Strangely,todaysSenatorCormandoesntagreewiththeSenatorCormanofthepast.SenatorCormansleadershiptitleseemstohave
shiftedhisidealsonbudgetingandfinancialplanning.
TheypointtotwostatementsfromCormantoillustratethispoint,onefromyesterdayandtheotherfromlastyear:
Ithinkitneedstobemadeveryclearthatthisisgoingtobeawhileaslongasthegovernorholdsontotheneedforbroadbasedtax
increases,Cormansaidashelefthisearlyafternoonmeeting.WerecertainlyatanimpasseoverbroadbasedtaxesThosebroad
basedtaxincreasesarenotgoingtobeapartofthediscussions,andthatswhathewantsanduntilthatissuecanberesolved,were
goingtobehereawhile.[HarrisburgPatriotNews,
07/07/15<http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/impasse_in_pa_budget_talks_it.html>]
Soonerorlater,abroadbasedtaxincreasewillbenecessarytopayforit,Cormansaid.Whetherthatsnextyearortheyearafterthat,I
dontknow.Buttheyreincreasingatabilliondollarsayearandrevenuesarentkeepingup.[AssociatedPress,
06/28/14<http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/06/get_ready_for_the_big_gimmick.html>]
ThenotexactlysubtleinsinuationfromtheWolfteamisthatCormanwasfinewithtaxincreaseswhenGov.Corbettwasinchargebut
isnowagainstthemunderthenewGovernor.
PoliticsPAreachedouttoSen.Cormansofficebuthasyettohearback.
From:
Sturla,Michael<
Senttime:
07/08/201510:18:03PM
To:
Sheridan,JeffreyShafer,JosephMcGinty,KathleenHanger,John
Subject:
DowningtonSD
Intheattachedarticle,GovsaysDowningtonwouldhaveonlyreceived$300kmoreinRepublicanbud
getcomparedtolastyearvshisplanthatwouldsendanextra$1.3m.
ButtheGovfailedtomentionthattheRbudgetwasalsostiffingschoolsoutof2monthsSocialS
ecurityreimbursements.AccordingtodataIgotfromPDE,Downingtownwouldhavebeenshorted$511
,224inSSpaymentswhilegetting$251,247inBEFand$80,879inspecialedfindsforanetLOSSo
f$179,098comparedtofundstheyreceivedfromthestatelastyear.
Icansendyouthespreadsheetforall500SDsifyouwant.
Originalmessage
From:"Dawes,James"
Date:07/08/20155:10PM(GMT05:00)
To:"Sturla,Michael","Bohnke,Michelle","Brunner,Nicole","McIlmoyle,Ryan","Miller,Brandi"
Subject:Corman'sFlipFloponTaxes
GoodPoliticsPAarticlebelowthatshowsAdministrationcallingoutCormanshypocrisy:
Ithinkitneedstobemadeveryclearthatthisisgoingtobeawhileaslongasthegovernorh
oldsontotheneedforbroadbasedtaxincreases,Cormansaidashelefthisearlyafternoonme
eting.WerecertainlyatanimpasseoverbroadbasedtaxesThosebroadbasedtaxincreasesare
notgoingtobeapartofthediscussions,andthatswhathewantsanduntilthatissuecanbere
solved,weregoingtobehereawhile.[HarrisburgPatriotNews,07/07/15]
Soonerorlater,abroadbasedtaxincreasewillbenecessarytopayforit,Cormansaid.Wheth
erthatsnextyearortheyearafterthat,Idontknow.Buttheyreincreasingatabilliondoll
arsayearandrevenuesarentkeepingup.[AssociatedPress,06/28/14]
Mike,Downingtownactuallyhad$180,000cutifWolffactoredinthesocialsecuritypayment.
PABGT:Wolf,GOPSparoverEducationFunding
WrittenbyNickField,ManagingEditor
GovernorWolfistakingthebudgetfighttotheschoolsliterally.
AspartoftheGovsSchoolsthatTeachtour(youllrememberthatisoneofhisbudgetsthree
pillars),WolfvisitedDowningtownSchoolDistrict.
ThepeopleofPennsylvaniawantfundingforeducation,andtheysupportacommonsenseseverancet
axtopayforit,GovernorWolfsaid.Whilemybudgetproposesahistoric$1billioninvestment
ineducationatalllevels,including$500millionforK12education,theRepublicanbudgetconti
nuesthehandoutsforoilandgascompaniesandtheunderfundingofourschools.Theirbudgetincl
udesonly$8millionforeducationthatslessthan3cents,perchild,perday.
TheGovernorwentontoassertthathisbudgetplanwouldprovide$1.3millioninadditionalfundi
ngtotheDowningtownSchoolDistrict,whiletheRepublicansbudgetwouldgrantjust$300,000mor
e.
JustdaysaftervetoingthelargeststatebudgetinPennsylvaniahistory,itlookslikeTomWolf
isheadedbacktothecampaigntrail,respondedPAGOPCommunicationsDirectorMeganSweeney.To
mWolfvetoedahistoricstateinvestmentinourschoolsbecauseitwaspaidforwithoutraisingt
axes.
TomWolfstaxhikeswouldcostresidentsoftheDowningtownAreaSchoolDistrictnearly$27mill
ioninnewtaxeslikeadiaperanddaycaretax,shecontinued.ItsnowonderthatGovernorWol
fsbudgetwasunanimouslyrejectedintheStateHouse.ItstimeforTomWolftostepoffofthe
campaigntrailandjoinwithRepublicansinsupportingafiscallyresponsiblebudget.
WolfandCorman
WolfsPressSecretaryJeffreySheridanalsocameoutswingingagainstSenateMajorityLeaderJake
Cormantoday.WhiletheAdministrationhasfrequentlybeensendingoutemailsdefendingtheirpla
nandpokingholesintheGOPbudget,directattackshavebeenrareforthem.
TherefusalbySenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanandRepublicanleaderstoacceptbasicmathand
acknowledgePennsylvaniasmassivestructuralbudgetdeficitisthesoleobstaclepreventingbudg
ettalksfrommovingforward,theemailbegins.
SheridangoesontoaccuseSen.Cormanofflipfloppingontaxincreases.
Strangely,todaysSenatorCormandoesntagreewiththeSenatorCormanofthepast.SenatorCorm
ansleadershiptitleseemstohaveshiftedhisidealsonbudgetingandfinancialplanning.
TheypointtotwostatementsfromCormantoillustratethispoint,onefromyesterdayandtheothe
rfromlastyear:
Ithinkitneedstobemadeveryclearthatthisisgoingtobeawhileaslongasthegovernorho
ldsontotheneedforbroadbasedtaxincreases,Cormansaidashelefthisearlyafternoonmee
ting.WerecertainlyatanimpasseoverbroadbasedtaxesThosebroadbasedtaxincreasesaren
otgoingtobeapartofthediscussions,andthatswhathewantsanduntilthatissuecanberes
olved,weregoingtobehereawhile.[HarrisburgPatriotNews,07/07/15]
Soonerorlater,abroadbasedtaxincreasewillbenecessarytopayforit,Cormansaid.Wheth
erthatsnextyearortheyearafterthat,Idontknow.Buttheyreincreasingatabilliondoll
arsayearandrevenuesarentkeepingup.[AssociatedPress,06/28/14]
ThenotexactlysubtleinsinuationfromtheWolfteamisthatCormanwasfinewithtaxincreasesw
henGov.CorbettwasinchargebutisnowagainstthemunderthenewGovernor.
PoliticsPAreachedouttoSen.Cormansofficebuthasyettohearback.
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
07/15/201505:40:27PM
To:
Isenhour,MaryShafer,JosephHanger,JohnAlbright,RandolphNicastre,Mark
Subject:
FW:BudgetMeetingonTuesday,July21st
Whatdowemakeofthis????
From:MichaelTurzai<
Sent:Wednesday,July15,20155:01:29PM
To:JoeScarna ;JakeCorman;PatBrowne;JohnGordner;MichaelTurzai;DaveReed;WilliamAdolph;BryanCutler;McGinty,
Kathleen;Isenhour,Mary;Albright,Randolph;Hanger,John
Cc:
KarenCoates;ToddBrysiak;MarciaLampman;AnthonyAliano;DavidDonley;DanielleGuyer;John
Scarpato;RitchieLafaver;CurtSchroder
Subject:BudgetMee ngonTuesday,July21st
SenatorScarnatiandIwouldliketoextendaninvitationforyoutoattendabudgetmeetingonTuesday,July21st,
at3:00pminRoom401MainCapitol.HouseandSenateRepublicanLeaderswillbeinattendance.
WelookforwardtoseeingeveryoneonTuesday.
Thankyou,
MikeTurzai
Theinformationtransmittedisintendedonlyforthepersonorentitytowhichitisaddressedandmaycontainconfidentialand/orprivilegedmaterial.Anyreview,
retransmission,disseminationorotheruseof,ortakingofanyactioninrelianceupon,thisinformationbypersonsorentitiesotherthantheintendedrecipientis
prohibited.Ifyoureceivedthisinformationinerror,pleasecontactthesenderanddeletethemessageandmaterialfromallcomputers.
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
03/09/201509:24:24PM
To:
Shafer,Joseph
Subject:
FW:CentreDailyTimes:WolfvisitsWingateElementary,stumpsforeducationbudget
Thisisgood.Butitlookslikecormandidshowup
OriginalMessage
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Monday,March09,201505:51PMEasternStandardTime
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:CentreDailyTimes:WolfvisitsWingateElementary,stumpsforeducationbudget
CentreDailyTimes:WolfvisitsWingateElementary,stumpsforeducationbudget
Link:http://www.centredaily.com/2015/03/09/4641477_wolfvisitswingateelementary.html?rh=1
BYLORIFALCE
9,2015Updated9minutesago
Thelittlegirlranuptothefrontoftheclasstosortthewordsintocategories,usingapointertoclickononetileanddigitally
slideitintothesoundslikeboxonthescreen.
Gov.TomWolfleanedovertostateSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RBennerTownship.
IsaidtoJake,Thatdidnthappenwhenwewereinschool,thegovernorrecounted.
WolfwasatWingateElementarySchoolonMondaytoseehowtechnologyandnewteaching
techniquesareimpactingeducation.
Healsowastherewithamessage,urgingsupportofhisproposedbudget.
Inthegovernorsspendingplanfor201516,hewantstodramaticallyincreasemoneyfor
education,fromthelittlestlearnerstotheuniversitylevel.ForBaldEagleAreaSchoolDistrict,that
wouldmeangoingfromthe$725,000cutoverthelastfouryearstoa$484,606increaseinjust
oneyear.
ItsnotjustagoodthingforBaldEagle,Wolfsaid.IcareaboutwhathappensinschoolsinErie,
inPhiladelphia,inStateCollege.
Wolfsaidhewantstorevamphoweducationisfunded,frombeingaboutlocalpropertytaxto
relyingmoreonstatecontributions.
Wereallyneedtoinvestineducation,hesaid.
Cormandisagreed.Althoughhewaspresentforthetour,hesaidafterWolfleftthattheplanwas
notpractical.Cormanadvocatedaddressingpensionissuesthatarecreatingcriticalproblemsfor
localschooldistricts,sayingthatwoulddomoretoincreasetheamountofmoneydistrictshaveat
theirdiscretion.
ButschoolboardmemberssuchasBellefontesBobLumleySapanskiareexcitedaboutthe
prospectsofthegovernorsproposal.
Itsbeentightgivingthekidstheeducationtheyneedtobesuccessful,hesaidafterthetour.I
knowthisisastartingpoint...butImoptimistic.
WingatePrincipalJimOrichoskysaidhehopestoseethefundingapproved.Hewantstorollthe
moneyintoadditionaltechnology,likethesmartboardsWolfsawinfirstgrade.
Thesmartboardsareinonlyfourclassroomsinthekindergartenthroughfifthgradebuilding,with
twomoreinbroaderareaslikethelibrary.Orichoskysaidhealsowouldliketoincreasethe
numberofChromebooksforstudents.Rightnow,Wingatehas90ofthemoncartsthatcanbe
usedindifferentclassrooms.Thereareabout400studentsinthebuilding.
Wehave21stcenturylearners.Wewanttomakesurewehave21stcenturytools,hetoldthe
governor.Ourstudentsliveinaninteractiveworldnow.
Orichoskyalsosaidhewouldliketoseethedistrictdevelopacomprehensivepreschoolprogram.
Wolfsaidhedoesntplantodictatehowthenewmoneywillbespent.
Themoneygoesintotheclassroom,hesaid.Everyschoolboardneedstobeinchargeofhow
theyspendtheirmoney.
Hedid,however,talkabouttheimportanceofaccountabilityandhowstandardizedtestingfitsinto
thepicture.
Thereisagoodcasetobemadeforaccountability.Wewanttomakesurewearegettingareturn
onourinvestment,Wolfsaid.Hesaidhedidntbelievethathighstakestestingshouldbea
focusofeducation.
Thatsnotthewaytogo,hesaid.
Thefinalbudgetwillnotbeknownformonths.Thelasttwoadministrationshavefacedshowdowns
withthelegislatureoverbudgetnegotiations.
LoriFalcecanbereachedat
FollowheronTwitter@LoriFalce.
Readmorehere:http://www.centredaily.com/2015/03/09/4641477_wolfvisitswingateelementary.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
03/09/201509:24:24PM
To:
Shafer,Joseph
Subject:
FW:CentreDailyTimes:WolfvisitsWingateElementary,stumpsforeducationbudget
Thisisgood.Butitlookslikecormandidshowup
OriginalMessage
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Monday,March09,201505:51PMEasternStandardTime
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:CentreDailyTimes:WolfvisitsWingateElementary,stumpsforeducationbudget
CentreDailyTimes:WolfvisitsWingateElementary,stumpsforeducationbudget
Link:http://www.centredaily.com/2015/03/09/4641477_wolfvisitswingateelementary.html?rh=1
BYLORIFALCE
9,2015Updated9minutesago
Thelittlegirlranuptothefrontoftheclasstosortthewordsintocategories,usingapointertoclickononetileanddigitally
slideitintothesoundslikeboxonthescreen.
Gov.TomWolfleanedovertostateSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RBennerTownship.
IsaidtoJake,Thatdidnthappenwhenwewereinschool,thegovernorrecounted.
WolfwasatWingateElementarySchoolonMondaytoseehowtechnologyandnewteaching
techniquesareimpactingeducation.
Healsowastherewithamessage,urgingsupportofhisproposedbudget.
Inthegovernorsspendingplanfor201516,hewantstodramaticallyincreasemoneyfor
education,fromthelittlestlearnerstotheuniversitylevel.ForBaldEagleAreaSchoolDistrict,that
wouldmeangoingfromthe$725,000cutoverthelastfouryearstoa$484,606increaseinjust
oneyear.
ItsnotjustagoodthingforBaldEagle,Wolfsaid.IcareaboutwhathappensinschoolsinErie,
inPhiladelphia,inStateCollege.
Wolfsaidhewantstorevamphoweducationisfunded,frombeingaboutlocalpropertytaxto
relyingmoreonstatecontributions.
Wereallyneedtoinvestineducation,hesaid.
Cormandisagreed.Althoughhewaspresentforthetour,hesaidafterWolfleftthattheplanwas
notpractical.Cormanadvocatedaddressingpensionissuesthatarecreatingcriticalproblemsfor
localschooldistricts,sayingthatwoulddomoretoincreasetheamountofmoneydistrictshaveat
theirdiscretion.
ButschoolboardmemberssuchasBellefontesBobLumleySapanskiareexcitedaboutthe
prospectsofthegovernorsproposal.
Itsbeentightgivingthekidstheeducationtheyneedtobesuccessful,hesaidafterthetour.I
knowthisisastartingpoint...butImoptimistic.
WingatePrincipalJimOrichoskysaidhehopestoseethefundingapproved.Hewantstorollthe
moneyintoadditionaltechnology,likethesmartboardsWolfsawinfirstgrade.
Thesmartboardsareinonlyfourclassroomsinthekindergartenthroughfifthgradebuilding,with
twomoreinbroaderareaslikethelibrary.Orichoskysaidhealsowouldliketoincreasethe
numberofChromebooksforstudents.Rightnow,Wingatehas90ofthemoncartsthatcanbe
usedindifferentclassrooms.Thereareabout400studentsinthebuilding.
Wehave21stcenturylearners.Wewanttomakesurewehave21stcenturytools,hetoldthe
governor.Ourstudentsliveinaninteractiveworldnow.
Orichoskyalsosaidhewouldliketoseethedistrictdevelopacomprehensivepreschoolprogram.
Wolfsaidhedoesntplantodictatehowthenewmoneywillbespent.
Themoneygoesintotheclassroom,hesaid.Everyschoolboardneedstobeinchargeofhow
theyspendtheirmoney.
Hedid,however,talkabouttheimportanceofaccountabilityandhowstandardizedtestingfitsinto
thepicture.
Thereisagoodcasetobemadeforaccountability.Wewanttomakesurewearegettingareturn
onourinvestment,Wolfsaid.Hesaidhedidntbelievethathighstakestestingshouldbea
focusofeducation.
Thatsnotthewaytogo,hesaid.
Thefinalbudgetwillnotbeknownformonths.Thelasttwoadministrationshavefacedshowdowns
withthelegislatureoverbudgetnegotiations.
LoriFalcecanbereachedat
FollowheronTwitter@LoriFalce.
Readmorehere:http://www.centredaily.com/2015/03/09/4641477_wolfvisitswingateelementary.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
05/13/201509:02:05AM
To:
Failor,Debra
Subject:
FW:JointStatementonSB1
Plscirculatetosweet,hanger,nicastre,shafer,sheridan,isenhour
________________________________________
From:SenatorVincentHughes[
Sent:Wednesday,May13,20155:10AM
To:McGinty,Kathleen
Subject:Fwd:JointStatementonSB1
Letmeknowthatyou'vereceivedthis.
SentfrommyVerizonWireless4GLTEsmartphone
Originalmessage
From:JenniferBeer
Date:05/12/20158:28PM(GMT05:00)
To:SenatorAnthonyWilliams,
PASenatorChristineTartaglione,PASenat
orShirleyKitchen,PASenatorArtHaywood,PASenatorJudySchwank,PASenatorJohnYudichak,PA
SenatorLisaBoscola,PASenatorJohnWozniak,PASenatorMattSmith,PASenatorWayneFontana,PA
SenatorJayCosta,PASenatorJamesBrewster,PASenatorSeanWiley,SenatorJohnBlake,Senator
LawrenceFarnese,SenatorRobTeplitz,
SenatorVincentHughes,"'
'","'
,SenatorBobMensch,SenatorCameraBartolotta,SenatorChuck
McIlhinney,SenatorDavidArgall,SenatorDominicPileggi,SenatorDonWhite,SenatorElderVogel
,SenatorGeneYaw,SenatorJakeCorman,SenatorJohnEichelberger,SenatorJohnGordner,SenatorJ
ohnRafferty,SenatorJoeScarnati,SenatorKimWard,SenatorElisabethBaker,SenatorLloydSmuck
er,SenatorMicheleBrooks,SenatorMarioScavello,SenatorPatBrowne,SenatorPatStefano,Senat
orRyanAument,SenatorRobertTomllinson,SenatorRandyVulakovich,SenatorStewartGreenleaf,Se
natorScottHutchinson,SenatorScottWagner,SenatorThomasMcGarrigle,SenatorPatVance
Subject:JointStatementonSB1
>>>"JenniferBeer"20150512T20:28:05.954554>>>
SentonbehalfofDennisYablonsky
DearHonorableMembersofthePASenate:
TheGreaterPhiladelphiaChamberofCommerce,theGreaterPittsburghChamberofCommerce,andthe
AlleghenyConferenceonCommunityDevelopmentarewritingtoissuetheirsupportfortheprinciple
sofpensionreformlegislationasembodiedinSenateBill1.
WethankandapplaudSenatorCormanandSenateleadershipfortheireffortstointroducethislegi
slationandaddressthiscriticalproblem.OurorganizationswillcontinuetoworkwithHouseand
SenateleadersandtheWolfAdministrationtoachievemeaningful,lastingpensionreform.
EmployersinPittsburghandPhiladelphiaknowthatpublicpensionreformisneededifwearetogr
owoureconomyandimprovegovernmentoperations.Today,Pennsylvaniaisfacingasizeablestructu
raldeficit.Withoutlegislativeaction,ourpensionobligationswillcontinuetoconsumelargerp
ortionsofthestatebudgetandfurtherstraintheabilityofgovernments,andschooldistrictsto
maintain,letaloneimprove,basicservices.
Again,weencourageallmembersofthePennsylvaniaSenatetosupportthispensionreformlegislat
ion.
Sincerely,
DennisYablonsky
CEO,AlleghenyConferenceonCommunityDevelopment
CEO,GreaterPittsburghChamberofCommerce
RobWonderling
President&CEO,GreaterPhiladelphiaChamberofCommer
Thismessageandanyattachmentmaycontainprivilegedorconfidentialinformationintendedsolely
fortheuseofthepersontowhomitisaddressed.Ifthereaderisnottheintendedrecipientth
enbeadvisedthatforwarding,communicating,disseminating,copyingorusingthismessageorits
attachmentsisstrictlyprohibited.Ifyoureceivethismessageinerror,pleasenotifythesender
immediatelyanddeletetheinformationwithoutsavinganycopies.
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
05/13/201509:02:05AM
To:
Failor,Debra
Subject:
FW:JointStatementonSB1
Plscirculatetosweet,hanger,nicastre,shafer,sheridan,isenhour
________________________________________
From:SenatorVincentHughes
Sent:Wednesday,May13,20155:10AM
To:McGinty,Kathleen
Subject:Fwd:JointStatementonSB1
Letmeknowthatyou'vereceivedthis.
SentfrommyVerizonWireless4GLTEsmartphone
Originalmessage
From:JenniferBeer
Date:05/12/20158:28PM(GMT05:00)
To:SenatorAnthonyWilliams
PASenatorChristineTartaglione,PASenatorShirleyKitchen,PA
SenatorArtHaywood,PASenatorJudySchwank,PASenatorJohnYudichak,PASenatorLisaBoscola,PASenatorJohnWozniak
,PASenatorMattSmith,PASenatorWayneFontana,PASenatorJayCosta,PASenatorJamesBrewster,PASenatorSeanWiley
,SenatorJohnBlake,SenatorLawrenceFarnese,SenatorRobTeplitz
SenatorVincentHughes
,"
,"
,SenatorBobMensch,SenatorCameraBartolotta,SenatorChuckMcIlhinney,Senator
DavidArgall,SenatorDominicPileggi,SenatorDonWhite,SenatorElderVogel,SenatorGeneYaw,SenatorJakeCorman,Senator
JohnEichelberger,SenatorJohnGordner,SenatorJohnRafferty,SenatorJoeScarnati,SenatorKimWard,SenatorElisabethBaker
,SenatorLloydSmucker,SenatorMicheleBrooks,SenatorMarioScavello,SenatorPatBrowne,SenatorPatStefano,SenatorRyan
Aument,SenatorRobertTomllinson,SenatorRandyVulakovich,SenatorStewartGreenleaf,SenatorScottHutchinson,SenatorScott
Wagner,SenatorThomasMcGarrigle,SenatorPatVance
Subject:JointStatementonSB1
>>>"JenniferBeer"20150512T20:28:05.954554>>>
SentonbehalfofDennisYablonsky
DearHonorableMembersofthePASenate:
TheGreaterPhiladelphiaChamberofCommerce,theGreaterPittsburghChamberofCommerce,andtheAlleghenyConferenceon
CommunityDevelopmentarewritingtoissuetheirsupportfortheprinciplesofpensionreformlegislationasembodiedinSenateBill1.
WethankandapplaudSenatorCormanandSenateleadershipfortheireffortstointroducethislegislationandaddressthiscritical
problem.OurorganizationswillcontinuetoworkwithHouseandSenateleadersandtheWolfAdministrationtoachievemeaningful,
lastingpensionreform.
EmployersinPittsburghandPhiladelphiaknowthatpublicpensionreformisneededifwearetogrowoureconomyandimprove
governmentoperations.Today,Pennsylvaniaisfacingasizeablestructuraldeficit.Withoutlegislativeaction,ourpensionobligationswill
continuetoconsumelargerportionsofthestatebudgetandfurtherstraintheabilityofgovernments,andschooldistrictstomaintain,let
aloneimprove,basicservices.
Again,weencourageallmembersofthePennsylvaniaSenatetosupportthispensionreformlegislation.
Sincerely,
DennisYablonsky
CEO,AlleghenyConferenceonCommunityDevelopment
CEO,GreaterPittsburghChamberofCommerce
RobWonderling
President&CEO,GreaterPhiladelphiaChamberofCommer
Thismessageandanyattachmentmaycontainprivilegedorconfidentialinformationintendedsolelyfortheuseofthepersontowhomit
isaddressed.Ifthereaderisnottheintendedrecipientthenbeadvisedthatforwarding,communicating,disseminating,copyingorusing
thismessageoritsattachmentsisstrictlyprohibited.Ifyoureceivethismessageinerror,pleasenotifythesenderimmediatelyand
deletetheinformationwithoutsavinganycopies.
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
06/08/201506:47:54PM
To:
Failor,Debra
Subject:
FW:KAMSchedule6/9/15
From:Karge,Jenna
Sent:Monday,June8,20154:55:06PM
To:Failor,Debra;Barso ,Michael;Ghormoz,Robert;McGinty,Kathleen;Phillips,Betsy(GOV);Shafer,Joseph;Smith,Kathie;
Cross,Elena;Brunelle,Michael;Bane,Yesenia;McKeon,Catherine;Woodbury,Ka e;Smith,Mark;Sweet,David;Willford,Jean
Subject:KAMSchedule6/9/15
ChiefofStaKa eMcGinty
Tuesday,June9,2015
Loca on:Harrisburg/Philadelphia
Weather:Harrisburg,AMShowers,83,60;Philadelphia,AMThunderstorms,87,64
Session:House&Senate
8:15am9:30am
TraveltoHarrisburg
8:30am9:00am
SeniorStaCall
Dialin
Passcode
Sta:SeniorSta
9:30am9:50am
Mee ngre:MarketEastMall
ConferencecallDialin:
Pin:
Sta:COS,Albright,Davin,Bane,Dunkelberger
10:00am10:15am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/SmylerprepforLegisla vemee ng
GovernorsOffice
Sta:Gov,COS,Shafer,Isenhour,Hanger,Albright,Smyler
10:15am11:00am
TWW/McGinty//Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/SmylerLegisla vemee ng(Senate&HouseR's)
238ConferenceRoom
Sta:Gov,COS,Shafer,Isenhour,Hanger,Albright,Smyler
A endees:JoeScarna ,JakeCorman,MikeTurzai,DaveReed
11:00am11:20am
McGinty/SmithMtgw/KevinAcklin
COSOce
Sta:COS,MarkSmith
A endees:KevinAcklin
11:30am12:00pm
Mtgw/SenBobMensch
16EastWing
Sta:COS,MikeBarso
A endees:SenBobMensch
12:30pm12:50pm
Mtgw/SenWagner
187MainCapitol
Sta:COS,MikeBarso
A endees:SenSco Wagner
1:00pm2:30pm
TraveltoWayne
2:30pm3:00pm
PersonalAppointment
3:00pm4:00pmYoumaya endviaphone.
Hanger/McGintymee ngwithNelsonMullins
ConferenceRoom238
A endees:Hanger,RonKlink,MickNardelli,GeorgeMcElwee,KeithPemrick
JennaKarge|Administra veAssistanttotheChiefofSta
OceofGovernorTomWolf
Room225MainCapitol|HarrisburgPA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
Email:
www.pa.gov
PRIVILEGEDANDCONFIDENTIALCOMMUNICATION
Theinforma ontransmi edisintendedonlyforthepersonoren tytowhomitisaddressedandmaycontain
conden aland/orprivilegedmaterial.Anyuseofthisinforma onotherthanbytheintendedrecipientisprohibited.If
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From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
03/20/201510:28:36PM
To:
Vince(D7)Hughes<
Subject:
FW:MorningCall:SecretrecordingescalatesflapoverGov.TomWolf'spickforstatepolicecommissioner
OriginalMessage
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Friday,March20,201508:53PMEasternStandardTime
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:MorningCall:SecretrecordingescalatesflapoverGov.TomWolf'spickforstatepolicecommissioner
MorningCall:SecretrecordingescalatesflapoverGov.TomWolf'spickforstatepolicecommissioner
Link:http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpawolfbrownstatepoliceuniform20150320story.html#page=1
BySteveEsack
March20,2015
AFacebookcampaignsomeretiredandcurrentPennsylvaniastatetrooperslaunchedagainstGov.TomWolf'spicktoleadtheagency
hashitthestreets,thehallsoftheCapitolandtheconfinesofasmallsuburbanpoliceforce.
AgroupofRepublicansenatorssenttheDemocraticgovernoraletterFridayurginghimtorescindtheappointmentofCol.Marcus
Brown,aformerCaliforniaandMarylandpoliceofficer,ascommissioner.
TheSenatelettercameafterBrownfoundhimselfundersurveillancebyaretiredtrooperwhoplantedroadsidesignscriticalofhis
appointmentnearBrown'ssuburbanHarrisburghome.
Theextrooper,sittinginaparkedcar,videotapedBrownonWednesdayremovingthesignsthatcriticizedhimforwearingthe
department'sgrayuniformeventhoughhedidn'tgraduatefromtheStatePoliceAcademy.
ThereisnorulethatsaysBrowncannotweartheuniformandhesayshedoessoasashowofrespectforthetroopershewilllead.
Butsometroopersbelieveitisafauxpasandthereshouldbealawagainstit,Facebookpostsshows.
TheextrooperlethisdispleasurewithBrown'sfashionchoicebeknownwhenhegavehisrecordingtoaHarrisburgtelevisionnews
station.
TheABC27airedthefootageinstories,includingonethataskedwhetherBrownshouldbechargedwiththefteventhoughthereisno
statelawagainstremovingpoliticalsignsfromapublicrightofway.
InastatementissuedlateThursdaynight,Brownsaidhewassorryfortakingthe"MarcusBrowndidn'tearnit!MarcusBrowndon't
wearit!"signsbutsaidhewastryingtoprotecthisfamily.
"Afterseeingthesignsandrealizingthatsomeonehadinvadedmyfamily'sprivacy,Iactedhastilywithoutconsideringmyroleandthe
leadershippositionIholdinthecommonwealth,"Brownsaid."MyactionsclearlydidnotreflectwellonmeortheorganizationI
represent,andIregretthat."
TheMorningCallhasidentifiedtheextrooperasAnthony"Tony"DeLuca.Heworkedfrom1986untilhisretirementin2011asa
sergeantandbarrackscommanderinwesternPennsylvania.DeLucanowworksassecurityspecialistforagascompany,FracTech
ServicesinCanonsburg,WashingtonCounty.
"Iamavictimofacrime,"DeLucasaid.
Stealingapoliticalsignisconsideredtheftunderstatecriminallawonlyifitisremovedfromprivateproperty.Thereisnolawagainst
removingpoliticalsignsfrompublicland,whichABC27'sfootageshowsBrowndoing.
"Ifit'soutontheroadway,it'sjustabandonedproperty,"saidNorthamptonCountyDistrictAttorneyJohnMorganelli,aDemocrat,who
spokeonlyaboutstatelawandnotthefeudoverWolf'sselection.
Toldbyareporterthatthetheftlawdoesnotcoverpublicland,DeLucareferredquestionstotheHampdenTownshipPoliceDepartment
andtheCumberlandCountydistrictattorney'soffice.
HampdenTownshippoliceChiefSteveJunkinapparentlydoesnotsupportBrowneither.
Junkin,aretiredstatepolicecommander,wrotetwoFacebookpostscriticalofBrown,accordingtoPennlive/ThePatriotNews.
"Itoowilldoeverythinginmypowertoseethatyoudon'tweartheuniformofaPSPtrooper,"PennLivereportedJunkinwroteinaJan.
31Facebookpost.
InaninterviewwithPennlive/ThePatriotNews,Junkinsaidheistheauthorofthepost.HealsosaidheforwardedtheBrown
investigationtoCumberlandCountyDistrictAttorneyDaveFreed.
Freed,aRepublican,didnotreturncallsforcommentfromTheMorningCall.
JennKocher,spokeswomanforSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,defendedthesenators'letterbutcouldnotcitethe
statelawBrownallegedlyviolated.
"Wearenotsayingheviolatedstatelaw,"Kochersaid."Wearesayingheisunderinvestigationforviolatingstatelaw,whichthe
townshippolicehaveconfirmedinnumerousinterviews."
AskedonFridayaboutthegrowingcontroversy,WolfbackedBrownandsaidhedidnotunderstandthecontroversy.
"Hewasactingasafatherandhewasupsetwithwhathesaw,andhe'sapologized,"saidWolf,whowasinPhiladelphia."Ichosehim
becausehewasabeatcopinBaltimore.HewasheadoftheMarylandStatePolice.He'shadgreatexperience."
WolfisnotthefirstgovernortopickanoutsiderfortheCabinetlevelpositionofcommissioner.
Mostrecently,Wolf'sRepublicanpredecessor,Gov.TomCorbett,choseFrankNoonan,whoworkedwithCorbettintheattorney
general'sofficeandalsoservedintheMarinesandFBI.NoonanfacedthesameinternalpublicrelationsproblemsasBrown.But
Noonanquicklyendedthegripingbyannouncinghewouldwearasuitinsteadofthestatepoliceuniform.
Stateandhighwaypatrolofficersacrossthecountryhighlyvaluetraditionandareveryprotectiveoftheimagetheiruniformsandsquad
carsconvey,saidDennisBowman,aWesternIllinoisUniversitycriminaljusticeprofessorandretiredIllinoisStatePolicecaptain.
Outsidersmaynotunderstandthatsubculture,hesaid,eveniftheyareinlawenforcement.
Inhindsight,Bowmansaid,BrownshouldhaveaskedhistopcommandersfortheiropiniononwhetherheshouldwearthePennsylvania
uniform."That'sonethingaboutpoliceofficers:Theywantinputandtheydonotalwaysgetitandthatmakesthemveryfrustrated",he
said.
ButBowmansaidtheretiredtroopercrossedanethicallinewithhissignsandrecording."Thatisunprofessionalconductthatgoes
beyondthescopeofhowapoliceofficershouldhandletheirdisagreementonapolicydecision,"Bowmansaid.
ThePennsylvaniaStatePoliceTroopersAssociation,aunionthatrepresentscurrentandretiredmembers,declinedtocommentonthe
videotapingandBrown'sappointment.
Brown,50,isaPennStateUniversitygraduatewhoworkedbrieflyasapoliceofficerinSanJose,Calif.,beforejoiningtheBaltimore
PoliceDepartment,whereheeventuallybecamedeputycommissioner.BrownbecameheadoftheMarylandStatePolicein2011when
BaltimoreMayorMartinO'Malleybecamegovernor.
InMaryland,hehadhisshareofcontroversy.
Brownwascriticizedforgettingahighercitypensionbyusingaloopholeincitypensionsystemthatallowedhimtoincludepartofhis
SanJosepoliceservice,accordingtopublishedreports.MarylandmediaalsoquestionedBrown'sresidencybecausehiswifeowneda
homeinPennsylvania.WolfnamedBrowntothestatepolicepostinmidJanuary,citingBrown'scommitmenttodiversityandhislaw
enforcementexperiencethatspanstwodecades.
AfterdecadesofwatchingCapitolpolitics,Franklin&MarshallpoliticalscientistG.TerryMadonnasaidhehasneverseensucharush
tobringdownagovernor'sappointment.Normallyanappointeestepsasideif"onebigthing"isfoundinthepast,nottherathersmall
itemsthesenatorshavebroughtupinthecourseofBrown'scareer.Butblamesocialmedia,ratherthanaconspiracy,Madonnasaid.
"Thisistheexpansionofsocialmedia,"hesaid."Thisiswhathappenswhenyouhavesomanyavenuestoaffectpeople's
appointments,livelihoods."
TheantiBrownFacebookpagehas3,566"Likes."
SenateconfirmationhearingsonBrown'sappointmentwillbeinthespring.
Twitter@sesack
Copyright2015,TheMorningCall
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
03/20/201510:27:24PM
To:
Vince(D7)Hughes<
Subject:
FW:MorningCall:SecretrecordingescalatesflapoverGov.TomWolf'spickforstatepolicecommissioner
OriginalMessage
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Friday,March20,201508:53PMEasternStandardTime
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:MorningCall:SecretrecordingescalatesflapoverGov.TomWolf'spickforstatepolicecommissioner
MorningCall:SecretrecordingescalatesflapoverGov.TomWolf'spickforstatepolicecommissioner
Link:http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpawolfbrownstatepoliceuniform20150320story.html#page=1
BySteveEsack
March20,2015
AFacebookcampaignsomeretiredandcurrentPennsylvaniastatetrooperslaunchedagainstGov.TomWolf'spicktoleadtheagency
hashitthestreets,thehallsoftheCapitolandtheconfinesofasmallsuburbanpoliceforce.
AgroupofRepublicansenatorssenttheDemocraticgovernoraletterFridayurginghimtorescindtheappointmentofCol.Marcus
Brown,aformerCaliforniaandMarylandpoliceofficer,ascommissioner.
TheSenatelettercameafterBrownfoundhimselfundersurveillancebyaretiredtrooperwhoplantedroadsidesignscriticalofhis
appointmentnearBrown'ssuburbanHarrisburghome.
Theextrooper,sittinginaparkedcar,videotapedBrownonWednesdayremovingthesignsthatcriticizedhimforwearingthe
department'sgrayuniformeventhoughhedidn'tgraduatefromtheStatePoliceAcademy.
ThereisnorulethatsaysBrowncannotweartheuniformandhesayshedoessoasashowofrespectforthetroopershewilllead.
Butsometroopersbelieveitisafauxpasandthereshouldbealawagainstit,Facebookpostsshows.
TheextrooperlethisdispleasurewithBrown'sfashionchoicebeknownwhenhegavehisrecordingtoaHarrisburgtelevisionnews
station.
TheABC27airedthefootageinstories,includingonethataskedwhetherBrownshouldbechargedwiththefteventhoughthereisno
statelawagainstremovingpoliticalsignsfromapublicrightofway.
InastatementissuedlateThursdaynight,Brownsaidhewassorryfortakingthe"MarcusBrowndidn'tearnit!MarcusBrowndon't
wearit!"signsbutsaidhewastryingtoprotecthisfamily.
"Afterseeingthesignsandrealizingthatsomeonehadinvadedmyfamily'sprivacy,Iactedhastilywithoutconsideringmyroleandthe
leadershippositionIholdinthecommonwealth,"Brownsaid."MyactionsclearlydidnotreflectwellonmeortheorganizationI
represent,andIregretthat."
TheMorningCallhasidentifiedtheextrooperasAnthony"Tony"DeLuca.Heworkedfrom1986untilhisretirementin2011asa
sergeantandbarrackscommanderinwesternPennsylvania.DeLucanowworksassecurityspecialistforagascompany,FracTech
ServicesinCanonsburg,WashingtonCounty.
"Iamavictimofacrime,"DeLucasaid.
Stealingapoliticalsignisconsideredtheftunderstatecriminallawonlyifitisremovedfromprivateproperty.Thereisnolawagainst
removingpoliticalsignsfrompublicland,whichABC27'sfootageshowsBrowndoing.
"Ifit'soutontheroadway,it'sjustabandonedproperty,"saidNorthamptonCountyDistrictAttorneyJohnMorganelli,aDemocrat,who
spokeonlyaboutstatelawandnotthefeudoverWolf'sselection.
Toldbyareporterthatthetheftlawdoesnotcoverpublicland,DeLucareferredquestionstotheHampdenTownshipPoliceDepartment
andtheCumberlandCountydistrictattorney'soffice.
HampdenTownshippoliceChiefSteveJunkinapparentlydoesnotsupportBrowneither.
Junkin,aretiredstatepolicecommander,wrotetwoFacebookpostscriticalofBrown,accordingtoPennlive/ThePatriotNews.
"Itoowilldoeverythinginmypowertoseethatyoudon'tweartheuniformofaPSPtrooper,"PennLivereportedJunkinwroteinaJan.
31Facebookpost.
InaninterviewwithPennlive/ThePatriotNews,Junkinsaidheistheauthorofthepost.HealsosaidheforwardedtheBrown
investigationtoCumberlandCountyDistrictAttorneyDaveFreed.
Freed,aRepublican,didnotreturncallsforcommentfromTheMorningCall.
JennKocher,spokeswomanforSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,defendedthesenators'letterbutcouldnotcitethe
statelawBrownallegedlyviolated.
"Wearenotsayingheviolatedstatelaw,"Kochersaid."Wearesayingheisunderinvestigationforviolatingstatelaw,whichthe
townshippolicehaveconfirmedinnumerousinterviews."
AskedonFridayaboutthegrowingcontroversy,WolfbackedBrownandsaidhedidnotunderstandthecontroversy.
"Hewasactingasafatherandhewasupsetwithwhathesaw,andhe'sapologized,"saidWolf,whowasinPhiladelphia."Ichosehim
becausehewasabeatcopinBaltimore.HewasheadoftheMarylandStatePolice.He'shadgreatexperience."
WolfisnotthefirstgovernortopickanoutsiderfortheCabinetlevelpositionofcommissioner.
Mostrecently,Wolf'sRepublicanpredecessor,Gov.TomCorbett,choseFrankNoonan,whoworkedwithCorbettintheattorney
general'sofficeandalsoservedintheMarinesandFBI.NoonanfacedthesameinternalpublicrelationsproblemsasBrown.But
Noonanquicklyendedthegripingbyannouncinghewouldwearasuitinsteadofthestatepoliceuniform.
Stateandhighwaypatrolofficersacrossthecountryhighlyvaluetraditionandareveryprotectiveoftheimagetheiruniformsandsquad
carsconvey,saidDennisBowman,aWesternIllinoisUniversitycriminaljusticeprofessorandretiredIllinoisStatePolicecaptain.
Outsidersmaynotunderstandthatsubculture,hesaid,eveniftheyareinlawenforcement.
Inhindsight,Bowmansaid,BrownshouldhaveaskedhistopcommandersfortheiropiniononwhetherheshouldwearthePennsylvania
uniform."That'sonethingaboutpoliceofficers:Theywantinputandtheydonotalwaysgetitandthatmakesthemveryfrustrated",he
said.
ButBowmansaidtheretiredtroopercrossedanethicallinewithhissignsandrecording."Thatisunprofessionalconductthatgoes
beyondthescopeofhowapoliceofficershouldhandletheirdisagreementonapolicydecision,"Bowmansaid.
ThePennsylvaniaStatePoliceTroopersAssociation,aunionthatrepresentscurrentandretiredmembers,declinedtocommentonthe
videotapingandBrown'sappointment.
Brown,50,isaPennStateUniversitygraduatewhoworkedbrieflyasapoliceofficerinSanJose,Calif.,beforejoiningtheBaltimore
PoliceDepartment,whereheeventuallybecamedeputycommissioner.BrownbecameheadoftheMarylandStatePolicein2011when
BaltimoreMayorMartinO'Malleybecamegovernor.
InMaryland,hehadhisshareofcontroversy.
Brownwascriticizedforgettingahighercitypensionbyusingaloopholeincitypensionsystemthatallowedhimtoincludepartofhis
SanJosepoliceservice,accordingtopublishedreports.MarylandmediaalsoquestionedBrown'sresidencybecausehiswifeowneda
homeinPennsylvania.WolfnamedBrowntothestatepolicepostinmidJanuary,citingBrown'scommitmenttodiversityandhislaw
enforcementexperiencethatspanstwodecades.
AfterdecadesofwatchingCapitolpolitics,Franklin&MarshallpoliticalscientistG.TerryMadonnasaidhehasneverseensucharush
tobringdownagovernor'sappointment.Normallyanappointeestepsasideif"onebigthing"isfoundinthepast,nottherathersmall
itemsthesenatorshavebroughtupinthecourseofBrown'scareer.Butblamesocialmedia,ratherthanaconspiracy,Madonnasaid.
"Thisistheexpansionofsocialmedia,"hesaid."Thisiswhathappenswhenyouhavesomanyavenuestoaffectpeople's
appointments,livelihoods."
TheantiBrownFacebookpagehas3,566"Likes."
SenateconfirmationhearingsonBrown'sappointmentwillbeinthespring.
Twitter@sesack
Copyright2015,TheMorningCall
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
03/20/201510:28:36PM
To:
Vince(D7)Hughes<
Subject:
FW:MorningCall:SecretrecordingescalatesflapoverGov.TomWolf'spickforstatepolicecommissioner
OriginalMessage
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Friday,March20,201508:53PMEasternStandardTime
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:MorningCall:SecretrecordingescalatesflapoverGov.TomWolf'spickforstatepolicecommissioner
MorningCall:SecretrecordingescalatesflapoverGov.TomWolf'spickforstatepolicecommissioner
Link:http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpawolfbrownstatepoliceuniform20150320story.html#page=1
BySteveEsack
March20,2015
AFacebookcampaignsomeretiredandcurrentPennsylvaniastatetrooperslaunchedagainstGov.TomWolf'spicktoleadtheagency
hashitthestreets,thehallsoftheCapitolandtheconfinesofasmallsuburbanpoliceforce.
AgroupofRepublicansenatorssenttheDemocraticgovernoraletterFridayurginghimtorescindtheappointmentofCol.Marcus
Brown,aformerCaliforniaandMarylandpoliceofficer,ascommissioner.
TheSenatelettercameafterBrownfoundhimselfundersurveillancebyaretiredtrooperwhoplantedroadsidesignscriticalofhis
appointmentnearBrown'ssuburbanHarrisburghome.
Theextrooper,sittinginaparkedcar,videotapedBrownonWednesdayremovingthesignsthatcriticizedhimforwearingthe
department'sgrayuniformeventhoughhedidn'tgraduatefromtheStatePoliceAcademy.
ThereisnorulethatsaysBrowncannotweartheuniformandhesayshedoessoasashowofrespectforthetroopershewilllead.
Butsometroopersbelieveitisafauxpasandthereshouldbealawagainstit,Facebookpostsshows.
TheextrooperlethisdispleasurewithBrown'sfashionchoicebeknownwhenhegavehisrecordingtoaHarrisburgtelevisionnews
station.
TheABC27airedthefootageinstories,includingonethataskedwhetherBrownshouldbechargedwiththefteventhoughthereisno
statelawagainstremovingpoliticalsignsfromapublicrightofway.
InastatementissuedlateThursdaynight,Brownsaidhewassorryfortakingthe"MarcusBrowndidn'tearnit!MarcusBrowndon't
wearit!"signsbutsaidhewastryingtoprotecthisfamily.
"Afterseeingthesignsandrealizingthatsomeonehadinvadedmyfamily'sprivacy,Iactedhastilywithoutconsideringmyroleandthe
leadershippositionIholdinthecommonwealth,"Brownsaid."MyactionsclearlydidnotreflectwellonmeortheorganizationI
represent,andIregretthat."
TheMorningCallhasidentifiedtheextrooperasAnthony"Tony"DeLuca.Heworkedfrom1986untilhisretirementin2011asa
sergeantandbarrackscommanderinwesternPennsylvania.DeLucanowworksassecurityspecialistforagascompany,FracTech
ServicesinCanonsburg,WashingtonCounty.
"Iamavictimofacrime,"DeLucasaid.
Stealingapoliticalsignisconsideredtheftunderstatecriminallawonlyifitisremovedfromprivateproperty.Thereisnolawagainst
removingpoliticalsignsfrompublicland,whichABC27'sfootageshowsBrowndoing.
"Ifit'soutontheroadway,it'sjustabandonedproperty,"saidNorthamptonCountyDistrictAttorneyJohnMorganelli,aDemocrat,who
spokeonlyaboutstatelawandnotthefeudoverWolf'sselection.
Toldbyareporterthatthetheftlawdoesnotcoverpublicland,DeLucareferredquestionstotheHampdenTownshipPoliceDepartment
andtheCumberlandCountydistrictattorney'soffice.
HampdenTownshippoliceChiefSteveJunkinapparentlydoesnotsupportBrowneither.
Junkin,aretiredstatepolicecommander,wrotetwoFacebookpostscriticalofBrown,accordingtoPennlive/ThePatriotNews.
"Itoowilldoeverythinginmypowertoseethatyoudon'tweartheuniformofaPSPtrooper,"PennLivereportedJunkinwroteinaJan.
31Facebookpost.
InaninterviewwithPennlive/ThePatriotNews,Junkinsaidheistheauthorofthepost.HealsosaidheforwardedtheBrown
investigationtoCumberlandCountyDistrictAttorneyDaveFreed.
Freed,aRepublican,didnotreturncallsforcommentfromTheMorningCall.
JennKocher,spokeswomanforSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,defendedthesenators'letterbutcouldnotcitethe
statelawBrownallegedlyviolated.
"Wearenotsayingheviolatedstatelaw,"Kochersaid."Wearesayingheisunderinvestigationforviolatingstatelaw,whichthe
townshippolicehaveconfirmedinnumerousinterviews."
AskedonFridayaboutthegrowingcontroversy,WolfbackedBrownandsaidhedidnotunderstandthecontroversy.
"Hewasactingasafatherandhewasupsetwithwhathesaw,andhe'sapologized,"saidWolf,whowasinPhiladelphia."Ichosehim
becausehewasabeatcopinBaltimore.HewasheadoftheMarylandStatePolice.He'shadgreatexperience."
WolfisnotthefirstgovernortopickanoutsiderfortheCabinetlevelpositionofcommissioner.
Mostrecently,Wolf'sRepublicanpredecessor,Gov.TomCorbett,choseFrankNoonan,whoworkedwithCorbettintheattorney
general'sofficeandalsoservedintheMarinesandFBI.NoonanfacedthesameinternalpublicrelationsproblemsasBrown.But
Noonanquicklyendedthegripingbyannouncinghewouldwearasuitinsteadofthestatepoliceuniform.
Stateandhighwaypatrolofficersacrossthecountryhighlyvaluetraditionandareveryprotectiveoftheimagetheiruniformsandsquad
carsconvey,saidDennisBowman,aWesternIllinoisUniversitycriminaljusticeprofessorandretiredIllinoisStatePolicecaptain.
Outsidersmaynotunderstandthatsubculture,hesaid,eveniftheyareinlawenforcement.
Inhindsight,Bowmansaid,BrownshouldhaveaskedhistopcommandersfortheiropiniononwhetherheshouldwearthePennsylvania
uniform."That'sonethingaboutpoliceofficers:Theywantinputandtheydonotalwaysgetitandthatmakesthemveryfrustrated",he
said.
ButBowmansaidtheretiredtroopercrossedanethicallinewithhissignsandrecording."Thatisunprofessionalconductthatgoes
beyondthescopeofhowapoliceofficershouldhandletheirdisagreementonapolicydecision,"Bowmansaid.
ThePennsylvaniaStatePoliceTroopersAssociation,aunionthatrepresentscurrentandretiredmembers,declinedtocommentonthe
videotapingandBrown'sappointment.
Brown,50,isaPennStateUniversitygraduatewhoworkedbrieflyasapoliceofficerinSanJose,Calif.,beforejoiningtheBaltimore
PoliceDepartment,whereheeventuallybecamedeputycommissioner.BrownbecameheadoftheMarylandStatePolicein2011when
BaltimoreMayorMartinO'Malleybecamegovernor.
InMaryland,hehadhisshareofcontroversy.
Brownwascriticizedforgettingahighercitypensionbyusingaloopholeincitypensionsystemthatallowedhimtoincludepartofhis
SanJosepoliceservice,accordingtopublishedreports.MarylandmediaalsoquestionedBrown'sresidencybecausehiswifeowneda
homeinPennsylvania.WolfnamedBrowntothestatepolicepostinmidJanuary,citingBrown'scommitmenttodiversityandhislaw
enforcementexperiencethatspanstwodecades.
AfterdecadesofwatchingCapitolpolitics,Franklin&MarshallpoliticalscientistG.TerryMadonnasaidhehasneverseensucharush
tobringdownagovernor'sappointment.Normallyanappointeestepsasideif"onebigthing"isfoundinthepast,nottherathersmall
itemsthesenatorshavebroughtupinthecourseofBrown'scareer.Butblamesocialmedia,ratherthanaconspiracy,Madonnasaid.
"Thisistheexpansionofsocialmedia,"hesaid."Thisiswhathappenswhenyouhavesomanyavenuestoaffectpeople's
appointments,livelihoods."
TheantiBrownFacebookpagehas3,566"Likes."
SenateconfirmationhearingsonBrown'sappointmentwillbeinthespring.
Twitter@sesack
Copyright2015,TheMorningCall
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
03/20/201510:27:24PM
To:
Vince(D7)Hughes<
Subject:
FW:MorningCall:SecretrecordingescalatesflapoverGov.TomWolf'spickforstatepolicecommissioner
OriginalMessage
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Friday,March20,201508:53PMEasternStandardTime
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:MorningCall:SecretrecordingescalatesflapoverGov.TomWolf'spickforstatepolicecommissioner
MorningCall:SecretrecordingescalatesflapoverGov.TomWolf'spickforstatepolicecommissioner
Link:http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpawolfbrownstatepoliceuniform20150320story.html#page=1
BySteveEsack
March20,2015
AFacebookcampaignsomeretiredandcurrentPennsylvaniastatetrooperslaunchedagainstGov.TomWolf'spicktoleadtheagency
hashitthestreets,thehallsoftheCapitolandtheconfinesofasmallsuburbanpoliceforce.
AgroupofRepublicansenatorssenttheDemocraticgovernoraletterFridayurginghimtorescindtheappointmentofCol.Marcus
Brown,aformerCaliforniaandMarylandpoliceofficer,ascommissioner.
TheSenatelettercameafterBrownfoundhimselfundersurveillancebyaretiredtrooperwhoplantedroadsidesignscriticalofhis
appointmentnearBrown'ssuburbanHarrisburghome.
Theextrooper,sittinginaparkedcar,videotapedBrownonWednesdayremovingthesignsthatcriticizedhimforwearingthe
department'sgrayuniformeventhoughhedidn'tgraduatefromtheStatePoliceAcademy.
ThereisnorulethatsaysBrowncannotweartheuniformandhesayshedoessoasashowofrespectforthetroopershewilllead.
Butsometroopersbelieveitisafauxpasandthereshouldbealawagainstit,Facebookpostsshows.
TheextrooperlethisdispleasurewithBrown'sfashionchoicebeknownwhenhegavehisrecordingtoaHarrisburgtelevisionnews
station.
TheABC27airedthefootageinstories,includingonethataskedwhetherBrownshouldbechargedwiththefteventhoughthereisno
statelawagainstremovingpoliticalsignsfromapublicrightofway.
InastatementissuedlateThursdaynight,Brownsaidhewassorryfortakingthe"MarcusBrowndidn'tearnit!MarcusBrowndon't
wearit!"signsbutsaidhewastryingtoprotecthisfamily.
"Afterseeingthesignsandrealizingthatsomeonehadinvadedmyfamily'sprivacy,Iactedhastilywithoutconsideringmyroleandthe
leadershippositionIholdinthecommonwealth,"Brownsaid."MyactionsclearlydidnotreflectwellonmeortheorganizationI
represent,andIregretthat."
TheMorningCallhasidentifiedtheextrooperasAnthony"Tony"DeLuca.Heworkedfrom1986untilhisretirementin2011asa
sergeantandbarrackscommanderinwesternPennsylvania.DeLucanowworksassecurityspecialistforagascompany,FracTech
ServicesinCanonsburg,WashingtonCounty.
"Iamavictimofacrime,"DeLucasaid.
Stealingapoliticalsignisconsideredtheftunderstatecriminallawonlyifitisremovedfromprivateproperty.Thereisnolawagainst
removingpoliticalsignsfrompublicland,whichABC27'sfootageshowsBrowndoing.
"Ifit'soutontheroadway,it'sjustabandonedproperty,"saidNorthamptonCountyDistrictAttorneyJohnMorganelli,aDemocrat,who
spokeonlyaboutstatelawandnotthefeudoverWolf'sselection.
Toldbyareporterthatthetheftlawdoesnotcoverpublicland,DeLucareferredquestionstotheHampdenTownshipPoliceDepartment
andtheCumberlandCountydistrictattorney'soffice.
HampdenTownshippoliceChiefSteveJunkinapparentlydoesnotsupportBrowneither.
Junkin,aretiredstatepolicecommander,wrotetwoFacebookpostscriticalofBrown,accordingtoPennlive/ThePatriotNews.
"Itoowilldoeverythinginmypowertoseethatyoudon'tweartheuniformofaPSPtrooper,"PennLivereportedJunkinwroteinaJan.
31Facebookpost.
InaninterviewwithPennlive/ThePatriotNews,Junkinsaidheistheauthorofthepost.HealsosaidheforwardedtheBrown
investigationtoCumberlandCountyDistrictAttorneyDaveFreed.
Freed,aRepublican,didnotreturncallsforcommentfromTheMorningCall.
JennKocher,spokeswomanforSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,defendedthesenators'letterbutcouldnotcitethe
statelawBrownallegedlyviolated.
"Wearenotsayingheviolatedstatelaw,"Kochersaid."Wearesayingheisunderinvestigationforviolatingstatelaw,whichthe
townshippolicehaveconfirmedinnumerousinterviews."
AskedonFridayaboutthegrowingcontroversy,WolfbackedBrownandsaidhedidnotunderstandthecontroversy.
"Hewasactingasafatherandhewasupsetwithwhathesaw,andhe'sapologized,"saidWolf,whowasinPhiladelphia."Ichosehim
becausehewasabeatcopinBaltimore.HewasheadoftheMarylandStatePolice.He'shadgreatexperience."
WolfisnotthefirstgovernortopickanoutsiderfortheCabinetlevelpositionofcommissioner.
Mostrecently,Wolf'sRepublicanpredecessor,Gov.TomCorbett,choseFrankNoonan,whoworkedwithCorbettintheattorney
general'sofficeandalsoservedintheMarinesandFBI.NoonanfacedthesameinternalpublicrelationsproblemsasBrown.But
Noonanquicklyendedthegripingbyannouncinghewouldwearasuitinsteadofthestatepoliceuniform.
Stateandhighwaypatrolofficersacrossthecountryhighlyvaluetraditionandareveryprotectiveoftheimagetheiruniformsandsquad
carsconvey,saidDennisBowman,aWesternIllinoisUniversitycriminaljusticeprofessorandretiredIllinoisStatePolicecaptain.
Outsidersmaynotunderstandthatsubculture,hesaid,eveniftheyareinlawenforcement.
Inhindsight,Bowmansaid,BrownshouldhaveaskedhistopcommandersfortheiropiniononwhetherheshouldwearthePennsylvania
uniform."That'sonethingaboutpoliceofficers:Theywantinputandtheydonotalwaysgetitandthatmakesthemveryfrustrated",he
said.
ButBowmansaidtheretiredtroopercrossedanethicallinewithhissignsandrecording."Thatisunprofessionalconductthatgoes
beyondthescopeofhowapoliceofficershouldhandletheirdisagreementonapolicydecision,"Bowmansaid.
ThePennsylvaniaStatePoliceTroopersAssociation,aunionthatrepresentscurrentandretiredmembers,declinedtocommentonthe
videotapingandBrown'sappointment.
Brown,50,isaPennStateUniversitygraduatewhoworkedbrieflyasapoliceofficerinSanJose,Calif.,beforejoiningtheBaltimore
PoliceDepartment,whereheeventuallybecamedeputycommissioner.BrownbecameheadoftheMarylandStatePolicein2011when
BaltimoreMayorMartinO'Malleybecamegovernor.
InMaryland,hehadhisshareofcontroversy.
Brownwascriticizedforgettingahighercitypensionbyusingaloopholeincitypensionsystemthatallowedhimtoincludepartofhis
SanJosepoliceservice,accordingtopublishedreports.MarylandmediaalsoquestionedBrown'sresidencybecausehiswifeowneda
homeinPennsylvania.WolfnamedBrowntothestatepolicepostinmidJanuary,citingBrown'scommitmenttodiversityandhislaw
enforcementexperiencethatspanstwodecades.
AfterdecadesofwatchingCapitolpolitics,Franklin&MarshallpoliticalscientistG.TerryMadonnasaidhehasneverseensucharush
tobringdownagovernor'sappointment.Normallyanappointeestepsasideif"onebigthing"isfoundinthepast,nottherathersmall
itemsthesenatorshavebroughtupinthecourseofBrown'scareer.Butblamesocialmedia,ratherthanaconspiracy,Madonnasaid.
"Thisistheexpansionofsocialmedia,"hesaid."Thisiswhathappenswhenyouhavesomanyavenuestoaffectpeople's
appointments,livelihoods."
TheantiBrownFacebookpagehas3,566"Likes."
SenateconfirmationhearingsonBrown'sappointmentwillbeinthespring.
Twitter@sesack
Copyright2015,TheMorningCall
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
05/14/201503:30:15AM
To:
McGinty,Kathleen
Subject:
FW:PensionReformLegislationbeforethePAGeneralAssembly
OriginalMessage
From:LisaCrutchfield[
Sent:Tuesday,May12,201507:27PMEasternStandardTime
To:McGinty,KathleenFailor,Debra
Cc:RobWonderling
Subject:FW:PensionReformLegislationbeforethePAGeneralAssembly
DearChiefofStaffMcGinty:
Asyouareaware,thePennsylvaniaSenateispoisedtoconsiderpensionreformlegislationtomorrow,WednesdayMay
13th,thatwouldmakestructuralchangestopensionbenefitsforstateemployeesandbeginreducingthestates
unfundedpensionliability,currentlyestimatedat$53billion.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman(RCentre)hasintroducedSenateBill(SB)1,whichembodiesprinciplesofpublic
pensionreformsupportedbytheGreaterPhiladelphiaChamberofCommerceandtheAlleghenyConferenceon
CommunityDevelopment(ACCD).
OurjointprincipleswhichwesharedwithyouandyourcolleaguesonourleadershipcalllastweekareincludedintheSB
1:
Movingnewstateemployeestowardsadefinedcontributionplan
Takingspecificstepstobeginreducingthestate'sunfundedpensionliability,whichisestimatedatnearly$53billion
(tothispointthePERCactuarialanalysisofSB1estimatesasavingsof$16billionforPSERSand$2billionfor
SERS)
Creatingplansthatareactuarialsoundand
Modernizationofthepensionfundstogivecurrentemployeesachoicetomoveintoadefinedcontributionplan
and/oracashbalanceplan.
Weareforwardingadraftofourjointstatementtoyou.Weplantoreleasethisjointstatementtomorrowmorning
giventhelikelihoodofSenateactiononSB1tomorrow.
DraftJointStatementofGPCCandACCDonSB1
DearHonorableMembersofthePASenate:
TheGreaterPhiladelphiaChamberofCommerce,theGreaterPittsburghChamberofCommerce,andtheAllegheny
ConferenceonCommunityDevelopment(ACCD)arewritingtoissuetheirsupportfortheprinciplesofpensionreform
legislationasembodiedinSenateBill1.
WethankandapplaudSenatorCormanandSenateleadershipfortheireffortstointroducethislegislationandaddress
thiscriticalproblem.OurorganizationswillcontinuetoworkwithHouseandSenateleadersandtheWolfAdministration
toachievemeaningful,lastingpensionreform.
EmployersinPittsburghandPhiladelphiaknowthatpublicpensionreformisneededifwearetogrowoureconomyand
improvegovernmentoperations.Today,Pennsylvaniaisfacingasizeablestructuraldeficit.Withoutlegislativeaction,our
pensionobligationswillcontinuetoconsumelargerportionsofthestatebudgetandfurtherstraintheabilityof
governments,andschooldistrictstomaintain,letaloneimprove,basicservices.
Again,weencourageallmembersofthePennsylvaniaSenatetosupportthispensionreformlegislation.
Pleaseletmeknowifyouhaveanycommentsorconcernsaboutthejointdraft.
Lisa
LISACRUTCHFIELD
SeniorVicePresidentofAdvocacyandPublicAffairs
GREATERPHILADELPHIACHAMBEROFCOMMERCE
200SouthBroadStreet,Suite700,Philadelphia,PA191023813
P:
greaterphilachamber.com
From:LisaCrutchfield
Sent:Tuesday,May12,20156:45PM
To:'O'Brien,DenisP:(ExelonUtilities)''DavidCohen(
Hankowsky(
'DanFitzpatrick(
Cc:RobWonderlingJoeGraceLizFerry
Subject:PensionReformLegislationbeforethePAGeneralAssembly
LISACRUTCHFIELD
SeniorVicePresidentofAdvocacyandPublicAffairs
GREATERPHILADELPHIACHAMBEROFCOMMERCE
200SouthBroadStreet,Suite700,Philadelphia,PA191023813
P:
greaterphilachamber.com
'DeBenedictis,Nick'
'Bill
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
05/14/201503:30:15AM
To:
McGinty,Kathleen
Subject:
FW:PensionReformLegislationbeforethePAGeneralAssembly
OriginalMessage
From:LisaCrutchfield[
Sent:Tuesday,May12,201507:27PMEasternStandardTime
To:McGinty,KathleenFailor,Debra
Cc:RobWonderling
Subject:FW:PensionReformLegislationbeforethePAGeneralAssembly
DearChiefofStaffMcGinty:
Asyouareaware,thePennsylvaniaSenateispoisedtoconsiderpensionreformlegislationtomorrow,WednesdayMay
13th,thatwouldmakestructuralchangestopensionbenefitsforstateemployeesandbeginreducingthestates
unfundedpensionliability,currentlyestimatedat$53billion.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman(RCentre)hasintroducedSenateBill(SB)1,whichembodiesprinciplesofpublic
pensionreformsupportedbytheGreaterPhiladelphiaChamberofCommerceandtheAlleghenyConferenceon
CommunityDevelopment(ACCD).
OurjointprincipleswhichwesharedwithyouandyourcolleaguesonourleadershipcalllastweekareincludedintheSB
1:
Movingnewstateemployeestowardsadefinedcontributionplan
Takingspecificstepstobeginreducingthestate'sunfundedpensionliability,whichisestimatedatnearly$53billion
(tothispointthePERCactuarialanalysisofSB1estimatesasavingsof$16billionforPSERSand$2billionfor
SERS)
Creatingplansthatareactuarialsoundand
Modernizationofthepensionfundstogivecurrentemployeesachoicetomoveintoadefinedcontributionplan
and/oracashbalanceplan.
Weareforwardingadraftofourjointstatementtoyou.Weplantoreleasethisjointstatementtomorrowmorning
giventhelikelihoodofSenateactiononSB1tomorrow.
DraftJointStatementofGPCCandACCDonSB1
DearHonorableMembersofthePASenate:
TheGreaterPhiladelphiaChamberofCommerce,theGreaterPittsburghChamberofCommerce,andtheAllegheny
ConferenceonCommunityDevelopment(ACCD)arewritingtoissuetheirsupportfortheprinciplesofpensionreform
legislationasembodiedinSenateBill1.
WethankandapplaudSenatorCormanandSenateleadershipfortheireffortstointroducethislegislationandaddress
thiscriticalproblem.OurorganizationswillcontinuetoworkwithHouseandSenateleadersandtheWolfAdministration
toachievemeaningful,lastingpensionreform.
EmployersinPittsburghandPhiladelphiaknowthatpublicpensionreformisneededifwearetogrowoureconomyand
improvegovernmentoperations.Today,Pennsylvaniaisfacingasizeablestructuraldeficit.Withoutlegislativeaction,our
pensionobligationswillcontinuetoconsumelargerportionsofthestatebudgetandfurtherstraintheabilityof
governments,andschooldistrictstomaintain,letaloneimprove,basicservices.
Again,weencourageallmembersofthePennsylvaniaSenatetosupportthispensionreformlegislation.
Pleaseletmeknowifyouhaveanycommentsorconcernsaboutthejointdraft.
Lisa
LISACRUTCHFIELD
SeniorVicePresidentofAdvocacyandPublicAffairs
GREATERPHILADELPHIACHAMBEROFCOMMERCE
200SouthBroadStreet,Suite700,Philadelphia,PA191023813
P:
greaterphilachamber.com
From:LisaCrutchfield
Sent:Tuesday,May12,20156:45PM
To:'O'Brien,DenisP:(ExelonUtilities)''DavidCohen(
Hankowsky(
'DanFitzpatrick(
Cc:RobWonderlingJoeGraceLizFerry
Subject:PensionReformLegislationbeforethePAGeneralAssembly
LISACRUTCHFIELD
SeniorVicePresidentofAdvocacyandPublicAffairs
GREATERPHILADELPHIACHAMBEROFCOMMERCE
200SouthBroadStreet,Suite700,Philadelphia,PA191023813
P:
greaterphilachamber.com
'DeBenedictis,Nick'
'Bill
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
02/07/201503:12:44PM
To:
TomWolf<
Subject:
FW:WallStreetJournal:PennsylvaniaGovernor,lawmakerstoweighpensionchanges,drillingtax
Nicepicinthepapertoday....
OriginalMessage
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Friday,February06,201502:41PMEasternStandardTime
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:WallStreetJournal:PennsylvaniaGovernor,lawmakerstoweighpensionchanges,drillingtax
WallStreetJournal:PennsylvaniaGovernor,lawmakerstoweighpensionchanges,drillingtax
Link:http://www.wsj.com/articles/pennsylvaniagovernorlawmakerstoweighpensionchangesdrillingtax
1423245964
LoomingBudgetDeficitHasOfficialsSeekingLongTermFix
By
KRISMAHER
Feb.6,20151:06p.m.ET
PennsylvaniavotersgaveDemocratTomWolfaneasygubernatorialvictorylastfall,buttheyalsoelectedmoreRepublican
lawmakers,handingtheGOPalegislativemajoritybiggerthanatanytimesincethe1950s.
Now,amidtheseconflictingsignalsandstarklydifferentgoverningphilosophies,Mr.WolfandthestatesGOPlawmakerssay
theywanttotacklethestateslooming$2billionbudgetdeficit,raisinghopesthattheywillfindalongtermsolutiontoescalating
pensioncostsandotherchronicfiscaltroubles.
BothsidesagreethatPennsylvaniahasadeepstructuralimbalanceasrevenuefailstokeeppacewithspending,andtheysaythey
areaimingforlegislationthatcouldreshapethenationssixthmostpopulousstateforyearstocome.
Partsofabudgetdealthisyearcouldincludechangestothestatespublicemployeepensionplansthatcover800,000workers
andretirees,anewtaxondrillersinoneoftheworldslargestnaturalgasreserves,revisionstothestatestaxcodeandthepartial
saleofthelongtimesystemofliquorstoresrunbythestate.
Pennsylvaniansdidinfactvotefordividedgovernment,buttheydidntvotefordysfunction,saidMr.Wolf,aYorkbusinessman
whospent$10millionofhisownmoneyonhisgubernatorialcampaignandwhodeclinedasalaryorbenefitsasgovernor.
LikeotherRustBeltstates,Pennsylvaniasrevenuehasbeenhurtbyanagingandslowgrowingpopulationthateatsupmore
resources.Budgetexpertssaythestatecannolongerasreadilyresorttoonetimefixes,suchasdelayingpaymentstomedical
servicesproviders,asitdidtoshift$400millionofftheprioryearsbudget.
Asrequiredbystatelaw,Mr.Wolfwillpresentaplanthatbalancestheroughly$29billionbudgetinearlyMarch.Heand
Republicanleadersarestartingfromdifferentpointsonkeyissuesbuthavemonthstoclosethegaps.
ENLARGE
Mr.Wolfwantstoinstitutea5%severancetaxonnaturalgasdrillersthathesayscouldpumphundredsofmillionsofdollarsinto
thestateseducationsystem.Aseverancetaxispaidbydrillersonthevalueofgaswhenitistakenfromtheground.
Meanwhile,thestatesnewSenatemajorityleader,RepublicanJakeCorman,saidthestateneedstocontrolspendingfirst,starting
withpensions.
PensionreformisourNo.1issue.Itssomethingthathastobedone,Mr.Cormansaid.Werenotgoingtohaveany
discussiononrevenueuntilwegetexpendituresundercontrol.
Accordingtothemostrecentactuarialreports,theplanforpublicschoolteacherswas62%funded,withanunfundedliabilityof
$35billion,asoflastJune.Theplanforstateemployeeswas59%funded,withanunfundedliabilityof$17.9billion,asof
December2013.
Mr.Wolfpreviouslysaidhewouldsupportissuingbondstohelpthestatemeetitspensionobligations,butinaninterviewhesaid
heisopentootherideas.Republicanswantdeeperchanges,suchasinstitutinga401(k)typeplanforfutureretirees,amove
opposedbyunions.
RichardBloomingdale,presidentofthePennsylvaniaAFLCIO,saidpensioncontributionshaveincreasedpartlybecausethestate
deferredpriorpayments,andhecriticizedlawmakerswhowanttoreducefuturebenefits.Theonlycrisisisthatsomepeople
dontwanttopaytheirbills,hesaid.
Meanwhile,ashalegastaxwouldhavetoovercomestrongoppositionfromdrillers,whoarealreadystrugglingfromlownatural
gaspricesandrecentlycutcapitalinvestments.Highercostsontheindustrythroughaseverancetaxwillmeanlessrigsandless
investmentintoPennsylvania,saidDaveSpigelmyer,headoftheMarcellusShaleCoalition,atradegroup.
Drillersnowpayafeeforeveryshalegaswellthattheyoperate.Thesocalledlocalimpactfeehasgenerated$630millionin
revenue,roughly60%ofwhichgoestocountiesandlocalgovernmentswheremostdrillingoccurs.
Roadblockstoadealcouldarise,butexpertssaidsomefactorsfavoredcompromise.
ChrisBorick,aprofessorofpoliticalscienceatMuhlenbergCollegeinAllentown,notedthatashalegastaxhasbeenpopularwith
pollrespondents,whichcouldmakesomeRepublicansreluctanttofightit.Atthesametime,Mr.Wolfdoesnthavetiestounions
thatareasstrongasthoseofotherDemocrats,potentiallyeasingpensionchanges.
Thereisampleopportunitytoreachacrossthepartisandivide,Mr.Wolfsaid.
Askedifacomprehensivedealwaslikely,Mr.Cormansaid,Ultimately,thatswhatsgoingtohavetohappen.
WritetoKrisMaherat
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/01/201508:52:49AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJuly1,2015
Budget:Commentary
TimesTribune:Editorial:GOPbudgetposturing
http://thetimestr bune.com/opinion/gopbudgetposturing1.1906086
HeraldStandard:SteveHerzenberg:Gov.Wolf'sbudgetwouldbenefitFayetteCounty
http://www.heraldstandard.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/govwolfsbudgetwouldbenefitfayettecounty/article_425c36cee9bd5d2aa31a
ba7b5f854cf9.html
YorkDispatch:OpEd:LoweringstateCorporateNetIncomeTaxistherightmove
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/viewpoints/ci 28404180/opedloweringstatecorporatenetincometax
BeaverCountyTimes:Severallocallegislatorsshareharshremarksaboutbudget
http://www.timesonline.com/news/local news/severallocallegislatorsshareharshremarksaboutbudget/article a96f17941e9f11e59252
fb7bf53282dc.html/?REFERMI=News
TribuneDemocrat:Editorial:Lackofstatebudgetisdisappointing
http://www.tribdem.com/news/editorials/editoriallackofstatebudgetisdisappointing/article 05ecd2541e9611e5be9b2fd8ca2f45f1.html
Budget:Veto
AP:WolfseekstorestarttalksaftervetoingGOPsbudgetbill
http://www.delcotimes.com/generalnews/20150701/wolfseekstorestarttalksaftervetoinggopsbudgetbill
AP:PennsylvaniagovernorvetoesentireRepublicanbudgetbill
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150630 ap 5ad038859fbb4ed28c38ee2339fcfaec.html#pyQoot0DYP7E5uPz.99
PAIndependent:Wolfsveto,opposingmandatesleavePennsylvaniawithoutbudget
http://paindependent.com/2015/07/wolfbudgetveto/
PatriotNews:Thedefinitionofinsanity?Justanotherdaytheofficeforthe#PaBudgetdebate:Analysis
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/06/liquor privatization pension r.html#incart river
PatriotNews:WolfhitsbudgetresetbuttonmuchtoGOP'sdisappointment
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/wolf hits budget reset button.html
PatriotNews:Gov.TomWolfvetoesGOPpassedbudgetbill,bringingbudgetnegotiatorsbacktothetable
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/gov tom wolf vetoes goppassed.html
PatriotNews:Gov.TomWolfvetoesRepublicanbudgetproposal.Nowwhat?
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/gov tom wolf vetoes republican.html#incart river
PatriotNews:'ThisistheGovernor'sshutdown,'GOPspokesmansaysafterWolfveto:WednesdayMorningCoffee
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/the four videos that explain w.html
MorningCall:DemocraticGov.TomWolfvetoesRepublicans'budget
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpawolflegislaturebudgetveto063020150630story.html#page=1
TribuneReview:PennsylvaniaSenatepasses$30.1BGOPbudgetGov.Wolfvetolikely
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/865850674/statebudgetbill#ixzz3edpUv7IV
PittsburghPostGazette:'Thisbudgetissimplynotbalanced':Gov.WolfvetoesRepublicanspendingplan
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/06/30/PennsylvaniagovernortovetoGOPsbudgetbill/stories/201506300295
PhiladelphiaInquirer:WolfvetoesentireGOPbudget,says'mathdoesn'twork'
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150701 Pa
Wolf.html#HpTk2TE2MPrGw84J.99
TimesTribune:WolfquicklyvetoesGOPbudgetplan
http://thetimestribune.com/news/wolfquicklyvetoesgopbudgetplan1.1906130
ReadingEagle:Analysis:WithWolf'sveto,budgetstalematecouldlastweeks,orlonger
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/analysispennsylvaniastatebudgetstalematecouldlastweeksorlonger#sthash.alvWuUTu.dpuf
WITF:Gov.WolfVetoesGOP'sEntireBudgetBill
http://wesa.fm/post/govwolfvetoesgopsentirebudgetbill
PhiladelphiaMagazine:WolfVetoesGOPBudget
http://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/07/01/wolfvetoesgopbudget/
PLSReporter:Gov.WolftovetoentireGOPcraftedbudget,callsproposalamess
http://plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/811/GovWolftovetoentireGOPcraftedbudgetcallsproposal%E2%80%9Ca
mess%E2%80%9D.aspx
PLSReporter:Whatdoesavetosay?
http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/810/Whatdoesavetosay.aspx
WBRE:VIDEO:GovernorTomWolfVetoesGOPPassedBudgetBill
http://www.pahomepage.com/story/d/story/governortomwolfvetoesgoppassedbudgetbill/34754/Yf0vQnjvEitMNUWuucVdw
WNEP:VIDEO:GovernorWolfVetoesEntireBudget
http://wnep.com/2015/06/30/governorwolfvetoesentirebudget/
KDKA:VIDEO:GovernorWolfVetoesEntireRepublicanBudgetBill,LiquorLegislationUpInTheAir
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/06/30/governorwolfvetoesentirerepublicanbudgetbill/
ABC27:VIDEO:GovernorWolfvetoesbudgetpassedbyRepublicanledlegislature
http://abc27.com/2015/06/30/governorwolfvetoesbudgetpassedbyrepublicanledlegislature/
FOX43:VIDEO:Gov.Wolfvetoesbudgetbill
http://fox43.com/2015/06/30/govwolfvetoesbudgetbill/
WGAL:VIDEO:GovernorvetoesRepublicanbudget
http://www.wgal.com/news/governorvetoesrepublicanbudget/33899212
WTAJ:VIDEO:GovernorWolfVetoesBudget
http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/governorwolfvetoesbudget/23544/7 ezbOUl4Emg88Vq7U10ww
KYW:VIDEO:GovernorWolfVetoesEntirePa.Budget
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/06/30/pasenatesendsbudgettogovernor/
LiquorPrivatization,Pensions
PatriotNews:Whatliquorprivatizationwoulddoandnotdoforconsumers
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/what liquor privatization woul.html
PatriotNews:Housesendshistoricliquorprivatizationbilltogovernortosign
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/house sends historic liquor pr.html
TribuneReview:Inhistoricvote,Pa.Senateapprovesbillsellingstateliquorstores
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/865936274/liquorstatewine#axzz3eUZhKQf3
AP:PennsylvaniaSenateapprovesbudget,liquorprivatizationbills
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/06/30/LiquorbillpassesSenateamidbudgetdeadlinedayflurry1/stories/201506300259
PatriotNews:PennsylvaniaLegislaturesendspublicpensionreformtoGov.TomWolf
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/pensions pennsylvania.html
ReadingEagle:Berkslawmakerssoundoffonbudget,liquorandpensions
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/berkslawmakerssoundoffonbudgetliquorandpensions#sthash.MePk3SuH.dpuf
Education:FundingFormula
ReadingEagle:ReadingSchoolDistrictemergesasbigwinnerinnewfundingformula
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/readingschooldistrictemergesasbigwinnerinnewfundingformula#.VZKpPBtVhBd
ReadingEagle:Editorial:Legislatureshouldfollowequitablesubsidyproposal
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/editoriallegislatureshouldfollowequitablesubsidyproposal#.VZKwVBtVhBd
DelcoDailyTimes:Editorial:Stateneedstopushfairschoolfunding
http://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/20150629/editorialstateneedstopushfairschoolfunding
Newsworks:MakingsenseofPa.schoolfunding:budgets,formulasandstalemates
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/83615makingsenseofpaschoolfundingbudgetsformulasandstalemates
PhiladelphiaTribune:Phila.teachersproteststateschoolfunding
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/philateachersproteststateschoolfunding/article 8643e614b976577da23e8711cfce9121.html
TribuneDemocrat:Analysis:Areaschoolsmayseeshrinkingfundsasnewformulagainsmomentumtobecomelaw
http://www.tribdem.com/news/latest news/analysisareaschoolsmayseeshrinkingfundsasnewformula/article 53728acc1fa511e5b4ad
9f97b3063491.html
Education:DistrictBudgets
PAIndependent:CityhasnoideahowPhiladelphiaschoolsspenditstaxes
http://paindependent.com/2015/06/cityhasnoideahowphiladelphiaschoolsspenditstaxes/
PhiladelphiaInquirer:SRCadoptsbudget,butquestionsremain
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20150701_SRC_adopts_budget__but_questions_remain.html
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:SRCadopts$2.8billionbudget,butwithacaveat
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150701_SRC_adopts__2_8_billion_budget__but_with_a_caveat.html#A3wRUz2bYgRHjsEO.99
NewCastleNews:NewCastlebudgetbalancehingesonstatefunds
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/local_news/newcastlebudgetbalancehingesonstatefunds/article_4a415ad2228050b7b3e8
aaf9d48517b9.html
Education:HigherEd
PittsburghPostGazette:StateSystemexpectingenrollmentdecline
http://www.postgazette.com/news/education/2015/06/30/StateSystemextendslineofcredittoCheyneyUniversity/stories/201506300256
SeveranceTax,Fracking
TimesLeader:Editorial:Pipelineproposalsleavearealandownersfeelinguncertain,isolated
http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorial/371148/ouropinionpipelineproposalsleavearealandownersfeelinguncertainisolated
PoconoRecord:Editorial:Publicdeservesmoreinformationondrillingrelatedhealthcomplaints
http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20150629/OPINION/150629438/101041/OPINION
PatriotNews:Pa.lawmakersmovetoblocknewrulesonoilandgasdrilling
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/pa lawmakers amend fiscal code.html
PatriotNews:HouseRepublicanstokeepamendmentblockingnewrulesfordrilling,evenafterveto
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/house republicans to keep amen.html#incart river
TribuneReview:DavidConti:Addingitup
http://blog.triblive.com/flowback/2015/06/29/addingitup/
TribuneReview:HalliburtonclosingIndianaCountyoffice
http://triblive.com/business/headlines/866005774/gashalliburtonoffice#axzz3eZo2231q
BeaverCountyTimes:LTE:MarcellusShaleCoalitionopposesWolfplan
http://www.timesonline.com/opinion/letters to editor/marcellusshalecoalitionopposeswolfplan/article 6cefcc501e7211e5b9da
5b1a1d126970.html/?REFERMI=Opinion
MunicipalPensions
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Wolf:ReformPa.'slocalpensionplansorwe'llcutoffstateaid
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inqphillydeals/WolfImmediatereformforPas3240localpensions.html
PittsburghPostGazette:Stateauditorgeneraldeliversmunicipalpensionrecommendations
http://www.postgazette.com/local/city/2015/06/30/Stateauditorgeneraldeliversmunicipalpensionrecommendations/stories/201506300268
TimesTribune:Governortaskforcecallsfortighteningcontrolofunderfundedpensionfunds
http://thetimestribune.com/news/governortaskforcecallsfortighteningcontrolofunderfundedpensionfunds1.1905900
AP:Pennsylvania'sauditorrecommendsmunicipalpensionreforms
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/06/30/4816710 pennsylvaniasauditorrecommends.html?rh=1
DepartmentNews
PatriotNews:Withnomoneyfordrugrehab,'somepeoplejustdisappear'
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/drug rehabilitation money shor.html#incart river
ReadingEagle:OpEdbySec.RussellRedding:Agindustriesmuststartnowtoclosethecomingworkforcegap
http://readingeagle.com/berkscountry/article/agindustiresmuststartnowtoclosethecomingworkforcegap#sthash.PSVb0zW3.dpuf
ForConstructionPros:PR:PennsylvaniaDepartmentofCommunityandEconomicDevelopmentSecretaryToursCurrySupply
http://www.forconstructionpros.com/press release/12088570/pennsylvaniadepartmentofcommunityandeconomicdevelopmentsecretary
tourscurrysupply
BillSignings
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Newbillwouldmodifybackgroundchecks
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150701 New bill would modify background checks.html
TimesLeader:WolfsignsbillforMoonLaketransfertoDCNR
http://timesleader.com/topstories/371347/wolfsignsbillformoonlaketransfertodcnr
PhiladelphiaInquirer:BilloncyberbullyingsenttoWolf
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150701 Bill on cyber bullying sent to Wolf.html#eocs2HVBhAAgfHgc.99
PhiladelphiaMagazine:YourPhoneBillIsAbouttoGoUp
http://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/06/30/paphonebillsincrease911calls/#b2V1Sv6dKO966TSR.99
SameSexMarriageRuling
RoxboroughManayunkPatch:Gov.WolfChangesFacebookProfilePhotoToCelebrateGayMarriage
http://patch.com/pennsylvania/roxborough/govwolfchangesfacebookprofilephotocelebrategaymarriage
DeathPenalty
YorkDailyRecord:Editorial:Deathpenaltymoratoriummakessense
http://www.ydr.com/opinion/ci 28402104/deathpenaltymoratoriummakessenseydropinion
MedicalMarijuana
LNP:Researchersreviewmedicalmarijuanastudies,sayNotsofast
http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/researchersreviewmedicalmarijuanastudiessaynotsofast/article 48be47d01f2b11e5bcaa
9770ad10d24a.html
PatriotNews:Pa.medicalmarijuanaleaderdoubtsthereissecretdeal
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/sb 3 folmer leach baker reed.html#incart river
PatriotNews:Marsicomedicalmarijuanabillwouldn'tgrowgovernment
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/folmer leach sb 3.html
AGKane
TribuneReview:EmployeewhowrotelettersupportingKathleenKanegot$11,000raise
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/865921874/story#ixzz3eaGyfaSz
PittsburghPostGazette:EmployeedefendedAttorneyGeneralKane,gotpromotion
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/07/01/AGemployeewhodefendedKanegotaraise/stories/201507010072
LetterstotheEditor
ChambersburgPublicOpinion:Cleanenergyjobs
http://www.publicopiniononline.com/opinion/ci 28406109/lettercleanenergyjobs
PatriotNews:CommonwealthFoundation:StudentbasedformulabestforPennsylvania'spublicschoolchildren
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/06/education funding in pennsylva.html#incart 2box opinion
TribuneReview:CommonwealthFoundation:Redoingeducationfunding
http://triblive.com/opinion/letters/861220374/fundingeducationharmless#axzz3eden4Jq9
YorkDailyRecord:Wolfoffbaseonnursinghomefunding
http://www.ydr.com/letters/ci 28406522/wolfoffbasenursinghomefundingletter
SunburyDailyItem:Saynotogastax
http://www.dailyitem.com/opinion/saynotogastax/article 317fef1e1f6811e59dfdc388c0d4abf6.html
Capitolwire:WolfvetoesstatebudgetafterflurryoflegislativeactivityonTuesday.
ByChrisComisac
BureauChief
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(June30)MakingthesameargumentshisadministrationhassincelegislativeRepublicansunveiledtheirbudgetplan
lastweek,Gov.TomWolfTuesdayeveningsaidhewouldvetotheentirestatebudgetbillsenttohimafewhoursearlierbytheGeneral
Assembly.
ItswhatIfearedItdoesnotwork,saidWolf,arguingtheGOPdevelopedbillisbuiltongimmicks,smokeandmirrorsandkicking
thecandowntheroad.
Thegovernor,listingwhyhewouldvetothebill,saidthebudgetbillsmathdoesntwork,anditdoesntincludeenougheducation
funding,aseverancetaxonnaturalgasorpropertytaxrelief.
Thevetowouldrepresentthefirstfullbudgetvetosince,atleast,theadventofthemodernLegislatureinPennsylvania.
HesaidheextendedaninvitationtolegislativeleadersforameetingonWednesdayat2p.m.duringwhichhehopestobeginanew
conversation.
OnMarch3,Wolfsaidofhisbudgetproposal:Today,Ilaidoutmyplan,andImgoingtofightforit.Irecognizethatsomeofyouwont
agreewithallorpartsofit,andIrecognizethatweregoingtohavearobustconversation.Thatshowourdemocracyworks.Butifyou
dontagreewithmyideas,hereismyrequest:pleasecomewithyourownideas.
OnTuesday,whenurginganaffirmativevotetosendaRepublicandevelopedstatebudgettothegovernor,SenateMajorityLeaderJake
Corman,paraphrasingWolf,said,Thegovernorchallengedus,onhisbudgetaddressday,thatifyoudontlikethis[his]plan,okay,
thenwhat?
Afairchallengeitsanabsolutelyfairchallengefromthegovernorsothisisthenwhat,saidCormanaboutHouseBill1192,the
GeneralAppropriationsbilleventuallyapprovedbytheSenateTuesday,onavoteof3019,andsenttoWolf.
Withplentyoftimetospare,theGeneralAssemblysenttothegovernorsdesktheGeneralAppropriationsbillanditsimplementing
legislation,whichproposestospendnearly$30.2billioninthefiscalyearthatstartsJuly1.
TheGAbillwonapprovalatapproximately5:23p.m.,whiletheFiscalCode,whichimplementsthespendingproposedwithintheGA
bill,wasapprovedonconcurrenceintheSenateat7:43p.m.
TheGOPcontrolledLegislature,withlittletonoassistancefromGeneralAssemblyDemocrats,senttothegovernorthosebills,aswell
asliquorprivatizationlegislation,anEducationCodebill,apensionbillandthepreferredappropriationsbillsthatfundvariousstate
governmentoperations(SenateBills814through818).
Toreadaboutthelegislativeeffortsthatgottheliquorprivatizationandpensionbillstothegovernor,CLICKHERE,andformoreabout
theEducationCode,CLICKHERE.
StillawaitingvotesarethenonpreferredappropriationsbillsthatfundPennsylvaniasstaterelateduniversitiesandtheUniversityof
PennsylvaniaVeterinaryCollege.
TheSenatedebatedthroughoutthedayregardingtheGeneralAppropriationsandFiscalCodebills,eventuallyvotingalongpartylines
3019onbothtosendthosebillstothegovernor.
SenateAppropriationsCommitteeMajorityChairmanPatBrowne,RLehigh,saidPennsylvaniaisastateatacrossroadsandthatits
economicpotentialisoftenpassedoverduetoanticompetitivetaxesandpublicfiscalpolicies.
Brownesaidthegovernorsbudgetwouldrequiremoretaxes,increasingthetaxburdenonPennsylvaniascitizensandbusinesses,
and,ultimatelynotproducetheeconomicopportunitiesthegovernorpromises,andinsteadhampereconomicgrowth.
HesaidHB1192addressesthestates$1.25billionstructuraldeficitwithoutraisingtaxes,andstillprovidesincreasedfundingforahost
ofvitalprogramsandservices,including$200millionforbasicandhighereducation.
BrownesaidHB1192isabletoaccomplishthatthroughreasonablebudgetpracticesandpolicieswhichareacceptedandwidely
utilizedtomanagebudgetaryrevenueandexpendituresthatmeetexpectationsoffiduciariesandtaxpayers."
Browne,anaccountantbytrade,explainedfurther:Thesepoliciesincludeprudentcashmanagement,usingunencumberedand
unappropriatedendingbalancesinvariousfundstomeetourcurrentobligations,lapsingunappropriatedandunexpendedfundsfrom
priorfiscalyears,utilizingcapitalizedinterestsandcapitalassetdebtrefinancingtoaccommodatecurrentyearprojectedexpenditures,
quantifyingandrealizingvalueintheprivatesectoroftheCommonwealthsvaluableandunencumberedlongtermassets,replacing
Commonwealthfundswitheligiblefederalfundstosatisfyjointstateandfederalprogramobligations,adoptingreasonablechangesin
cashandaccrualbasesexpenditurerecognitionpolicies,strengtheningcaseloadandactuarialrateestimatesinhealthcareandlong
termcareprograms,truingupestimatesofcostsforemployeesalariesandbenefitsandreducingprojectedneedingeneral
administrationandITservices.
Allofthesepractices,alloftheseproceduresevenforpublicjurisdictionswithcompetitiverevenueportfoliosrelativetooursare
absolutelypreferableandmustbechosenbeforedecisionsaremadetotakeonadditionalinvestmentriskduetohigherprivatesector
costsandtaxes.
Foralessjargonyinterpretation,CLICKHEREandtoreadaboutthebudgetseducationproposals,CLICKHERE.
SenateDemocratsdistilledBrownesstatementstomean,intheirownwords,theGOPplanisbuiltongimmicksandnonrecurring
revenues,failstospendenoughmoneyanddoesntaddresstheissueofpropertytaxreform.Thosecriticismsweresimilartothose
theyofferedwhentheGOPunveileditsbudgetlatelastweekandonSundayeveningintheSenateAppropriationsCommittee.
ThebudgetpackagethatislikelytobepushedthroughtodayisnotarealbudgetIthinkweallknowthat,saidSen.RobTeplitz,D
Dauphin.Itsnotrealbecauseitsbasedontricksandideology.Itsalsonotrealbecausethereisntapersoninthisbuildingwho
actuallybelievesitsgoingtobeenactedintolaw.Weallknowwearegoingthroughthetheatricsofpassingabudgetthatwillbe
passedlargelyalongpartisanlines,onlytoberejectedbythegovernor.
Sen.JudySchwank,DBerks,saiditsdisappointingthebudgetproposaldoesntdoanythingtoloweroreliminatepropertytaxes.
TheyretiredofwaitingandImtiredofwaitingaswell,saidSchwankofherconstituentswhowanttoseepropertytaxrelief.
SeveralDemocratssaidnotraisingtaxesforincreasededucationspendingresultsinpropertytaxincreasesbyschooldistricts.
Propertytaxreform,whichdoesntneedtobepassedinconjunctionwiththestatebudget,hasbeenthesubjectofdiscussionformany
years,buteffortsweregivenaboostwhenWolfofferedhisownplan.Inadditiontothegovernorsplan,HouseRepublicans(CLICK
HEREtoreadaboutacomparisonoftheWolfandHouseGOPplan)andSenateDemocratshaveofferedseparateproposals.The
HouseGOPplanwasapprovedinMayandhasbeenintheSenateawaitingaction.
SenatePresidentProTemJoeScarnati,RJefferson,saiditseasytovotenoonabudgetandgohome,andsaidthegovernorshould
signtheplan.Wolf,laterTuesdaynight,didntlistentothatadvice,deliveringhisvetototheLegislature.
Ongoinghome,bothchambersagreedbyresolutionthatwhentheyadjournJune30theywouldreturnlaterintheyear:TheHouse,on
August25,andtheSenate,onSeptember21.
Ofcourse,ifadealcanbereachedbetweenthegovernorandRepublicanleaders,thechamberscouldreturnsooner.
Wolfsaidhehopedthetwochamberswouldreturnsoonerratherthanlater.RepublicanleadersmightnotbetoowillingtograntWolf's
wish.
30
Capitolwire:LegislaturepassesEducationCodebill,Wolfvetoesit.
ByChristenSmith
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(June30)RepublicansapprovedanEducationCodebillTuesdaythatGov.TomWolfpromptlyvetoedperhaps
representingthegovernor'sbiggestdisappointmentsofarthisbudgetseason.
Thelegislation,HouseBill762,containstheauthorizinglanguagenecessarytodistribute$10.9billioninpubliceducationsubsidies
containedwithinthestate'sannualbudgetbill.TheGOPcraftedplanbumpsspendingby$370million,including$100millionforbasic
education,$30millionearlyeducationand$20millionforspecialeducation.
Unfortunately,it'schumpchangetoWolf.
"ThisbudgetiswhatIfeared,"hetoldaroomfullofreportersTuesdayevening,lessthanhouraftertheGeneralAssemblysentthelast
budgetrelatedbilltohisdesk."Thisisabudgetthatactuallydoesn'twork.Itsimplydoesn'twork.Themathdoesn'twork.It'snot
balanced.Itdoesn'tinvestinthechallengesthatPennsylvanian'sfaceandweallknowPennsylvaniafaces,especiallywhenitcomesto
education."
DuringhisMarch3budgetaddressontheHousefloor,thenewlyelectedDemocraticgovernoraskedthelargestRepublicanmajorityin
sixdecadestosupporthisfouryearplantoboosteducationspendingby$2billionontopofthe$1billioninexpenditureshe
proposesfortheupcomingfiscalyearaloneessentiallyrestoringtheRendelleraspendingpoliciesthatwereaffordedwiththeinflux
oflongextinctfederalstimulusmoney,andincreasingthestate'sshareofeducationfundingfrom35percentto50percent.
Andhewantedtouseaprojected$1billioninrevenuegeneratedfroma5percentMarcellusShaleseverancetaxtodoit.
ItwasaplanthatbymanyaccountswasdeadonarrivalwithLegislativeRepublicans,whorejectedanytaxincreasesand
insteadfocusedtheireffortsonliquorprivatizationandpensionreform.TheHouseonJune1calledupthegovernorstaxrevenue
proposal,whichwasdefeatedunanimouslyinthechamberCLICKHEREtoreadmoreaboutthat.
But,aslateaslastweek,Wolfappearedtoholdouthopeforhishistoriceducationinvestmentproposals$400millionforbasic
education,$120millionforearlyeducationand$100millionforspecialeducationevenasRepublicanleaderscautionedagainstsuch
optimism,committingonlytoanincreaseineducationfunding.
AnydoubtthatWolfwouldn'tgethiswaywassquashedFridaywhenHouseandSenateleadersannouncedajointbudgetagreement
thatcarvedoutroughly25percentofthefundingthegovernorrequestedthreemonthsearlier,aswellasaPlanConbondstrategythat
wouldinfuseroughly$5.4billionintoschooldistrictsandsavethestate$300millioninFY201516.
TheWolfadministrationhaswrittenoffthestrategyassmokeandmirrors,whileSenateMajorityLeaderJayCosta,DAllegheny,said
hiscaucuswouldbeopentoaPlanConbondthatwasn'ttiedtothebudget.
ThedetailsoftheborrowingstrategyappearinHB762,whichincludesthecreationofaPlanConAdvisoryCommitteetoreviewand
makerecommendationsregardingthestate'sschoolconstructionprojectreimbursementprogrambyFebruary1,2016.
Meanwhile,LegislativeRepublicansslippednotone,buttwofundingformulasintothebill:thespecialeducationfundingformulaenacted
in2014throughtheFiscalCodeandthebasiceducationfundingformulaannouncedearlierthismonththelatterofwhich,Wolfand
LegislativeDemocratsinsisted,hadnobusinessbeingimplementeduntilFY201617.
Republicansignoredthatrequest,too,sayingtherewasnogoodreasontowaitonenactingthewidelysupportedandhighlyanticipated
formulaforanotheryear.
AnotherlastyearholdoverfromtheFiscalCodewoundupintheEducationCodebill,too:$1.2milliontocreatearuralregional
communitycollegeinthenorthwesterncornerofthestatealalastsession'sSenateBill1000,sponsoredbySenatePresidentPro
TemporeJoeScarnati,RJefferson.
AbillcodifyingformerGov.TomCorbett'sReadytoSucceedscholarshipprogramwasalsosenttoWolf'sdeskTuesdayamidthe
budgethubbub.Lastyear,lawmakersslippeditintotheFiscalCodeuntilthelegislation,SenateBill329,waspassedintolaw.
DespitelambastingfromHouseandSenateDemocrats,RepublicansintheHouseandSenatepassedthebillonvotesof10788and
3019,respectively,alittlemorethanthreehoursbeforethemidnightdeadline.
30
Capitolwire:Legislaturemakeshistoryputtingliquor,pensionbillsonWolf'sdesk.
ByKevinZwickandChrisComisac
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(June30)TheRepublicancontrolledLegislaturemadehistoryTuesdaywiththeapprovaloflegislationthatwould
overhaulmajorfacetsofstategovernment.
TheGeneralAssemblypassedlegislationtoeliminatethePennsylvaniaLiquorControlBoard'spoweroverpricingandproductsof
wineandspirits,andaseparatebilltomovenewlyhiredstateworkersintoadefinedcontributionhybridretirementplan.
Removingstategovernmentfromwineandliquorsaleshasevadedgovernorsfordecades.Govs.TomCorbett,TomRidge,Dick
ThornburghandMiltonShapp,whoalltriedbutfailedtoendtheProhibitioneraliquorsystem,wouldhaverelishedGov.TomWolf's
position.Corbettalsotriedtooverhaulthepensionsystemduringhisfinalyearinoffice.
Instead,Wolf'svetopenawaits,atleastthat'sthehopeofsomeDemocraticlawmakerswhoopposedthebills.Wolftoldreporters
Tuesdayeveninghewillreviewthelegislationbutwouldn'tsaywhetherhewouldvetothebills.
Wolfdoesn'tsupportprivatizingthestatestoresystem,partiallyduetothelossofafewthousandjobs,manyofwhichareunion.
HesupportsmodernizationreformstothesystemkeepingthestateinchargethatarealsobackedbylegislativeDemocrats.
ThisisanhistoricpieceoflegislationthatwillfinallybringPennsylvaniaintothe21stcentury,saidSenatePresidentProTemJoe
Scarnati,RJefferson,duringfloordebateaheadoftheSenate'sapprovalofanagreedtoamendedversionofTurzai'splan.Itgives
thepeopleofPennsylvaniawhattheywant.Itgetsthestateoutoftheliquorbusinessonceandforall.
Pasteffortstoremovestatecontroloverwineandhardliquorwerescuttledbyastrangefellowshipoforganizedlabor,social
conservatives,urbanandrurallawmakers,drunkdrivingawarenessgroups.Inrecentyears,sinceRepublicansregainedtheHouse
in2010,Rep.MikeTurzai,RAllegheny,nowtheHouseSpeaker,hasbeenthetorchbearerfortheliquorpush,eventuallyleading
hischambertopassaliquorproposalin2013.
HouseRepublicans,bolsteredbyyoungerconservativeswhodidn'tnecessarilybuyintopastarguments,revealedcracksinthe
coalitionandthatoddfellowshiphasfailedastheargumentstoprivatizetrumpcallstocontrolbooze.
WeworryonthesamesenseaboutprotectingyoungpeoplefromgettingboozeandwetalkabouttheneedforLCBtoenforcethis,
yetthey'retheexactsameboardthatistryingtomaximizesales,saidRep.JimChristiana,RBeaver.Itisaconflictofinterest.
Thelegislationwouldleadtotheeventualclosingofstaterunliquorstoresasprivateretaillicensees,includinghotels,restaurants,
beerdistributorsanddelis,buyexpandedpermitstosellwineandhardliquor.Itwouldalsoleasethewholesaleoperationfor10
years,withthePLCBcollectingfeesfromprivatewholesalersbasedonhowmuchtheyspendayear.
Thisbillwillcostus4,000jobs.Revenuelossinthemillions.Priceswillgoup,selectionwillgodown,saidHouseDemocratic
LeaderFrankDermody,DAllegheny.Whatisthereasonwewouldsellwhatisanasset?
LegislativeDemocratsandsomeRepublicansobjectedoverthelossofbetween3,500and4,700statestorejobs.Othersobjected
totheproliferationofalcohol,particularlyaroundcollegecampusesandcities.
Inadditiontoanuisancelocation,we'regonnaaddawholebunchofliquorstores,saidSenateDemocraticWhipTonyWilliams,
DPhiladelphia.We'llhaveliquoroutofcontrol.
AsimilarsentimentwasechoedintheHousebyRep.GeneDiGirolamo,RBucks,oneofthefewRepublicansagainstprivatization,
whohasstrongunionbackingandisanadvocatefordrugtreatment.
Iguaranteeit,ourcollegecampuseswillbeaprimetarget,hesaid.Ourcities,inthecityofPhiladelphia,Pittsburgh,andmanyof
ourothercities,anywheretheycanmakethemostprofitfromthesaleofalcoholthat'swherethey'regoingtoputthem.
It'snotwhatIwanttoseePennsylvaniaturninto,headded.
Andatleastonelawmakersaidhedoesn'tmindthecurrentsystem.
Idon'tthinkit'ssuchabigdealnowtogototwoplaces,saidHouseLiquorControlCommitteeDemocraticChairmanPaulCosta,
DAllegheny,referringtogoingtoastatestoreforliquorandwine,andabeerdistributorforbeer.
Thelegislation,HouseBill466,passedtheSenate2722andlaterintheHouse11382.
Analterationofthestatepublicpensionsanotquiteashistoricbutstilldifficulteffortwaslikewiseaccomplishedbythe
RepublicancontrolledGeneralAssemblyonTuesday.
TheHousefirst,ona10689vote(11RepublicansjoinedtheDemocratsopposingthebill),andthentheSenateearlyTuesday
evening,ona2920vote(apartyline,otherthananovotebySen.StewartGreenleaf,RMontgomery),approvedSenateBill1,
legislationthatwouldcreateahybriddefinedcontribution/definedbenefitplanintowhichmostnewlyhiredstateandpublicschool
employeeswouldbeenrolled,aswellasmakeapairofchangestohowbenefitsarecalculated,prospectively,forcurrent
employees.
IfsignedintolawbyWolfanuncertainprospectSB1wouldrepresentthefirsttimea401ktypeplanhasbeenimplementedfor
stateandpublicschoolemployees(newones),andararealterationofcurrentemployeesbenefitcalculations.CLICKHEREforthe
detailsaboutthebill.
HouseandSenateRepublicanssaidtheimportanceofSenateBill1sefforttoshiftsomeoftheriskofthestatespublicpensions
fromPennsylvaniastaxpayerstostateandpublicschoolemployeesisessential.
Sayingthehistoricalandrecentdebateaboutpensionreformcanbealotlikearollercoasterwithtalksrangingfromenhancing
benefitstorestrictsystemcostgrowth,andpassionsoftenpushingthosecommentstohyperboleHouseMajorityLeaderDave
Reed,RIndiana,toldtheHouse:SenateBill1isaproposalthatwillallowustokeepourcommitmenttoourretirees,itsa
proposalthatwillallowourcurrentemployeestokeepthebenefitstructuretheysignedupfor,itsaproposalthatwillstabilizethe
systemfornewemployeesgoingforward,itsaproposalthatwillminimizetheriskforthetaxpayersinthelongtermitstimeto
voteforSenateBill1,itstimetogetoffthisrollercoasterrideandmovethisstateforward.
HouseandSenateDemocratsattackedthebillonahostofissues,butmostfocusedonafewprimaryareas:thelackofimmediate
savings,potentialcourtchallengesandothercostsofswitchingthebenefitplans,thelimitedimpactontheunfundedliability,the
impactonfuturehiresandtheirabilitytosupportthemselvesintheirretirement.
ItsourviewthatthereareresponsiblepensionreformmeasureandirresponsiblepensionreformmeasuresIwouldputSenate
Bill1inthelattercategory,saidSenateMinorityLeaderJayCosta,DAllegheny,aboutSB1duringanearlyTuesdayevening
meetingoftheSenateRulesCommitteethatultimatelyreportedthebilltotheSenatefloor,onapartyline116vote.
Costasaidaresponsiblemeasureshouldnotaggravatethepensionsystemsunfundedliabilityorimpairthecontractsofcurrent
employees,twothingsheclaimedaredonebySB1.Healsosaidagoodpensionplanwouldprovidethestateandschooldistricts
withpensionpaymentrelief,aswellasensureretirementsecurityforparticipantsinthepensionsystemstwothingshesaidSB1
doesnotdo.
Fairnessisoftenintheeyesofthebeholder,saidRep.WarrenKampf,RChester,respondingtocriticisms,similartothose
expressedbyCosta,intheHouse.Andintodaysworlditseemstomethatahybridplanwhichisproperlycrafted,isactually
betterforouremployeesofallkinds.
Kampf,whowastappedbyHouseGOPleaderstoleadhiscaucusfloordebateregardingthelegislation,saiddefinedbenefitplans,
suchastheonescurrentlyprovidedbythestate,shortertermemployeesareatadisadvantage,whilethoseemployeeswhowork
forextendedperiodsrealizehigherlevelsofretirementbenefits.
Thatsnotfair,butthatshowdefinedbenefitplansoftenaretheyrebackloadedsothelongtermemployee,the30or35year
employee,istheonewhosignificantlybenefits,saidKampf,notingthatcurrentemploymenttrendspointtomostworkersnot
stayingwithonejoblongenoughtotrulybenefitfromthestatescurrentretirementbenefitdesign.Hesaidstateworkers,nationally,
staywiththeirjobanaverageofsevenyears.
Cashbalanceplansarebetterforfuturehiresthantheplanwecurrentlyhaveforsomeonethatsinthe[pension]systemfor10or
15or20years,arguedKampf.Headdedthatevenlongertermemployeeswouldenduphaving50to60percentreplacement
income,andwhentheirSocialSecuritybenefitsareaddedwhichhesaidwouldofferanother25percentor30percent
replacementincomewouldputthemrightintherangewheretheyneedtobeforretirement.
KampfalsosoughttodispelsomeoftheDemocratsotherarguments,notingtheunfundedliabilitysituationoftmentionedby
DemocraticspeakersisduetohowtheStateEmployeesRetirementSystemassumedthehybridplanscosttothestate,which
theactuarialnotecriticizedasunderstated,leadingtoanapparentbuterroneousincreaseintheunfundedliability.Andwith
regardtosavings,whilelittletonothinginthenearterm,foranyreform[proposal],especiallyforasystemofthissize,takestime
toimplementitdoesntmeanitsnotworthdoingit.
Thisisnotthedoomsdaywarnedbyothers,saidKampf.
30
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/01/201508:52:49AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJuly1,2015
Budget:Commentary
TimesTribune:Editorial:GOPbudgetposturing
http://thetimestr bune.com/opinion/gopbudgetposturing1.1906086
HeraldStandard:SteveHerzenberg:Gov.Wolf'sbudgetwouldbenefitFayetteCounty
http://www.heraldstandard.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/govwolfsbudgetwouldbenefitfayettecounty/article_425c36cee9bd5d2aa31a
ba7b5f854cf9.html
YorkDispatch:OpEd:LoweringstateCorporateNetIncomeTaxistherightmove
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/viewpoints/ci 28404180/opedloweringstatecorporatenetincometax
BeaverCountyTimes:Severallocallegislatorsshareharshremarksaboutbudget
http://www.timesonline.com/news/local news/severallocallegislatorsshareharshremarksaboutbudget/article a96f17941e9f11e59252
fb7bf53282dc.html/?REFERMI=News
TribuneDemocrat:Editorial:Lackofstatebudgetisdisappointing
http://www.tribdem.com/news/editorials/editoriallackofstatebudgetisdisappointing/article 05ecd2541e9611e5be9b2fd8ca2f45f1.html
Budget:Veto
AP:WolfseekstorestarttalksaftervetoingGOPsbudgetbill
http://www.delcotimes.com/generalnews/20150701/wolfseekstorestarttalksaftervetoinggopsbudgetbill
AP:PennsylvaniagovernorvetoesentireRepublicanbudgetbill
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150630 ap 5ad038859fbb4ed28c38ee2339fcfaec.html#pyQoot0DYP7E5uPz.99
PAIndependent:Wolfsveto,opposingmandatesleavePennsylvaniawithoutbudget
http://paindependent.com/2015/07/wolfbudgetveto/
PatriotNews:Thedefinitionofinsanity?Justanotherdaytheofficeforthe#PaBudgetdebate:Analysis
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/06/liquor privatization pension r.html#incart river
PatriotNews:WolfhitsbudgetresetbuttonmuchtoGOP'sdisappointment
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/wolf hits budget reset button.html
PatriotNews:Gov.TomWolfvetoesGOPpassedbudgetbill,bringingbudgetnegotiatorsbacktothetable
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/gov tom wolf vetoes goppassed.html
PatriotNews:Gov.TomWolfvetoesRepublicanbudgetproposal.Nowwhat?
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/gov tom wolf vetoes republican.html#incart river
PatriotNews:'ThisistheGovernor'sshutdown,'GOPspokesmansaysafterWolfveto:WednesdayMorningCoffee
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/the four videos that explain w.html
MorningCall:DemocraticGov.TomWolfvetoesRepublicans'budget
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpawolflegislaturebudgetveto063020150630story.html#page=1
TribuneReview:PennsylvaniaSenatepasses$30.1BGOPbudgetGov.Wolfvetolikely
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/865850674/statebudgetbill#ixzz3edpUv7IV
PittsburghPostGazette:'Thisbudgetissimplynotbalanced':Gov.WolfvetoesRepublicanspendingplan
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/06/30/PennsylvaniagovernortovetoGOPsbudgetbill/stories/201506300295
PhiladelphiaInquirer:WolfvetoesentireGOPbudget,says'mathdoesn'twork'
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150701 Pa
Wolf.html#HpTk2TE2MPrGw84J.99
TimesTribune:WolfquicklyvetoesGOPbudgetplan
http://thetimestribune.com/news/wolfquicklyvetoesgopbudgetplan1.1906130
ReadingEagle:Analysis:WithWolf'sveto,budgetstalematecouldlastweeks,orlonger
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/analysispennsylvaniastatebudgetstalematecouldlastweeksorlonger#sthash.alvWuUTu.dpuf
WITF:Gov.WolfVetoesGOP'sEntireBudgetBill
http://wesa.fm/post/govwolfvetoesgopsentirebudgetbill
PhiladelphiaMagazine:WolfVetoesGOPBudget
http://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/07/01/wolfvetoesgopbudget/
PLSReporter:Gov.WolftovetoentireGOPcraftedbudget,callsproposalamess
http://plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/811/GovWolftovetoentireGOPcraftedbudgetcallsproposal%E2%80%9Ca
mess%E2%80%9D.aspx
PLSReporter:Whatdoesavetosay?
http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/810/Whatdoesavetosay.aspx
WBRE:VIDEO:GovernorTomWolfVetoesGOPPassedBudgetBill
http://www.pahomepage.com/story/d/story/governortomwolfvetoesgoppassedbudgetbill/34754/Yf0vQnjvEitMNUWuucVdw
WNEP:VIDEO:GovernorWolfVetoesEntireBudget
http://wnep.com/2015/06/30/governorwolfvetoesentirebudget/
KDKA:VIDEO:GovernorWolfVetoesEntireRepublicanBudgetBill,LiquorLegislationUpInTheAir
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/06/30/governorwolfvetoesentirerepublicanbudgetbill/
ABC27:VIDEO:GovernorWolfvetoesbudgetpassedbyRepublicanledlegislature
http://abc27.com/2015/06/30/governorwolfvetoesbudgetpassedbyrepublicanledlegislature/
FOX43:VIDEO:Gov.Wolfvetoesbudgetbill
http://fox43.com/2015/06/30/govwolfvetoesbudgetbill/
WGAL:VIDEO:GovernorvetoesRepublicanbudget
http://www.wgal.com/news/governorvetoesrepublicanbudget/33899212
WTAJ:VIDEO:GovernorWolfVetoesBudget
http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/governorwolfvetoesbudget/23544/7 ezbOUl4Emg88Vq7U10ww
KYW:VIDEO:GovernorWolfVetoesEntirePa.Budget
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/06/30/pasenatesendsbudgettogovernor/
LiquorPrivatization,Pensions
PatriotNews:Whatliquorprivatizationwoulddoandnotdoforconsumers
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/what liquor privatization woul.html
PatriotNews:Housesendshistoricliquorprivatizationbilltogovernortosign
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/house sends historic liquor pr.html
TribuneReview:Inhistoricvote,Pa.Senateapprovesbillsellingstateliquorstores
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/865936274/liquorstatewine#axzz3eUZhKQf3
AP:PennsylvaniaSenateapprovesbudget,liquorprivatizationbills
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/06/30/LiquorbillpassesSenateamidbudgetdeadlinedayflurry1/stories/201506300259
PatriotNews:PennsylvaniaLegislaturesendspublicpensionreformtoGov.TomWolf
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/pensions pennsylvania.html
ReadingEagle:Berkslawmakerssoundoffonbudget,liquorandpensions
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/berkslawmakerssoundoffonbudgetliquorandpensions#sthash.MePk3SuH.dpuf
Education:FundingFormula
ReadingEagle:ReadingSchoolDistrictemergesasbigwinnerinnewfundingformula
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/readingschooldistrictemergesasbigwinnerinnewfundingformula#.VZKpPBtVhBd
ReadingEagle:Editorial:Legislatureshouldfollowequitablesubsidyproposal
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/editoriallegislatureshouldfollowequitablesubsidyproposal#.VZKwVBtVhBd
DelcoDailyTimes:Editorial:Stateneedstopushfairschoolfunding
http://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/20150629/editorialstateneedstopushfairschoolfunding
Newsworks:MakingsenseofPa.schoolfunding:budgets,formulasandstalemates
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/83615makingsenseofpaschoolfundingbudgetsformulasandstalemates
PhiladelphiaTribune:Phila.teachersproteststateschoolfunding
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/philateachersproteststateschoolfunding/article 8643e614b976577da23e8711cfce9121.html
TribuneDemocrat:Analysis:Areaschoolsmayseeshrinkingfundsasnewformulagainsmomentumtobecomelaw
http://www.tribdem.com/news/latest news/analysisareaschoolsmayseeshrinkingfundsasnewformula/article 53728acc1fa511e5b4ad
9f97b3063491.html
Education:DistrictBudgets
PAIndependent:CityhasnoideahowPhiladelphiaschoolsspenditstaxes
http://paindependent.com/2015/06/cityhasnoideahowphiladelphiaschoolsspenditstaxes/
PhiladelphiaInquirer:SRCadoptsbudget,butquestionsremain
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20150701_SRC_adopts_budget__but_questions_remain.html
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:SRCadopts$2.8billionbudget,butwithacaveat
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150701_SRC_adopts__2_8_billion_budget__but_with_a_caveat.html#A3wRUz2bYgRHjsEO.99
NewCastleNews:NewCastlebudgetbalancehingesonstatefunds
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/local_news/newcastlebudgetbalancehingesonstatefunds/article_4a415ad2228050b7b3e8
aaf9d48517b9.html
Education:HigherEd
PittsburghPostGazette:StateSystemexpectingenrollmentdecline
http://www.postgazette.com/news/education/2015/06/30/StateSystemextendslineofcredittoCheyneyUniversity/stories/201506300256
SeveranceTax,Fracking
TimesLeader:Editorial:Pipelineproposalsleavearealandownersfeelinguncertain,isolated
http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorial/371148/ouropinionpipelineproposalsleavearealandownersfeelinguncertainisolated
PoconoRecord:Editorial:Publicdeservesmoreinformationondrillingrelatedhealthcomplaints
http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20150629/OPINION/150629438/101041/OPINION
PatriotNews:Pa.lawmakersmovetoblocknewrulesonoilandgasdrilling
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/pa lawmakers amend fiscal code.html
PatriotNews:HouseRepublicanstokeepamendmentblockingnewrulesfordrilling,evenafterveto
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/house republicans to keep amen.html#incart river
TribuneReview:DavidConti:Addingitup
http://blog.triblive.com/flowback/2015/06/29/addingitup/
TribuneReview:HalliburtonclosingIndianaCountyoffice
http://triblive.com/business/headlines/866005774/gashalliburtonoffice#axzz3eZo2231q
BeaverCountyTimes:LTE:MarcellusShaleCoalitionopposesWolfplan
http://www.timesonline.com/opinion/letters to editor/marcellusshalecoalitionopposeswolfplan/article 6cefcc501e7211e5b9da
5b1a1d126970.html/?REFERMI=Opinion
MunicipalPensions
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Wolf:ReformPa.'slocalpensionplansorwe'llcutoffstateaid
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inqphillydeals/WolfImmediatereformforPas3240localpensions.html
PittsburghPostGazette:Stateauditorgeneraldeliversmunicipalpensionrecommendations
http://www.postgazette.com/local/city/2015/06/30/Stateauditorgeneraldeliversmunicipalpensionrecommendations/stories/201506300268
TimesTribune:Governortaskforcecallsfortighteningcontrolofunderfundedpensionfunds
http://thetimestribune.com/news/governortaskforcecallsfortighteningcontrolofunderfundedpensionfunds1.1905900
AP:Pennsylvania'sauditorrecommendsmunicipalpensionreforms
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/06/30/4816710 pennsylvaniasauditorrecommends.html?rh=1
DepartmentNews
PatriotNews:Withnomoneyfordrugrehab,'somepeoplejustdisappear'
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/drug rehabilitation money shor.html#incart river
ReadingEagle:OpEdbySec.RussellRedding:Agindustriesmuststartnowtoclosethecomingworkforcegap
http://readingeagle.com/berkscountry/article/agindustiresmuststartnowtoclosethecomingworkforcegap#sthash.PSVb0zW3.dpuf
ForConstructionPros:PR:PennsylvaniaDepartmentofCommunityandEconomicDevelopmentSecretaryToursCurrySupply
http://www.forconstructionpros.com/press release/12088570/pennsylvaniadepartmentofcommunityandeconomicdevelopmentsecretary
tourscurrysupply
BillSignings
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Newbillwouldmodifybackgroundchecks
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150701 New bill would modify background checks.html
TimesLeader:WolfsignsbillforMoonLaketransfertoDCNR
http://timesleader.com/topstories/371347/wolfsignsbillformoonlaketransfertodcnr
PhiladelphiaInquirer:BilloncyberbullyingsenttoWolf
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150701 Bill on cyber bullying sent to Wolf.html#eocs2HVBhAAgfHgc.99
PhiladelphiaMagazine:YourPhoneBillIsAbouttoGoUp
http://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/06/30/paphonebillsincrease911calls/#b2V1Sv6dKO966TSR.99
SameSexMarriageRuling
RoxboroughManayunkPatch:Gov.WolfChangesFacebookProfilePhotoToCelebrateGayMarriage
http://patch.com/pennsylvania/roxborough/govwolfchangesfacebookprofilephotocelebrategaymarriage
DeathPenalty
YorkDailyRecord:Editorial:Deathpenaltymoratoriummakessense
http://www.ydr.com/opinion/ci 28402104/deathpenaltymoratoriummakessenseydropinion
MedicalMarijuana
LNP:Researchersreviewmedicalmarijuanastudies,sayNotsofast
http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/researchersreviewmedicalmarijuanastudiessaynotsofast/article 48be47d01f2b11e5bcaa
9770ad10d24a.html
PatriotNews:Pa.medicalmarijuanaleaderdoubtsthereissecretdeal
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/sb 3 folmer leach baker reed.html#incart river
PatriotNews:Marsicomedicalmarijuanabillwouldn'tgrowgovernment
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/folmer leach sb 3.html
AGKane
TribuneReview:EmployeewhowrotelettersupportingKathleenKanegot$11,000raise
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/865921874/story#ixzz3eaGyfaSz
PittsburghPostGazette:EmployeedefendedAttorneyGeneralKane,gotpromotion
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/07/01/AGemployeewhodefendedKanegotaraise/stories/201507010072
LetterstotheEditor
ChambersburgPublicOpinion:Cleanenergyjobs
http://www.publicopiniononline.com/opinion/ci 28406109/lettercleanenergyjobs
PatriotNews:CommonwealthFoundation:StudentbasedformulabestforPennsylvania'spublicschoolchildren
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/06/education funding in pennsylva.html#incart 2box opinion
TribuneReview:CommonwealthFoundation:Redoingeducationfunding
http://triblive.com/opinion/letters/861220374/fundingeducationharmless#axzz3eden4Jq9
YorkDailyRecord:Wolfoffbaseonnursinghomefunding
http://www.ydr.com/letters/ci 28406522/wolfoffbasenursinghomefundingletter
SunburyDailyItem:Saynotogastax
http://www.dailyitem.com/opinion/saynotogastax/article 317fef1e1f6811e59dfdc388c0d4abf6.html
Capitolwire:WolfvetoesstatebudgetafterflurryoflegislativeactivityonTuesday.
ByChrisComisac
BureauChief
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(June30)MakingthesameargumentshisadministrationhassincelegislativeRepublicansunveiledtheirbudgetplan
lastweek,Gov.TomWolfTuesdayeveningsaidhewouldvetotheentirestatebudgetbillsenttohimafewhoursearlierbytheGeneral
Assembly.
ItswhatIfearedItdoesnotwork,saidWolf,arguingtheGOPdevelopedbillisbuiltongimmicks,smokeandmirrorsandkicking
thecandowntheroad.
Thegovernor,listingwhyhewouldvetothebill,saidthebudgetbillsmathdoesntwork,anditdoesntincludeenougheducation
funding,aseverancetaxonnaturalgasorpropertytaxrelief.
Thevetowouldrepresentthefirstfullbudgetvetosince,atleast,theadventofthemodernLegislatureinPennsylvania.
HesaidheextendedaninvitationtolegislativeleadersforameetingonWednesdayat2p.m.duringwhichhehopestobeginanew
conversation.
OnMarch3,Wolfsaidofhisbudgetproposal:Today,Ilaidoutmyplan,andImgoingtofightforit.Irecognizethatsomeofyouwont
agreewithallorpartsofit,andIrecognizethatweregoingtohavearobustconversation.Thatshowourdemocracyworks.Butifyou
dontagreewithmyideas,hereismyrequest:pleasecomewithyourownideas.
OnTuesday,whenurginganaffirmativevotetosendaRepublicandevelopedstatebudgettothegovernor,SenateMajorityLeaderJake
Corman,paraphrasingWolf,said,Thegovernorchallengedus,onhisbudgetaddressday,thatifyoudontlikethis[his]plan,okay,
thenwhat?
Afairchallengeitsanabsolutelyfairchallengefromthegovernorsothisisthenwhat,saidCormanaboutHouseBill1192,the
GeneralAppropriationsbilleventuallyapprovedbytheSenateTuesday,onavoteof3019,andsenttoWolf.
Withplentyoftimetospare,theGeneralAssemblysenttothegovernorsdesktheGeneralAppropriationsbillanditsimplementing
legislation,whichproposestospendnearly$30.2billioninthefiscalyearthatstartsJuly1.
TheGAbillwonapprovalatapproximately5:23p.m.,whiletheFiscalCode,whichimplementsthespendingproposedwithintheGA
bill,wasapprovedonconcurrenceintheSenateat7:43p.m.
TheGOPcontrolledLegislature,withlittletonoassistancefromGeneralAssemblyDemocrats,senttothegovernorthosebills,aswell
asliquorprivatizationlegislation,anEducationCodebill,apensionbillandthepreferredappropriationsbillsthatfundvariousstate
governmentoperations(SenateBills814through818).
Toreadaboutthelegislativeeffortsthatgottheliquorprivatizationandpensionbillstothegovernor,CLICKHERE,andformoreabout
theEducationCode,CLICKHERE.
StillawaitingvotesarethenonpreferredappropriationsbillsthatfundPennsylvaniasstaterelateduniversitiesandtheUniversityof
PennsylvaniaVeterinaryCollege.
TheSenatedebatedthroughoutthedayregardingtheGeneralAppropriationsandFiscalCodebills,eventuallyvotingalongpartylines
3019onbothtosendthosebillstothegovernor.
SenateAppropriationsCommitteeMajorityChairmanPatBrowne,RLehigh,saidPennsylvaniaisastateatacrossroadsandthatits
economicpotentialisoftenpassedoverduetoanticompetitivetaxesandpublicfiscalpolicies.
Brownesaidthegovernorsbudgetwouldrequiremoretaxes,increasingthetaxburdenonPennsylvaniascitizensandbusinesses,
and,ultimatelynotproducetheeconomicopportunitiesthegovernorpromises,andinsteadhampereconomicgrowth.
HesaidHB1192addressesthestates$1.25billionstructuraldeficitwithoutraisingtaxes,andstillprovidesincreasedfundingforahost
ofvitalprogramsandservices,including$200millionforbasicandhighereducation.
BrownesaidHB1192isabletoaccomplishthatthroughreasonablebudgetpracticesandpolicieswhichareacceptedandwidely
utilizedtomanagebudgetaryrevenueandexpendituresthatmeetexpectationsoffiduciariesandtaxpayers."
Browne,anaccountantbytrade,explainedfurther:Thesepoliciesincludeprudentcashmanagement,usingunencumberedand
unappropriatedendingbalancesinvariousfundstomeetourcurrentobligations,lapsingunappropriatedandunexpendedfundsfrom
priorfiscalyears,utilizingcapitalizedinterestsandcapitalassetdebtrefinancingtoaccommodatecurrentyearprojectedexpenditures,
quantifyingandrealizingvalueintheprivatesectoroftheCommonwealthsvaluableandunencumberedlongtermassets,replacing
Commonwealthfundswitheligiblefederalfundstosatisfyjointstateandfederalprogramobligations,adoptingreasonablechangesin
cashandaccrualbasesexpenditurerecognitionpolicies,strengtheningcaseloadandactuarialrateestimatesinhealthcareandlong
termcareprograms,truingupestimatesofcostsforemployeesalariesandbenefitsandreducingprojectedneedingeneral
administrationandITservices.
Allofthesepractices,alloftheseproceduresevenforpublicjurisdictionswithcompetitiverevenueportfoliosrelativetooursare
absolutelypreferableandmustbechosenbeforedecisionsaremadetotakeonadditionalinvestmentriskduetohigherprivatesector
costsandtaxes.
Foralessjargonyinterpretation,CLICKHEREandtoreadaboutthebudgetseducationproposals,CLICKHERE.
SenateDemocratsdistilledBrownesstatementstomean,intheirownwords,theGOPplanisbuiltongimmicksandnonrecurring
revenues,failstospendenoughmoneyanddoesntaddresstheissueofpropertytaxreform.Thosecriticismsweresimilartothose
theyofferedwhentheGOPunveileditsbudgetlatelastweekandonSundayeveningintheSenateAppropriationsCommittee.
ThebudgetpackagethatislikelytobepushedthroughtodayisnotarealbudgetIthinkweallknowthat,saidSen.RobTeplitz,D
Dauphin.Itsnotrealbecauseitsbasedontricksandideology.Itsalsonotrealbecausethereisntapersoninthisbuildingwho
actuallybelievesitsgoingtobeenactedintolaw.Weallknowwearegoingthroughthetheatricsofpassingabudgetthatwillbe
passedlargelyalongpartisanlines,onlytoberejectedbythegovernor.
Sen.JudySchwank,DBerks,saiditsdisappointingthebudgetproposaldoesntdoanythingtoloweroreliminatepropertytaxes.
TheyretiredofwaitingandImtiredofwaitingaswell,saidSchwankofherconstituentswhowanttoseepropertytaxrelief.
SeveralDemocratssaidnotraisingtaxesforincreasededucationspendingresultsinpropertytaxincreasesbyschooldistricts.
Propertytaxreform,whichdoesntneedtobepassedinconjunctionwiththestatebudget,hasbeenthesubjectofdiscussionformany
years,buteffortsweregivenaboostwhenWolfofferedhisownplan.Inadditiontothegovernorsplan,HouseRepublicans(CLICK
HEREtoreadaboutacomparisonoftheWolfandHouseGOPplan)andSenateDemocratshaveofferedseparateproposals.The
HouseGOPplanwasapprovedinMayandhasbeenintheSenateawaitingaction.
SenatePresidentProTemJoeScarnati,RJefferson,saiditseasytovotenoonabudgetandgohome,andsaidthegovernorshould
signtheplan.Wolf,laterTuesdaynight,didntlistentothatadvice,deliveringhisvetototheLegislature.
Ongoinghome,bothchambersagreedbyresolutionthatwhentheyadjournJune30theywouldreturnlaterintheyear:TheHouse,on
August25,andtheSenate,onSeptember21.
Ofcourse,ifadealcanbereachedbetweenthegovernorandRepublicanleaders,thechamberscouldreturnsooner.
Wolfsaidhehopedthetwochamberswouldreturnsoonerratherthanlater.RepublicanleadersmightnotbetoowillingtograntWolf's
wish.
30
Capitolwire:LegislaturepassesEducationCodebill,Wolfvetoesit.
ByChristenSmith
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(June30)RepublicansapprovedanEducationCodebillTuesdaythatGov.TomWolfpromptlyvetoedperhaps
representingthegovernor'sbiggestdisappointmentsofarthisbudgetseason.
Thelegislation,HouseBill762,containstheauthorizinglanguagenecessarytodistribute$10.9billioninpubliceducationsubsidies
containedwithinthestate'sannualbudgetbill.TheGOPcraftedplanbumpsspendingby$370million,including$100millionforbasic
education,$30millionearlyeducationand$20millionforspecialeducation.
Unfortunately,it'schumpchangetoWolf.
"ThisbudgetiswhatIfeared,"hetoldaroomfullofreportersTuesdayevening,lessthanhouraftertheGeneralAssemblysentthelast
budgetrelatedbilltohisdesk."Thisisabudgetthatactuallydoesn'twork.Itsimplydoesn'twork.Themathdoesn'twork.It'snot
balanced.Itdoesn'tinvestinthechallengesthatPennsylvanian'sfaceandweallknowPennsylvaniafaces,especiallywhenitcomesto
education."
DuringhisMarch3budgetaddressontheHousefloor,thenewlyelectedDemocraticgovernoraskedthelargestRepublicanmajorityin
sixdecadestosupporthisfouryearplantoboosteducationspendingby$2billionontopofthe$1billioninexpenditureshe
proposesfortheupcomingfiscalyearaloneessentiallyrestoringtheRendelleraspendingpoliciesthatwereaffordedwiththeinflux
oflongextinctfederalstimulusmoney,andincreasingthestate'sshareofeducationfundingfrom35percentto50percent.
Andhewantedtouseaprojected$1billioninrevenuegeneratedfroma5percentMarcellusShaleseverancetaxtodoit.
ItwasaplanthatbymanyaccountswasdeadonarrivalwithLegislativeRepublicans,whorejectedanytaxincreasesand
insteadfocusedtheireffortsonliquorprivatizationandpensionreform.TheHouseonJune1calledupthegovernorstaxrevenue
proposal,whichwasdefeatedunanimouslyinthechamberCLICKHEREtoreadmoreaboutthat.
But,aslateaslastweek,Wolfappearedtoholdouthopeforhishistoriceducationinvestmentproposals$400millionforbasic
education,$120millionforearlyeducationand$100millionforspecialeducationevenasRepublicanleaderscautionedagainstsuch
optimism,committingonlytoanincreaseineducationfunding.
AnydoubtthatWolfwouldn'tgethiswaywassquashedFridaywhenHouseandSenateleadersannouncedajointbudgetagreement
thatcarvedoutroughly25percentofthefundingthegovernorrequestedthreemonthsearlier,aswellasaPlanConbondstrategythat
wouldinfuseroughly$5.4billionintoschooldistrictsandsavethestate$300millioninFY201516.
TheWolfadministrationhaswrittenoffthestrategyassmokeandmirrors,whileSenateMajorityLeaderJayCosta,DAllegheny,said
hiscaucuswouldbeopentoaPlanConbondthatwasn'ttiedtothebudget.
ThedetailsoftheborrowingstrategyappearinHB762,whichincludesthecreationofaPlanConAdvisoryCommitteetoreviewand
makerecommendationsregardingthestate'sschoolconstructionprojectreimbursementprogrambyFebruary1,2016.
Meanwhile,LegislativeRepublicansslippednotone,buttwofundingformulasintothebill:thespecialeducationfundingformulaenacted
in2014throughtheFiscalCodeandthebasiceducationfundingformulaannouncedearlierthismonththelatterofwhich,Wolfand
LegislativeDemocratsinsisted,hadnobusinessbeingimplementeduntilFY201617.
Republicansignoredthatrequest,too,sayingtherewasnogoodreasontowaitonenactingthewidelysupportedandhighlyanticipated
formulaforanotheryear.
AnotherlastyearholdoverfromtheFiscalCodewoundupintheEducationCodebill,too:$1.2milliontocreatearuralregional
communitycollegeinthenorthwesterncornerofthestatealalastsession'sSenateBill1000,sponsoredbySenatePresidentPro
TemporeJoeScarnati,RJefferson.
AbillcodifyingformerGov.TomCorbett'sReadytoSucceedscholarshipprogramwasalsosenttoWolf'sdeskTuesdayamidthe
budgethubbub.Lastyear,lawmakersslippeditintotheFiscalCodeuntilthelegislation,SenateBill329,waspassedintolaw.
DespitelambastingfromHouseandSenateDemocrats,RepublicansintheHouseandSenatepassedthebillonvotesof10788and
3019,respectively,alittlemorethanthreehoursbeforethemidnightdeadline.
30
Capitolwire:Legislaturemakeshistoryputtingliquor,pensionbillsonWolf'sdesk.
ByKevinZwickandChrisComisac
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(June30)TheRepublicancontrolledLegislaturemadehistoryTuesdaywiththeapprovaloflegislationthatwould
overhaulmajorfacetsofstategovernment.
TheGeneralAssemblypassedlegislationtoeliminatethePennsylvaniaLiquorControlBoard'spoweroverpricingandproductsof
wineandspirits,andaseparatebilltomovenewlyhiredstateworkersintoadefinedcontributionhybridretirementplan.
Removingstategovernmentfromwineandliquorsaleshasevadedgovernorsfordecades.Govs.TomCorbett,TomRidge,Dick
ThornburghandMiltonShapp,whoalltriedbutfailedtoendtheProhibitioneraliquorsystem,wouldhaverelishedGov.TomWolf's
position.Corbettalsotriedtooverhaulthepensionsystemduringhisfinalyearinoffice.
Instead,Wolf'svetopenawaits,atleastthat'sthehopeofsomeDemocraticlawmakerswhoopposedthebills.Wolftoldreporters
Tuesdayeveninghewillreviewthelegislationbutwouldn'tsaywhetherhewouldvetothebills.
Wolfdoesn'tsupportprivatizingthestatestoresystem,partiallyduetothelossofafewthousandjobs,manyofwhichareunion.
HesupportsmodernizationreformstothesystemkeepingthestateinchargethatarealsobackedbylegislativeDemocrats.
ThisisanhistoricpieceoflegislationthatwillfinallybringPennsylvaniaintothe21stcentury,saidSenatePresidentProTemJoe
Scarnati,RJefferson,duringfloordebateaheadoftheSenate'sapprovalofanagreedtoamendedversionofTurzai'splan.Itgives
thepeopleofPennsylvaniawhattheywant.Itgetsthestateoutoftheliquorbusinessonceandforall.
Pasteffortstoremovestatecontroloverwineandhardliquorwerescuttledbyastrangefellowshipoforganizedlabor,social
conservatives,urbanandrurallawmakers,drunkdrivingawarenessgroups.Inrecentyears,sinceRepublicansregainedtheHouse
in2010,Rep.MikeTurzai,RAllegheny,nowtheHouseSpeaker,hasbeenthetorchbearerfortheliquorpush,eventuallyleading
hischambertopassaliquorproposalin2013.
HouseRepublicans,bolsteredbyyoungerconservativeswhodidn'tnecessarilybuyintopastarguments,revealedcracksinthe
coalitionandthatoddfellowshiphasfailedastheargumentstoprivatizetrumpcallstocontrolbooze.
WeworryonthesamesenseaboutprotectingyoungpeoplefromgettingboozeandwetalkabouttheneedforLCBtoenforcethis,
yetthey'retheexactsameboardthatistryingtomaximizesales,saidRep.JimChristiana,RBeaver.Itisaconflictofinterest.
Thelegislationwouldleadtotheeventualclosingofstaterunliquorstoresasprivateretaillicensees,includinghotels,restaurants,
beerdistributorsanddelis,buyexpandedpermitstosellwineandhardliquor.Itwouldalsoleasethewholesaleoperationfor10
years,withthePLCBcollectingfeesfromprivatewholesalersbasedonhowmuchtheyspendayear.
Thisbillwillcostus4,000jobs.Revenuelossinthemillions.Priceswillgoup,selectionwillgodown,saidHouseDemocratic
LeaderFrankDermody,DAllegheny.Whatisthereasonwewouldsellwhatisanasset?
LegislativeDemocratsandsomeRepublicansobjectedoverthelossofbetween3,500and4,700statestorejobs.Othersobjected
totheproliferationofalcohol,particularlyaroundcollegecampusesandcities.
Inadditiontoanuisancelocation,we'regonnaaddawholebunchofliquorstores,saidSenateDemocraticWhipTonyWilliams,
DPhiladelphia.We'llhaveliquoroutofcontrol.
AsimilarsentimentwasechoedintheHousebyRep.GeneDiGirolamo,RBucks,oneofthefewRepublicansagainstprivatization,
whohasstrongunionbackingandisanadvocatefordrugtreatment.
Iguaranteeit,ourcollegecampuseswillbeaprimetarget,hesaid.Ourcities,inthecityofPhiladelphia,Pittsburgh,andmanyof
ourothercities,anywheretheycanmakethemostprofitfromthesaleofalcoholthat'swherethey'regoingtoputthem.
It'snotwhatIwanttoseePennsylvaniaturninto,headded.
Andatleastonelawmakersaidhedoesn'tmindthecurrentsystem.
Idon'tthinkit'ssuchabigdealnowtogototwoplaces,saidHouseLiquorControlCommitteeDemocraticChairmanPaulCosta,
DAllegheny,referringtogoingtoastatestoreforliquorandwine,andabeerdistributorforbeer.
Thelegislation,HouseBill466,passedtheSenate2722andlaterintheHouse11382.
Analterationofthestatepublicpensionsanotquiteashistoricbutstilldifficulteffortwaslikewiseaccomplishedbythe
RepublicancontrolledGeneralAssemblyonTuesday.
TheHousefirst,ona10689vote(11RepublicansjoinedtheDemocratsopposingthebill),andthentheSenateearlyTuesday
evening,ona2920vote(apartyline,otherthananovotebySen.StewartGreenleaf,RMontgomery),approvedSenateBill1,
legislationthatwouldcreateahybriddefinedcontribution/definedbenefitplanintowhichmostnewlyhiredstateandpublicschool
employeeswouldbeenrolled,aswellasmakeapairofchangestohowbenefitsarecalculated,prospectively,forcurrent
employees.
IfsignedintolawbyWolfanuncertainprospectSB1wouldrepresentthefirsttimea401ktypeplanhasbeenimplementedfor
stateandpublicschoolemployees(newones),andararealterationofcurrentemployeesbenefitcalculations.CLICKHEREforthe
detailsaboutthebill.
HouseandSenateRepublicanssaidtheimportanceofSenateBill1sefforttoshiftsomeoftheriskofthestatespublicpensions
fromPennsylvaniastaxpayerstostateandpublicschoolemployeesisessential.
Sayingthehistoricalandrecentdebateaboutpensionreformcanbealotlikearollercoasterwithtalksrangingfromenhancing
benefitstorestrictsystemcostgrowth,andpassionsoftenpushingthosecommentstohyperboleHouseMajorityLeaderDave
Reed,RIndiana,toldtheHouse:SenateBill1isaproposalthatwillallowustokeepourcommitmenttoourretirees,itsa
proposalthatwillallowourcurrentemployeestokeepthebenefitstructuretheysignedupfor,itsaproposalthatwillstabilizethe
systemfornewemployeesgoingforward,itsaproposalthatwillminimizetheriskforthetaxpayersinthelongtermitstimeto
voteforSenateBill1,itstimetogetoffthisrollercoasterrideandmovethisstateforward.
HouseandSenateDemocratsattackedthebillonahostofissues,butmostfocusedonafewprimaryareas:thelackofimmediate
savings,potentialcourtchallengesandothercostsofswitchingthebenefitplans,thelimitedimpactontheunfundedliability,the
impactonfuturehiresandtheirabilitytosupportthemselvesintheirretirement.
ItsourviewthatthereareresponsiblepensionreformmeasureandirresponsiblepensionreformmeasuresIwouldputSenate
Bill1inthelattercategory,saidSenateMinorityLeaderJayCosta,DAllegheny,aboutSB1duringanearlyTuesdayevening
meetingoftheSenateRulesCommitteethatultimatelyreportedthebilltotheSenatefloor,onapartyline116vote.
Costasaidaresponsiblemeasureshouldnotaggravatethepensionsystemsunfundedliabilityorimpairthecontractsofcurrent
employees,twothingsheclaimedaredonebySB1.Healsosaidagoodpensionplanwouldprovidethestateandschooldistricts
withpensionpaymentrelief,aswellasensureretirementsecurityforparticipantsinthepensionsystemstwothingshesaidSB1
doesnotdo.
Fairnessisoftenintheeyesofthebeholder,saidRep.WarrenKampf,RChester,respondingtocriticisms,similartothose
expressedbyCosta,intheHouse.Andintodaysworlditseemstomethatahybridplanwhichisproperlycrafted,isactually
betterforouremployeesofallkinds.
Kampf,whowastappedbyHouseGOPleaderstoleadhiscaucusfloordebateregardingthelegislation,saiddefinedbenefitplans,
suchastheonescurrentlyprovidedbythestate,shortertermemployeesareatadisadvantage,whilethoseemployeeswhowork
forextendedperiodsrealizehigherlevelsofretirementbenefits.
Thatsnotfair,butthatshowdefinedbenefitplansoftenaretheyrebackloadedsothelongtermemployee,the30or35year
employee,istheonewhosignificantlybenefits,saidKampf,notingthatcurrentemploymenttrendspointtomostworkersnot
stayingwithonejoblongenoughtotrulybenefitfromthestatescurrentretirementbenefitdesign.Hesaidstateworkers,nationally,
staywiththeirjobanaverageofsevenyears.
Cashbalanceplansarebetterforfuturehiresthantheplanwecurrentlyhaveforsomeonethatsinthe[pension]systemfor10or
15or20years,arguedKampf.Headdedthatevenlongertermemployeeswouldenduphaving50to60percentreplacement
income,andwhentheirSocialSecuritybenefitsareaddedwhichhesaidwouldofferanother25percentor30percent
replacementincomewouldputthemrightintherangewheretheyneedtobeforretirement.
KampfalsosoughttodispelsomeoftheDemocratsotherarguments,notingtheunfundedliabilitysituationoftmentionedby
DemocraticspeakersisduetohowtheStateEmployeesRetirementSystemassumedthehybridplanscosttothestate,which
theactuarialnotecriticizedasunderstated,leadingtoanapparentbuterroneousincreaseintheunfundedliability.Andwith
regardtosavings,whilelittletonothinginthenearterm,foranyreform[proposal],especiallyforasystemofthissize,takestime
toimplementitdoesntmeanitsnotworthdoingit.
Thisisnotthedoomsdaywarnedbyothers,saidKampf.
30
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/10/201509:01:36AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJuly10,2015
SchoolsThatTeachTour
LNP:Gov.TomWolfsaysRepublicanbudgetmadehim'sad'forpublicschools
http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/govtomwolfsaysrepublicanbudgetplanmadehimsad/article_4fb694e4267d11e587a7
478e8d560eac.html
ReadingEagle:Gov.TomWolfpitcheshisbudgetinLancasterCounty
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/govtomwolfpitcheshisbudgetinlancastercounty#.VZ9FV9VhBc
Budget
PoconoRecord:Editorial:Selfinterestdriveslegislatorsonbudget
http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20150709/OPINION/150709393/101041/OPINION
TimesLeader:OpEdbySec.Davin:WolfsbudgetputsPennsylvaniaonrightpath
http://timesleader.com/news/business/372759/opinionwolfsbudgetputspennsylvaniaonrightpath
CarlisleSentinel:OpEdbySusanSpicka:Budgetmusttakeaimateducation
http://cumberlink.com/printspecific/column/guesteditorialbudgetmusttakeaimateducation/article d54ac7785dd357b59c05
4002a94aa875.html
PatriotNews:Anotherday,anothersetbackforPennsylvania'sbudgettalks
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/another day another setback fo.html#incart mrpt2
PatriotNews:Fromboozetopensions,here'showthe#PaBudgetfitsintoabiggerbattlewithBigLabor:FridayMorningCoffee
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/are pas labor struggles part o.html
WNEPTV:VIDEO:TVAdLaunchesAfterPennsylvaniaStateBudgetTalksFails
http://wnep.com/2015/07/09/tvadlaunchesafterpennsylvaniastatebudgettalksfails/
TribuneReview:BudgetimpasseleavesArmstrongprogramsforneedystruggling
http://triblive.com/news/armstrong/871040974/budgetmoneyprograms#ixzz3fUXDdxl5
ABC27:VIDEO:AvianflufundinghungupbyWolfveto
http://abc27.com/2015/07/09/avianflufundinghungupbywolfveto/
DelcoDailyTimes:Adolph:Guvsvetowithholds$13Bfromserviceproviders
http://www.delcotimes.com/generalnews/20150709/adolphguvsvetowithholds13bfromserviceproviders
BeaverCountyTimes:Sen.VogelraisesconcernsforschoolsoverWolfveto
http://www.timesonline.com/news/local news/senvogelraisesconcernsforschoolsoverwolfveto/article 390156f2267911e5bf6e
8fa6e2cbf010.html/?REFERMI=Homenews
CentreDailyTimes:OpEdbyRep.Benninghoff:Pennsylvaniataxpayersdeservebetter
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/07/10/4829430 pennsylvaniataxpayersdeserve.html?rh=1
Budget:LetterstotheEditor
ObserverReporter:Itsnothighschool
http://www.observerreporter.com/article/20150708/OPINION02/150709537
BeaverCountyTimes:Locallegislatorsbetraypropertyowners
http://www.timesonline.com/opinion/letters to editor/locallegislatorsbetraypropertyowners/article c21f623a258e11e58c88
a32046c61f05.html/?REFERMI=Opinion
MainLineMedia:WarrenKampfweighsinonWolf'sbudgetveto
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2015/07/09/main line suburban life/opinion/doc559e6cf7cf40b884631235.txt
ExpressTimes:WelcometoanotherseasonofschooltaxincreasesinPa.
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/07/welcome to another season of s.html#incart river
YorkDispatch:Wolf,Clintoncutfromsamecloth
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci 28458121/letterwolfclintoncutfromsamecloth
Pensions
AP:WolfvetoesGOP'spensionbill,Republicans'dismayed'
http://m.apnews.com/ap/db 268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=IknSObYG
MorningCall:PAGov.TomWolfvetoesGOPpensionbillhesaysviolatesfederaltaxlaw
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpawolflegislaturebudgetpensions070920150709story.html#page=1
WITF:Wolfcoyonhispensionposition
http://www.witf.org/statehousesoundbites/2015/07/wolfcoyonhispensionposition.php
PhiladelphiaInquirer:WolfvetoesGOPbackedpensionreformplan
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20150710 Wolf vetoes GOPbacked.html
PittsburghPostGazette:WolfvetoespublicpensionbillGOPcriticizeshisactions
http://www.postgazette.com/news/politicsstate/2015/07/09/PennsylvaniaGovTomWolfconfirmshewillvetopublicpension
bill/stories/201507090162
TribuneReview:Gov.WolfvetoesGOPpensionbill
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/870940174/wolfbudgetpublic#axzz3fOi5IIli
ReadingEagle:Gov.TomWolfvetoespensionreformbill
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/govtomwolfvetoespensionreformbill
YorkDispatch:WolfvetoesPa.pensionreformbill,irkslawmakers
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_28461531/wolfvetoespapensionreformbillirkslawmakers
PatriotNews:JohnMicek:Surprisingnoone,Gov.Wolfvetoespensionshopeyoudidn'tmakeplans
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/wolf_says_hell_veto_pensions_.html
PatriotNews:Pa.Republicans'dismayed'byGov.Wolf'svetopromiseonpensionproposal
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/pa_republicans_dismayed_by_gov.html#incart_2box_midstate_index.ssf
PatriotNews:Gov.TomWolfreleasesstatementaccompanyingpensionbillveto
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/gov_tom_wolf_releases_statemen.html
PLSReporter:Gov.Wolfvetoespensionreformbillasbudgetstalematerhetoricintensifies
http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/825/GovWolfvetoespensionreformbillasbudgetstalematerhetoric
intensifies.aspx
PittsburghPostGazette:Editorial:GovernorNo:Wolfdigsinbyvetoingstatepensionreform
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/editorials/2015/07/10/GovernorNoWolfdigsinbyvetoingstatepensionreform/stories/201507310015
PittsburghPostGazette:LTEbyCommonwealthFoundation:GimmickswontfixPa.spensionmess
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/07/10/GimmickswontfixPaspensionmess/stories/201507100146
EducationFunding
PatriotNews:OpEdbySen.Haywood:Here'swhyyoushouldignoreScottWagner'sdistortedviewofpublicschools
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/heres why you should ignore sc.html#incart river
PASSHE
PatriotNews:GOPsenator:Wolf'spensionvetocontr butedtotuitionh ke
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/gop senator wolfs pension veto.html
PatriotNews:Wolfgoodsportaboutdefeatonrequestedtuitionfreeze
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/wolf good sport about defeat o.html#incart 2box midstate index.ssf
AP:BoardoverseeingPennsylvaniaowneduniversitiesOK'stuitionfreeze
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpastateuniversitiesfeezetuition20150409story.html
PatriotNews:Stateuniversities'tuitionsetand,guesswhat,it'sgoingup
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/state universities tuition set.html
PittsburghPostGazette:BoardoverseeingPennsylvaniastateowneduniversitiesapprovestuitionhike
http://www.postgazette.com/news/education/2015/07/09/Pennsylvaniastateowneduniversityboardapprovestuition
increase/stories/201507090173
MorningCall:TuitiongoingupatPa.'sstateowneduniversities,despiteWolf'spleaforfreeze
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/pastateuniversitiestuition20150709story.html
TribuneReview:StudentsatPennsylvaniauniversitiesface3.5percenttuitionhike
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/870452174/pennsylvaniatuitionincrease#ixzz3fQbqURX6
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Studentsatstateowneduniversitiestopay$240morenextyear
ReadingEagle:TuitionrisingatPennsylvaniastatesystemuniversities
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/tuitionrisingatpennsylvaniastatesystemuniversities#.VZ9hF9VhBc
BeaverCountyTimes:RepublicanPartysinglesoutGibbonsfortweet
http://www.timesonline.com/news/local news/republicanpartysinglesoutgibbonsfortweet/article c0f5b6a6268911e5bcf7
3759b348689b.html/?REFERMI=Homenews
SeveranceTax
PatriotNews:OpEd:Here'swhyaseverancetaxisoneprizewecan'tletTomWolfclaim
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/heres_why_a_severance_tax_is_o.html
PittsburghPostGazette:LTE:DrillerspayplentyintoPennsylvania'scoffers
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/07/10/DrillerspayplentyintoPennsylvaniascoffers/stories/201507100201
PropertyTaxes
TimesLeader:Editorial:Harrisburghasbiggerfishtofrythanreverseappealban
http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorial/372575/ouropinionharrisburghasbiggerfishtofrythanreverseappealban
LiquorPrivatization
Forbes:OpponentsOfPrivateLiquorSalesClaimStateMonopoliesServeCustomersBetter
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobsullum/2015/07/09/opponentsofprivateliquorsalesclaimstatemonopoliesservecustomersbetter/
PatriotNews:JohnMicek:Adebateoverboozethat'senoughtodriveyoutodrink
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/tom_wolf_liquor_privatization.html
WilliamsportSunGazette:Editorial:Liquorprivatizationvetopreservesafaulty,oldsystem
http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/638395/Liquorprivatizationvetopreservesafaultyoldsystem.html?nav=5004
DeathPenalty
AP:Despitechallenges,Wolfdefendshisdeathpenaltypolicy
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/07/09/4828291/despitechallengeswolfdefends.html
PoliticsPA:KaneTakesonGov.WolfoverDeathPenalty
http://www.politicspa.com/kanetakesongovwolfoverdeathpenalty/67571/
CourtRulings
AP:Casedismissedinbidtostopstateworkers'emaildeletions
http://m.apnews.com/ap/db 268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=sKOsGuj8
PatriotNews:Pa.courtupholdscontroversialpolicyallowingstateworkerstodestroytheiremails
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/pa court upholds controversial.html#incart river
PittsburghPostGazette:PGtoappealcourtdecisiononretainingstateemails
http://www.postgazette.com/local/region/2015/07/09/CommonwealthCourtrejectsPittsburghPostGazettecaseondestructionof
emails/stories/201507090176
LegalIntelligencer:JusticesGrantExpeditedReviewofArnesonCase
http://www.thelegalintelligencer.com/id=1202731639920/JusticesGrantExpeditedReviewofArnesonCase?slreturn=20150610083147
Oil&GasDrilling
PittsburghPostGazette:LTE:GOPlawmakerswouldgivegasdrillersagiftbystoppingnewDEPrules
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/07/10/GOPlawmakerswouldgivegasdrillersagiftbystoppingnewDEP
rules/stories/201507100202
PittsburghPostGazette:OpEd:Pa.spipelines:Anewprocessisneededfornaturalgas
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/OpEd/2015/07/10/Paspipelines/stories/201507080055
PatriotNews:Court:StatemustgivelegislatorCorbetteragasdrillingleasedata
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/court state must give legislat.html#incart river
TimesTr bune:LuzerneCountyactivistdroppedfrompipelinetaskforce
http://thetimestribune.com/news/luzernecountyactivistdroppedfrompipelinetaskforce1.1909708
Capitolwire:Wolfvetoespensionbill,sayingit'violatesfederaltaxlaw.'
GOPlegislativeleaderscriticalofWolf'sveto,questionhisreasoningaswellashiscommitmentto"governmentthatworks."
ByChrisComisac
BureauChief
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July9)FinallygettingaroundtothelastoftheGOPcraftedbillssenttohimonJune30,Gov.TomWolf
Thursdayvetoedapensionbillhesaidwouldnegativelyimpactfuturestateandpublicschoolemployees.
SaidWolfinhisSenateBill1vetoannouncement,issuedjustbeforenoon:Iunderstandtheneedforpensionreform,butthislegislation
providesnoimmediatecostsavingstotaxpayersanddoesnotmaximizelongtermsavingsfortaxpayers.Weneedpensionreformthat
works.Thereareprovisionswithinthislegislation,whichaspartofacomprehensivepensionproposalIcouldsupporthowever,Senate
Bill1doesnotaddresstheproblemsfacingourpensionsystemcomprehensivelyandfairly.
Additionally,Wolfarguedthe401ktypehybridplancreatedbySB1formostnewstate(includingelectedlegislators)andpublicschool
hires"forcesnewlyhiredemployeestopaydowntheunfundedliabilityofexistingpensionplans,causedbyyearsofgovernmentfailure
tomakenecessarypayments,whiledenyingthosenewemployeesthefullbenefitoftheircontributions.
ThoseconcernswerelikewiseraisedwithintheSB1analysisdonebythePublicEmployeeRetirementCommission.
PERCsactuary,Milliman,saidofSB1scashbalanceplananditscapontheinterestrate(the30yearTreasurybondyield)tobepaid
aspartofthatplan:Cashbalanceplansaretypicallydesignedwithafocusonachievinglowerexpectedemployercostthanafinal
averagepayplan[whatscurrentlyofferedtostateandpublicschoolemployees].Partofthiscostdifferenceisduetotheinvestment
arbitragebetweentheguaranteeinvestmentratecreditedonemployeeaccountsandtheratethatisexpectedtobeearnedonoverall
pensioninvestments.
Atanotherpointinitsanalysis,Millimanstatesnewemployeeswouldbeexpectedtosubsidizethefuturecostsofcurrentmembers.
Intheory,ifthestatespensionsystemshittheircurrent7.5percentinvestmentearningsassumption,andtheyreonlyexpectingtopay
out3percentonthecashbalanceplan(whichiscappedat4percent),thesystemskeeptheremaining4.5percent(or3percent,ifthe
capisreachedbythebondyield).
ButWolfsreasoningthatSB1violatesfederaltaxlawasitwouldbeconsideredanimpermissiblecashordeferredarrangement
(CODA),doesntappeartobeasettledargument.
AccordingtolegislativeRepublicans,theStateEmployeesRetirementSystemsoutsidetaxcounselhasexpressedsomeconcern
thatSB1sallowanceofcertaincurrentsystemmemberstooptintoandoutofthedefinedcontributionandcashbalanceplanscould
violatetheCODArulesorcreateanimpermissibleCODA.
Thecounselalsonoted,Althoughfurtherresearchwouldbeneeded,thisisasignificantissuethatcouldrequireanamendment.
Ithasnotbeenfullyvettedeventheysayitneedsmoreresearch,saidSenateGOPspokeswomanJennKocher.
Sheadded:Thecounselspeculatesthattheoptionalcashbalanceplanforcurrentemployeesallowingforvoluntaryparticipationrather
thanonetimeoptionsandtheoptionalDCcontributionsforAct120membersabovethesocialsecuritytaxwagebasebeingoptionalin
andoutcouldbeproblematic.Nowhereinthatparagraph[suppliedbySERS'outsidetaxcounsel]doesitsaythemandatorycash
balanceanddefinedcontributionplansfornewmembersisaviolationofCODA.
Ifthisisatechnicalconcern,andwearenotsureitis,wewillfindoutthroughthenormalIRSreviewthathappenswithallstateplans,
saidKocher.AnytechnicalchangesthatneedtooccurwillbeaddressedinanalreadyestablishedfallPSERSandSERStax
technicalbillthatisbeingmovedtoaltercurrentplanchangesrequestedbytheIRS.
ThattechnicalbillneedstobepassedbytheendofthecurrentyeartokeepPennsylvania'spensionsystemscompliantwithfederal
law.
SowhileWolfsstatementthattheretirementbenefitplancreatedfornewhiresrequiredhisvetoisdebatable,whatabouttheprovisions
withinSB1thathesaidhecouldsupport?
SB1wouldhavealsomadeapairofchangestohowbenefitsarecalculated,prospectively,forcurrentemployeeschangesforwhich
Wolf,duringthelastcoupleofweeks,hasindicatedsomeinterest.
Oneofthoseprovisions,anantispikingprovision,wouldhavechangedthepensionformulausedforcurrentemployeeswhen
calculatingtheretiringemployeesfinalaveragesalarysothatitencompassesthefivehighestsalaryyearsratherthanthecurrentthree
highestyears.Theotherchangewouldhavealteredthecalculationmadewhenretiringemployeeschoosealumpsumwithdrawal,to
ensurethatlumpsumiscalculatedsoitisactuariallyneutralwithrespecttothepensionsystem(meaningitdoesntimposeadditional
costsuponthesystem).
Thegovernor'sspokesman,JeffSheridan,aweekbeforeSB1wassenttoWolfsdesk,confirmedthegovernorhadexpresseda
willingnesstoconsideratleasttheantispikingproposal,andafewothercomponentscontainedwithinSB1,butwouldnotelaborate
furtherontheconcessionshemayhaveofferedtomake.
Wolfsaidhestillprefershisownplan,whichisbuiltaroundborrowing$3billiontomakeanimmediatepaymenttowardthestates
unfundedliability(whichhesayswouldreducetheunfundedliabilitybyabout$8billionCLICKHEREtoreadaCapitolwirecolumn
regardingWolf'splan),aswellasreducingtheinvestmentmanagementfeespaidbythestatepensionsystems,buthewouldconsider
thoseotherSB1components.ThegovernorsborrowingplaniscurrentlyillegalinPennsylvania,asAct120of2010banned,becauseof
therisksinherentintheborrowing,thestatesuseofpensionobligationbondsasamethodofaddressinganyunfundedpension
liability.
ThemajorityofSB1sestimatedtotalsavingsapproximately$10billionduringthecourseofthenext30orsoyears,whichis
equivalent,inpresentvaluedollars,toatleast$3.1billioncomefromtheproposedchangesforcurrentemployeesWolfsaidhecould
supportaspartofamorecomprehensiveandfairpensionreformproposal.
Theyalsoappeartobethe$7billioninadditionalpensionsavingsthegovernorhassaidhehascommunicatedtotheGeneral
Assembly,althoughtheWolfadministration,whenaskeddirectlyiftheyare,wouldntclearlystatethesourceofthe$7billion.
FormoredetailsaboutthecomponentsofthenowvetoedSB1,CLICKHERE.
Whilethehybridretirementplanfornewhiresdoesntdeliverimmediatepensionsavings,HouseandSenateRepublicanshave
maintaineditsthelynchpinofSB1andanypensionreformplanasitwouldstarttoshiftsomeoftheriskofthestatespublic
pensionsfromPennsylvaniastaxpayerstostateandpublicschoolemployees.
GOPleadersearlieronThursday,followingWolfscommentsaboutvetoingthepensionbillduringaradiostationinterview,didnt
changetheirtuneregardingpensionreform.
InareleaseissuedjointlybySenatePresidentProTemJoeScarnati,RJefferson,SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,
SenateAppropriationsCommitteeChairmanPatBrowne,RLehigh,SpeakeroftheHouseMikeTurzai,RAllegheny,HouseMajority
LeaderDaveReed,RIndiana,andHouseAppropriationsCommitteeChairmanBillAdolph,RDelaware,theleadersreacted:Itis
remarkablethatGov.Wolfwouldopposeaproposaltomovenewpublicemployeesintoa401kstyleretirementplanwhichhe,himself,
adoptedforhisemployeesatWolfOrganization.Apparently,theGovernorbelievesthistypeofplan,whichiscommonintheprivate
sector,isadequateformosthardworkingPennsylvanians,butnotforlegislatorsormembersofpublicemployeeunions.
TheGOPleadersalsoquestionedWolfscommitmenttooneofhisstatedbudgetprioritiespropertytaxreliefarguingtheneedfor
thatreliefisdueinnosmallparttoincreasingschooldistrictpensionobligations.TheylikewisetakeashotatWolfspensionobligation
bondplantoaddresssomeofthestatescurrent$53billionpublicpensionunfundedliability.
Withthisplannedveto,heisrejectingtangible,systematicchangestoreformthepublicemployeepensionsystems,whichare
currentlythenumberonereasonforpropertytaxincreases,theGOPleadersstateintheirrelease.Gov.Wolfsplantoborrowtopay
pensionsdoesnotfixtheproblem.WehaveclearlyseenthatGov.Wolfsactionsspeaklouderthanhiswordsonwantingtoprovide
propertytaxrelief.
Theleaderssummeduptheirdispleasure:Inthelast10daystheGovernorhasvetoedabalanced,notaxincreasebudgetanhistoric
liquorprivatizationplantofinallygiveconsumersconvenienceandchoicewhenpurchasingalcoholandnowtodayhassaidhewillveto
apensionreformbillthatwouldsavetaxpayersover$10billion.InsteadofworkingwiththeGeneralAssemblytomovePennsylvania
forward,Gov.Wolfcontinuestobefixatedonmassiveincomeandsalestaxincreases.Forsomeonewhohaspledgedtocreatea
governmentthatworks,hescertainlydoingeverythinghecantomakesureitdoesnt.
30
Capitolwire:PASSHEreversesfreezevote,increasestuitionby3.5percent.
ByChristenSmith
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July9)ThePennsylvaniaStateSystemofHigherEducationvotedThursdaytoincreasetuition3.5percent.
ThedecisionreversedanAprilvotebytheBoardofGovernorsapprovingaratefreezeinexchangeforanextra$45millionfromstate
coffersthefirstofGov.TomWolf'stwoproposedsubsidypaymentsfromthestatetotaling$90millionovertwoyears.
TheLegislaturedidn'tsqueezethatrequestintothenowvetoedbudgetatalePASSHEanticipatedmightunfoldwhentheyfirst
committedtothefreezeforits14institutions.
ChancellorFrankBroganneversugarcoatedtherealityofthesystem's$49.9millionbudgetdeficit,either,whichhesaidisexacerbated
byrisingpensionandhealthcarecosts.
Asitrelatestothecommitment,wearegratefulasyoumightimagine,BrogantoldSenatelawmakersduringaMarchbudgethearing.
That'sthebiggestnumberwe'veseenbywayofrequestbut,wearerealisticandweknowthesetimesremainroughandyouall
havealotyouhavetodobetweennowandtheendofthisprocesstodeciderevenueinandrevenueoutandbecauseofthatthe
BoardofGovernors'decisionistonotcommittoanythingrelativetothefreezebecausewedon'tknowwhereallofthisisgoingtoend
up,understandably.
Theyaredoingaboutasmuchasyoucando...,AuditorGeneralEugeneDePasqualesaidduringajointpressconferenceinAprilwith
Brogan.IftheLegislaturedoesnotstepupitsgameandreversethepathonstatefundingforthestatesystem,wearegoingtoprice
middleclassfamiliesoutofourstatesystem.Andourwholesystemwillsufferandourwholestatewillsuffer.
Instead,RepublicanleaderssentWolfabudgetlastweekthatoffered$12.4millionappropriation.
StatebudgetsoverthelastfewyearsdoledoutlevelfundingtoPASSHE,promptingan800plusstaffreductionandmoratoriumson150
programsandit'sthisproblemWolfwantedtoaddresswithhistwoyearplantoboostspending.
Hisproposalstillstands,saysspokesmanJeffSheridan,evenifRepublicansaren'tonthesamepage.
Unfortunately,theRepublicansobstructionismwhenitcomestoeducationfundinghasnowforcedPASSHEtoincreasetuition,
directlyhurtingmiddleclassfamiliesacrossthecommonwealth,hewroteviaemailThursday.GovernorWolfwillcontinuetofightfor
thismuchneededinvestmentinhighereducation,andheishopefulthatafinalagreementwillincludethefundingnecessarytorestore
theRepublicanscutssowecaneasetheburdenonmiddleclassfamilies.
SteveMiskin,spokesmanfortheHouseRepublicanCaucus,saidthevetoedbudgetdidn'tincludethegovernor'srequestbecausethere
isnowaytopayforit.
Capitolobserversmayrecallthechamber'sJune1voteonWolf'srevenueplanwhichincludedincreasesinthesalesandpersonal
incometaxesthatRepublicanshaverepeatedlyrejectedasnecessarytofilla$1.2billiondeficitfailed1930.
Ofcoursewecarethattuitionincreased,Miskinsaid.Butthegovernorneedstocomecleanabouthowhewantstopayforhis
proposals.
HeclarifiedthatmorefundingforPASSHEisn'ttiedtoatuitionfreezenotthatiteverwasforHouseRepublicans,despitethefact
thatitwouldbepreferabletoyearlyincreases.
SenateRepublicanCaucusspokeswomanJennKocheragreedthatPASSHE'sdecisiontoincreasetuitiondoesn'timpacthowmuch
moneythestatewilleventuallyagreetoappropriate.
30
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/13/201508:33:58AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJuly13,2015
Budget:Commentary
TribuneDemocrat:Editorial:GrowingquagmireinHarrisburg
http://www.tribdem.com/news/editorials/editorialgrowingquagmireinharrisburg/article 9b319d32273c11e58a9baff8f5eceeb9.html
ReadingEagle:Editorial:Pension,liquorprivatizationbillsgetbelatedGOPsupport
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/editorialpensionliquorprivatizationbillsgetbelatedgopsupport
PatriotNews:OpEdbyRep.Schreiber:Gov.WolfhascompromisedyourturnRepublicans
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/gov wolf has compromised you 1.html
YorkDailyRecord:OpEdbySec.Tennis:RestoreGov.Wolf'sfundingtotreataddiction
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_28475584/opedrestoregovwolfsfundingtreataddiction
PottstownMercury:Editorial:CompromiseistheonlywaytoagreeonPa.budget
http://www.pottsmerc.com/opinion/20150712/editorialcompromiseistheonlywaytoagreeonpabudget
PatriotNews:TonyMay:Togeta#PaBudgetdealgoforwhatyouneed,notwhatyouwant
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/to get a pabudget deal go fo.html
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:JohnBaer:'AntMan'and'Minions'battleinHarrisburg's'JurassicWorld'
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150713 Ant
Man and Minions battle in Harrisburg s Jurassic World .html#S0UATmYD5TA3MMbp.99
PatriotNews:CharlieGerow:MeetTomWolf,theJamesBondvillainDr.No
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/meet_tom_wolf__the_james_bond.html
IndianaGazette:OpEdbyRep.Dush:AbudgetthatworksforPennsylvania
https://www.indianagazette.com/news/opinionsletters/asitseeitabudgetthatworksforpennsylvania,22380136/
BucksCountyCourierTimes:Editorial:'Adifferentkindofgovernor'?
http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/opinion/editorial/adifferentkindofgovernor/article 4ffe4ecc4e5f55aca4ef62e0eff1e0c2.html
AltoonaMirror:Editorial:BudgetstalematehurtsPA
http://altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/615393/BudgetstalematehurtsPA.html?nav=728
AltoonaMirror:OpEdbyGeneBarr:MassivetaxincreasesnotgoodforPA
http://altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/615394/MassivetaxincreasesnotgoodforPA.html?nav=785
BudgetImpasse
AP:Pennsylvania'sbudgetstalemateseemsnoclosertoending
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/analysispennsylvaniasbudgetstalemateseemsnoclosertoending#sthash.vw016MWy.dpuf
PAIndependent:Pennsylvaniabudgetimpassedrownsoutpropertytaxreliefconversation
http://paindependent.com/2015/07/pennsylvaniabudgetimpassedrownsoutpropertytaxreliefconversation/
TribuneReview:VetooverridetoughpropositionforGOPasPa.budgetimpassedragson
http://triblive.com/politics/politicalheadlines/871655874/wolfbudgetveto#ixzz3flz2AW00
CitizensVoice:Senatereturnsasbudgetimpassecontinues
http://citizensvoice.com/news/senatereturnsasbudgetimpassecontinues1.1911616
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Pa.mightbethelasttoreachabudgetdeal
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150713 Pa might be the last to reach a budget deal.html#EtXEi8JAdiLpIUxD.99
Education
LNP:Editorial:Hey,Harrisburg:Stopshortchanginghighered
http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/editorials/heyharrisburgstopshortchanginghighered/article f4601fe6276411e5b390
cbb2e175fbd4.html
CitizensVoice:Editorial:Tuitionboostdispiriting
http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/tuitionboostdispiriting1.1911563
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:Editorial:Totheirtaxcredit:Scholarshipprogramlacksoversight,socialaccountability
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150713 DN Editorial TO THEIR TAX CREDIT
.html#G2J7s1hF8AKBEoZi.99
SeveranceTax,Drilling
SharonHerald:JohnFinnerty:Statebudgetspatcomesbacktodrillingtax
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/opinion/columns/statebudgetspatcomesbacktodrillingtax/article e4fb50b387ca5eba82d8
e44e910d8590.html
ExpressTimes:LTE:Makegasdrillerspaytheirfairshareintaxes
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/07/make gas drillers in pa pay fa.html
StateImpact/NPR:Projectwouldbring400,000tonsofdrillingwastetoPa.sGrandCanyon
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/13/projectwouldbring400000tonsofdrillingwastetopasgrandcanyon/
LiquorPrivatization
PittsburghPostGazette:BrianO'Neill:Liquorlegislationspoliticscanmakeyourheadspin
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/brianoneill/2015/07/12/BrianONeillLiquorlegislationspoliticscanmakeyourhead
spin/stories/201507120087
SomersetDailyAmerican:Liquorstoresanissueforpoliticalleaders,lobbyists
http://www.dailyamerican.com/news/local/somerset/liquorstoresanissueforpoliticalleaderslobbyists/article 9cf16dfe290411e582fd
4bcc3e0cca9d.html
SomersetDailyAmerican:Stateliquorstoreshadinauspiciousbeginning
http://www.dailyamerican.com/news/local/somerset/stateliquorstoreshadinauspiciousbeginning/article 54c90dca290411e589cc
5fe3d1da808e.html
PittsburghPostGazette:LTE:Fewpeopletrulycareaboutthestatestoresissue
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/07/12/Fewpeopletrulycareaboutthestatestoresissue/stories/201507120131
PittsburghPostGazette:LTE:Liquorprivatizationwillnotmean4,700lostjobs
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/07/12/Liquorprivatizationwillnotmean4700lostjobs/stories/201507120133
PatriotNews:LTE:Pennsylvanianswantgovernmentoutoftheliquorbusinessthatcan'tbeignored
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/pennsylvanians want government.html
Pensions
YorkDispatch:OpEdbyRep.Evans:Wolfvetoesgenerationaltheftmeasure
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci 28475582/opedwolfvetoesgenerationaltheftmeasure
PottstownMercury:OpEdbyRep.Kampf:Gov.Wolfirresponsibleinvetoinghistoricpensionreform
http://www.pottsmerc.com/opinion/20150712/opedgovwolfirresponsibleinvetoinghistoricpensionreform
PAPolitics
PhiladelphiaInquirer:NewcandidatecouldupendPa.'shighcourtrace
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150713_New_candidate_could_upend_Pa__s_high_court_race.html#xQ2Tm1lyptKiLm3m.99
TribuneReview:SalenaZito:Pa.Dems'disarraycouldboostGOPin2016
http://triblive.com/opinion/salena/871565774/statedemocratsparty#ixzz3fm1OT7ou
###
POINTOFORDER:Plentyofassumptionstobeworkedoutifabudgetdealistobe
reached.
PointofOrder
ACapitolwireColumn
ByChrisComisac
BureauChief
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July13)Pennsylvaniasfiscalyearisalmosttwoweeksold,butthestatestillhasnobudget
andtheresafairlysimplereasonwhy.
Everythingisanestimate.
ThatswhatthenSenateAppropriationsCommitteeMajorityChairmanJakeCorman,RCentre,toldCapitolwire
attheendofJune2014whenaskedaboutwhat,atthetime,wereconsideredtobeoptimisticrevenueprojections
builtintowhatwouldbecomethestatebudgetforFiscalYear201415.
Cormandisagreedwithanysuggestionthenumberswerepumpedup:Fortheinformationwehavebeforeus,this
isagoodestimate.
Itturnsout,happily,theirrevenueestimatewaslowerthantheamountPennsylvaniafinishedupcollectinglast
monthbynearly$600million.
Ofcoursetherewereotherestimatesbuiltintothatbudgetthatdidntpanoutsmallgamesofchancelicense
revenueandexpandeddrillingrevenue,primarilysothestate,atleastwithregardtorevenues,endedup$412.2
millionbetterthantheestimatesbuiltintotheFY201415budget.
Itsverysimple:Allbudgetsarebuiltonassumptions.
Gov.TomWolf,notlongbeforehevetoedthestatebudgetsenttohimbytheRepublicancontrolledGeneral
Assembly,saidyoucantcompromiseonthemath.
ThatsafunnythingtocomefromanadministrationthatonlyafewweeksearlierwassayingPennsylvaniafaceda
structuraldeficitofmorethan$2billion(someofthoseclaimshaditat$2.3billion).Andthen,allofasudden,the
stateaccordingtoanagreementbetweenthefourlegislativecaucusesandthegovernorsofficewasfacinga
$1.25billiondeficit.
Thepointisthateveryoneisentitledtotheirassumptions,untilconsensusisreachedandeveryoneagreestowork
withonesetofassumptionslikewhathappenedwiththestructuraldeficit.
Butafteraweekofdiscussionbetweenlawmakers,legislativestaff,andtheWolfadministration,therestillappear
tobeplentyofassumptionsstandinginthewayofGeneralAssemblycontrollingRepublicansandWolfreachinga
dealonaFY201516statebudget.
LegislativestaffsaidlastweektheystartedouttheirbudgetdiscussionswiththeWolfadministrationbygoingline
bylinethroughthegeneralappropriationsspendingplansproposedbytheGOPandWolf,doinga"toptobottom
assessment"oftheGOPbackedproposalagainstWolf'splanannouncedinMarch.
WithjusttheGOPplanalonetheonlyonetoactuallygetthroughtheGeneralAssemblythereappeartobe
plentyofassumptionsstaffwillneedtoworkout.
OntheRevenue
Thegoodnewsis,withthatextra$412.2million,allpartiesappeartobestartingfromthesameplace,atleastin
FY201415:$30.6billioninstaterevenuecollected.Butthingsdivergeafterthat.
TheonlyapparentdifferenceinFY201415revenueassumptionsbytheGOPandWolfadministrationisa$22.25
millionlapseadjustment.
TheGOPmaintainslapsingunappropriatedandunexpendedfundsfrompriorfiscalyearsisaperfectlylegitimate
andavailablefiscaltool,oneusedbybothRepublicansandDemocratstobalancebudgets.WhiletheGeneral
Assemblyhasalwaysmaintaineditsabilitytomoveappropriatedmoneyfromonefiscalyeartoanother(andwhen
prioradministrationsproposeddoingit,itstillrequiredlegislativeapproval),theWolfadministrationdisputesthe
GOPsdecisiontomakethatlapseadjustment.
Intheirbudget,theRepublicansattemptedtousurpexecutivebranchauthoritybyrequiringtheBudgetSecretary
andTreasurertolapsefundsthatmustbeheldtoaddresspreviouslydeterminedobligations,wroteMark
Nicastre,Wolfscommunicationsdirector,inanemail.
FY201516revenueassumptionsproduceafewmoredisagreements.
TheWolfadministrationchallengesthe$220millioninliquorprivatizationrecurringrevenuebuiltintotheGOP
budget.Whilethegovernorhassincevetoedthemeasure,priortohisveto,theGOPmaintaineditwasan
appropriateestimateofwhatprivatizationcouldproduce(withthemajorityoftherevenuecoming,annually,from
divestitureofthewholesalesideofoperations)CLICKHEREforthefiscalnoteattachedtothevetoedmeasure.
Similartopreviousproposals,whiletheirplancouldhaveraisedsomenew,onetimerevenue,anyincrease
wouldhavebeenoffsetbynearly$350millioninlossesforourcurrentsystem,wroteNicastre,indicatingthe
administrationsbeliefliquordollarswouldnotberecurring.Thatnetlosswouldhaveseriouslyjeopardizedeven
the$80milliontransfercurrentlymadefromtheLCBtotheGeneralFund.
NicastresaidWolfsmodernizationplanwouldretainthecurrentbenefitsprovidedbythesystem,whilegenerating
another$185millionannuallybyFY201718.
Withregardtothatmodernizationplan,RepublicansnotetheWolfassumptionsignoresthePLCBhasbeen
producingdecliningprofits,andisprojectedtocontinuetodosobecauseofincreasingcosts(dueprimarilyto
pension,employeeandotheroperatingcosts).
TheGOPalsomakea$105millionupwardrevenueadjustmentforFY201516,whichtheysayisntoutrageous
(itsonetenthofapercentmorethanwhattheIndependentFiscalOfficeprojectsforFY201516)givenwhatthey
sayhasbeen(andisprojectedtobe)theperformanceofthestatesvariousrevenuegenerators.
AccordingtoNicastre,anearly$100millionincreasehadbeenagreedtobyallparties,whichtrackwiththeIFO
estimates,buttheadministrationsaidits$100millionmorethantheestimatesetbythestateRevenue
Department.
Ontopofthisagreement,theRepublicansassumedanadditional$105milliontobalancetheirbudget,said
Nicastre.Henoted,correctly,theGOPbudgetfinancialstatementoriginallyindicatedonlya$100millionrevenue
adjustment,buthassincebeenalteredtobea$105millionadjustment.
Nicastreexplained:Originally,theRepublicanfinancialstatementonlyassumedanadditionalrevenueadjustment
of$100million.Inanupdatedfinancialstatement,therevenueadjustmentforFY15/16increasedto$105million.
Thiswasdonetoaccountforthefactthattheiroriginalfinancialstatementincorrectlyprovidedfora$5million
EITCtaxcredit.NowthattheyhavecorrectedtheEITClinetoaccuratelyreflectthe$10millionincreaseprovided
intheFiscalCode,theyarbitrarilyadjustedtherevenueestimateupby$5milliontokeeptheirbudgetbalancedin
FY15/16.
Theresalsoa$50milliondiscrepancybetweenwhattheGOPandWolfexpecttobetheamountoftaxrefunds
paidoutinFY201516.TheFY201415refundtotalwasincreasedby$50million(anumberagreedtobyall
parties)tocovertherefundrequestsreceivedbythestatethispastyear.Nicastresaidit'sperfectlyappropriateto
assumethatelevatedlevelfrom$1.275billionto$1.325billionwillcontinueinFY201516theGOPproposal
doesnotmakethatsameassumption.
Webelieve$1.325billionisamorerealisticamounttoassumeforarefundriskforFY15/16,explainedNicastre.
Weareparticularlyconcernedwithincreasingrefundpressuresfromcorporatefilersandbankssharestax
refunds.
And,ofcourse,theresthe$47million(or$53million,accordingtotheWolfadministration)inonetimetransfers
fromspecialfundsandrestrictedrevenueaccountsbuiltintotherevenuesideoftheGOPbudget.
TheGOPsayusingunencumberedandunappropriatedendingbalancesinvariousfundstomeetourcurrent
obligationsisanacceptablebudgetbalancingtoolandonethathasbeenusedbybothRepublicanand
Democraticbudgetinthepast.TheWolfadministrationdoesntreallydisputetheamount(theresa$6million
discrepancy),justthefactthatthemoneyisntrecurringbeyondFY201516.
Theproblemwithusingonetimerevenuestobalancethebudgetisthatitpushestheproblemintofuturefiscal
years,furtherexacerbatingthestructuralbudgetdeficitinFY16/17,wroteNicastre,addingthatthelegislative
caucusesandtheadministrationallacknowledgedanincreaseofthatdeficitbymorethan$800millionin
FY16/17.
Moreonetimespendingthisyearwillonlyincreasethatnumberfurther,hesaid.
Whenyoutotalallthatup,theGOPandWolfhavedifferentassumptionsneithersetofnumbersisnecessarily
wrong,theyjustaredifferentopinionsonabout$400millioninrevenuewithintheGOPbudgetWolfvetoed.Ifyou
throwinthecertainonetimetransfers(the$220millionforliquorwascountedinthe$400million,giventhe
differenceofopinionontheonetimednessofthefunding)thattotalballoonstonearly$450million.
OntheExpenditures
StartingwithFY201415expenditures,theGOPdidtweak,downward,spendingby$48million,prompting
criticismfromtheWolfadministration.
Thisdifferenceofabout$48millionignoresactualcosts,especiallyintheDepartmentofCorrections,said
Nicastre.
ItalsoproducesanendingyearbalanceforFY201415$75millionhigherthantheoneassumedbytheWolf
administration($375millionversus$300million)somethingtheWolfadministrationdoesntcredit(orcriticize)to
theGOPplan,sincetheWolfcritiqueoftheGOPbudgetonlyidentifiesa$300millionsurpluscarriedoverfrom
FY201415asaonetimerevenuesource.
ForFY201516,oneofthemostapparentdiscrepanciesbetweentheadministrationandtheGOP,istheclaimthe
GOPplanignorestheadministrations$237millionincostsandrevenueadjustmentsforFY201516.
However,lookingattheGOPplan,theyaccountfor$218.5million,not$237million.Theadministrationclaimsthe
planignoresall$237million,andonlyappearstoassume$18.5millionlessthantheadministrationsassumed
adjustments.
WroteNicastre:Onthesurface,itappearsthattheyonlyassumed$18.5millionless.However,whenyoulookat
thedetailsoftheircutstheydidnotincludefundingforthe$218.5milliontheyclaimedtoadd,asevidencedinthe
gimmicksfoundinthe$813millioninexpenditureadjustments.
ButNicastresexplanationisabitofdoublecounting.
WhetheryouagreeordisagreewiththeGOPsexpenditureadjustments,theydidassumethemajorityofthe
governorsupdatedexpenditures(dueprimarilytonewlaborcontracts),andthenadjustedpartsofthebudget
someaffectingthoseaddedcostsbutmostfocusedonotherareasofthebudget.
Asevidenceofthat,theGOPplanassumes$813.3billioninbudgetaryadjustments,butwhenyouadduptheWolf
administrationsaccountingforallthoseadjustmentswhichtheyallclaimtobeonetimesavingstheirtotalfor
theGOPadjustmentsis$987.6million.
Butthatdoesntaccountthetwosidesagreeingtherewillbeabout$128.5millioninsavingsfromMedicaid
expansion(whichispartoftheGOPs$813.3millionfigure).SotheWolfadministrationestimatestheGOP
adjustmentstobeatleast$1.1billion,not$813.3million,although$128.5millionisexpectedtoberecurring.
TheGOPplanassumesmorethanjustthe$128.5millionofthe$813.3millionwillberecurring.
TheRepublicansassumea$116.8milliondownwardadjustment,duetoanexpectedreductioninthecaseloads
fundedbythestatesMedicalAssistanceinpatientandoutpatientlineitems,willberecurring.Theadministration
putsthatadjustmentatcloserto$187million,anddeemsitaonetimeanddubioussavings.
Overthelastseveralyears,RepublicanshaverepeatedlyattemptedtoreduceMedicalAssistancecoststhrough
falseassumptionsthatarbitrarilyunderestimatedcaseloadsandoverestimatedcostreductions,saidNicastre.
Webelieveweneedtoresolvedifferentperspectivesbutweremainconfidentinourassessmentofthefunding
needsfortheseprograms.
HouseGOPAppropriationsCommitteestaffsaidtheylookedatactualprogramusagefiguresthroughMay2015,
usedthatastheirbaseassumptionforusageinFY201516andthenprojectedacertainamountofgrowth,mostly
fromnewMedicaidparticipantduetotheexpansionoftheprogram.Theysaidthefiguresmoreaccurately
representprogramusage.
Thelargestsinglechunkofthe$813.3millionisaneliminationofthebudgets$306.2millionlineitemforthestate
PlanConprogram,Pennsylvaniasschoolconstructionprojectreimbursementprogram.Theeliminationwould
havebeenmadepossiblebytheGOPplantoborrow$5.3billiontopayofftheconstructiondebtalreadyincurred
bymanyofthestatesschooldistrictswhohavebeenapprovedbuthavebeenwaitingforPlanCon
reimbursement.
Onthat$306.2million,bothsidesagreeitsaonetimesavings.Republicansdopointouttherepaymentofthat
nowvetoedborrowingmaynothavebegunimmediately(itwouldhavedependedonhowthebonddealwas
structured,whenandinwhatamountbondswouldhavebeenissued,andwhattherepaymenttermswouldhave
been)andtheywouldnothaveexceededthe$306.2millionappropriation.Soitspossibletherecouldhavebeen
someadditionalsavingsrealizedin,atleast,FY201617.
Theadministrationalsoclaimstheres$170millioninshiftedchildwelfarepaymentswithintheGOPplan(both
agreeitsaonetimeamount),whichtheyindicatecouldjeopardizefundingfortheprogramssupportedbythat
money.
TheNeedsBasedBudgetsystemimplementedin1991,duringasimilarstructuralbudgetcrisis,mandatedfuture
statepaymentswouldfullymeetcountychildwelfareobligations,saidNicastre.Fornearly25yearssincethat
agreement,thestatehasmetitsobligationsunderthisagreement.GovernorWolfdoesnotplantobethefirst
governortonotfulfillthestatesobligation.
ButRepublicansarguetheirnearly$131.8millionadjustmentmoreaccuratelyreflectsthecashflowneedsofthe
program.AccordingtoinformationsuppliedbyRepublicanAppropriationsstaff,ineachofthelastfiveyears,
therehasbeenanunspentbalanceofatleast$200millionintheprogram.
TheGOPbudgetalsosoughttomoreaccuratelyreflectthestatefundingnecessaryforSchoolEmployeesSocial
Securitypayments.
TheGOPplanalsoassumessavingsof$73.8million,whiletheadministrationvaluesitat$87.4million,froma
twomonthdelayofthepaymenttomakethosepaymentsbasedonmoreaccurateparticipationdata,insteadof
theprospectivepaymentscurrentlymade.
Thisisntthefirsttimeabudgethasproposeddelayingapaymentforsomethingintothenextfiscalyear(last
yearsbudgets,andseveralduringtheRendellera,delayedpaymentstoMedicaidmanagedcareorganizations),
buttheWolfadministrationdoesntapproveofthepractice,arguingithasledtobondratingdowngradesforthe
Commonwealth.
ExplainedNicastre:TheFY14/15budgetdelayedmorethan$390millioninpaymentstomanagedcare
organizations.Thisforcedmanagedcareproviderstoborrowthosedollarsandincurhigherinterestexpensesthat
thecommonwealthultimatelymustpay.Untilwehavethefinancialmeanstocorrectthatbaddecision,the
commonwealthwillcontinuetohavetopaythesehigherinterestexpenses.
Now,Republicanswantschooldistrictstoincursimilarcostsinasimilarwaybydelayingthestatesfinancial
obligationtwomonthsintothenextfiscalyear.$87.4millionisthedifferencebetweentheactualcostsforFY15/16
andtheRepublicanbudget.The$73.8iswhattheywouldrealizebyshiftingthepaymentstwomonthsintothenext
fiscalyear.
Sowhenyougetdowntoit,onexpenditures,itwouldappearWolfsprimaryissuewiththeGOPplanisthatmuch
ofit(allbut$128.5millionofit,fromtheWolfadministrationsperspective)producesonetimesavingstoonly
balancetheFY201516budget,leavingthestatewithanotherbudgetholetofillinFY201617.
Butthesizeofthatbudgethole,dependingonwhoseassumptionsyouuse,doesntnecessarilyadduptothe
$1.56billionassertedbyWolf.
Withabout$400millioninrecurringrevenueindisputebytheGOPandWolf,andanother$205.5millionin
recurring/nonrecurringexpenditureadjustmentsavingsupintheair,theresatleast$600millionofthat$1.56
billionduesimplytodifferentassumptions.
Then,ofcourse,istheissueofonetimers,whosevalueisdisputed(oratleastinquestion)tothetuneofclosetoa
combined$150million(withtheWolfadministrationassuminghighervaluesthanthesavingsincludedintheGOP
budget).
Mostofthoseonetimersrepresenttaxpayerdollarsthataresittinginstatecoffersdoingnothing,oratleastnot
enough,towarrantraisingsomeonesincomeorsalestax,accordingtoRepublicans.Wolfrightlyarguestheiruse
kicksthecandowntheroad,withregardtothestatesstructuraldeficit,buttheGOPseemstohaveapointwhen
theyquestionwhythereshouldbeunusedmoneybuiltintothestatebudget.
Nowmaybeafterthefirstweekthestaffmeetingsproducedsomeagreementonsomeofallofthat.Remember,
allsideswereabletoreachconsensusonthestructuraldeficit,andtherewasabouta$1billiongapbetweenthe
WolfadministrationandlegislativeGOPonthatissue.
Butthere'sstillanawfullybighilltoclimb:Itwouldappearthetwosideshavetofindagreementonatleast$750
millionindisputedrevenueandexpenditureassumptions.Thentherestheissueofupto$750millionofadditional
recurringrevenuebeyondthedisputed$750millionnecessaryiftheGOPcantconvincethegovernortomake
useoftheotheronetimers.
AndthatsallbeforetheyevenstarttalkingaboutspendingbeyondwhatwasproposedbythevetoedGOPbudget
becausetheGOPillustratedtheyhadthevotestopayforwhatwasproposedintheirplan,andlikewiseshowed
thelackofsupportforWolf'srevenueproposals.
Nowonderthenewscomingfromthefirstweekofpostvetobudgetmeetingswasnttoopromising.
30
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/14/201509:10:07AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJuly14,2015
SchoolsThatTeachTour
CentreDailyTimes:WolfpromotesbudgetplanduringvisittoBellefonteAreaHighSchool
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/07/13/4834012/wolfpromotesbudgetplanduring.html
CentreDailyTimes:VIDEO:Gov.TomWolfvisitsBellefonte
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/07/13/4833474_govtomwolfvisitsbellefonte.html?rh=1
FOX8:VIDEO:GovernorWolfInBellefonte
http://www.fox8tv.com/News/NewsDetails.asp?NewsID=17796
PittsburghPostGazette:Gov.WolfseekssupportforbudgetpositionduringvisittoPittsburgharea
http://www.postgazette.com/news/politicsnation/2015/07/13/GovTomWolfdefendshisbudgetpositionduringvisittoPittsburgh
area/stories/201507130142
WPXI:VIDEO:Gov.TomWolfvisitsPittsburghtopushforeducationfunding
http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/govtomwolfvisitspittsburghpusheducationfund/nmyCD/
PatriotNews:WolfralliesforschoolfundinginGOPSenateboss'districttempersfrayasbudgetstandoffhitsWeek3:Analysis
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/wolf rallies for school fundin.html
WESA:PAEducationSecretaryVisitsTeenScientistsatDuquesne
http://wesa.fm/post/paeducationsecretaryvisitsteenscientistsduquesne
BudgetCommentary
YorkDispatch:OpEdbySec.Tennis:RestoreGov.Wolfsfundingtotreataddiction
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci 28475584/opedrestoregovwolfsfundingtreataddiction
DelcoDailyTimes:OpEdbySec.Tennis:Humanservices,drugprogramsneedfunding
http://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/20150713/lettertotheeditorhumanservicesdrugprogramsneedfunding
BucksCountyCourierTimes:Editorial:Governmentthatisn'tworking
http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/opinion/editorial/governmentthatisntworking/article 7ff0667ba191564787218f2ff3d44900.html
NationalJournal:CanClintonGovernIfSheWins?ACautionaryTaleFromPennsylvania.
http://www.nationaljournal.com/2016elections/canclintongovernifshewinsacautionarytalefrompennsylvania20150713
BudgetImpasse
YorkDailyRecord:MailersblastSen.ScottWagner,defendGov.TomWolf'sbudgetproposal
http://www.ydr.com/politics/ci 28474954/mailersblastsenscottwagnerdefendgovtom
PatriotNews:'Don'tbefooled'byWolfattacks,HouseGOPbitesbackinmailer:TuesdayMorningCoffee
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/dont be fooled by wolf attacks.html
AP:NobudgetbreakthroughasWolf,legislativeRepublicansmeet
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpaxgrpennsylvaniabudget20150713story.html
WITF:Hintsofastopgapbudget,butnobigbreakthrough
http://www.witf.org/statehousesoundbites/2015/07/hintsofastopgapbudgetbutnobigbreakthrough.php
PatriotNews:Republicans,Gov.TomWolfbattleoverproposedtaxincreases
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/republicans gov tom wolf battl.html#incart river
TribuneReview:HouseDemocratswon'tsplitwithGov.Wolfonbudget,lawmakersays
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/873193674/statebudgetdemocrats#ixzz3frvWmfFu
KYWNewsradio:Pa.BudgetTalksRemainStuckInNeutral
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/07/14/pabudgettalksremainstuckinneutral/
KDKA:BudgetDeadlockApproaching3rdWeekWithNoTalksPlanned
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/07/13/budgetdeadlockapproaching3rdweekwithnotalksplanned/
PLSReporter:Lateafternoonbudgetmeetingyieldslittleprogresstowardcompromise
http://plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/826/Lateafternoonbudgetmeetingyieldslittleprogresstowardcompromise.aspx
LegalIntelligencer:Wolf,GOPLeadersContinuetoWrangleOverBudget
http://www.thelegalintelligencer.com/id=1202731835804/WolfGOPLeadersContinuetoWrangleOverBudget#ixzz3fs1jwimF
TribuneDemocrat:Budgetimpasseputssocialservicesinbind
http://www.tribdem.com/news/latest news/budgetimpasseputssocialservicesinbind/article dd9b6108284a11e5a3d9
4772591246bd.html
ReadingEagle:Pennsylvaniabudgetimpassedelayseffortstocreatestateprescriptiondrugdatabase
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/pabudgetimpassedelayseffortstocreatestateprescriptiondrugdatabase#.VaUCdV9VhBc
SeveranceTax
TribuneReview:SenateGOPleader:Shaletaxmaybeconsideredwithoffsettinglegislation
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/873041574/taxgasindustry#ixzz3frvRmBsN
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Wolf:GOPleaderwon'tbudgeonshaletax
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150714 Wolf
PatriotNews:OpEd:WolfisrighttopushforaseverancetaxonBigGas
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/wolf is right to push for a se.html#incart 2box opinion
LNP:OpEd:Gasextractiontaxfairtodrillers,Pennsylvanians
http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/columnists/gasextractiontaxfairtodrillerspennsylvanians/article b63806c4271f11e59777
fbc1468409d4.html
StandardSpeaker:DCEDofficialsupportstaxonnaturalgas
http://standardspeaker.com/news/dcedofficialsupportstaxonnaturalgas1.1912134
Education
TimesTribune:Editorial:Tuitionboostdispiriting
http://thetimestr bune.com/opinion/tuitionboostdispiriting1.1911579
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Pa.#4forcollegespendingcutssince'08
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inqphillydeals/Patopslistofcollegespendingcutssince08.html#zvtsR2dd88lwxmcC.99
WolfOrg
DelcoDailyTimes:Editorial:ShowtrustinGov.Wolfsfinances
http://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/20150713/editorialshowtrustingovwolfsfinances
YorkDailyRecord:PrivateequityfirmclosesonitsinvestmentinWOLF
http://www.ydr.com/business/ci_28474509/privateequityfirmclosesitsinvestmentwolf
YorkDailyRecord:Gov.TomWolftalkssaleofhisbusiness,saysitwaspartofsuccessionplan
http://www.witf.org/news/2015/07/govtomwolftalkssaleofhisbusinesssaysitwaspartofsuccessionplan.php
HanoverEveningSun:Editorial:Questionsraisedonblindtrust
http://www.eveningsun.com/opinion/ci_28474889/editorialquestionsraisedblindtrust
PottstownMercury:Editorial:Gov.Wolfsblindtrustlackstransparency
http://www.pottsmerc.com/opinion/20150714/editorialgovwolfsblindtrustlackstransparency
StatePolice
PatriotNews:PennsylvaniaflagsflownathalfstaffforfallenScrantonpoliceofficer
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/pennsylvania_flags_flown_at_ha.html
TimesLeader:Gov.WolfordersflagsathalfstafftohonorOfficerJohnWilding
http://timesleader.com/news/local/373252/govwolfordersflagsathalfstafftohonorofficerjohnwilding
CitizensVoice:StateflagloweredacrossPa.topaytr butetoOfficerWilding
http://citizensvoice.com/news/stateflagloweredacrosspatopaytr butetoofficerwilding1.1912107
PAPolitics
TribuneReview:Amidbudgetimpasse,Wolffacesprospectoflosingchiefofstaff
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/872932074/budgetstatetax#ixzz3frubEEjl
AP:TopaidetoPennsylvaniaGov.TomWolfattendsretreatassheconsidersSenaterun
http://www.thereporteronline.com/generalnews/20150713/topaidetopennsylvaniagovtomwolfattendsretreatassheconsiderssenaterun
MorningCall:McGintyjoinsDSCCinMartha'sVineyardSestakdeclines
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/capitolideas/mcmcgintyjoinsdsccinmarthasvineyardsestakdeclines20150713
story.html
PittsburghPostGazette:McGintydecidingwhethertomakerunforU.S.Senate
http://www.postgazette.com/news/politicsstate/2015/07/14/McGintydecidingwhethertomakerunforUSSenate/stories/201507140081
Newsworks:DemPartyleadersurgePa.'sMcGintytorunforU.S.Senate
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/offmic/item/84093partyleadersurgemcgintytorunforussenate
MorningCall:MikeFleck,AllentownMayorEdPawlowskiconsultant,recordedconversationsinFBIinvestigation,sourcessay
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcallentownfbiinvestigationfleckrecordedconversations20150713
story.html#page=1
PatriotNews:GrandjuryrecommendscriminalchargesagainstformerHarrisburgMayorStephenReed,sourcesays
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/source former harrisburg.html
BillSignings
TimesTr bune:LuzerneCountyBridgenamedforfallencorrectionsofficer
http://thetimestribune.com/news/luzernecountybridgenamedforfallencorrectionsofficer1.1912178
CitizensVoice:ConynghamTwp.bridgeofficiallynamedafterfallencorrectionalofficer
http://citizensvoice.com/news/conynghamtwpbridgeofficiallynamedafterfallencorrectionalofficer1.1912068
PublicSafety
PittsburghPostGazette:LTE:Pennsylvaniaisfailingtoupdateitsbuildingcodes
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/07/14/Pennsylvaniaisfailingtoupdateitsbuildingcodes/stories/201507140072
GunLaws
PAIndependent:PAlegislatorreloadsbillallowingNRAtosueoverlocalgunlaws
http://paindependent.com/2015/07/palegislatorreloadsbillallowingnratosueoverlocalgunlaws/
Budget:LetterstotheEditor
PoconoRecord:PA'schildrenneedqualityPreKcare
http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20150711/OPINION/150719882/101041/OPINION
BeaverCountyTimes:Gov.Wolfisalbatrossaroundstate'sneckhttp://www.timesonline.com/opinion/letters to editor/govwolfisalbatross
aroundstatesneck/article 8fabc444271c11e58e700755cbc83c76.html/?REFERMI=Opinion
MorningCall:StateRep.JustinSimmonsisanadvocatefordistrict(Wolfbudgetmentioned)
http://www.mcall.com/opinion/letters/mcsimmonspoliticianhardworksupportschantz20150713story.html
WilliamsportSunGazette:ToGov.Wolf
http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/638504/ToGovWolf.html?nav=5008
Capitolwire:'Acrimony'highasbudgettalksentersecondweek.
ByKevinZwick
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July13)There'snoagreementinsightasthebudgetimpassecontinues,anditprobablywon'tberesolvedanytime
soonafterhowthisweekstarted.
IthinkthatthelevelofacrimonyisprobablythehighestI'veeverseen...frombothsides,saidSenatePresidentProTemJoeScarnati,
RJefferson,whometMondayprivatelywithGov.TomWolfafterabigtablediscussionbetweenthegovernorandlegislativeRepublican
leaders.
ShortlyafterScarnati,Wolfspokewithreportersandsaid:Iwanttohaveaconversation,Iwanttomovebeyondtheposturingthat
thesemeetingshavebeenandgetintoactuallysomesubstantiveconversations.
WolfearlierMondaytookhisSchoolsthatTeachtourtotwoschools:oneinBellefonte,thebackyardofSenateMajorityLeaderJake
Corman,andoneinRossTownship,AlleghenyCounty,astone'sthrowfromHouseSpeakerMikeTurzai'sdistrict.
It'sakintoyourrivalteamusingyourstadiumforapeprallywithouttellingyou.
It'slikelytonotmakethemwanttodealwithhim,saidTerryMadonna,apoliticalscienceprofessoratFranklin&MarshallCollege.
WolfisalreadydrawinglegislatorsireforlendinghisvoicetoAmericaWorksUSA,a501(c)4organizationthatispromotingthe
governor'sbudgetagendathroughmailersandads.AndWolfhashisownpoliticalactioncommittee,RebuildPennsylvania,usingsocial
mediatohammerRepublicansasnegotiationscontinue.
Hisuseofthebullypulpitisjustplainbullyingtosomelegislators,whomayneedthickerskin.
Examiningthestruggleoverthisbudget,Wolfisoutnumbered,literallyandfiguratively,bytheRepublicansintheCapitol.Ifheistowin
anyconcessionsfromhisopponents,hemustrallythepublictosupporthim,whichexplainshiscampaigningacrossthestateevenin
thedistrictsofRepublicanlegislativeleaders,saidThomasBaldino,apoliticalscienceprofessoratWilkesUniversity.
Baldinonotedthatinterestgroupshavebeenengaginginindependentadcampaignstopromoteoropposebills,soitshouldcomeasa
surprisetoseetheDemocraticGovernorsAssociationalignedgroupparticipate.
DontbesurprisedifoneormoreconservativegroupsbeginrunningadscriticalofWolfsbudget,hesaid.Atleastonegroup,Citizens
AllianceofPennsylvania,aconservativegroupthatsometimestargetsRepublicansoverfiscalandunionissues,saidMondaythey'llbe
launchingamediacampaigntothankmembersoftheGeneralAssemblywhorefusetobeintimidated.
Soasthebudgetimpassecontinuesintoasecondweek,therehasbeenaprettysubstantialdeparturefromthecollegialityemitted
fromtheearlybigtablediscussionjustafterWolfvetoedtheGOPbackedbudgetJune30.
But,asScarnatinoted,nobodyhasgotupandstormedoutofameetingyet.
30
Capitolwire:Moody'sInvestorServicesaysE911lawwilleliminatecallcenter
deficits.
ByChristenSmith
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July13)Moody'sInvestorServicepraisedPennsylvania'supdatedEmergencyTelephoneActasacreditpositivein
itsweeklycreditoutlookreportreleasedThursday.
Act12,signedbyGov.TomWolfonJune29,thereportsays,willeliminatemorethan$100millioninannualdeficitsthatPennsylvania
countieshaveincurredfortakinganddispatching911calls.
Thelaw,introducedasHouseBill911inApril,wasdesignedtobringthestate's69PublicSafetyAnsweringPoints(PSAPs)the
countyfundedcenterswhereemergencycallsarehandledintothe21stcenturywitha$1.65surchargefeeleviedonall
communicationdevicescapableofcontacting911.
Forthelasttwoandahalfdecades,PSAPshaveoperatedunderafeestructurethatgeneratesrevenueprimarilybychargingtelephone
landlinesbetween$1and$1.50amonthfor911services.Since2003,lawmakershaveamendedtheactthreeseparatetimesina
piecemealfashiontoinclude$1surchargesforcellphones,VoIPphonesandprepaidphones.
In2014,thesefeesonlycovered64percentofthe$292millionitcostcountiestofundtheirPSAPs.Countiesoftenusedgeneralfund
revenuestocovertheshortfall,thereportsays.
It'satrendthatsurprisesnooneclosetotheissue.Ina2012reportreleasedbytheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommittee,24
countiesfundedtheirprogramsonfeerevenuesalonein2008.Threeyearslater,thatnumberdroppedtojustseven.
PSAPoperatingcostshavebeenincreasing,inpart,becausemanyPSAPsnowdomuchmorethanansweremergency911
calls,saidPhilipDurgin,executivedirectorofLBFC,inhiswrittentestimonysubmittedtoSenatelawmakersinFebruary.Inadditionto
thegradualabsorptionofthedispatchingfunction,PSAPsarealsoinvolvedinahostofotherdutiesnotdirectlyrelatedtoansweringa
911call,suchasbeingthepointofcontactfortheCLEANandJNETcomputerdatabases,answeringtheCrimeStoppersLine,
assistingfirstrespondersneedingGISassistance,andmonitoringvariousalarmsandcallboxes.
TheLBFCreportindicatedcurrent911surchargesaresufficientenoughtofund71percentofPSAPoperatingexpenditures,butin
reality,manycountiesareleftfootingoverhalfthebill.
TheMoody'sreportagreedthesystem'sproblemwasbuilttooheavilyaroundlandlinetelephoneconnections.
Weexpectthattheincreasewillgenerateatleastthe$105millionnecessarytoclosethegapbetweencostsandrevenues,thereport
concludes.
HB911notonlyimplementsaflat$1.65feestatewide,butalsocreatesa911boardthatwillstudytheinefficienciesofPSAPfunding.
TheboardwillworkwiththePennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementAgencytodraftareportbeforethelaw's2019sunsetthatwill
includeapermanentfundingformulacapableofsupportingevolvingtechnologies.
Weknowthatwearegoingtohaveawholenewsetofcostscomingourwaywithnextgenerationtechnology,saidDougHill,
executivedirectoroftheCountyCommissionersAssociationofPennsylvania.Whenwereallyneedtostepupanddovideoparticularly,
wethinktherewillbesomesystemcosts,sothat'swhywewanttobuildupreserves.
Hill,inFebruary,recommendedincreasingthecurrentsurchargefeestoaflat$2basedonanobservationfromthe2012PBFCreport
thatsaid,ifadjustedforinflation,surchargefeesshouldrangebetween$1.72and$2.58perline.
HesaidMonday,however,the$1.65feewouldstillgenerate$314million,whichwouldcovertheannualcosttooperatePSAPs,for
now,whichisgoodnews.
Thereasonwehadlookedat$2isbecausewewantedtobecertainwehadacushionforthefuture,hesaid.Theacthasafouryear
sunsetandinthefirsttwoyears,PEMAandthenew911boardaretostudytheentiresystem...tolookatitsfundinganditscosts,so
thatgivesusanopportunitytoreopentorateorgotoawholenewfundingmechanism.Pluswewillhaveaclearerhandleonwhatcosts
are.
30
Capitolwire:SenateflooractivityrecapforMonday,July13,2015.
ByChrisComisac
BureauChief
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July13)OnlyonechamberoftheGeneralAssemblywasinsessiononMonday,butthatwasenoughtoproduce
somelegislativeactivityofnote.
Twoofthebillspassedbythatchamber,buynotunanimously,arefocusedonDNAtestingandrequiringSenateconfirmationofthe
PennsylvaniaTurnpikeCommissionCEO,respectively.
SenateBill683,whichisnowonitswaytotheHousefollowingafinal3314votefromtheSenate,shouldbefamiliartolongtime
observersoftheGeneralAssembly.
Sen.DominicPileggi,RDelaware,hasbeentryingtomakevariouschangestothestatescurrentlawsgoverningDNAtestingfor
severallegislativesessions.
PennsylvaniasDNAdatabasewascreatedmorethantwodecadesagoandsincethattime,tremendousprogresshasbeenmadewith
DNAscience,PileggisaidinapressreleasefollowingtheSenatesapprovalofSB683.ItstimeforPennsylvaniatocatchupwiththe
science.Thisbillwillmakeourcommunitiessaferbygettingviolentcriminalsoffthestreets.
ThelegislationwouldrequireindividualsarrestedforseriouscrimestosubmitDNAsamples.
Privacyprotectionsarealsobuiltintothechanges:theresanexplicitprohibitionagainstusingDNAsamplesforanythingotherthan
legitimatelawenforcementidentificationpurposes.
AndlikePileggispastefforts,SB683containsanexpungementprocessfortheDNArecordsofexoneratedindividuals.
Additionally,thebillwouldcodifyaccreditationrequirementsforforensicDNAtestinglaboratoriesrequirecontinuingeducationfor
forensicDNAtestingpersonnelandauthorizethestatepolicetousemodifiedDNAsearchestohelpinvestigatorsidentifyunknown
DNAprofilestakenatcrimescenes.
Similarlegislationhasfailedtogetacrossthefinishlineduringthelasttwolegislativesessions,withthe201112sessionbillgetting
boggeddownbychangesrightattheendofthesession,whilethe201314billnevercameupontheHousefloorforavote,after
winningapprovalintheSenateandgettingreportedoutoftheHouseJudiciaryCommittee.
SaidPileggiaboutSB683:Thiskindoflawhasbeenproventosolveviolentcrimes.IhopeSenateBill683canbesenttotheGovernor
forhissignaturethisyear.
AndifyouthoughtPileggisthirdstabathisDNAtestingbillrepresentedplentyofyearsofeffort,thatsnothingcomparedtotheother
billthatgota3314Senatevote(butwithdifferentsenatorsmakingupthetwototals)tosendittotheHouseonMonday.
Thisbillwasintroducedbackin20072007wouldrequireSenateconfirmationofCEOs,becausewehadseentheDemocrat
senatorsworkingwithmeatthetimeonthislegislationthatwehadseenagovernorsaytoaboardthatwasappointedbythe
governorandthe[legislative]caucusesandapprovedbytheSenateyouregoingtohirethispersonasaCEOandtheyhiredthat
personastheCEO,explainedSenateBill474sponsorSen.JohnRafferty,RMontgomery.
WeretryingtocurtailsomeofthatinfluenceandmakesurethattheseCEOsthatareappointed,andImnotsayingthisgovernor
woulddothat,Imjustsayingagovernorhaddoneit,wethinkitsaveryimportantsteptohavetheSenateinoversightofthisCEO
reallyagoodgovernmenttypefunction,tomakesuretheressomeimmediatelegislativeoversightofthosedifferentagencies,
explainedRafferty,althoughSB474dealswithonlyoneCEOofthePennsylvaniaTurnpike.Acompanionbill,intheSenateState
GovernmentCommittee,wouldaddressotheragencyCEOs,saidRafferty.
HesaidtheseCEOstakeonaveryactiverole,andactalmostasasecretaryforthatagency,andwindupansweringallthequestions
directedtotheagencyattheappropriationshearingsandoversighthearings.
SenateMinorityLeaderJayCosta,DAllegheny,disagreedwithRaffertysassertionofneedforthelegislation.
CostasaidSB474wouldtakeawayfromthecommissionand,headded,thegovernortheresponsibilityofhavingthefinalsayon
whoservesastheCEOofthePennsylvaniaTurnpike.
CurrentlytheCEOishiredandfiredatthewilloftheboardmembersoftheTurnpikeCommission,andthecommissionhashistorically
beenseparateanddistinctfromtheactivitiesoftheSenate,althoughwedoconfirmthecommissionmembers,saidCosta.Ithinkthe
commissionmembersshouldhavetheabilitytohirethepersontomanagethatmajorentitywithouthavingtoworryaboutthepolitical
consequencesfromthegovernorortheSenate.
ThechamberalsounanimouslyapprovedbillsthatwouldexpandPennsylvaniasStateIntermediatePunishmentprogramtoinclude
offensescommittedbecauseofagamblingaddiction(currentlawonlyallowsSIPparticipationfordefendantsconvictedofcrimesdueto
adrugoralcoholaddiction)anddesignatethebridgecarryingStateRoute6011(HarrisonAvenue)overRoaringBrookinScrantonas
theColonelFrankDuffyMemorialBridge(tobenamedafterahighlyrespectedengineerandhighestrankingScrantonareapersonkilled
inWorldWarI).
TheSenatealsounanimouslyamendedameasurethatwouldcreateafreestandingactentitledtheCorrectionalOfficersInvestigation
ProcedureActwhichseekstoestablishcertainguidelinesandproceduresgoverningtheinvestigationandinterrogationofcorrectional
officersbythePennsylvaniaDepartmentofCorrections(DOC).
ThelegislationwaspromptedbyacomplaintofallegedmisconductregardingabuseallegationsatSCIPittsburgh.Accordingtobill
sponsorSen.DaveArgall,RSchuylkill,eightcorrectionsofficersweresuspendedwithoutpayandbenefitsforalmostayearwithoutthe
abilitytoaskquestionsrelatedtowhytheyweresuspendedortodefendthemselves.Theseofficerswereneverevengiventhebenefitof
ahearing,saidArgallinhiscosponsorshipmemoforthebill.
AddedArgall:Thislegislationwillguaranteepreservationoftheconstitutionalrightsforourcorrectionsofficers.
Severalbillswereadvancedbythechambertopotentialfinalvotes:toensurethatallactivedutymilitarypayremainsexemptfromlocal
incometaxtoincludeelectriccooperativeandutilitypersonnelasemergencyrespondersduringdeclareddisasteremergencies(to
affordthemspecificprotectionsduringemergenciesandwhendirectingprotectedtrafficinhazardousareasinordertokeepdriversand
emergencyworkerssafeatthescene)toprohibittheusebyandtransportation,inducementandsaleofpowderedalcoholtominors
forpartiestoanorganizedlabordispute,theremovalofexemptionsfromthecrimesofharassment,stalking,andthreateningtouse
weaponsofmassdestructiontoupdatelanguagemainlyforthequalificationstandardsforthecommercialdriverlearnerspermitand
commercialdriverslicense,inordertocomplywithnewfederalrulesandtoundoaprovisionofAct89(of2013)thateliminatestheuse
ofvehicleregistrationstickers.
Onthatlastbill,itsprimesponsor,Sen.Rafferty,explainedinhiscosponsorshipmemotheeliminationofthestickerwouldforcestate,
regionalandlocallawenforcementtoinvestincostlynewlicenseplatereadingequipment,withthosecostsexceedingthesavings
expectedforthestateDepartmentofTransportation(fromnothavingtoproduceandmailvehicleregistrationstickers).
30
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/02/201509:07:56AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJuly2,2015
TopClips
DelcoDailyTimes:LTEbyFirstLadyFrancesWolf:Nowisthetimetoacttofundstatesschools
http://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/20150630/lettertotheeditorpennsylvaniafirstladynowisthetimetoacttofundstatesschools
Budget:Commentary
Citizens'Voice:Editorial:Voterswantprogress,notpoliticaltheater
http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/voterswantprogressnotpoliticaltheater1.1906081
TimesLeader:Editorial:BudgetbyJuly1?Rigidgovernmentdeadlineslessimportantthanresults
http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorial/371316/ouropinionbudgetbyjuly1rigidgovernmentdeadlineslessimportantthanresults
PittsburghPostGazette:Editorial:Brokerabudget:Onspending,bothpartiesmustseekcompromise
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/editorials/2015/07/02/BrokerabudgetOnspendingbothpartiesmustseek
compromise/stories/201507020040
LNP:Editorial:Day1:WaitingforaPa.budget
http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/editorials/daywaitingforapabudget/article 6a5e3cfa1f5e11e5a4b7438ca642760d.html
DoylestownIntelligencer:Editorial:Forourlawmakers:nobudget,nopay
http://www.theintell.com/opinion/forourlawmakersnobudgetnopay/article c74e7101782e55708e6cd65f673f4afc.html
PatriotNews:Sowho'stoblameforBudgetImpasse2015?Well,everyone,ofcourse:ThursdayMorningCoffee
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/wolf lawmakers meet nothing.html
PhillyVoice:TheWolfTrap
http://www.phillyvoice.com/govwolfvetoesbudget/
Budget:Negotiations
AP:Wolf,GOPlawmakerstoresumebudgettalksafterveto
http://6abc.com/politics/wolfgoplawmakerstoresumebudgettalksafterveto/819827/
AP:BudgetmeetingbetweenPennsylvaniaGov.Wolf,lawmakersendsquickly
http://www.wfmz.com/news/budgetmeetingbetweenpennsylvaniagovwolflawmakersendsquickly/33930508
PatriotNews:Gov.TomWolf,lawmakersgoingintobudgetnegotiationswith'armsunfolded'
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/gov tom wolf lawmakers going i.html#incart river
PittsburghPostGazette:Pennsylvania'sgovernor,legislatorsplannewroundofbudgettalks
http://www.postgazette.com/local/region/2015/07/02/Governorlegislatorsplannewroundofbudgettalks/stories/201507020029
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Pa.budgettalkstoresumenextweek
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150702 Pa
KYWNewsradio:AfterPa.BudgetVeto,Gov.WolfUpbeatAfterMeetingWithLegislativeLeaders
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/07/01/afterpabudgetvetogovwolfupbeataftermeetingwithlegislativeleaders/
PatriotNews:ImpactoflatestatebudgetnotlostonWolf,lawmakers
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/impact of late state budget no.html#incart mrpt2
PatriotNews:Pennsylvaniabudgetreset:HappyFourthandwe'llseeyounextweek
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/pennsylvania budget reset happ.html#incart river
TimesLeader:TalksinPennsylvaniabudgetstandoffwillresumeMonday
http://timesleader.com/news/local/371689/talksinpennsylvaniabudgetstandoffwillresumemonday
PLSReporter:Budgetnegotiatorsfindnewresolve,butremainfarapart
http://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/artmid/472/articleid/815/Budgetnegotiatorsfindnewresolvebutremainfarapart.aspx
PatriotNews:Lawmakerssenthomebuttold'itisnotsummervacation'
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/lawmakers sent home but told i.html#incart river
MorningCall:Analyzingwhat'saheadinPennsylvaniabudgetstalemate
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpawolfrepublicanbudgetanalysis20150701story.html
TribuneReview:Expectdrawnoutstatebudgetimpasse,Pa.politicalanalystssay
http://triblive.com/politics/politicalheadlines/866771974/wolfgopstate#ixzz3ejlsc3Qa
FOX43:VIDEO:Budgetshowdown:Governor,Republicansmeetbehindcloseddoors
http://fox43.com/2015/07/01/budgetshowdowngovernorrepublicansmeetbehindcloseddoors/
PatriotNews:VIDEOS:PennsylvaniaHouseMajorityLeaderDaveReedonbudgetpainandlegislatorsonstandby
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/videos pennsylvania house majo.html#incart river
PLSReporter:VIDEO:"Weunderstandthatwehavetoreconcileourideas,"Gov.WolfsaysafterlatestbudgetmeetingwithGOP
http://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/814/VIDEOWeunderstandthatwehavetoreconcileourideasGovWolfsays
afterlatestbudgetmeetingwithGOP.aspx
ReadingEagle:Alookatbruisingstatebudgetbattlesfromyearspast
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/alookatbruisingstatebudgetbattlesfromyearspast
BudgetVote
PatriotNews:TopHouseRepublicansapparentlycastphantomballotsonkeybudgetbill
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/did the top 3 house republican.html
AP:AbsentPennsylvaniaHouseleadersstillvotedonschoolbill
http://www.witf.org/news/2015/07/absentpennsylvaniahouseleadersstillvotedonschoolbill.php
Budget:LegislativeResponses
ReadingEagle:StateSen.JudySchwankexplainsdisappointmentwithstatebudgetbill
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/statesenjudyschwankexplainsdisappointmentwithstatebudgetbill#sthash.jLWA67qI.dpuf
PoliticsPA:PABGT:StatewideReactiontoWolfsBudgetVeto
http://www.politicspa.com/pabgtstatewidereactiontowolfsbudgetveto/67394/
BeaverCountyTimes:LegislatorsreacttoWolf'sbudgetveto
http://www.timesonline.com/news/local news/legislatorsreacttowolfsbudgetveto/article 30bef5ea203811e5bd18e7ea3ccd3dd9.html/?
REFERMI=Homeice_cubes
TribuneReview:WolfvetoranklesFayWestGOP
http://triblive.com/news/fayette/866789574/budgetstefanogovernor#axzz3ejOEOg88
PatriotNews:LTE:Rep.BloomtiredofGov.Wolf's'confrontationalbudgetbrinksmanship'
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/rep_bloom_tired_of_wolfs_confr.html#incart_river
WNPVAM1440:StateSenatorBobMensch:Gov.WolfisNoEdRendell
http://wnpv1440.com/news/politics/7189statesenatorbobmenschgovwolfisnoedrendell
DailyAmerican:LocallawmakersupsetbyWolf'sveto(Subscriptionrequired)
http://www.dailyamerican.com/news/local/somerset/locallawmakersupsetbywolfsveto/article_cc408abfff835afa85580722ebd9e517.html
Education
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Editorial:CommunityCollegeofPhila.candomoreforthecitysstudents...AndHarrisburgcanhelp
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150702_Higher_aspirations.html#xyT3wZSde5gjsUEh.99
YorkDailyRecord:Budgetimpassewon'timmediatelyhitschooldistricts
http://www.ydr.com/politics/ci_28415035/budgetimpassewontimmediatelyhitschooldistricts
TribuneReview:HigherschooltaxesprevailinWesternPennsylvania,Tribfinds
http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/861832774/districtsmillionstate#ixzz3ejmDnnbl
LNP:OpEd:Unintendedconsequencesmarschoolaccountabilitybill
http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/unintendedconsequencesmarschoolaccountabilitybill/article_a16e33661f4611e5a967
97a791fafe14.html
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:OpEd:TherisksofthenewPa.schoolsoversightplan
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150702 Letters
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Enoughsmokersforschoolfunding
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/heardinthehall/Enoughsmokersforschoolfunding.html
PhiladelphiaCityPaper:ControllerreportsfindingThirdworldconditionsinPhillyschoolshumanwaste,exposedasbestosandfirehazards
http://citypaper.net/news/appallingcontrollerreportsthirdworldconditionsfoundinphillyschoolsincludingcockroachesasbestoshuman
wasteandfirehazards/
JobsThatPay
TimesLeader:PennsylvanialaborsecretarybringsJobsthatPaytourtoWilkesBarre
http://timesleader.com/news/local/371662/pennsylvanialaborsecretarybringsjobsthatpaytourtowilkesbarre
CitizensVoice:Statelaborsecretarycriticizestaxcollection
http://citizensvoice.com/news/statelaborsecretarycriticizestaxcollection1.1906666
TimesTribune:Pa.laborsecretaryspeaksonbudget,manufacturing
http://thetimestr bune.com/news/palaborsecretaryspeaksonbudgetmanufacturing1.1906885
PoconoRecord:KalahariResorts,Poconos'newestwaterpark,openswithcongratulationsallaround
http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20150701/NEWS/150709937/101010/NEWS
TimesLeader:KalahariwaterparkandhotelcomplexinPoconosholdscolorfulgrandopening
http://timesleader.com/news/local/371674/kalahariwaterparkandhotelcomplexinpoconosholdscolorfulgrandopening
SeveranceTax,Fracking
TribuneReview:DavidConti:Impasse
http://blog.triblive.com/flowback/2015/07/01/impasse/
TimesLeader:Groupsaysseverancetaxhasabsolutelynothingtodowithadequateeducationfunding
http://timesleader.com/news/local/371482/groupsaysseverancetaxhasabsolutelynothingtodowithadequateeducationfunding
Biz570:Somesmallbusinesseswaryofseverancetax
http://biz570.com/energy/somesmallbusinesseswaryofseverancetax1.1902842
IndianaGazette:HalliburtontocloseHomerCityplant
https://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiananews/halliburtontoclosehomercityplant,22323781/
LiquorPrivatization
PAIndependent:Brewingupaveto?Wolfstillponderingliquorprivatizationbill
http://paindependent.com/2015/07/brewingupavetowolfstillponderingliquorprivatizationbill/
PatriotNews:LessonsforPennsylvania?Washington'sliquorprivatizationmeantmorestoresbuthigherprices
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/lessons for pennsylvania washi.html#incart river
PatriotNews:'Nobodythinksthisisgoingtobecomelaw':Unions,groupskeepfightingPa.liquorprivatization
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/liquor privatization opponents.html#incart river
AP:'Killing1childeveryweek':Watchthemostoverthetopboozesalesadoutthere
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/killing 1 child every week wat.html#incart river
ReadingEagle:Whatyouneedtoknowaboutthebilltoprivatizestateliquorsales
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/whatyouneedtoknowaboutthebilltoprivatizestateliquorsales#.VZUzwBtVhBc
PatriotNews:OpEd:SpecterofGov.Pinchot's'drycause'loomsoverliquorprivatizationfight
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/pinchot liquor and alcohol sal.html#incart river
PittsburghPostGazette:Editorial:KilltheLCB:Onliquor,Wolfcanbeprogressiveoradinosaur
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/editorials/2015/07/02/KilltheLCBOnliquorWolfcanbeprogressiveora
dinosaur/stories/201507020067
TimesNews:Editorial:Liquor:Reformantiquatedlaws
http://www.tnonline.com/2015/jun/30/liquor
Pensions
PittsburghPostGazette:BrianO'Neill:Pensionmessrootedinbad2001bill
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/brianoneill/2015/07/02/BrianONeillPensionmessrootedinbad2001bill/stories/201507020018
YorkDispatch:OpEd:Pa.lawmakersusepensionsasbargainingchip
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/opinion/ci 28413059/opedpalawmakersusepensionsbargainingchip
ChambersburgPublicOpinion:OpEd:PApensionreformislongoverdue
http://www.publicopiniononline.com/opinion/ci 28413099/columnpapensionreformislongoverdue
GettysburgTimes:OpEd:Pensionreformisessential(Subscriptionrequired)
http://www.gettysburgtimes.com/opinion/staff columns/article ffba8b02a74e5fe980d88259b43296d1.html
DepartmentNews
YorkDispatch:OpEd:Pennsylvanialeadersmuststepuptomeetcleanwatercommitments
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/viewpoints/ci 28411846/opedpennsylvanialeadersmuststepupmeet
AP:PennsylvaniaAGsuesoperatorof14nursinghomes
http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/lawsuitfiledagainstpennsylvanianursinghomech/nmqDg/
AP:State's201415taxcollectionsoverrunprojectionsby$412M
http://www.wtrf.com/story/29456308/states201415taxcollectionsoverrunprojectionsby412m
BackgroundCheckLaw
PatriotNews:Newlawattemptstoaddclaritytobackgroundcheckslaw
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/new law attempts to add clarit.html#incart river
DelcoDailyTimes:ConcernovernewPa.lawrequiringclearancesforvolunteers
http://www.delcotimes.com/generalnews/20150701/concernovernewpalawrequiringclearancesforvolunteers
911Funding
StateCollege.com:CentreCountyApprovesNew911DispatchSystem,WillBenefitfromNew911FundingLaw
http://www.statecollege.com/news/localnews/centrecountyapprovesnew911dispatchsystemwillbenefitfromnew911funding
law,1464560/
RepublicanHerald:Gov.Wolfraiseschargefor911calls
http://republicanherald.com/news/govwolfraiseschargefor911calls1.1906862
MedicalMarijuana
HeraldStandard:Editorial:Nomoregames
http://www.heraldstandard.com/opinion/editorials/nomoregames/article_2d0e986c441957d38d39b5a196f8d73c.html
PatriotNews:Pa.medicalmarijuanabillappearsonfasttrack
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/folmer_regan_marsico_sb_3.html#incart_river
Philly420:Pa.medicalmarijuanabecomespoliticalcircus
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/philly420/Philly420 Pa medical marijuana becomes political circus.html#sZRvoKVtJE8tsRiH.99
MunicipalPensions
PatriotNews:Pa.AuditorGeneral:'Massivetaxhikes,publicsafetylayoffs'couldoccurifmunicipalpensionplansaren'tfixed
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/pa auditor general massive tax.html#incart river
TimesTribune:Editorial:DePasqualereporthalfofanswer
http://thetimestribune.com/opinion/depasqualereporthalfofanswer1.1906624
StateNews
PhiladelphiaMagazine:PABossesAreStealingUpto$32MillionaWeekFromTheirWorkers
http://www.phillymag.com/citified/2015/07/01/wagetheftstudy/#KyuQ7UB3QxbIwrbd.99
LetterstotheEditor
PoconoRecord:CommonwealthFoundation:Schoolsdon'tneedmorestatefunding
http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20150630/OPINION/150639971/101041/OPINION
YorkDispatch:Rendelloffbaseonliquorprivatization
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/viewpoints/ci 28412271/letterrendelloffbaseliquorprivatization
TimesTribune:Taxmysteries
http://thetimestribune.com/opinion/letters/letterstotheeditor7120151.1906085
Capitolwire:Wolf,legislativeleadersreadytoworktoreachagreementsonbudget,
pensions,liquor.
ByChrisComisac,KevinZwick&ChristenSmith
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July1)Thearmsareunfolded,saidGov.TomWolf,characterizingthepositivenatureofaWednesdayafternoon
meetingwithlegislativeleadersaboutthestatebudget,lessthanadayafterissuinganunprecedentedcompletevetooftheGOP's
budgetproposal.
Followingtheapproximately30minutemeeting,WolfsaidhehasofferedhisbudgetandlegislativeRepublicanshavenowofferedtheirs,
withthetasknowtofindcommongroundbetweenthetwo.
We'reallgoingtoworkveryhardtomakesurewehaveabudgetasquicklyaspossible,saidWolf,standingwithHouseMajority
LeaderDaveReed,RIndiana.
ThateffortwillbegininearnestonMonday,thegovernorsaid.
DrewCrompton,chiefofstaffandlegalcounseltoSenatePresidentProTemJoeScarnati,RJefferson,saidnothingnewwasoffered
duringthemeeting,withthegovernorandlegislativeRepublicansstillfarapartontheitemsonwhichtheywerefarapartpriortothe
governorsTuesdaynightbudgetveto.Scarnati,likeHouseSpeakerMikeTurzai,RAllegheny,andSenateMajorityLeaderJake
Corman,RCentre,participatedinthemeetingbytelephone.
Anothermeetingabouthavingmoremeetings,saidCrompton,addingthetenorofthegatheringwascollegial.
Thoseattendingthemeetingincluded,fromtheHouse,Reed,AppropriationsCommitteeMajorityChairmanBillAdolph,RDelaware,
MinorityLeaderFrankDermody,DAllegheny,andMinorityWhipMikeHanna,DClintonandfromtheSenateitwasMinorityLeader
JayCosta,DAllegheny,AppropriationsCommitteeMinorityChairmanVinceHughes,DPhiladelphiaandMinorityWhipTonyWilliams,
DPhiladelphia.
Allthoseinvolvedinthemeetingsaidtheconversationabouthowtofindcommongroundandconsensuswouldbeginwithaseriesof
meetingsonMondayandTuesdaynextweek.Untilthen,considerthenextfewdaysabitofacoolingoffperiod.
Youknowfolkshavebeenhereforaprotractedtimeframe,andfolksaregonnagetalittlemorefiredupthanusual,explainedReed.I
thinkrightnowitjustgivesusachancetoevaluatewhatwedidintheHouseandtheSenate,itgivesthegovernorachancetoevaluate
liquorandpensions,andthenwecancomebacktothetableonMondaywithsomemoreinformation,somemoredatasome
justificationastowhysomeoftheideaswethoughtwereinthebestinterestofthepeopleofthecommonwealth,andImsurethe
governorwilldothesame.
Buttherewouldappeartobeplentyofworkaheadforthosewhoparticipateinthosemeetings.
SaidReed:ThegovernorputanoriginalbudgetdocumentonthetableinMarchthatdoesnothavesupportintheHouseandSenate.
WepassedabudgetintheHouseandintheSenateyesterdayandovertheweekendthatdoesnothavethegovernor'ssignature.So
we'vegotalotofworktodooverthenexthopefullyjustcoupledaysorcoupleweekstogettoanagreementonafinalbudget
document.
Thatrequiresalittlegiveandtakeonbothsides,Reedsaid.
Imgladweremeeting,saidAdolph,butlateradded:Idonotwanttogiveyoutheimpressionthatwereclose.Wearefar,far,far
apartonnumbers,andthatsbecausewhatthegovernorwouldliketospendtakesalotoftaxes,andtheyrenotsurehowmanyvotes
theycanproduce[forthosetaxes],soitsgoingtobealotofwork.
Obviouslytheyhavetomoveontheirfiguresbecausetheresnotthevotesforthetypeofrevenuethatsneededforthespendnumber,
Adolphadded.
AndreactingtothegovernorspressconferenceTuesdayevening,duringwhichhesaidhewouldvetotheGOPdevelopedbudget
becausethemathdoesntwork,Adolphsaid:Ournumbersaddup.
Costasaidtheresbeensomemovementbythegovernoronsuchthingsaswineandspiritsalesandpensions.Reedlatersaidgetting
abudgetagreementisthetoppriority,buttheresalsoalotoffocusbeingputonpensionandliquorproposals.
ConversationsbetweenGOPleadersandWolfonapensiondealhavebeenveryfruitful,buttheyarenotclosetoanagreementover
liquorprivatization,Reedsaid.
Propertytaxrelief,whichthegovernorhasmadeoneofhispriorities,willcontinuetobeworkedon,butitdoesnthavetogetdoneas
partofthebudget,addedReed.
But,asRepublicansindicated,thebudgetnumberswillrequiremorediscussions.
Ithinkthatthere'sanumberofissuesweareworkingaltogetheron,butwithrespecttothegeneralfundbudget,Ithinkwehavesome
moreworktodo,butyouknow,ourfolksaregoingtoprepthisweekend,thenextcoupledays,andthencomebackMondaytobe
positionedtocomebackandhavesomeveryseriousconversationswithbothsides,saidCosta.AndIthinkpeopleshouldbe
encouragedthatbothsidesaregoingtocometothetableandbeginaconversation.Ithinkthat'sapositivestep.
Ianticipatetherewillbemeetingseverysingleday,saidReed,notingtheywilllikelyinvolvefewerpeoplethantheworkgroupsthat
hadbeenmeetingpriortoTuesdaysbudgetveto.Reedsaidthoselargerworkgroups,someofwhichhad30or40participants,
includingstaff,justwerentproductive.
SodontexpecttheGeneralAssemblytoreturntothestateCapitolanytimesoon.
Thisisjustaconversationamonghighrankingstaffmembers,reducingthesizeoftheroomtomakecertainwecangettosomevery
seriousdiscussionsandthenoncewegetthroughthatprocessandthenbeginmovingforward,Ibelievethemajorityleaderwouldbe
abletocallfolksback,saidCosta.
Peopleneedtocometothetableinaseriouswaywithalimitednumberofplayerssothatwecannotjustputthingsonthetable,but
alsotakethingsoffthetabletoactuallygettoafinalagreement,Reedsaid.
Reedaddedmembersareonsixhournoticestartingnextweekincaseafinalbudgetagreementisreached.
Andifittakesanextendedperiodoftimebeforeanagreementisreached?
Ithinkcertainlythedaysaregone,aswehadunderGov.Rendell,whenhesentoutthefurloughnotices,atthebeginningofJune
beforethediscussionsevenstartedonafinalbudgetdocument,andthreatenedstateworkerstheywouldbelaidoffJuly1,saidReed.
SoIthinkthecourtrulingstookcareofthatsideoftheequation,sostateworkersarenotreallyindangerofnotgettingpaid.Now,I
thinkthebiggerimpactisonhumanserviceagenciesand,dependingonhowlongitgoeson,schoolsaswell.
ButtherewasoptimismexpressedWednesday.
Eventuallywe'regoingtogetthisdone,government'sgoingtocontinuetooperateandwewillhopefullycontinuetosendabilltothe
governorthatthistimehewillsignasopposedtowithholdinghissignature,Reedsaid.
AddedWolf:Ithinkwhat'shearteningaboutthismeetinghereisthatwe'reonthesamepageaboutdoingwhat'srightforPennsylvania,
I'mnotjustsayingthat,andweactuallyaredoingthiswithagreatdealofmutualrespect.We'regoingtoworktogether.
30
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/02/201509:07:56AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJuly2,2015
TopClips
DelcoDailyTimes:LTEbyFirstLadyFrancesWolf:Nowisthetimetoacttofundstatesschools
http://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/20150630/lettertotheeditorpennsylvaniafirstladynowisthetimetoacttofundstatesschools
Budget:Commentary
Citizens'Voice:Editorial:Voterswantprogress,notpoliticaltheater
http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/voterswantprogressnotpoliticaltheater1.1906081
TimesLeader:Editorial:BudgetbyJuly1?Rigidgovernmentdeadlineslessimportantthanresults
http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorial/371316/ouropinionbudgetbyjuly1rigidgovernmentdeadlineslessimportantthanresults
PittsburghPostGazette:Editorial:Brokerabudget:Onspending,bothpartiesmustseekcompromise
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/editorials/2015/07/02/BrokerabudgetOnspendingbothpartiesmustseek
compromise/stories/201507020040
LNP:Editorial:Day1:WaitingforaPa.budget
http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/editorials/daywaitingforapabudget/article 6a5e3cfa1f5e11e5a4b7438ca642760d.html
DoylestownIntelligencer:Editorial:Forourlawmakers:nobudget,nopay
http://www.theintell.com/opinion/forourlawmakersnobudgetnopay/article c74e7101782e55708e6cd65f673f4afc.html
PatriotNews:Sowho'stoblameforBudgetImpasse2015?Well,everyone,ofcourse:ThursdayMorningCoffee
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/wolf lawmakers meet nothing.html
PhillyVoice:TheWolfTrap
http://www.phillyvoice.com/govwolfvetoesbudget/
Budget:Negotiations
AP:Wolf,GOPlawmakerstoresumebudgettalksafterveto
http://6abc.com/politics/wolfgoplawmakerstoresumebudgettalksafterveto/819827/
AP:BudgetmeetingbetweenPennsylvaniaGov.Wolf,lawmakersendsquickly
http://www.wfmz.com/news/budgetmeetingbetweenpennsylvaniagovwolflawmakersendsquickly/33930508
PatriotNews:Gov.TomWolf,lawmakersgoingintobudgetnegotiationswith'armsunfolded'
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/gov tom wolf lawmakers going i.html#incart river
PittsburghPostGazette:Pennsylvania'sgovernor,legislatorsplannewroundofbudgettalks
http://www.postgazette.com/local/region/2015/07/02/Governorlegislatorsplannewroundofbudgettalks/stories/201507020029
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Pa.budgettalkstoresumenextweek
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150702 Pa
KYWNewsradio:AfterPa.BudgetVeto,Gov.WolfUpbeatAfterMeetingWithLegislativeLeaders
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/07/01/afterpabudgetvetogovwolfupbeataftermeetingwithlegislativeleaders/
PatriotNews:ImpactoflatestatebudgetnotlostonWolf,lawmakers
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/impact of late state budget no.html#incart mrpt2
PatriotNews:Pennsylvaniabudgetreset:HappyFourthandwe'llseeyounextweek
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/pennsylvania budget reset happ.html#incart river
TimesLeader:TalksinPennsylvaniabudgetstandoffwillresumeMonday
http://timesleader.com/news/local/371689/talksinpennsylvaniabudgetstandoffwillresumemonday
PLSReporter:Budgetnegotiatorsfindnewresolve,butremainfarapart
http://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/artmid/472/articleid/815/Budgetnegotiatorsfindnewresolvebutremainfarapart.aspx
PatriotNews:Lawmakerssenthomebuttold'itisnotsummervacation'
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/lawmakers sent home but told i.html#incart river
MorningCall:Analyzingwhat'saheadinPennsylvaniabudgetstalemate
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpawolfrepublicanbudgetanalysis20150701story.html
TribuneReview:Expectdrawnoutstatebudgetimpasse,Pa.politicalanalystssay
http://triblive.com/politics/politicalheadlines/866771974/wolfgopstate#ixzz3ejlsc3Qa
FOX43:VIDEO:Budgetshowdown:Governor,Republicansmeetbehindcloseddoors
http://fox43.com/2015/07/01/budgetshowdowngovernorrepublicansmeetbehindcloseddoors/
PatriotNews:VIDEOS:PennsylvaniaHouseMajorityLeaderDaveReedonbudgetpainandlegislatorsonstandby
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/videos pennsylvania house majo.html#incart river
PLSReporter:VIDEO:"Weunderstandthatwehavetoreconcileourideas,"Gov.WolfsaysafterlatestbudgetmeetingwithGOP
http://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/814/VIDEOWeunderstandthatwehavetoreconcileourideasGovWolfsays
afterlatestbudgetmeetingwithGOP.aspx
ReadingEagle:Alookatbruisingstatebudgetbattlesfromyearspast
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/alookatbruisingstatebudgetbattlesfromyearspast
BudgetVote
PatriotNews:TopHouseRepublicansapparentlycastphantomballotsonkeybudgetbill
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/did the top 3 house republican.html
AP:AbsentPennsylvaniaHouseleadersstillvotedonschoolbill
http://www.witf.org/news/2015/07/absentpennsylvaniahouseleadersstillvotedonschoolbill.php
Budget:LegislativeResponses
ReadingEagle:StateSen.JudySchwankexplainsdisappointmentwithstatebudgetbill
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/statesenjudyschwankexplainsdisappointmentwithstatebudgetbill#sthash.jLWA67qI.dpuf
PoliticsPA:PABGT:StatewideReactiontoWolfsBudgetVeto
http://www.politicspa.com/pabgtstatewidereactiontowolfsbudgetveto/67394/
BeaverCountyTimes:LegislatorsreacttoWolf'sbudgetveto
http://www.timesonline.com/news/local news/legislatorsreacttowolfsbudgetveto/article 30bef5ea203811e5bd18e7ea3ccd3dd9.html/?
REFERMI=Homeice_cubes
TribuneReview:WolfvetoranklesFayWestGOP
http://triblive.com/news/fayette/866789574/budgetstefanogovernor#axzz3ejOEOg88
PatriotNews:LTE:Rep.BloomtiredofGov.Wolf's'confrontationalbudgetbrinksmanship'
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/rep_bloom_tired_of_wolfs_confr.html#incart_river
WNPVAM1440:StateSenatorBobMensch:Gov.WolfisNoEdRendell
http://wnpv1440.com/news/politics/7189statesenatorbobmenschgovwolfisnoedrendell
DailyAmerican:LocallawmakersupsetbyWolf'sveto(Subscriptionrequired)
http://www.dailyamerican.com/news/local/somerset/locallawmakersupsetbywolfsveto/article_cc408abfff835afa85580722ebd9e517.html
Education
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Editorial:CommunityCollegeofPhila.candomoreforthecitysstudents...AndHarrisburgcanhelp
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150702_Higher_aspirations.html#xyT3wZSde5gjsUEh.99
YorkDailyRecord:Budgetimpassewon'timmediatelyhitschooldistricts
http://www.ydr.com/politics/ci_28415035/budgetimpassewontimmediatelyhitschooldistricts
TribuneReview:HigherschooltaxesprevailinWesternPennsylvania,Tribfinds
http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/861832774/districtsmillionstate#ixzz3ejmDnnbl
LNP:OpEd:Unintendedconsequencesmarschoolaccountabilitybill
http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/unintendedconsequencesmarschoolaccountabilitybill/article_a16e33661f4611e5a967
97a791fafe14.html
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:OpEd:TherisksofthenewPa.schoolsoversightplan
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150702 Letters
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Enoughsmokersforschoolfunding
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/heardinthehall/Enoughsmokersforschoolfunding.html
PhiladelphiaCityPaper:ControllerreportsfindingThirdworldconditionsinPhillyschoolshumanwaste,exposedasbestosandfirehazards
http://citypaper.net/news/appallingcontrollerreportsthirdworldconditionsfoundinphillyschoolsincludingcockroachesasbestoshuman
wasteandfirehazards/
JobsThatPay
TimesLeader:PennsylvanialaborsecretarybringsJobsthatPaytourtoWilkesBarre
http://timesleader.com/news/local/371662/pennsylvanialaborsecretarybringsjobsthatpaytourtowilkesbarre
CitizensVoice:Statelaborsecretarycriticizestaxcollection
http://citizensvoice.com/news/statelaborsecretarycriticizestaxcollection1.1906666
TimesTribune:Pa.laborsecretaryspeaksonbudget,manufacturing
http://thetimestr bune.com/news/palaborsecretaryspeaksonbudgetmanufacturing1.1906885
PoconoRecord:KalahariResorts,Poconos'newestwaterpark,openswithcongratulationsallaround
http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20150701/NEWS/150709937/101010/NEWS
TimesLeader:KalahariwaterparkandhotelcomplexinPoconosholdscolorfulgrandopening
http://timesleader.com/news/local/371674/kalahariwaterparkandhotelcomplexinpoconosholdscolorfulgrandopening
SeveranceTax,Fracking
TribuneReview:DavidConti:Impasse
http://blog.triblive.com/flowback/2015/07/01/impasse/
TimesLeader:Groupsaysseverancetaxhasabsolutelynothingtodowithadequateeducationfunding
http://timesleader.com/news/local/371482/groupsaysseverancetaxhasabsolutelynothingtodowithadequateeducationfunding
Biz570:Somesmallbusinesseswaryofseverancetax
http://biz570.com/energy/somesmallbusinesseswaryofseverancetax1.1902842
IndianaGazette:HalliburtontocloseHomerCityplant
https://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiananews/halliburtontoclosehomercityplant,22323781/
LiquorPrivatization
PAIndependent:Brewingupaveto?Wolfstillponderingliquorprivatizationbill
http://paindependent.com/2015/07/brewingupavetowolfstillponderingliquorprivatizationbill/
PatriotNews:LessonsforPennsylvania?Washington'sliquorprivatizationmeantmorestoresbuthigherprices
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/lessons for pennsylvania washi.html#incart river
PatriotNews:'Nobodythinksthisisgoingtobecomelaw':Unions,groupskeepfightingPa.liquorprivatization
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/liquor privatization opponents.html#incart river
AP:'Killing1childeveryweek':Watchthemostoverthetopboozesalesadoutthere
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/killing 1 child every week wat.html#incart river
ReadingEagle:Whatyouneedtoknowaboutthebilltoprivatizestateliquorsales
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/whatyouneedtoknowaboutthebilltoprivatizestateliquorsales#.VZUzwBtVhBc
PatriotNews:OpEd:SpecterofGov.Pinchot's'drycause'loomsoverliquorprivatizationfight
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/pinchot liquor and alcohol sal.html#incart river
PittsburghPostGazette:Editorial:KilltheLCB:Onliquor,Wolfcanbeprogressiveoradinosaur
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/editorials/2015/07/02/KilltheLCBOnliquorWolfcanbeprogressiveora
dinosaur/stories/201507020067
TimesNews:Editorial:Liquor:Reformantiquatedlaws
http://www.tnonline.com/2015/jun/30/liquor
Pensions
PittsburghPostGazette:BrianO'Neill:Pensionmessrootedinbad2001bill
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/brianoneill/2015/07/02/BrianONeillPensionmessrootedinbad2001bill/stories/201507020018
YorkDispatch:OpEd:Pa.lawmakersusepensionsasbargainingchip
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/opinion/ci 28413059/opedpalawmakersusepensionsbargainingchip
ChambersburgPublicOpinion:OpEd:PApensionreformislongoverdue
http://www.publicopiniononline.com/opinion/ci 28413099/columnpapensionreformislongoverdue
GettysburgTimes:OpEd:Pensionreformisessential(Subscriptionrequired)
http://www.gettysburgtimes.com/opinion/staff columns/article ffba8b02a74e5fe980d88259b43296d1.html
DepartmentNews
YorkDispatch:OpEd:Pennsylvanialeadersmuststepuptomeetcleanwatercommitments
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/viewpoints/ci 28411846/opedpennsylvanialeadersmuststepupmeet
AP:PennsylvaniaAGsuesoperatorof14nursinghomes
http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/lawsuitfiledagainstpennsylvanianursinghomech/nmqDg/
AP:State's201415taxcollectionsoverrunprojectionsby$412M
http://www.wtrf.com/story/29456308/states201415taxcollectionsoverrunprojectionsby412m
BackgroundCheckLaw
PatriotNews:Newlawattemptstoaddclaritytobackgroundcheckslaw
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/new law attempts to add clarit.html#incart river
DelcoDailyTimes:ConcernovernewPa.lawrequiringclearancesforvolunteers
http://www.delcotimes.com/generalnews/20150701/concernovernewpalawrequiringclearancesforvolunteers
911Funding
StateCollege.com:CentreCountyApprovesNew911DispatchSystem,WillBenefitfromNew911FundingLaw
http://www.statecollege.com/news/localnews/centrecountyapprovesnew911dispatchsystemwillbenefitfromnew911funding
law,1464560/
RepublicanHerald:Gov.Wolfraiseschargefor911calls
http://republicanherald.com/news/govwolfraiseschargefor911calls1.1906862
MedicalMarijuana
HeraldStandard:Editorial:Nomoregames
http://www.heraldstandard.com/opinion/editorials/nomoregames/article_2d0e986c441957d38d39b5a196f8d73c.html
PatriotNews:Pa.medicalmarijuanabillappearsonfasttrack
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/folmer_regan_marsico_sb_3.html#incart_river
Philly420:Pa.medicalmarijuanabecomespoliticalcircus
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/philly420/Philly420 Pa medical marijuana becomes political circus.html#sZRvoKVtJE8tsRiH.99
MunicipalPensions
PatriotNews:Pa.AuditorGeneral:'Massivetaxhikes,publicsafetylayoffs'couldoccurifmunicipalpensionplansaren'tfixed
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/pa auditor general massive tax.html#incart river
TimesTribune:Editorial:DePasqualereporthalfofanswer
http://thetimestribune.com/opinion/depasqualereporthalfofanswer1.1906624
StateNews
PhiladelphiaMagazine:PABossesAreStealingUpto$32MillionaWeekFromTheirWorkers
http://www.phillymag.com/citified/2015/07/01/wagetheftstudy/#KyuQ7UB3QxbIwrbd.99
LetterstotheEditor
PoconoRecord:CommonwealthFoundation:Schoolsdon'tneedmorestatefunding
http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20150630/OPINION/150639971/101041/OPINION
YorkDispatch:Rendelloffbaseonliquorprivatization
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/viewpoints/ci 28412271/letterrendelloffbaseliquorprivatization
TimesTribune:Taxmysteries
http://thetimestribune.com/opinion/letters/letterstotheeditor7120151.1906085
Capitolwire:Wolf,legislativeleadersreadytoworktoreachagreementsonbudget,
pensions,liquor.
ByChrisComisac,KevinZwick&ChristenSmith
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July1)Thearmsareunfolded,saidGov.TomWolf,characterizingthepositivenatureofaWednesdayafternoon
meetingwithlegislativeleadersaboutthestatebudget,lessthanadayafterissuinganunprecedentedcompletevetooftheGOP's
budgetproposal.
Followingtheapproximately30minutemeeting,WolfsaidhehasofferedhisbudgetandlegislativeRepublicanshavenowofferedtheirs,
withthetasknowtofindcommongroundbetweenthetwo.
We'reallgoingtoworkveryhardtomakesurewehaveabudgetasquicklyaspossible,saidWolf,standingwithHouseMajority
LeaderDaveReed,RIndiana.
ThateffortwillbegininearnestonMonday,thegovernorsaid.
DrewCrompton,chiefofstaffandlegalcounseltoSenatePresidentProTemJoeScarnati,RJefferson,saidnothingnewwasoffered
duringthemeeting,withthegovernorandlegislativeRepublicansstillfarapartontheitemsonwhichtheywerefarapartpriortothe
governorsTuesdaynightbudgetveto.Scarnati,likeHouseSpeakerMikeTurzai,RAllegheny,andSenateMajorityLeaderJake
Corman,RCentre,participatedinthemeetingbytelephone.
Anothermeetingabouthavingmoremeetings,saidCrompton,addingthetenorofthegatheringwascollegial.
Thoseattendingthemeetingincluded,fromtheHouse,Reed,AppropriationsCommitteeMajorityChairmanBillAdolph,RDelaware,
MinorityLeaderFrankDermody,DAllegheny,andMinorityWhipMikeHanna,DClintonandfromtheSenateitwasMinorityLeader
JayCosta,DAllegheny,AppropriationsCommitteeMinorityChairmanVinceHughes,DPhiladelphiaandMinorityWhipTonyWilliams,
DPhiladelphia.
Allthoseinvolvedinthemeetingsaidtheconversationabouthowtofindcommongroundandconsensuswouldbeginwithaseriesof
meetingsonMondayandTuesdaynextweek.Untilthen,considerthenextfewdaysabitofacoolingoffperiod.
Youknowfolkshavebeenhereforaprotractedtimeframe,andfolksaregonnagetalittlemorefiredupthanusual,explainedReed.I
thinkrightnowitjustgivesusachancetoevaluatewhatwedidintheHouseandtheSenate,itgivesthegovernorachancetoevaluate
liquorandpensions,andthenwecancomebacktothetableonMondaywithsomemoreinformation,somemoredatasome
justificationastowhysomeoftheideaswethoughtwereinthebestinterestofthepeopleofthecommonwealth,andImsurethe
governorwilldothesame.
Buttherewouldappeartobeplentyofworkaheadforthosewhoparticipateinthosemeetings.
SaidReed:ThegovernorputanoriginalbudgetdocumentonthetableinMarchthatdoesnothavesupportintheHouseandSenate.
WepassedabudgetintheHouseandintheSenateyesterdayandovertheweekendthatdoesnothavethegovernor'ssignature.So
we'vegotalotofworktodooverthenexthopefullyjustcoupledaysorcoupleweekstogettoanagreementonafinalbudget
document.
Thatrequiresalittlegiveandtakeonbothsides,Reedsaid.
Imgladweremeeting,saidAdolph,butlateradded:Idonotwanttogiveyoutheimpressionthatwereclose.Wearefar,far,far
apartonnumbers,andthatsbecausewhatthegovernorwouldliketospendtakesalotoftaxes,andtheyrenotsurehowmanyvotes
theycanproduce[forthosetaxes],soitsgoingtobealotofwork.
Obviouslytheyhavetomoveontheirfiguresbecausetheresnotthevotesforthetypeofrevenuethatsneededforthespendnumber,
Adolphadded.
AndreactingtothegovernorspressconferenceTuesdayevening,duringwhichhesaidhewouldvetotheGOPdevelopedbudget
becausethemathdoesntwork,Adolphsaid:Ournumbersaddup.
Costasaidtheresbeensomemovementbythegovernoronsuchthingsaswineandspiritsalesandpensions.Reedlatersaidgetting
abudgetagreementisthetoppriority,buttheresalsoalotoffocusbeingputonpensionandliquorproposals.
ConversationsbetweenGOPleadersandWolfonapensiondealhavebeenveryfruitful,buttheyarenotclosetoanagreementover
liquorprivatization,Reedsaid.
Propertytaxrelief,whichthegovernorhasmadeoneofhispriorities,willcontinuetobeworkedon,butitdoesnthavetogetdoneas
partofthebudget,addedReed.
But,asRepublicansindicated,thebudgetnumberswillrequiremorediscussions.
Ithinkthatthere'sanumberofissuesweareworkingaltogetheron,butwithrespecttothegeneralfundbudget,Ithinkwehavesome
moreworktodo,butyouknow,ourfolksaregoingtoprepthisweekend,thenextcoupledays,andthencomebackMondaytobe
positionedtocomebackandhavesomeveryseriousconversationswithbothsides,saidCosta.AndIthinkpeopleshouldbe
encouragedthatbothsidesaregoingtocometothetableandbeginaconversation.Ithinkthat'sapositivestep.
Ianticipatetherewillbemeetingseverysingleday,saidReed,notingtheywilllikelyinvolvefewerpeoplethantheworkgroupsthat
hadbeenmeetingpriortoTuesdaysbudgetveto.Reedsaidthoselargerworkgroups,someofwhichhad30or40participants,
includingstaff,justwerentproductive.
SodontexpecttheGeneralAssemblytoreturntothestateCapitolanytimesoon.
Thisisjustaconversationamonghighrankingstaffmembers,reducingthesizeoftheroomtomakecertainwecangettosomevery
seriousdiscussionsandthenoncewegetthroughthatprocessandthenbeginmovingforward,Ibelievethemajorityleaderwouldbe
abletocallfolksback,saidCosta.
Peopleneedtocometothetableinaseriouswaywithalimitednumberofplayerssothatwecannotjustputthingsonthetable,but
alsotakethingsoffthetabletoactuallygettoafinalagreement,Reedsaid.
Reedaddedmembersareonsixhournoticestartingnextweekincaseafinalbudgetagreementisreached.
Andifittakesanextendedperiodoftimebeforeanagreementisreached?
Ithinkcertainlythedaysaregone,aswehadunderGov.Rendell,whenhesentoutthefurloughnotices,atthebeginningofJune
beforethediscussionsevenstartedonafinalbudgetdocument,andthreatenedstateworkerstheywouldbelaidoffJuly1,saidReed.
SoIthinkthecourtrulingstookcareofthatsideoftheequation,sostateworkersarenotreallyindangerofnotgettingpaid.Now,I
thinkthebiggerimpactisonhumanserviceagenciesand,dependingonhowlongitgoeson,schoolsaswell.
ButtherewasoptimismexpressedWednesday.
Eventuallywe'regoingtogetthisdone,government'sgoingtocontinuetooperateandwewillhopefullycontinuetosendabilltothe
governorthatthistimehewillsignasopposedtowithholdinghissignature,Reedsaid.
AddedWolf:Ithinkwhat'shearteningaboutthismeetinghereisthatwe'reonthesamepageaboutdoingwhat'srightforPennsylvania,
I'mnotjustsayingthat,andweactuallyaredoingthiswithagreatdealofmutualrespect.We'regoingtoworktogether.
30
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/03/201509:06:09AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJuly3,2015
Gov.WolfInterviews
WJET:VIDEO:GovernorWolfTalksAboutSpiritofCompromiseforBudgetTalks
http://www.erietvnews.com/story/29465526/governorwolftalksaboutspiritofcompromiseforbudgettalks
WESA:Gov.WolfStandsFirmonBudget,ButSaysHe'sKeepingAn'OpenMind'
http://wesa.fm/post/govwolfstandsfirmbudgetsaysheskeepingopenmind
Budget:Commentary
RepublicanHerald:Editorial:Stateneedsbudget,notpoliticaltheater
http://republicanherald.com/opinion/stateneedsbudgetnotpolitical heater1.1906540
LNP:OpEdbyRep.Sturla:GOPbudgetispoliticalideology,notsoundfiscalgovernance
http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/columnists/gopbudgetispoliticalideologynotsoundfiscalgovernance/ar icle_3a55378a202a11e5bd2cef941841d871.html
PatriotNews:OpEdbyRepDean:Here'swhyIvoted'No'onabad#Pabudget
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/heres_why_i_voted_no_on_a_bad html
PatriotNews:OpEdbyRepParker:It'stimetounitefor hefutureofPa.'sstudents
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/its_ ime_to_unite_for_the_futu.html
TimesTribune:Editorial:Tradeoffonpensionbill
http://thetimestribune.com/opinion/tradeoffonpensionbill1.1907167
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:Editorial:Slouchingtoward'shutdown':CanWolfeandtheGOPfindcommonbudgetground?
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150703 DN Editorial Slouching toward shutdown
Can Wolfe and the GOP find common budget ground .html#l0ke2UTR5jErh6sH.99
BeaverCountyTimes:Editorial:Nosurpriseonbudget
http://www.timesonline.com/opinion/editorials/nosurpriseonbudget/ar icle 948b8ba6201a11e5a5e92ff9d87921a5.html/?REFERMI=Opinion
PatriotNews:NancyEshelman:Pa.legislators,youhadonejobbutblewitagain
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/pa legislator you had one job.html#incart river
YorkDailyRecord:WhatYorkCountyarealawmakers,otherssaidaboutGov.TomWolf'sbudgetveto
http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_28417862/whatyorkcountyarealawmakersotherssaidabout?source=rss_viewed
YorkDispatch:YorkCountylegislatorsarentholdingtheirbreathforresolutiontostatebudgetimpasse
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_28419600/yorkcountylegislatorsarentholdingtheirbreathresolution
ErieTimesNews:Analyst:GOPhas"upperhand"instatebudgetstalemate
http://www.goerie.com/analystgophasupperhandinstatebudgetstalemate#
YorkDispatch:OpEdbyCommonwealthFoundation:Wolf's'myway'approachblocksprogress
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/opinion/ci 28427456/wolfsmywayapproachblocksprogress
BradfordEra:Scarna i:SenatesentresponsiblebudgettoWolf
http://www.bradfordera.com/news/article 97c72782205411e5bbf91775d6f58f25.html
WilliamportSunGazette:Editorial:Thestatebudget:Weneedleadership,notvetoes,fromgovernor(Subscrip ionrequired)
http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/637974/ThestatebudgetWeneedleadershipnotvetoesfromgovernor.html?nav=5004
Budget:Impasse
SharonHerald:Officialsconfidentbudgetwoeswon'thampercountybusiness
http://www.sharonherald.com/news/officialsconfidentbudgetwoeswonthampercountybusiness/ar icle_918def3e205111e594debb57d52039d9.html
StateCollege.com:CentreCountyFinanciallyPreparedasStateBudgetStalemateWorsens
http://www.statecollege.com/news/localnews/centrecountyfinanciallypreparedasstatebudgetstalemateworsens,1464565/
WBRE:VIDEO:NonProfitsWorriedAboutBudgetImpasse
http://www.pahomepage.com/story/d/story/nonprofitsworriedaboutbudgetimpasse/27867/mFPm0PwYkEmQcW6NZ3T4A
WTAJ:VotersFrustratedWithLackofBudget
http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/votersfrustratedwithlackofbudget/30812/5EUi6oo8p0yZ82Gsz3sosw
GettysburgTimes:Localeffectsofbudgetvetofewinshortterm(Subscriptionrequired)
http://www.gettysburgtimes.com/news/local/article 35b19f6a86ba5db9aae2c66548c9411c html
PatriotNews:LTE:Thelongerthestatebudgetimpasselasts,themore hoseinneedarehurt
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/state budget impasse hurts tho html#incart river
LiquorPrivatization
PatriotNews:Wolf'svetotoliquorprivatiza iondoesn'tmeanissuegoesaway
http://www.pennlive.com/poli ics/index.ssf/2015/07/wolfs_no_to_liquor_privatizati.html
AP:Wolfvetoesbillsonliquorprivatization,schoolfunding
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/07/02/4819787 pennsylvaniagovernorvetoesliquor.html?rh=1
PittsburghPostGazette:WolfvetoesGOPliquorprivatiza ionbill
http://www.postgazette.com/news/politicsstate/2015/07/02/WolfvetoesGOPliquorprivatizationbillpennsylvania/stories/201507020196
TribuneReview:WolfvetoesbillprivatizingPennsylvania'sliquorsystem
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/867342274/taxeswolfliquor#axzz3ejo4Edoq
WITF:WolfvetoesGOP'sliquorprivatization
http://www.witf.org/statehousesoundbites/2015/07/wolfvetoesgopsliquorprivatization php
PLSReporter:Gov.Wolfvetoesliquorprivatization,budgetimplementa ionbills
http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/816/GovWolfvetoesliquorpriva izationbudgetimplementationbills.aspx
PatriotNews:Wolfvetoesliquorprivatiza ionplan
http://www.pennlive.com/poli ics/index.ssf/2015/07/wolf vetoes liquor privatiza i.html?hootPostID=12b5a4184a3a32d33517d86082d1181e
ReadingEagle:Gov.TomWolfvetoesliquorpriva izationbill
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/govtomwolfvetoesliquorprivatizationbill
PhillyVoice:GovernorWolfvetoesPennsylvanialiquorpriva iza ionbill
http://www.phillyvoice.com/goverorwolfvetoesliquorprivatiza ionbill/
KYWNewsradio:Gov.WolfVetoesBillThatWouldPrivatizePa.LiquorSales
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/07/02/govwolfvetoesbillthatwouldpriva izepaliquorsales/
WFMZ:PennsylvaniaGov.Wolfvetoesliquorprivatizationbill
http://www.wfmz.com/news/newsregionalberks/pennsylvaniagovwolfvetoesliquorpriva izationbill/33961478
FOX43:GovernorWolfvetoesstateliquorstoreprivatization,publicschoolfundingbills
http://fox43.com/2015/07/02/governorwolfvetoesstateliquorstoreprivatizationpublicschoolfundingbills/
WNEP:GovernorWolfVetoesBilltoPrivatizeLiquorSales
http://wnep.com/2015/07/02/governorwolfvetoesbilltoprivatizeliquorsales/
WJET:PrivatizedLiquorStoreVetoed
http://www.yourerie.com/news/newsarticle/d/story/priva izedliquorstorevetoed/35933/BJ0L7SbSmU6anukQaRDucw
WTAJ:CustomersWantConvenienceWithAlcoholSales
http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/customerswantconveniencewithalcoholsales/27381/zBNadm9L0Syn6sboJslw
PAIndependent:UnioncashdidntdetertopPASenateRepublicanfrombackingpriva ization
http://paindependent.com/2015/07/unioncashdidntdetertoppasenaterepublicanfrombackingprivatization/
Education
PhiladelphiaInquirer:CitytoHarrisburg:Giveourschoolsmoremoney
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20150703 City to Harrisburg Give our schools more money.html
PatriotNews:ThingsquietattheCapitolexceptfor'FairBudget'rally
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index ssf/2015/07/things quiet at the capitol ex.html
ReadingEagle:ActivistsrallyforschoolfundingatRep.JimCox'soffice
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/activistsrallyforschoolfundingatrepjimcoxsoffice
YorkDispatch:Editorial:Reformcharterschoollaws
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci 28421448/editorialreformcharterschoollaws
SeveranceTax
ClarionNews:OpEd:StopWolf'sgasseveranceplan(Subscrip ionrequired)
http://www.theclarionnews.com/opinion/article_0d0cc4adcb5b53a4bdc36a28182568fe.html
SecretaryEvents
WJET:AmusementRideSafetyWeek
http://www.yourerie.com/news/newsarticle/d/story/amusementridesafetyweek/21903/jptRaNxvOUWuiYWZZxMidg
WETM18:SafetyTipsToFollowAtAmusementParksandCarnivals
http://www.mytwintiers.com/story/d/story/safetytipstofollowatamusementparksandcarni/36201/tytuf6nZI06oEnGujCOCbg
LewistownSentinel:Havefun,staysafeonamusementrides
http://www.lewistownsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/569066 html
PatriotNews:KeepingDutchWonderlandsafe:Howarideinspectiongoesdown
http://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/07/how dutch wonderland inspects.html
Environment
BeaverCountyTimes:Twomen.Onecoalashdump.Noanswers.
http://www.timesonline.com/news/energy/twomenonecoalashdumpnoanswers/article_e2b77980200a11e5a0ae6f588f172f72.html/?REFERMI=News
StateImpact/NPR:Waterqualitynotimpactedbydrilling,accordingtonewreport
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/02/waterqualitynotimpactedbydrillingaccordingtonewreport/
AGKane
PatriotNews:Stateworkersuspended,chargedaftersolicitingminorfor'sexlotsofit':AG'sOffice
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index ssf/2015/07/state worker charged statutory.html
NursingHomes
AP:Pennsylvaniabacksoffplantochangenursinghomepayments
http://lancasteronline.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvaniabacksoffplantochangenursinghomepayments/article_49e6758cec73524988803de2504e13d6.html?mode=jqm
YorkDailyRecord:LTE:Wolfprotec ingnursinghomepatients
http://www.ydr.com/letters/ci 28411652/wolfprotectingnursinghomepa ientsletter
YorkDispatch:LTE:ProposedchangeswouldhurtPa.seniors
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/opinion/ci 28421442/letterproposedchangeswouldhurtpaseniors
BillSignings
PatriotNews:BillheadingtoGov.WolfaimstospeedDNAtestinginsexassaultcases
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/bill heading to gov wolf aims.html
Lettersto heEditor
BucksCountyCourierTimes:CommonwealthFounda ion:Wolf'silladvisedtaxplan
http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/opinion/letters/wolfsilladvisedtaxplan/ar icle_6e56f25c08c852b9bf3ce26beb9ff992.html
###
Capitolwire:Wolfvetoesliquorprivatization,otherbudgetrelatedbills.
ByKevinZwick
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July2)Gov.TomWolfonThursdayvetoedaGOPbilltoprivatizethestatecontrolledwineandspiritssystem,aswellastwootherbudgetrelatedbills:thepublic
schoolcodeandthefiscalcode.
ThevetoescometwodaysafterhevetoedtheentireRepublicanbudgetproposal,andadayafterWolfsaidhehasanopenmindgoingintofuturenegotiations.SenateBill1,the
Republicanplantooverhaulpublicpensions,remainsonthegovernor'sdesk.
HouseBill466onlyhadRepublicansupportintheLegislature.Wolf,pressingmoderniza ionproposalssupportedbylegislativeDemocrats,saiditmadebadbusinesssensetosell
offanasset,especiallybeforemaximizingitsvalue.
Wolfsaidhewasopentoexpandingavailabilityofwineintosupermarkets,aproposalpreviouslycalleddeathbya housandcutsbytheUnitedFoodandCommercialWorkers,which
representsstatestoreclerks,duetowinesalesmakingupahigherportionofstatestorerevenues.
TheGOP'sproposalwouldhaveremovedthePennsylvaniaLiquorControlBoard'spoweroverpricingandproductsofwineandliquor,allowingbeerdistributorsandotherretailoutlets
wi hrestaurantlicenses,toenhancetheirlicensetosellwineandliquor.Statestores,whichemployeethousandsofunionizedclerks,wouldeventuallybephasedoutas heprivate
marketexpanded.ThewholesalesystemwouldhavebeenleasedoutbythePLCBfor10years,afterwhichprivatewholesalerswhotakecontrolofthedistribution.
TheGOP'sbudgetplanreliedon$220millioninnewrevenuetheyexpectedfrompriva izing hestatestoresystem.
Wolf'svetooftheliquorbillwasmetwithpraiseby heMaltBeverageDistributorsAssociation,whichrepresentsbeerdistributorsthatsell12packs,casesandkegsofbeer,and he
UFCW,aWolfpoli icalally.
IfHB466hadbecomelaw,itwouldhaveeliminatedmostofoursmall,familyownedandoperatedbusinessesbecauseit'sprovisionswouldhavedestroyedthenichemarketsupon
whichourinvestorsandour10,000employeeshaverelied,saidThomasMehaffie,MBDApresident,inastatement.
UFCWpresidentWendellYoungIVcommendedWolfforvetoingtheliquorproposalandurgedWolftovetothepublicpensionoverhaullegislationaswell.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,andSenatePresidentProTemJoeScarnati,RJefferson,releasedajointstatementsayingtheyare"disappointed"Wolfvetoedthe
legislationand"wouldchoosethestatusquoandsidewithpowerfulspecialinterestsoverPennsylvaniaconsumers."
"WeremaincommittedtoourpositionthatPennsylvaniashouldnotbeinthebusinessofsellingliquor,"theysaid."AsnegotiationswiththeGovernormoveforward,liquordiscussions
willcontinuetobeapartofthedebate."
HouseSpeakerMikeTurzai,RAllegheny,who'sbeentheGOP'srecenttorchbearerforliquorprivatization,slammedWolf'schoicetoveto.
"Modernizationistantamounttoinstallingscreendoorsonsubmarines,Turzaisaid.Itsabsurdto hinkgovernmentcanrunanybusinessbetter hantheprivatesector,andprolonging
thisantiquatedpracticeisaslapinthefacetoconsumersandtaxpayers.
WolfalsovetoedHouseBill762, hepublicschoolcode,whichcontainedanewformulaforspendingpubliceduca iondollars,whichWolfsupports.But,hesaid,thebilldoesnot
provideadequatefundingforpublicschools.
ThegovernoralsovetoedSenateBill655,thefiscalcode,criticizingitforrelyingtoomuchononetimerevenue,paymentdelaysandfundtransfers,echoinghisdispleasurewiththe
GOP'sbudgethevetoedTuesday.
Wolf'sofficesaidhesignedSenateBills812 hrough820,ninepreferredappropriationsbillswhichdon'trequiregeneralfundappropriations.
Wolf'sofficesaidthegovernorwillnotmakeadecisionregardingthepensionbillFridayorovertheweekend.
BudgettalksaresettoresumeMonday.
30
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/03/201509:06:09AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJuly3,2015
Gov.WolfInterviews
WJET:VIDEO:GovernorWolfTalksAboutSpiritofCompromiseforBudgetTalks
http://www.erietvnews.com/story/29465526/governorwolftalksaboutspiritofcompromiseforbudgettalks
WESA:Gov.WolfStandsFirmonBudget,ButSaysHe'sKeepingAn'OpenMind'
http://wesa.fm/post/govwolfstandsfirmbudgetsaysheskeepingopenmind
Budget:Commentary
RepublicanHerald:Editorial:Stateneedsbudget,notpoliticaltheater
http://republicanherald.com/opinion/stateneedsbudgetnotpolitical heater1.1906540
LNP:OpEdbyRep.Sturla:GOPbudgetispoliticalideology,notsoundfiscalgovernance
http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/columnists/gopbudgetispoliticalideologynotsoundfiscalgovernance/ar icle_3a55378a202a11e5bd2cef941841d871.html
PatriotNews:OpEdbyRepDean:Here'swhyIvoted'No'onabad#Pabudget
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/heres_why_i_voted_no_on_a_bad html
PatriotNews:OpEdbyRepParker:It'stimetounitefor hefutureofPa.'sstudents
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/its_ ime_to_unite_for_the_futu.html
TimesTribune:Editorial:Tradeoffonpensionbill
http://thetimestribune.com/opinion/tradeoffonpensionbill1.1907167
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:Editorial:Slouchingtoward'shutdown':CanWolfeandtheGOPfindcommonbudgetground?
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150703 DN Editorial Slouching toward shutdown
Can Wolfe and the GOP find common budget ground .html#l0ke2UTR5jErh6sH.99
BeaverCountyTimes:Editorial:Nosurpriseonbudget
http://www.timesonline.com/opinion/editorials/nosurpriseonbudget/ar icle 948b8ba6201a11e5a5e92ff9d87921a5.html/?REFERMI=Opinion
PatriotNews:NancyEshelman:Pa.legislators,youhadonejobbutblewitagain
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/pa legislator you had one job.html#incart river
YorkDailyRecord:WhatYorkCountyarealawmakers,otherssaidaboutGov.TomWolf'sbudgetveto
http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_28417862/whatyorkcountyarealawmakersotherssaidabout?source=rss_viewed
YorkDispatch:YorkCountylegislatorsarentholdingtheirbreathforresolutiontostatebudgetimpasse
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_28419600/yorkcountylegislatorsarentholdingtheirbreathresolution
ErieTimesNews:Analyst:GOPhas"upperhand"instatebudgetstalemate
http://www.goerie.com/analystgophasupperhandinstatebudgetstalemate#
YorkDispatch:OpEdbyCommonwealthFoundation:Wolf's'myway'approachblocksprogress
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/opinion/ci 28427456/wolfsmywayapproachblocksprogress
BradfordEra:Scarna i:SenatesentresponsiblebudgettoWolf
http://www.bradfordera.com/news/article 97c72782205411e5bbf91775d6f58f25.html
WilliamportSunGazette:Editorial:Thestatebudget:Weneedleadership,notvetoes,fromgovernor(Subscrip ionrequired)
http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/637974/ThestatebudgetWeneedleadershipnotvetoesfromgovernor.html?nav=5004
Budget:Impasse
SharonHerald:Officialsconfidentbudgetwoeswon'thampercountybusiness
http://www.sharonherald.com/news/officialsconfidentbudgetwoeswonthampercountybusiness/ar icle_918def3e205111e594debb57d52039d9.html
StateCollege.com:CentreCountyFinanciallyPreparedasStateBudgetStalemateWorsens
http://www.statecollege.com/news/localnews/centrecountyfinanciallypreparedasstatebudgetstalemateworsens,1464565/
WBRE:VIDEO:NonProfitsWorriedAboutBudgetImpasse
http://www.pahomepage.com/story/d/story/nonprofitsworriedaboutbudgetimpasse/27867/mFPm0PwYkEmQcW6NZ3T4A
WTAJ:VotersFrustratedWithLackofBudget
http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/votersfrustratedwithlackofbudget/30812/5EUi6oo8p0yZ82Gsz3sosw
GettysburgTimes:Localeffectsofbudgetvetofewinshortterm(Subscriptionrequired)
http://www.gettysburgtimes.com/news/local/article 35b19f6a86ba5db9aae2c66548c9411c html
PatriotNews:LTE:Thelongerthestatebudgetimpasselasts,themore hoseinneedarehurt
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/state budget impasse hurts tho html#incart river
LiquorPrivatization
PatriotNews:Wolf'svetotoliquorprivatiza iondoesn'tmeanissuegoesaway
http://www.pennlive.com/poli ics/index.ssf/2015/07/wolfs_no_to_liquor_privatizati.html
AP:Wolfvetoesbillsonliquorprivatization,schoolfunding
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/07/02/4819787 pennsylvaniagovernorvetoesliquor.html?rh=1
PittsburghPostGazette:WolfvetoesGOPliquorprivatiza ionbill
http://www.postgazette.com/news/politicsstate/2015/07/02/WolfvetoesGOPliquorprivatizationbillpennsylvania/stories/201507020196
TribuneReview:WolfvetoesbillprivatizingPennsylvania'sliquorsystem
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/867342274/taxeswolfliquor#axzz3ejo4Edoq
WITF:WolfvetoesGOP'sliquorprivatization
http://www.witf.org/statehousesoundbites/2015/07/wolfvetoesgopsliquorprivatization php
PLSReporter:Gov.Wolfvetoesliquorprivatization,budgetimplementa ionbills
http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/816/GovWolfvetoesliquorpriva izationbudgetimplementationbills.aspx
PatriotNews:Wolfvetoesliquorprivatiza ionplan
http://www.pennlive.com/poli ics/index.ssf/2015/07/wolf vetoes liquor privatiza i.html?hootPostID=12b5a4184a3a32d33517d86082d1181e
ReadingEagle:Gov.TomWolfvetoesliquorpriva izationbill
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/govtomwolfvetoesliquorprivatizationbill
PhillyVoice:GovernorWolfvetoesPennsylvanialiquorpriva iza ionbill
http://www.phillyvoice.com/goverorwolfvetoesliquorprivatiza ionbill/
KYWNewsradio:Gov.WolfVetoesBillThatWouldPrivatizePa.LiquorSales
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/07/02/govwolfvetoesbillthatwouldpriva izepaliquorsales/
WFMZ:PennsylvaniaGov.Wolfvetoesliquorprivatizationbill
http://www.wfmz.com/news/newsregionalberks/pennsylvaniagovwolfvetoesliquorpriva izationbill/33961478
FOX43:GovernorWolfvetoesstateliquorstoreprivatization,publicschoolfundingbills
http://fox43.com/2015/07/02/governorwolfvetoesstateliquorstoreprivatizationpublicschoolfundingbills/
WNEP:GovernorWolfVetoesBilltoPrivatizeLiquorSales
http://wnep.com/2015/07/02/governorwolfvetoesbilltoprivatizeliquorsales/
WJET:PrivatizedLiquorStoreVetoed
http://www.yourerie.com/news/newsarticle/d/story/priva izedliquorstorevetoed/35933/BJ0L7SbSmU6anukQaRDucw
WTAJ:CustomersWantConvenienceWithAlcoholSales
http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/customerswantconveniencewithalcoholsales/27381/zBNadm9L0Syn6sboJslw
PAIndependent:UnioncashdidntdetertopPASenateRepublicanfrombackingpriva ization
http://paindependent.com/2015/07/unioncashdidntdetertoppasenaterepublicanfrombackingprivatization/
Education
PhiladelphiaInquirer:CitytoHarrisburg:Giveourschoolsmoremoney
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20150703 City to Harrisburg Give our schools more money.html
PatriotNews:ThingsquietattheCapitolexceptfor'FairBudget'rally
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index ssf/2015/07/things quiet at the capitol ex.html
ReadingEagle:ActivistsrallyforschoolfundingatRep.JimCox'soffice
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/activistsrallyforschoolfundingatrepjimcoxsoffice
YorkDispatch:Editorial:Reformcharterschoollaws
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci 28421448/editorialreformcharterschoollaws
SeveranceTax
ClarionNews:OpEd:StopWolf'sgasseveranceplan(Subscrip ionrequired)
http://www.theclarionnews.com/opinion/article_0d0cc4adcb5b53a4bdc36a28182568fe.html
SecretaryEvents
WJET:AmusementRideSafetyWeek
http://www.yourerie.com/news/newsarticle/d/story/amusementridesafetyweek/21903/jptRaNxvOUWuiYWZZxMidg
WETM18:SafetyTipsToFollowAtAmusementParksandCarnivals
http://www.mytwintiers.com/story/d/story/safetytipstofollowatamusementparksandcarni/36201/tytuf6nZI06oEnGujCOCbg
LewistownSentinel:Havefun,staysafeonamusementrides
http://www.lewistownsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/569066 html
PatriotNews:KeepingDutchWonderlandsafe:Howarideinspectiongoesdown
http://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/07/how dutch wonderland inspects.html
Environment
BeaverCountyTimes:Twomen.Onecoalashdump.Noanswers.
http://www.timesonline.com/news/energy/twomenonecoalashdumpnoanswers/article_e2b77980200a11e5a0ae6f588f172f72.html/?REFERMI=News
StateImpact/NPR:Waterqualitynotimpactedbydrilling,accordingtonewreport
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/02/waterqualitynotimpactedbydrillingaccordingtonewreport/
AGKane
PatriotNews:Stateworkersuspended,chargedaftersolicitingminorfor'sexlotsofit':AG'sOffice
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index ssf/2015/07/state worker charged statutory.html
NursingHomes
AP:Pennsylvaniabacksoffplantochangenursinghomepayments
http://lancasteronline.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvaniabacksoffplantochangenursinghomepayments/article_49e6758cec73524988803de2504e13d6.html?mode=jqm
YorkDailyRecord:LTE:Wolfprotec ingnursinghomepatients
http://www.ydr.com/letters/ci 28411652/wolfprotectingnursinghomepa ientsletter
YorkDispatch:LTE:ProposedchangeswouldhurtPa.seniors
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/opinion/ci 28421442/letterproposedchangeswouldhurtpaseniors
BillSignings
PatriotNews:BillheadingtoGov.WolfaimstospeedDNAtestinginsexassaultcases
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/bill heading to gov wolf aims.html
Lettersto heEditor
BucksCountyCourierTimes:CommonwealthFounda ion:Wolf'silladvisedtaxplan
http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/opinion/letters/wolfsilladvisedtaxplan/ar icle_6e56f25c08c852b9bf3ce26beb9ff992.html
###
Capitolwire:Wolfvetoesliquorprivatization,otherbudgetrelatedbills.
ByKevinZwick
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July2)Gov.TomWolfonThursdayvetoedaGOPbilltoprivatizethestatecontrolledwineandspiritssystem,aswellastwootherbudgetrelatedbills:thepublic
schoolcodeandthefiscalcode.
ThevetoescometwodaysafterhevetoedtheentireRepublicanbudgetproposal,andadayafterWolfsaidhehasanopenmindgoingintofuturenegotiations.SenateBill1,the
Republicanplantooverhaulpublicpensions,remainsonthegovernor'sdesk.
HouseBill466onlyhadRepublicansupportintheLegislature.Wolf,pressingmoderniza ionproposalssupportedbylegislativeDemocrats,saiditmadebadbusinesssensetosell
offanasset,especiallybeforemaximizingitsvalue.
Wolfsaidhewasopentoexpandingavailabilityofwineintosupermarkets,aproposalpreviouslycalleddeathbya housandcutsbytheUnitedFoodandCommercialWorkers,which
representsstatestoreclerks,duetowinesalesmakingupahigherportionofstatestorerevenues.
TheGOP'sproposalwouldhaveremovedthePennsylvaniaLiquorControlBoard'spoweroverpricingandproductsofwineandliquor,allowingbeerdistributorsandotherretailoutlets
wi hrestaurantlicenses,toenhancetheirlicensetosellwineandliquor.Statestores,whichemployeethousandsofunionizedclerks,wouldeventuallybephasedoutas heprivate
marketexpanded.ThewholesalesystemwouldhavebeenleasedoutbythePLCBfor10years,afterwhichprivatewholesalerswhotakecontrolofthedistribution.
TheGOP'sbudgetplanreliedon$220millioninnewrevenuetheyexpectedfrompriva izing hestatestoresystem.
Wolf'svetooftheliquorbillwasmetwithpraiseby heMaltBeverageDistributorsAssociation,whichrepresentsbeerdistributorsthatsell12packs,casesandkegsofbeer,and he
UFCW,aWolfpoli icalally.
IfHB466hadbecomelaw,itwouldhaveeliminatedmostofoursmall,familyownedandoperatedbusinessesbecauseit'sprovisionswouldhavedestroyedthenichemarketsupon
whichourinvestorsandour10,000employeeshaverelied,saidThomasMehaffie,MBDApresident,inastatement.
UFCWpresidentWendellYoungIVcommendedWolfforvetoingtheliquorproposalandurgedWolftovetothepublicpensionoverhaullegislationaswell.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,andSenatePresidentProTemJoeScarnati,RJefferson,releasedajointstatementsayingtheyare"disappointed"Wolfvetoedthe
legislationand"wouldchoosethestatusquoandsidewithpowerfulspecialinterestsoverPennsylvaniaconsumers."
"WeremaincommittedtoourpositionthatPennsylvaniashouldnotbeinthebusinessofsellingliquor,"theysaid."AsnegotiationswiththeGovernormoveforward,liquordiscussions
willcontinuetobeapartofthedebate."
HouseSpeakerMikeTurzai,RAllegheny,who'sbeentheGOP'srecenttorchbearerforliquorprivatization,slammedWolf'schoicetoveto.
"Modernizationistantamounttoinstallingscreendoorsonsubmarines,Turzaisaid.Itsabsurdto hinkgovernmentcanrunanybusinessbetter hantheprivatesector,andprolonging
thisantiquatedpracticeisaslapinthefacetoconsumersandtaxpayers.
WolfalsovetoedHouseBill762, hepublicschoolcode,whichcontainedanewformulaforspendingpubliceduca iondollars,whichWolfsupports.But,hesaid,thebilldoesnot
provideadequatefundingforpublicschools.
ThegovernoralsovetoedSenateBill655,thefiscalcode,criticizingitforrelyingtoomuchononetimerevenue,paymentdelaysandfundtransfers,echoinghisdispleasurewiththe
GOP'sbudgethevetoedTuesday.
Wolf'sofficesaidhesignedSenateBills812 hrough820,ninepreferredappropriationsbillswhichdon'trequiregeneralfundappropriations.
Wolf'sofficesaidthegovernorwillnotmakeadecisionregardingthepensionbillFridayorovertheweekend.
BudgettalksaresettoresumeMonday.
30
From
Stone,Sophie
Senttime
07/08/201509:04:04AM
To
Stone,Sophie
Subject
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJuly8,2015
BudgetNegotiations
AP:WolfattacksGOPbudget,whilesenatorpinsstalemateonhim
http://www.wtae.com/news/govwolfattacksgopbudgetsaysfinancesmustbeputinorder/34031820
PhiladelphiaInquirer:GOPleader:Pa.budgetimpassecouldlast'awhile'
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150708 GOP leader
Pa
a while .html#0LM63h3bvpd39zqv.99
PittsburghPostGazette:Negotia ionsoverPennsylvaniataxes,budgetremaindeadlocked
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/07/08/NegotiationsoverPennsylvaniataxesbudgetremaindeadlocked/stories/201507080075
TribuneReview:'Broadbasedtaxincreases'offlimits,GOPleaderstellPa.Gov.Wolf
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/869698074/wolftaxbudget#axzz3fEhPJ97B
MorningCall:Gov.WolfandRepublicanleadersnoclosertoendingbudgetstalemate
http://www.mcall.com/news/na ionworld/pennsylvania/mcpawolflegislaturebudget070620150706story.html
CitizensVoice:GOPleaders:TheballisinWolf'scourt
http://citizensvoice.com/news/gopleaderstheballisinwolfscourt1.1908178
PatriotNews:ImpasseinPa.budgettalks?ThismeetsSen.JakeCorman'stest
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/impasse in pa budget talks it.html
PLSReporter:Shuttlediplomacybeingusedtofindabudgetsolution
http://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/artmid/472/articleid/822/%E2%80%9CShuttlediplomacy%E2%80%9Dbeingusedtofindabudgetsolution.aspx
PittsburghPostGazette:EarlyReturns:Corman:"Thisisgoingtobeawhile"
http://earlyreturns.postgazette.com/home/earlyreturnsposts/6575cormanthisisgoingtobeawhile
AP:AirwarsoverPennsylvaniabudgetstandofftohitTVscreens
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150708 ap 3510faaec54342629384989f7ffd27f9.html#tWGQBehOpQG5fRMl.99
PatriotNews:VIDEO:Corman:'We'renotopentoabroadbasedtaxincrease'
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index ssf/2015/07/corman_were_not_open_to_a_broa.html#incart_river
PLSReporter:VIDEO:Gordnergiveslatestonbudgetnegotiations
http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/819/VIDEOGordnergiveslatestonbudgetnegotiations.aspx
PLSReporter:VIDEO:Hannadiscusseshistakeonbudgettalks
http://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/artmid/472/articleid/821/Default.aspx
BudgetCommentary
PhiladelphiaInquirer:HaroldJackson:Delusionalpoliticiansmisinterpretpolls
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/underthesun/Delusionalpoliticiansmisinterpretpolls.html
CarlisleSentinel:Sec.Rivera:Abipartisanfixforeducationfunding
http://cumberlink.com/news/opinion/columnists/guest/abipartisanfixforeducationfunding/ar icle_de7d385bd60a549f8313a1278fc058c6.html
ShippensburgNewsChronicle:OpEd:Wolfaimstofixourschools
http://www.shipnc.com/opinion/commentaries/article_6e8d7592240011e5aac7efdef512d706.html
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Editorial:Holdingpattern
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150708 Holding pattern.html
DoylestownIntelligencer:OpEdbyRep.Dean:Aneasynovoteforbadbudget
http://www. heintell.com/news/communities/willowgrove/aneasynovoteforbadbudget/ar icle_7c209ed2d0445d7db899e884f0be00aa.html
PatriotNews:The#PaBudgetisamongthepriciestinthenation,studyfinds
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/pa budget among the most costl.html
Education
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:NationalantitestingactivistleadsrallyinPhilly
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150708_National_antites ing_activist_leads_rally_in_Philly.html#LprCHCje5rCGtYzz.99
PatriotNews:OpEd:Wepaytoomuchintaxes?Wedon'tpayenoughandourschoolsshowit
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/we pay too much in taxes we do html#incart river
ObserverReporter:Editorial:Schoolconsolidationshouldbeconsidered
http://www.observerreporter.com/article/20150707/OPINION01/150709602
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:Wm.Penn,Lenfestfoundationsdonate$10.5Mtowardearly$30millionliteracyinitiative
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20150706 Wm
Penn
10 5M toward early
Pensions
AP:WolffacesdeadlinefordecisiononGOP'spensionbill
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150707_ap_ecc0147469a440e6bcbc7b27625de4b8.html#0ccPtDtvUAKyiT4U.99
ReadingEagle:Editorial:Anynewpensionsshouldhavedefinedcontributions
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/editorialanynewpensionsshouldhavedefinedcontributions#.VZ0aml9VhBc
LiquorPrivatization
PatriotNews:OpEdbyRep.PaulCosta:Liquorprivatizationshouldn'thavebeenat hetopoftheGOP'todo'list
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/liquor_priva ization_shouldnt.html#incart_river
PittsburghPostGazette:LTEbyRep.PaulCosta:ConsiderwhytheGOPpassedliquorbillsnow
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/07/08/ConsiderwhytheGOPpassedliquorbillsnow/stories/201507080066
PAIndependent:PlantomodernizePennsylvanialiquorstorescouldincludehigherprices
http://paindependent.com/2015/07/plantomodernizepennsylvanialiquorstorescouldincludehigherprices/
RepublicanHerald:Editorial:HereinPa.,stilldrunkonpolitics
http://republicanherald.com/opinion/hereinpas illdrunkonpolitics1.1908485
Fracking
Law360:FrackingSecretsSafeInNewPa.Database,DEPHeadSays
http://www.law360.com/articles/675812
PittsburghPostGazette:IFO:Shaleimpactfeecouldbringinthesmallestamountofrevenuesince2012
http://powersource.postgazette.com/powersource/policypowersource/2015/07/07/IFOMarcellusShaleimpactfeecouldbringinthesmallestamountofrevenuesince2012
Pennsylvania/stories/201507070009
TribuneReview:Drillingimpactfeesmaygenerate15%lessforPennsylvania
http://triblive.com/business/headlines/869792474/gasfeeimpact#ixzz3fIqhnYlw
PhiladelphiaInquirer:OpEd:SeverancetaxwouldhurtPa.'snaturalgasindustry
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150708 Severance tax would hurt Pa
s naturalgas industry.html#Y2IuiDxAOPgMB5b9.99
WilliamsportSunGazette:Editorial:Unno icedassetmaybemostvitalnaturalgasstrength(Subscriptionrequired)
http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/638270/Unnoticedassetmaybemostvitalnaturalgasstrength.html?nav=5004
DepartmentNews
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Pa.Gov.Wolfappoints48topipelinetaskforce
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20150708_Gov__Wolf_appoints_48_to_pipeline_taskforce.html#kBr8eYJvUPtFJZdw.99
TimesLeader:Gov.Wolfnames48newmemberstothePennsylvaniaPipelineInfrastructureTaskForce
http://timesleader.com/news/business/372475/govwolfnames48newmembersto hepennsylvaniapipelineinfrastructuretaskforce
StateImpact/NPR:WolfAdministrationannouncesmembersofnewpipelinetaskforce
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/07/wolfadministrationannouncesmembersofnewpipelinetaskforce/
CitizensVoice:LocalschosenforWolf'spipelinetaskforce
http://citizensvoice.com/news/localschosenforwolfspipelinetaskforce1.1909238
PoliticsPA:PAGov:WolfAnnouncesPipelineTaskForceAppointees
http://www.politicspa.com/pagovwolfannouncespipelinetaskforceappointees/67515/
StateImpact/NPR:FractivistgetsuninvitedfromWolfsnewpipelinepanel
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/08/fractivistgetsuninvitedfromwolfsnewpipelinepanel/
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Pa.Turnpiketollstoriseby6percent
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20150708_Pa__Turnpike_tolls_to_rise_by_6_percent.html#CkZ28LDUo5ixPl00.99
PatriotNews:StatepreparingforsaleofHarrisburgStateHospitalgrounds
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/state preparing for sale of ha.html#incart river
PAPolitics
AP:TopaidetoWolfapproachedaboutrunningforUSSenate
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150708_ap_d08f32e3e0b54e079d6d2a9f5acdcb47.html#Izbe2zFOVOoMH3KY.99
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:JohnBaer:PatToomey'searly(quiet)pitchforreelection
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150708 Pat Toomey s early
quiet
PittsburghPostGazette:AllentownmayorstopscampaignforU.S.Senate
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/07/08/AllentownmayorstopscampaignforUSSenate/stories/201507080119
PatriotNews:InAllentown,amidfederalprobe,amayoralscandalbrews:WednesdayMorningCoffee
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/in_allentown_amid_federal_prob.html
DeathPenalty
PoliticallyUncorrected:G.TerryMadonnaandMichaelL.Young:PennsylvaniasDeathPenaltyLingersOn
http://www.politicspa.com/politicallyuncorrectedpennsylvaniasdea hpenaltylingerson/67519/
CourtRulings
AP:Pennsylvaniacourtrulespolicevideoscanbepublicrecords
http://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/869631674/policepubliccourt#ixzz3fEBS7vbY
BillSignings
PittsburghPostGazette:Billdropsdisclosureloopholeforstaterelateduniversities
http://www.postgazette.com/news/education/2015/07/08/Billdropsdisclosureloopholeforstaterelateduniversities/stories/201507080118
StateLegislature
PhiladelphiaInquirer:ThePApayraise,10yearslater
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/harrisburg_politics/ThePApayraise10yearslater.html
MorningCall:PennsylvaniaLegislature's2005payraiseremembered
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpalegislaturepayraiseanniversary20150707story.html
TimesTribune:Payraiselegacydebatedon10thanniversary
http://the imestribune.com/news/payraiselegacydebatedon10thanniversary1.1909383
PatriotNews:Statelawmakers'2005payraisewasrescindedbutnotforgotten
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/state_lawmakers_pay_would_near.html#incart_river
PatriotNews:FewPennsylvanialawmakersremainfrominfamous2005payincreases
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/few pennsylvania lawmakers rem.html#incart river
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:JohnBaer:AbadlistforPhilly
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/growls/AbadlistforPhilly html
AGKane
TribuneReview:PolicytosuspendemployeeswithfelonychargesdoesnotapplytoKane
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/869576374/kanegrandjury#axzz3f7FJhMW4
LetterstotheEditor
ReadingEagle:Docklawmakers'paywhenbudgetislate
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/letterdocklawmakerspaywhenbudgetislate#.VZveBtVhBd
PatriotNews:LackofsupportinPennsylvaniabudgetforthosewithspecialneedsis'appalling'
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/lack_of_support_in_budget_for.html#incart_river
PittsburghPostGazette:Thegovernormustthinkhisinterferenceishelpfultoliquorconsumers
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/07/08/Thegovernormustthinkhisinterferenceishelpfultoliquorconsumers/stories/201507080134
CentreDailyTimes:Stuckwithstatestores
http://www.centredaily.com/2015/07/06/4824625/letterto heeditorstuckwi h.html
Capitolwire:Nobudgingonbudget.
TheSenateissettoreturnforraresummersessionnextweek.
ByKevinZwick
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July7)SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanonTuesdaysaidRepublicanleadersareopentonewrevenues,butnotGov.TomWolf'ssoughtafterbroad
basedtaxincreases.
InMarch,Wolfcalledfora$4.7billiontaxincrease,wi hthebulkcomingfromahigherpersonalincometaxrate,from3.07percentto3.7percent,andahighersalestax,from
6percentto6.6percent,whileremovingexemptionsforcertaincurren lyuntaxeditems.
Thegovernor'sholdingtothefactthatheneedsabroadbasedtaxincreasewedon'tbelievethatwedo,saidCorman,RCentre,afterameetingTuesdaywithWolf.Untilthat
issuecanberesolved,we'regoingtobehereawhile.
Cormansaidwe'reopentodiscussionstogoalit lehigherthanthe$30.2billionGOPbackedspendingproposalvetoedbyWolf.Butwe'renotopentoadiscussiononan
incometaxincrease,we'renotopentoadiscussiononasalestaxincrease,we'renotopentoadiscussiononclosingsalestaxexemptions.
Everythingelseisopenfordiscussions,hesaid.We'reopentotrytohelpout hegovernortomeetsomeofhisinitiatives,youknow,wi hinreason.Butwe'renotopentoa
broadbasedtaxincrease.
Wolf'sbudgetproposalalsocalledforincreasedtaxesonnaturalgasdrillingandcigaretteswhileaddinganewtaxforcertaintobaccoproducts.Healsocalledforlowering he
corporatenetincometax,whilerequiringstricterreportingrequirementsformultistatecompanies,andseeingtheeliminationofabusinessassetstax.
WolfspokesmanJeffSheridantoldreportersthegovernorwantsnewsourcesofrecurringrevenuestoclosethestructuraldeficit,andthebroadbasedtaxincreasesaresofar
thebestproposal.
Heismorethanwillingtocontinuetalkingwiththemaboutfindingwaystodothat,Sheridansaid.Rightnow,therehavenotbeenanybetterideaspresentedtousthan
increasing hepersonalincometax,increasingthesalestaxwhilealsoprovidingpropertytaxreliefthatwasnotincludedintheirbudget.
Wehavetofindnewrecurringrevenuessomehow,theseverancetaxisawaytodothat,headded.
TheSenateisscheduledtoreturnnextweekforararesummersessiononMonday,TuesdayandWednesday.Thechamberisplanningtorunsomelegislation,butwill
discussvetooverrides,whichwouldrequireatwothirdsmajority,saidSenateGOPspokeswomanJenniferKocher.
WolfvetoedtheGeneralAppropriationsbill,FiscalandPublicSchoolcodebills,aswellasaliquorprivatizationbill.Hemustalsomakeadecisiononapensionoverhaulby
Friday hisweek.
ThosebillshadnosupportfromDemocratsinJune.RepublicanswouldneedahandfulofDemocratstoflipforasuccessfuloverridevote.
30
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/09/201508:56:33AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJuly9,2015
SchoolsThatTeachTour
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Roadwarrior:WolftakesbudgetfighttoChesco
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150709 Road warrior
ChescoDailyLocalNews:Gov.WolfvisitsDowningtowntodiscusshis201516budgetplan
http://www.dailylocal.com/generalnews/20150708/govwolfvisitsdowningtowntodiscusshis201516budgetplan
DelcoDailyTimes:Gov.WolfvisitsDowningtowntodiscusshis201516budgetplan
http://www.delcotimes.com/generalnews/20150708/govwolfvisitsdowningtowntodiscusshis201516budgetplan
NBC10:VIDEO:NoDealinSightforPennsylvaniaBudget
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video/#!/news/politics/NoDealinSightforPennsylvaniaBudget/312803391
PoliticsPA:PABGT:Wolf,GOPSparoverEducationFunding
http://www.politicspa.com/pabgtwolfgopsparovereducationfunding/67547/
Budget:Commentary
ErieTimesNews:LTEbyMarkNicastre:Wolfsbudgetvetonecessary
http://www.goerie.com/article/20150709/OPINION02/307099946/wolfsbudgetvetonecessaryletterstotheeditor
Citizens'Voice:LTEbySec.Hanger:ItistimeforRepublicanstoworkwithWolf
http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/itistimeforrepublicanstoworkwithwolf1.1909113
ErieTimesNews:OpEdbySen.Wiley:WhyIsupportWolf'sbudgetveto
http://www.goerie.com/article/20150708/OPINION08/307089996/whyisupportwolfsbudgetvetosenseanwiley#cxrecs_s
PatriotNews:OpEd:Pa.Republicansarestayingabudgetcoursethat'sgoinginthewrongdirection
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/tom wolf pennsylvania budget w.html#incart river
PottstownMercury:Editorial:GamblingisnottheanswerforPa.budgetwoes
http://www.pottsmerc.com/opinion/20150707/editorialgamblingisnottheanswerforpabudgetwoes
PottstownMercury:Editorial:Stoptrashtalkandagreeonastatebudget
http://www.pottsmerc.com/opinion/20150708/editorialstoptrashtalkandagreeonastatebudget
MeadvilleTribune:OpEdbyRep.Roae:Localstaterep.asks:HowmuchnewspendingisenoughforGov.Wolf?
http://www.meadvilletr bune.com/news/columnlocalstaterepaskshowmuchnewspendingis/article 09d139f6258411e5a1d6
f7926b6c5a4c.html
ErieTimesNews:OpEdbyCommonwealthFoundation:Gov.Wolfdisregardscampaignpromises
http://www.goerie.com/article/20150708/OPINION08/307089997/govwolfdisregardscampaignpromisesmatthewbrouillette#cxrecs s
LockHavenExpress:OpEdbyCommonwealthFoundation:Wolfapproachblocksprogress(Subscriptionrequired)
http://lockhaven.com/page/content.detail/id/572981/Wolfapproachblocksprogress.html?nav=5003
BudgetImpasse
MorningCall:PoliticsofPennsylvania'sbudgetimpasseheatingup
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/capitolideas/mcpoliticsheatingupinpennsylvaniasbudgetimpasse20150708story.html
PLSReporter:Wolfvs.Cormanandamidweekbudgetupdate
http://plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/824/WolfvsCormanandamidweekbudgetupdate.aspx
WITF:Withendof"paylesspaydays,"budgetstalematecouldstretchon
http://www.witf.org/statehousesoundbites/2015/07/withendofpaylesspaydaysbudgetstalematecouldstretchon.php
BradfordEra:Governor,legislatureatoddsoverbudget
http://www.bradfordera.com/news/article 83faa3f6251c11e58853bb38199c6e14.html
PatriotNews:QuietdayinthePennsylvaniabudgetsiege
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/quiet day in the pennsylvania.html#incart river
PatriotNews:Slideshow:Waitingonastatebudget:Pennsylvaniaisnotalonginthestatebudgetwaitingroom
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/pa_not_alone_in_living_without.html#incart_river
PatriotNews:JohnMicek:Withlaborfunded$500kadbuy,#PaBudgetfightturnsintobattleforheartsandminds
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/07/with_laborfunded_500k_ad_buy.html
WITF:AUDIO:SmartTa k:StateBudgetUpdate
http://www.witf.org/smarttalk/2015/07/smarttalkstatebudgetupdate.php
KDKA:VIDEO:BudgetImpasseContinuesWithDifferencesFromLastOne
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/07/07/wolfattacksgopbudgetsaysfinancesmustbeputinorder/
PLSReporter:VIDEO:Hughesdiscusseslatestonbudgettalks
http://plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/823/VIDEOHughesdiscusseslatestonbudgettalks.aspx
SharonHerald:Pa.budgetstandoffwillpinchcrisiscenters,socialprograms
http://www.sharonherald.com/news/local news/pabudgetstandoffwillpinchcrisiscenterssocialprograms/article ac4135bc250a11e5b483
c3f0d737e932.html
PoliticsPA:PABGT:SenateScheduledforSpecialSessionNextWeek
http://www.politicspa.com/pabgtsenatescheduledforspecialsessionnextweek/67527/
Education
ABC27:VIDEO:BattlecontinuesoverMarcellusShaletaxes,educationdollars
http://abc27.com/2015/07/08/battlecontinuesovermarcellusshaletaxeseducationdollars/
BradfordEra:EducationformuladoesntbodewellforruralPennsylvania,schoolofficialssay
http://www.bradfordera.com/news/article 344e718c250a11e5ab381bd3334336e5.html
PatriotNews:Publicuniversitiesrelyingonbestguessestosettuition
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/public universities relying on.html#incart river
RepublicanHerald:Wolfsvetoputsholdonschoolfunds
http://republicanherald.com/news/wolfsvetoputsholdonschoolfunds1.1909836
AltoonaMirror:Budgetimpasseaffectingschools(Subscriptionrequired)
http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/615196/Budgetimpasseaffectingschools.html?nav=742
PittsburghPostGazette:StudysaysPa.ranksbelowfederalstandardsonschooltesting
http://www.postgazette.com/news/education/2015/07/09/StudysaysParanksbelowfederalstandardsonschooltesting/stories/201507090015
WESA:ProposalWouldBaseTeacherFurloughsOnPerformance,NotSeniority
http://wesa.fm/post/proposalwouldbaseteacherfurloughsperformancenotseniority
Pensions
PittsburghPostGazette:Editorial:Pensionpit:Ataskforceshowslocalgovernmentawayout
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/editorials/2015/07/09/PensionpitAtaskforceshowslocalgovernmentawayout/stories/201507310007
StandardSpeaker:OpEd:Savingpensionsfrompendingperil
http://standardspeaker.com/opinion/savingpensionsfrompendingperil1.1909131
LiquorPrivatization
PittsburghPostGazette:LTE:http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150709_LETTERS__July_8.html
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/07/09/ThePGiswrongthatthegovernorstandsaloneregardingliquor
stores/stories/201507090129
TimesLeader:FromWyomingValleytoHarrisburg,spiriteddebateoverliquorsaleskeepsbubblingover
http://timesleader.com/news/local/372487/fromwyomingvalleytoharrisburgspiriteddebateoverliquorsaleskeepsbubblingover
ErieTimesNews:LTE:Wolfcriticizedoverliquorveto
http://www.goerie.com/article/20150709/OPINION02/307099946/wolfsbudgetvetonecessaryletterstotheeditor
PittsburghPostGazette:LTE:Pa.,jointhe96percentnotintheliquorbusiness
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/07/09/Pajointhe96percentnotintheliquorbusiness/stories/201507090051
DeathPenalty
AP:KaneblastsWolfoverdeathpenaltystance
http://citizensvoice.com/news/kaneblastswolfoverdeathpenaltystance1.1909601
PhiladelphiaInquirer:KaneaskscourttoendWolf'sdeathpenaltyban
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150709 Kane asks court to end Wolf s death penalty ban.html#pwLybpdACtGbr3aL.99
BillSignings
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:JohnBaer:AgreementinHarrisburg
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/growls/AgreementinHarrisburg.html
DepartmentNews
Newsworks:AUDIO:TransgenderwomanbreaksbarriertoserveasPa.physiciangeneral
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/homepagefeature/item/83919drrachellevineisfirsttransgenderwomantobepaphysiciangeneral
KittanningPaper:StatePipelineInfrastructureTaskforceIncludesAlleghenyTownshipSupervisor
http://www.kittanningpaper.com/2015/07/08/statepipelineinfrastructuretaskforceincludesalleghenytownshipsupervisor/56409
WestChesterPatch:StateSenatorFromChesterCountyNamedToGov'sPipelineTaskforce
http://patch.com/pennsylvania/westchester/statesenatorchestercountynamedgovspipelinetaskforce
Philly.com:Wolffillspipelinetaskforce
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20150708 Business news in brief.html
TribuneReview:ChaseBanktopayPennsylvania$4.4Moverdebtcollectionpractices
http://tr blive.com/business/headlines/870331174/chasebankdebt#ixzz3fOhUheV6
TribuneReview:FewinAlleghenyCountytakeadvantageofNarcanavailability
http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/870222774/naloxonehackerorder#ixzz3fOfr1x2I
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Pa.Turnpikelookstodoawaywithtollcollectors
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/columnists/20150709 Pa
PatriotNews:OngoingrenovationsandrepairstakeovertheCapitolComplex:takealookatwhat'sbeingupgraded
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/capitol complex construction.html#incart river
Watchdog:Jobsprogramsareputtingkidstoworkbutthepublicspricetagisunclear
http://paindependent.com/2015/07/unclearpricetagonsummerworkprogram/
PAPolitics
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Despitesupport,McGintybidforSenateunclear
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150709_Despite_support__McGinty_bid_for_Senate_unclear.html#wQofCuZThXlomMdy.99
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Brady:I'dbackMcGinty"100percent"overSestak
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/capitolinq/BradyIdbackMcGinty100percentoverSestak.html#xbc2c6AARB90P3WI.99
MorningCall:Gov.Wolf'stopaideleavesdooropenforSenaterun
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpakatiemcgintypasenaterun20150708story.html
AP:McGintyleavesdooropenonUSSenaterun
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mcpamcgintypasenaterun070820150708story.html
PatriotNews:'Ididsomethingstupid':GOPcandidateinPa.Houseraceondecadesoldcharge
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/greg_rothman_87th_special_elec.html#incart_river
KingvBurwell
Stateline:OnMedicaidExpansion,aQuestionofMathandPolitics
http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/researchandanalysis/blogs/stateline/2015/07/08/onmedicaidexpansionaquestionofmathandpolitics
LetterstotheEditor
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Worthpayingfor
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150709 LETTERS July 8.html
YorkDailyRecord:Wolfrightaboutlongtermcare
http://www.ydr.com/letters/ci 28453761/wolfrightaboutlongtermcareletter
SomersetDailyAmerican:Playingpolitics
http://www.dailyamerican.com/news/opinion/letters to the editor/playingpolitics/article 13c3b5076b4057e6bf31f4de8ca7d57f.html
ReadingEagle:Legislatorsmustlearnartofcompromise
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/letterlegislatorsmustlearnartofcompromise#.VZ07l19VhBd
LockHavenExpress:Thestatebudgetbattle
http://lockhaven.com/page/content.detail/id/572982/Thestatebudgetbattle.html?nav=5006
Capitolwire:MorebudgetjabstradedbyWolfadministration,Sen.Cormansoffice.
ByChrisComisac
BureauChief
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July9)TheskirmishesbetweenRepublicanlegislativeleadersandGov.TomWolfregardingthestatebudgetcontinued
Wednesday,eventhoughthepartiesdidnotmeettodiscusstheweeklongbudgetimpasse.
OnWednesday,theWolfadministrationtookafewshotsatSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,inanemailedmemoentitledSen.
CormansPoliticalExpediency.
Earlierthisweek,CormansaiduntilGov.TomWolfgivesuphiswantofbroadbasedtaxh kes(incomeandsalestaxes)tofundbillionsinnew
spending,itsunlikelymuchprogresswillbemadeonastatebudgetforthenewfiscalyearthatstartedalittleoveraweekago.
InadditiontocontinuingthesmokeandmirrorscriticismsoftheGOPdevelopedbudgetWolfvetoedlastweek,theWolfmemonotesCorman,
lastyearwhenhewasthemajoritychairmanoftheSenateAppropriationsCommittee,indicatedsomeformoftaxincreases,possiblybroad
basedtaxhikes,wouldsoonbeneeded.Thememoalsopointsto2009statementsmadebyCormanabouttheneedtohavealongtermbudget
view,notjustashorttermone.
BecauseCormanopposestheadministrationstaxh keproposalsandsubmittedwhattheadministrationconsidersmoreofashorttermanswer
tothestatesbudgetaryissues,theWolfmemostatesCormanhasshiftedhisidealsonbudgetingandfinancialplanning.Thatwouldseemto
beanonetosubtlesuggestionbytheWolfcampCormanisahypocrite,oratleastabudgethypocrite,fornotsupportingWolfsplan.
WhatthememodoesleaveoutisthecontextinwhichCormanmadethosestatements.
Withregardtothe2009comments,thatyearthenGov.EdRendellwasproposingapackageoftaxhikes,includingabroadbasedtaxh ke
(incometax),toaddressa$3.25billionbudgetdeficitandsupporthisproposed$28.8billionbudget.Thatresultedina101daybudgetimpasse
and,ultimately,Rendellsigninga$27.8billionspendingplanwithplentyofrevenuefromtransfersandonetimesourcesandnobroadbasedtax
hikes(thestatedidhavea$750millionRainyDayfundbalanceitusedupaspartofthatbudget).
Corman,in2009attheoutsetofthatimpasse,saidontheSenatefloor:"Thisisatoughyear.Ourrevenuestookasignificantdipthisyear.But
wecan'ttaxourwayoutofthisproblem.Weshouldn'traisetaxesonPennsylvaniaentrepreneurs,familiesandthemiddleclass.Wecan'tjust
makeshorttermdecisions.Wehavetolookatthelongterm."
So,notexactlyashiftinhisideals,ashesopposedtoWolfsrevenue,i.e.tax,plans,whichdwarfRendells2009proposalsbycomparison.He,
andotherintheSenateGOP,havealsoexpressedconcernregardingthepotentialimpactonthestate'seconomybyWolf'staxplansthat,too,
appearstobeconsistentwithCorman's2009remarks.
Andthose2014Cormanstatements?Hewasspeakingabouttheneedtodosomethingaboutthegrowthofpublicpensions,andthatwithoutany
action,thestatewillbefacedwiththeprospectsofhavingtoraisetaxesjusttocoverthecontinuedgrowthinpensionpayments.
ThatcontextwassomethingCormanspokeswomanJennKochernotedinanemailresponsetotheWolfadministrationmemo.
Whatthishistorylessonleftoutisthecontextofhowrestructuringthepensionsystemaffectsanyneedtoraisetaxes,wroteKocheraboutthe
memo.Throughahistoric$10billionreformofthestatespublicsectorpensionsystem,theGeneralAssemblyactuallymadethebetterandin
somewaysmoredifficultchoicetoaddressthestateseverincreasingpensionproblem.
KochercontinuedhercritiqueoftheWolfmemosurgingfortaxhikesandmorerevenue:Gov.Wolfdoesntwanttospendwhatmoneyhehas,
hewantstospendmoneyhewisheshehad.It'sprettyeasytobeforthespendingpartbutwhenfamiliesunderstandthatthemajorityofthe
moneytopayfortheincreasedspendingiscomingfromtheirpockets,itsadifferentstory.Hetravelsaroundthestateattaxpayerexpense
tellingpeoplehowhewillspendthemoney,butheisnotbeinghonestabouthowhewillpayforit.
ShealsonotedWolfsrevenueplanfailedinthestateHouseofRepresentativeswhenitwasconsideredbythefullchamber.
WewouldwelcomeanendtothecampaignrhetoricandanacknowledgmentoftheissueathandGov.Wolfdoesnothavethevotesinthe
GeneralAssemblytopasshismassiveincomeandsalestaxincreases,wroteKocher.
TheGOP'spensionplanremainsonWolfsdesk,andthegovernorhasThursdayandFridaytodecideifhellvetothebillwhichmostexpect
sincehesbeenopenlycriticalofanyplantoputnewstateandpublicschoolhiresintoa401ktyperetirementplan,whichtheGOPplandoes.
Wednesdaymightnothaveproducedmuchinthewayofnoiseornewsaboutthestatebudgetorpensions,buttheongoingskirmishesbetween
GOPleadersandtheWolfadministrationillustratethisbudgetmatterisnowhereclosetobeingresolved.
30
Capitolwire:ProspectsforHousevoteonmedicalcannabisgrowing.
ByChristenSmith
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(July8)AbipartisanworkinggroupofHousememberscontinueditsweeklymeetingsTuesday,albeitquietly,onpending
medicalcannabislegislationstilllingeringinthechamber.
Thegoal,saysHouseRepublicanCaucusspokesmanSteveMiskin?Draftabill,oranamendmenttoabill,thatwillget102votesontheHouse
floor,sometimethissession.
Whenexactlythissession,however,hasn'tbeenpinneddownmorepressingissues,liketheabsenceofastatebudget,couldbetoblame.
Still,thenewsisgoodforprocannabisactivistswhohavebeenurgingtheHousetotakeupSenateBill3inthetwomonthssinceitpassedthe
Senateonavoteof407.
Uponpassage,SB3wasreferredtotheHouseHealthCommittee,chairedbyRep.MattBaker,RTioga,who'sskepticismoflegalizingmarijuana
formedicalpurposesgrabbednationalmediaattention.
Bakersupportedhisdoubtwithtestimonyfromtwodozenmedicalorganizationsalsoopposedtomedicalcannabisallwhoagreethedrug
shouldbelegitimizedviatheFDAapprovalprocess,notstateLegislatures.
Bakerwasn'ttheonlyHouseRepublicanwithconcerns.
Rep.RonMarsico,RDauphin,introducedhisownversionofmedicalcannabis,HouseBill1432,justlastweek,asanalternativetothemore
expansiveSB3.
It'sdesignedtokeeptheissuealivebecause,atthattime,SenateBill3wasboggeddownintheHealthCommittee,MarsicosaidTuesday.
ThepeopleofPennsylvaniadeserveavoteonthisandthatisoneofthereasonswhywedevelopedthislegislation.
Marisco'stightlycontrolled,narrow,heavilyregulatedbillwon'tmakeeveryonehappy,hewarns.Butit'sacompromisethatcanstillprovide
accesstothousandsofpatientsinneed,hesaid.
CLICKHEREtoreadmoreaboutthedifferencesbetweenMarsico'sbillandSB3.
Entertheworkinggroup,whichincludesMarsico,organizedbyHouseMajorityLeaderDaveReed,RIndiana.Reedhasexpressedsupportfor
sometypeofmedicalcannabisbill,echoingconcernsofothermembersthatanylegislationmusthavetightregulatorycontrolswhich,some
fear,SenateBill3doesn'tinclude.
ReedrereferredSB3totheHouseRulesCommittee,onwhichheischairman,onJune26,thesamedayananticipateddischarge
resolutionfilingwouldhavefreedthelegislationfromBaker'scommitteeandforcedafloorvote.
MiskinsaidSB3'sprimesponsorSen.MikeFolmer,RLebanon,metwiththeworkinggroupTuesdaytodiscusstheimportanceofhisbill'smore
controversialprovisions.
"Iknowthatnobillisfinaluntilithitsthegovernor'sdesk,"FolmersaidWednesday."TherecouldbesomethingswemissedwithSenateBill3
andI'mopen(tochanges)."
Hesaidhehadn'tdoneadetailedreviewofMarsico'sbill,butthatitcomparestohowNewYorkregulatestheirmedicalcannabisindustry.
I'mconfidentthatwecanmovetheissueforward,Marsicosaid.Itmaynotbeallofmybill.ItmaynotbeallofSenateBill3.Itmaynotbeallof
theotherlegislationthat'sbeenintroduced.
30
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/27/201509:55:08AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJune27,2015
TopClips
TimesLeader:FrancesWolf:Investinstatesschoolchildrenwithplanthatrestoresequitybetweenrichandpoordistricts
http://www.timesleader.com/news/opinion columns/154261983/THEIRVIEWInvestinstatesschoolchildren
LNP:FrancesWolf:TimeisnowtoinvestinPa.schoolchildren
http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/columnists/timeisnowtoinvestinpaschoolchildren/article_d0c8fc9e1c1811e585c2
df6d7baa728e.html
Budget
AP:PennsylvaniabudgetworkcontinuesWolfthreatensveto
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breakingnews/index.ssf/2015/06/pennsylvania budget work conti.html
PhiladelphiaInquirer:WolftovetoGOPbudgetplan
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150627_GOP_budget_ignores_Wolf_s_priorities.html
PatriotNews:WolfvowstovetoGOPcraftedbudgetthatfailstoaddresshispriorities
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/wolf vows to veto gopcrafted.html
PatriotNews:HouseandSenateRepublicanslauncha"majorityapproved"budget,withoutagreementfromGov.TomWolf
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/house_and_senate_republicans_l.html
PittsburghPostGazette:RepublicanPennsylvaniabudgetproposaladvances
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/06/26/StateGOPleadersdraftbudgetwithoutgovernors
input/stories/201506260297
PLSReporter:GOPsbudgetplanrevealedGov.Wolfvowsveto
http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/797/GOP%E2%80%99sbudgetplanrevealedGovWolfvows
veto.aspx
TribuneReview:GOPlawmakerstosendWolftheir$30.1BbudgetbyTuesday
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/863408674/story#axzz3eAemX2X2
MorningCall:WolfvowstovetoRepublicanlawmakers'$30.1billionbudget
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mcpalegislaturebudgetpension062620150626story.html
FOX43:VIDEO:WolfthreatenstovetolatestRepublicanbudgetproposal
http://fox43.com/2015/06/26/wolfthreatenstovetolatestrepublicanbudgetproposal/
ABC27:VIDEO:Budgetdeadlinenears,butaplanisonitsway
http://abc27.com/2015/06/26/budgetdeadlinenearsbutaplanisonitsway/
PatriotNews:Corman:GOPbudgetreflectsvoters'desirefornotaxhikes
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/corman gop budget reflects vot.html#incart river
PittsburghPostGazette:"Ididn'tsayIwoulddefinitelyveto"
http://earlyreturns.postgazette.com/home/earlyreturnsposts/6567ididntsayiwoulddefinitelyveto
WTAE:VIDEO:Wolfdicussesbudget,privatizingliqoursales
http://www.wtae.com/news/wolfdicussesbudgetprivatizingliqoursales/33776364
DailyItem:OpEdbyRep.Vitali:Gov.Wolf'senergyinvestmentinitiative
http://www.dailyitem.com/opinion/govwolfsenergyinvestmentinitiative/article fc6b0a401c3b11e5ad04a3a59ed3ce58.html
DoylestownIntelligencer:OpEdbyEdRendell:TableissetforbigchangesinPennsylvania
http://www.theintell.com/opinion/tableissetforbigchangesinpennsylvania/article_ca24d8e4328f586283c51a4016f45bac.html
ExpressTimes:OpEd:TellPa.legislatorstorememberlibrariesinbudgettalks
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/06/tell pa legislators to remembe.html#incart river
CitizensVoice:Nonprofitsnervousaboutbudgetimpasse
http://citizensvoice.com/news/nonprofitsnervousaboutbudgetimpasse1.1904372
WTAJ:VIDEO:WhoLosesIfaBudgetIsn'tPassed?
http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/wholosesifabudgetisntpassed/23749/B3t0vEFQUWiR1rEaaiS2w
Education
PatriotNews:Whatnewfundingformulawouldmeanforyourschooldistrict
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/what_new_funding_formula_would.html
TimesTribune:OpEd:Ensureformula,funds
http://thetimestribune.com/opinion/ensureformulafunds1.1903816
PatriotNews:OpEdbySen.ScottWagner:Pa.doesn'tneedtospendmoreonschools,itneedstospendmorewisely
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/06/pa doesnt need to spend more o.html#incart river
YorkDailyRecord:OpEdRep.StanSaylor:Gov.WolfwantshighertaxestoboostPhillyschools
http://www.ydr.com/letters/ci_28387485/repstansaylorgovwolfwantshighertaxes
SeveranceTax
BeaverCountyTimes:Wolf'sproposeddrillingtaxstaunchlyopposedbymostBeaverCountylegislators
http://www.timesonline.com/news/local news/wolfesproposeddrillingtaxstaunchlyopposedbymostbeaver/article bff6f2761c0f
11e5966fbfb64e0ad553.html
TimesLeader:DougMcLinko:ProposednaturalgastaxwouldbesetbackforPennsylvania
http://www.timesleader.com/news/opinion columns/154300973/THEIRVIEWWolfstaxwillspoilenergyboom
Pensions
PLSReporter:DetailsofHousepensionplanemerge
http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/795/DetailsofHousepensionplanemerge.aspx
PropertyTaxes
PLSReporter:Propertytaxreformremainsabrightspotamongbudgetrelatednegotiations
http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/796/Propertytaxreformremainsabrightspotamongbudget
relatednegotiations.aspx
ReadingEagle:About200peopleattendmeetinginPottstownonendingschoolpropertytaxes
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/about200peopleattendmeetinginpottstownonendingschoolpropertytaxes
PottstownMercury:VocalcrowdinPottstownpushespropertytaxelimination
http://www.pottsmerc.com/generalnews/20150625/vocalcrowddemandspropertytaxeliminationinpennsylvania
SameSexMarriageRuling
AP:Wolfapplaudssamesexmarriageruling,callsonlawmakerstoexpandantidiscriminationlaw
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/70cc0917af4f4a45a40ad5f996d23f58/PAGayMarriageWolf
ABC27:Gov.Wolfhailsgaymarriageruling,callsfornondiscriminationlaw
http://abc27.com/2015/06/26/govwolfhailsgaymarriagerulingcallsfornondiscriminationlaw/
PatriotNews:Gov.TomWolfhailsU.S.SupremeCourtrulingvalidatingsamesexmarriage
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/gov_tom_wolf_hails_us_supreme.html?
hootPostID=502be007d18dd60e0d1fe1d1150233cd#incart_river
PittsburghPostGazette:GaysstilllackfullcivilrightsprotectioninPennsylvania
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/06/27/GaysstilllackfullcivilrightsprotectioninPennsylvania/stories/201506270034
PatriotNews:Aftermarriageequality,here'swhatPennsylvanianeedsnext
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/after gay marriage whats next.html#incart river
MorningCall:Samesexcouplesgivenrighttomarry
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mcyespasupremecourtgaymarriagedecision20150626story.html
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Gayactivistshailhighcourt'smarriageruling
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20150627 Gay activists hail high court s marriage ruling.html#taX32VBO5ecvVRI5.99
PatriotNews:RulingishailedbyPa.legislatorswhohavebeenpushingforsamesexequality
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/ruling_is_hailed_by_pa_legisla.html#incart_river
TribuneReview:SupremeCourtrulesinfavorofgaymarriage
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/862645874/courtmarriagesex#ixzz3eC8ScKxw
PatriotNews:Pennsylvania'ssamesexmarriageopponentsaredisappointedanddiscouraged,butvowtheirfightisn'tover
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/pennsylvanias samesex marriag.html#incart 2box midstate index.ssf
ACARuling
MorningCall:382,000PennsylvanianscankeepObamacaresubsidies
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpaobamacaresupremecourtsubsidies20150625story.html
BeaverCountyTimes:SupremeCourtrulingmeanshealthinsurancesubsidiessafefornearly350,000Pennsylvanians
http://www.timesonline.com/news/local news/supremecourtrulingmeanshealthinsurancesubsidiessafefor
nearly/article 054a7db21b6a11e59d429fb58a2866a6.html/?REFERMI=News
ErieTimesNews:ObamacaredecisionsavesmoneyformanyErieCountyresidents
http://www.goerie.com/obamacaredecisionsavesmoneyformanyeriecountyresidents#
DoylestownIntelligencer:Editorial:Areasonedrulingonhealthcarelaw
http://www.theintell.com/opinion/areasonedrulingonhealthcarelaw/article ee89643043e557d494fe68e326ca93b6.html
PhiladelphiaInquirer:InCongress,rulingreactionreflectspartisandivide
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/309971041.html#xtwYJgsWiHdORQtM.99
TribuneDemocrat:OfficialssplitonSupremeCourt'srulingonObama'shealthcarelaw
http://www.tribdem.com/news/officialssplitonsupremecourtsrulingonobamas/article 0b95d8121bb311e58186
fb29809e85c5.html
DepartmentNews
TribuneDemocrat:KathyManderinospeaksatannualJARIluncheon
http://www.tribdem.com/news/local_news/kathymanderinospeaksatannualjariluncheon/article_35eec3661bb411e59160
77d62dd0f1b5.html
PatriotNews:SenateconfirmsTimothyReese'snominationasstatetreasurer
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/senate confirms timothy reeses.html
BradfordEra:Bradfordschooldistrictwinsstateliteracyaward
http://www.bradfordera.com/news/article_dd0e595e1ba511e5aeceb734a25b4276.html
PittsburghPostGazette:Stateissues$95,000penaltyagainstSunocoLogisticsforwastewaterspills
http://powersource.postgazette.com/powersource/companies/2015/06/26/PennsylvaniaDEP95000penaltyagainstSunoco
LogisticsforwastewaterspillsMarcellusShaleMarinerEast/stories/201506260277
AirProducts
AP:Pennsylvaniagovextendscondolencestovictimsofattack
http://www.goerie.com/BCPAFranceAttackPennsylvania
ABC27:Wolf:Pa.policemonitoringpotentialthreatsafterFrenchattack
http://abc27.com/2015/06/26/wolfpapolicemonitoringpotentialthreatsafterfrenchattack/
MorningCall:AirProductsfacilityinFranceattackedonedead
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcairproductsfranceattack20150626story.html#page=1
MorningCall:CharlieDentsaysterrorattacksonAirProductsfactory,Tunisianresort'notcoincidental'
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mcairproductsdenttunisiaattack20150626story.html
MedicalMarijuana
LNP:MedicalmarijuanacouldgaingroundinPa.
http://lancasteronline.com/news/medicalmarijuanacouldgaingroundinpa/article_1f9024d61c3911e5a2b1d3ef6caf007a.html
911Funding
MorningCall:Phonefeesgoingupunder911billheadedtoWolf'sdesk
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mcpa911centerbill20150626story.html
Politics
PublicSource:WolfsnewpoliticalactioncommitteeRebuildPennsylvania
http://publicsource.org/fromthesource/wolfsnewpoliticalactioncommitteerebuildpennsylvania#.VY2vlBtVhBc
HouseandSenateAction
PatriotNews:SenatepanelOKsfurtherchangestobackgroundcheckslaw
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/senate_panel_oks_further_chang.html#incart_river
BradfordEra:Senateadoptstaxcreditbillforvolunteerfirstresponders
http://www.bradfordera.com/news/article 857cee1a1b9311e5815edb8faf8b1a07.html
LetterstotheEditor
ExpressTimes:Harrisburgstilllookingathalfbakedpropertytaxreform
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/06/harrisburg_still_looking_at_ha.html
PatriotNews:Gov.Wolf'staxplanwon'tdoanythingtohelpbusinessesinPennsylvania
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/06/gov wolfs tax plan wont do any.html
YorkDailyRecord:Wolfgastaxwouldhurtindustry
http://www.ydr.com/letters/ci 28381657/wolfgastaxwouldhurtindustryletter
###
Capitolwire:WolfthreatensvetoofGOPbackedbudget.
ByKevinZwick
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(June26)Gov.TomWolfthreatenedtovetoabudgetbackedbylegislativeRepublicanleaderswho,alongwiththe
governor,stoodfirmontheirprioritiesdaysbeforetheJune30thbudgetdeadline.
Republicansunveileda$30.1billion,notaxincreasebudgetFriday,whichWolfsaidhewouldvetoasquicklyasIcan,"presaginga
budgetshowdownthatthreatenstoshutdownstategovernment.
WhatIsee,Idon'tlike,Wolfsaid.Hedidn'tspecifywhetherhewouldvetospecificprogramsorcompletelystrikethebudget,a
movethatcouldthreatengovernmentservicesformillions.I'mgoingtodomybesttomakesurethere'saslittledisruptionas
possible.
ThegovernorandGOPleadershipareclaimingamandatefromPennsylvaniavotersfortheirbudgetpriorities.Wolfsofarhas
beenunabletoconvinceRepublicanleaderstojoinhimonhiskeypriorities,whichincludelevyingahighernaturalgasdrillingtax
andincreasingpersonalincomeandsalestaxestoraiseeducationspending,whileloweringthepropertytaxburdenandaddressing
thedeficittohisliking.
WhilePennsylvaniavotersinNovemberelectedWolf,theyalsosentstrongermajoritiesoflegislativeRepublicanstoHarrisburg,said
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,addingvotersdidsoonamandatetoreininstategovernmentspendingandhold
thelineontaxes.
AnyimpasseorgovernmentshutdownwouldbebecauseofonepersonandonepersononlythedifferentkindofgovernorTom
Wolf,saidSteveMiskin,spokesmanfortheHouseRepublicans.
Hewillhavetomakethedecisionwhethertokeepgovernmentoperatingornot,Miskinsaid.Wewanttokeepgovernment
operating.
TheLegislature'sRepublicanleadershipisunified,theysaid,onabudgetthatdoesn'traisetaxes,adds$200milliontoeducation
programs,andborrows$5.3billionforschoolconstructionprojectsCLICKHEREtoreadmoreaboutthat.Theirbudgetalsouses
$200millionfromayetunveiledliquorprivatizationproposaltoaddressa$1.2billionstructuraldeficit.Theproposal,however,
containsanumberofonetimerevenuefixes,fundtransfers,anddelayedpaymentstoshoreupsavingsCLICKHEREtoreadhow
theGOPproposestomakeitsproposalwork.
Theyplantosendtheirbudgetandenablinglegislation,aliquorbill,andlegislationwithreformstothepublicpensionssystemsto
WolfonTuesday.
TheHouseAppropriationsCommitteestartedthatprocessFridayevening.
Thebudgetcontainsrevenuesfromunsustainablesourcesandgimmicks,suchastransfersfromspecialfunds,therevenuesurplus,
whichweallknowcontainsseveralnonrecurringsources,andshiftingpaymentstofutureyears,saidHouseAppropriations
CommitteeDemocraticChairmanJoeMarkosek,DAllegheny.
Bottomline:Thisbudgetisinadequate.Itdoesn'tcutit.ItwillunraveljustasthelastfourRepublicanbudgetshave,Markosek
added.HesaidHouseDemocratswillnotsupportthebudgetbill.
HisRepublicancounterpart,MajorityChairmanBillAdolph,RDelaware,saidthebudgetisresponsibleandsustainable.
Thisrepresentsabudgetproposalthatrecognizeswemusthaveanefficientandeffectivegovernmentbeforewecouldconsider
askingmiddleclassfamiliestopayhighertaxes,saidAdolph,notingwhat'sexpectedtobeamorethan$350millionendofyear
surplus.
Yougottatakealookatthatonceinawhile,hesaid.Yougottatakealookatwhatcameinbeforeyouraisepeople'staxes.
InMarch,Wolfproposedabout$4.7billioninraisedtaxesandfees:$2.4billioncomingfromanincreaseinthepersonalincometax
from3.07percentto3.7percentand$1.55billionfromthesalestax,which,formostofthestate,wouldincreasefrom6percentto
6.6percent,withthetaxbeingappliedtomoreitems.Hisplanproposes$3.8billioninpropertytaxandrentrelief,alongwith
additionaleducationfunding.
Healsoproposedincreasedtaxesonnaturalgasdrillingandcigarettes,aswellasanewtaxforothertobaccoproducts.
Wolfalsoproposedseeingtheeliminationofabusinessassetstaxandhe'sproposedloweringthecorporatenetincometax,while
requiringstricterincomereportingformultistatecorporations.
AdolphsaidtheGOP'splanisanontimebudgetwithnotaxincrease.
Wolf,earliersaid:Therewasthispreoccupationwithanontimebudget.Iwantagoodbudget.
ThecommitteeamendedandapprovedtheGOP'sbudgetintoHouseBill1192onapartylinevotearound8p.m.Friday.Thefull
HouseisplanningtovotethebillSaturdayfollowingwhat'sexpectedtobeanextendedfloordebate.
30
###
Capitolwire:GOPbudgetappearstohingeonPlanConbondstrategy.
ByChristenSmith
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(June26)LegislativeRepublicansmadegoodonapromiseFridaytodevelopabalancedbudgetplanwithout
raisingtaxes.
Buttheyhavetoborrow$5.4billiontodoit.
Gov.TomWolfandlegislativeDemocratsdescribetheproposalasablueprintofaccountingtrickstheminoritypartyhascometo
expectfromtheircolleaguesontheright.
Thisisagimmickfilledbudgetthatexacerbatesthedeficit,doesn'tfundourschoolsanddoesn'tmakeoilandgascompaniespay
theirfairshare,saidJeffSheridan,Wolf'sspokesman.Andit'sreallydisappointing.
WhiletheapparentlynchpinoftheGOPplanborrowingroughly$5.4billiontopayoffsome500projectsowedmoneyunderthe
schoolconstructionreimbursementprogramknownasPlanConmayfitsomeofthoseparameters,Republicanssaythestrategy
willdoexactlywhatthegovernorwants:helpdistrictscutcostsanddirectmoneyintotheclassroom.
Wearetalking$5.4billion,adirectinfusionintopublicschools,saidRep.SethGrove,RYork,whohasspearheadedthe
Legislature'spushtoreformPlanCon.It'smoneythatispartiallyowedtothemandthatgoesintotheirgeneralfund.Somaybe
they'vecutprogramsandclasses.Nowtheywillhavecashonhandtoreplenishwhattheyusedtomakethosebondpayments.
PlanCon,anantiquatedandtedious11stepprocessschooldistrictsnavigateonapromiseofstatereimbursementfor
constructionandrenovationprojectsthey'vealreadyfinanced,hasbeenastickingpointoverthelastyearforRepublicansand
Democratsalike.
GrovemanagedtowhipupenoughsupportforhisHouseBill210,passedinthechamberlastmonthonavoteof14252,because,
hesaid,itwillstreamlinePlanConintofivesteps,digitizerecordsandimprovetransparencylightyearsbeyondthecurrentsystem.
ThatsystemrequiresthestateDepartmentofEducationtopourthroughhundredsofbindersand1920smicrofilmtechnologyto
locatedetailsforjustoneproject.
Increasingfundingfortheprogram,however,hasbeenatrickiersellontheHousefloor.Grovelastmonthurgedhiscolleaguesto
leavethataspecttobudgetnegotiations,whileDemocratspushedfor$100millionmore.
Sixweekslater,theGOPspendingplanappearstoremovethe$306.2millionPlanConlineitemaspartofbudgetarysavingsused
tofillthe$1.25billionstructuraldeficit(CLICKHEREtoreadhowRepublicansclosedtherestofthegap),butlookscanbe
deceiving.
Whiletheexactdetailsaredependentuponthetermsnegotiated,GrovesaystheLegislaturewillissuearoughly$5.4billion20
yearbondtopayoffthe400to500projectscurrentlyowedreimbursementbythestate.Thisbondeliminatesthestate's$306.2
millionPlanConobligationforFY201516.Grovesaidthestate,beginninginFiscalYear201617,willreplenishthePlanConline
itemwithabout$250millionfromthegeneralfund,whichwillbeusedstrictlytorepaythebond.
The100orsoprojectswhohaveyettoreceivereimbursementapprovalwillstillbeconsidered,however,Grovesaidstructural
changestotheprogram,suchassomeofthosefoundinHB210,willreducetheamountofreimbursementthestatewilloffer.He
saidfundingforanyfutureprojectheexpectstwodozenwillgetreimbursementapprovalin18monthsorsowillbeaddedon
topofthe$250millionlineitemeachyear.
Theeffect,SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,said,willgiveschooldistrictsthespendingflexibilitythey'vebeenasking
forwhilesavingthestatehundredsofmillionsondecadesofinterestratepayments.
Theadministrationdoesn'tseeitthatway.
Theytakeitoffline,saidBudgetSecretaryRandyAlbright.Theytakeitoutthebudget,sothat's$300millioninexpendituresthat
we'reobligatedtomakeunlesswecomeupwithanewplantomakethoseauthorityrental(PlanCon)payments,butwedon'treflect
thatcostcurrentlyinthegeneralfundbudget.Again,$300millioninsmokeandmirrorsthatisn'tabalancedbudgetandwillagain,to
thegovernor'spoint,growthenextyear'sbudgetdeficit.
BillPatton,spokesmanfortheHouseDemocraticCaucus,saidthePlanConstrategyhasn'tboughtanymembers'votesafact
reiteratedbytheparty'sacrosstheboardnovoteonallofthebudgetbillsmovedthroughtheHouseAppropriationsCommittee
Fridaynight.
TheRepublicanleadershipinHarrisburghasmadeitreallyeasyforDemocratstovoteagainstthisshambudgetproposal,said
HouseMinorityLeaderFrankDermody,DAllegheny.ItdoesnotmeettherealneedsofPennsylvania.Itcynicallycontinuesthe
gimmicksandmakebelievebudgetideasofthelastfouryears.
ThisRepublicanbudgetthattheHousewillbeaskedtovoteonSaturdaycanaccuratelybelabeledasCorbett5.0,butTom
Corbettcantbeblamedforthispieceofjunk,"hecontinued."ItliessquarelywiththecurrentRepublicanleadershipintheHouseand
Senate.
Torecap,theLegislatureappropriated$5.5billionintothebasiceducationsubsidyinthecurrentfiscalyearorabout$100million
morethantheproposedbond.TheGOPbudgetplanincreasesthatallocationto$5.6billion,whichisstillabout$300millionshortof
whatthegovernorrequested.
Republicansalsoearmarked$20millionforspecialeducation,$30millionforearlyeducationand$41millionforhighereducation,
oraboutonequarterofthefundingthegovernorrequestedduringhisMarchbudgetaddress.
Wolfisnonetoopleasedeither,tellingreportersFridayevening:Ifthisbudgetgetstomeintheformwehaverightnow,intheform
thathasallthesegames,andcontinueswiththegamesofthepastandisnothingmorethanthestatusquo,Iwillvetoit.
30
###
Capitolwire:TheGOPcomesupwithanotaxplantoclosePA's$1.25billiondeficit.
ByChrisComisac
BureauChief
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(June26)LegislativeRepublicansunveiledthebudgettheyplanonsendingtoGov.TomWolfbeforeJuly1,andit
spends$3.7billionlessthanthegovernorsaidhewantedtospendinMarch.
The$30.1billionGOPspendingproposalrepresentsa3.6percentincreasefromthecurrentFiscalYear201415,orabout$1
billionmorethanwhatthecurrentstatebudgetisspending,anderasesa$1.25billionstructuralbudgetdeficit.
Allwithoutraisinganytaxes.
Republicanscalltheirplanresponsible,whileGov.TomWolf,BudgetSecretaryRandyAlbrightandlegislativeDemocratssaysits
justmoregimmicksandsmokeandmirrorsthattheysaycreatedthecurrent$1.25billiondeficitPennsylvaniafaces.
Wereducedthestructuraldeficitwhenwe[HouseRepublicans]tookover,thestructuraldeficitwasover$4billion,saidHouse
AppropriationsChairmanBillAdolph,RDelaware.Wehaveanagreedtofigureof$1.2[billion],sowehavetakencareof$3billion
ofstructuraldeficitinfouryears.
SohowdotheGOPmakeupthe$1.25billion?
Theystartbyassumingthenewfiscalyearwillstartoffwith$375millionmorethanwasexpected,whichisabitmorethanthe$363
millionFY201415endingbalancetheIndependentFiscalOffice,onJune15,estimated,andnearly$80.6millionmorethanwhat
hadbeenexpectedwhenlegislativeleadersdevelopedtheagreedto$1.25billionstructuraldeficitfigure.
ThatstheresultoftheGOPs7percentrevenuegrowthassumptionforFY201415,comparedtotheIFOs6.8percentrevenue
growthassumption,thelapsingof$22.2millionofadditionalrevenuesfromprioryearsandreducing$48.3millioninreductions.That
producesanextra$130.5millionthathadnotbeenexpectedforFY201415.
Thatisoffsetby$50millioninadditionaltaxrefunds,toleaverevenuesnearly$80.6milliongreaterthanwhathadbeenexpectedfor
thecurrentfiscalyear.
TheGOPbuildsonthe$375millionendingbalanceforFY201415byassumingslightlybetterrevenuegrowth,0.7percent,during
thecomingyearcomparedtotheIFOs0.6percentestimate.Thatrepresents$100millionmorethantheIFOestimateswillbe
generatedforthestatesGeneralFund,basedonthecurrentbudgetandstatetaxlaws.
Wefeelveryconfidentinourrevenueestimates,saidAdolph,followingameetingofhiscommitteeduringwhichtheGOPbudget
proposalwasreportedtotheHousefloor,inadvanceofanexpectedfinalvoteinthechamberonSaturday.
Tothat,theGOPwouldaddwhattheysayis$220millioninrecurringrevenuesresultingfromanasyetunapprovedliquor
privatizationplan.Another$47millioninaddedrevenueswouldbederivedfromspecialfundtransfers.
Intheend,theGOPplanexpectstohave$31.08billioninFY201516beforeapplying$1.275billionofexpectedtaxrefund
deductions.TheIFOprojectsFY201516revenues,priortotaxrefunds,willbecloserto$30.7billionorabout$380millionless.
AddFY201415s$375million,andtheGOPplanexpectstohaveapproximately$460millionmorethanhadbeenexpected,priorto
adjustingstateexpendituresintheFY201516GeneralAppropriationsbill.
Togettherestofthewaytoclosingthe$1.25billion,theGOPplanproposes$813.3millioninbudgetarylineitemadjustments.
Topofthatlististheeliminationofthebudgets$306.2millionlineitemforthestatePlanConprogram,Pennsylvaniasschool
constructionprojectreimbursementprogram.TheeliminationisbeingmadepossiblebecausetheGOPintendstoborrow$5.3
billiontopayofftheconstructiondebtalreadyincurredbymanyofthestatesschooldistrictswhohavebeenapprovedbuthave
beenwaitingforPlanConreimbursementrelatedtotheirconstructionandrenovationprojects.CLICKHEREtoreadmoreabout
that.
TheWolfadministrationandlegislativeRepublicansagreeonlittlewithregardtotheGOPsbudgetproposal,butoneareaupon
whichtheydoappeartoagreeisthesourceofanother$128.5millionofthat$813.3millioninbudgetaryadjustments:expectedcost
reductionsduetoMedicaidExpansionanditsfederalizationofcostsassociatedwiththeMedicalAssistanceWorkerswith
DisabilitiesProgram($44.8million)andtheChildrensHealthInsuranceProgram($83.7million),orCHIP.
AnotherhealthcarerelatedareaofsavingandthisoneisasourceofconflictbetweentheWolfadministrationandthelegislative
RepublicansisanadjustmenttotheexpectedcaseloadsfundedbythestatesMedicalAssistanceinpatientandoutpatientline
items.Alltotaledthenewcaseloadexpectationsproduce$116.8millioninsavings.
HouseGOPAppropriationsCommitteestaffsaidtheylookedatactualprogramusagefiguresthroughMay2015,usedthatastheir
baseassumptionforusageinFY201516andthenprojectedacertainamountofgrowth,mostlyfromnewMedicaidparticipantdue
totheexpansionoftheprogram.Theysaidthefiguresmoreaccuratelyrepresentprogramusage.
BudgetSecretaryAlbrighthadadifferenttakeontheGOPsassumptions.
Wevegonethroughthishowmanytimesduringthelastcoupleofyearstheresmorethan$187millioninMedicalAssistance
paymentsthataregonnabemandatedobligationsthatweregonnahavetomakethatthisbudgetpretendssimplydoesntexist,
saidAlbrightFridayevening.
Albrightwasreferringtootherlines,inadditiontotheMedicalAssistancelines,suchasa$20millionreductionoftheCashGrants
line,whichRepublicansargueisduetotheCommonwealthhavingenoughtomeetitsobligationswith$25.4million,notthe$45.4
millionavailableattheendofFY201415.
TheGOPplanalsoreducestheCountyChildWelfarelinebynearly$131.8million,whichtheysaidmoreaccuratelyreflectsthecash
flowneedsoftheprogram.AccordingtoinformationsuppliedbyRepublicanAppropriationsstaff,ineachofthelastfiveyears,there
hasbeenanunspentbalanceofatleast$200millionintheprogram.
AnotherareawhereRepublicanssaytheyareattemptingtorebalancestatefundingsituationsiswithregardtoSchoolEmployees
SocialSecuritypayments.GOPstaffsaidthestatecurrentlymakesthosesocialsecuritypaymentsprospectivelyinthefiscalyear
priortowhenthepaymentsarereceivedbytheschooldistricts.Theirbudgetproposalwoulddelaythosepaymentstwomonths
allowingfortheCommonwealthtoreceivedatafromthedistrictstoproduceamoreaccuratepaymentamount.
Doingsosavesthestatecloseto$73.8milliondollars,accordingtotheRepublicans.
Albrightsaidanyerrorinthepaymentamountcalculationthatresultsinanunderpaymentcouldforceschooldistrictstoraiselocal
taxes.
TakentogethertheaforementionedGOPbudgetaryadjustmentsaccountforapproximately$777millionofthe$813million
alterationsproposedbyRepublicans.Thereareseveralothersmallerlessthan$5million,andmanylessthan$1million
adjustmentsthatmakeuptheremaining$36millioninexpectedGOPsavings.
Ofcourse,allofthismightnotmeanverymuch.WolfsaidFridayhe'llvetotheGOPbudgetifitreacheshisdeskinitscurrentform.
30
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/29/201508:58:50AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
Governor'sOfficePressClipsJune29,2015
Education
WITF:PAHouserejectsfundingplansforstaterelatedschools
http://www.witf.org/news/2015/06/pahouserejectsfundingplansforstaterelatedschools.php
PLSReporter:EducationfundingdebatehighlightedbudgetsfirstSenatestep
http://plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/803/Educationfundingdebatehighlightedbudget%E2%80%99sfirstSenatestep.aspx
PhiladelphiaInquirer:TheABCsofschoolfundingformulas
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150628 The ABCs of schoolfunding formulas.html
BeaverCountyTimes:Timesanalysis:Majorityoflocalschoolstoraisetaxestoavoidprogramcuts
http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/timesanalysismajorityoflocalschoolstoraisetaxesto/article_ee475b1819e711e5a8da
970ec2a10dcb.html/?REFERMI=News
CarlisleSentinel:Buildingabudget:Areaschooldistrictsplayguessinggamewithstatefunding
http://cumberlink.com/news/local/education/buildingabudgetareaschooldistrictsplayguessinggamewith/article 8480457e126a5d0a8324
c65586f48ee4.html
TribuneReview:Pensioncostsburdenregion'sschooldistricts
http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/863416074/pensionschoolsstate#axzz3eN0tP9Bs
BudgetNegotiations
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:Editorial:ToughtobargainwithGOPlawmakerslivinginfantasyland
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150629 DN Editorial
AP:StateSenatenearsbudgetvoteasclockticks
http://readingeagle.com/news/article/statesenatenearsbudgetvoteasclockticks
AP:Taxes,educationdebatedaslawmakersnearbudgetdeadline
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jun/28/lawmakersreturntocapitolin11thhourbudgetsc/
AP:PennsylvaniaLawmakersWorkThroughWeekendOnStateBudget
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/06/28/pennsylvanialawmakersworkthroughweekendonstatebudget/
PatriotNews:Twodaysbeforethe#PaBudgetdeadline,Wolf,GOPstillseparatedbyacommonlanguage:Analysis
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/06/two_days_before_the_pabudget_d.html#incart_river
PatriotNews:BudgetBattle2015Whathavewelearned?:MondayMorningCoffee
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/06/budget battle 2015 what have.html
TribuneDemocrat:LackofbudgetprogressfrustratesRepublicans,Democrats
http://www.tribdem.com/news/latest news/lackofbudgetprogressfrustratesrepublicansdemocrats/article 09efa04e1e0e11e5b171
e3e6fb41f762.html
PhiladelphiaDailyNews:JohnBaer:Thestatebudget's5stagesofgrief
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150629 The state budget s 5 stages of grief.html#fRWWJKfsTmsv6z3U.99
FOX43:Pa.SenatemovesGOPledbudgetproposalamidstpartyrhetoric
http://fox43.com/2015/06/28/pasenatemovesgopledbudgetproposalamidstpartyrhetoric/
ABC27:VIDEO:PAbudgetmeasureastepclosertopassing,butnottobecominglaw
http://abc27.com/2015/06/29/pabudgetmeasureastepclosertopassingbutnottobecominglaw/
ABC27:LawmakerstakerhetorictoTwitterasPAHousepassesbudgetbill
http://abc27.com/2015/06/28/lawmakerstakerhetorictotwitteraspahousepassesbudgetbill/
PLSReporter:LegislativeleadersspinHousepassedbudget
http://plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/799/LegislativeleadersspinHousepassedbudget.aspx
PLSReporter:Arebudgetstakeholdersbeingtoldtoprepareforabudgetimpasse?
http://plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/802/Arebudgetstakeholdersbeingtoldtoprepareforabudgetimpasse.aspx
PhiladelphiaMagazine:WolfExpectedtoVetoGOPBudget
http://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/06/29/wolfexpectedtovetogopbudget/
ErieTimesNews:OpEdbyEdRendell:Compromisecouldaccomplishbigthings
http://www.goerie.com/compromisecouldaccomplishbigthingsedrendell
LiquorPrivatization
PLSReporter:Liquorprivatizationbillforgesaheadamidconcernsoverjoblosses
http://plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/804/Liquorprivatizationbillforgesaheadamidconcernsoverjoblosses.aspx
PatriotNews:GOPbudget,liquorprivatizationmoveforwardinshadowofGov.Wolf'sveto
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/gop budget liquor privatizatio.html#incart river
PhiladelphiaInquirer:GOPintroducesplantoprivatizestateliquorstores
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150629 Push to privatize Pa
liquor stores.html#dcfjJ8Xzg4zlpymG.99
PittsburghPostGazette:Liquoroverhaul,budgetbillsnearingfloorofstateSenate
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/06/29/Republicanscontinuetomovebudgetprivatizationbills/stories/201506290072
TribuneReview:LiquorprivatizationbillreceivesamajorboostinPennsylvania
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/864771574/billliquorstate#ixzz3eSDcSnSG
MorningCall:Pa.SenatepanelpassesbilltodismantleLCB
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mcpalegislatureliquorbudget062820150628story.html
PatriotNews:Pa.winesstandtogainbypassageofshippingbill
http://blog.pennlive.com/wine/2015/06/pa_wines_needs_shipping_to_pass_to_go_where_it_needs_to.html?
ath=d72dfd9f90c3cb12229aa0976bd3013f#cmpid=nsltr stryheadline
Ethics
PhiladelphiaInquirer:Moneytalks,especiallyduringlegislativesessions
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150629 Money talks
TribuneReview:LackoffundingforStateEthicsCommissioninvitescorruption,expertsworry
http://tr blive.com/news/adminpage/854011874/commissioncarusostate#ixzz3eSDGaQjJ
MunicipalPensions
PittsburghPostGazette:Auditorgeneraltopresentpensionrecommendationstogovernor
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/06/29/Auditorgeneraltopresentpensionrecommendationstogovernor/stories/201506270091
TimesTribune:Editorial:Helpcitieswithpensions
http://thetimestribune.com/opinion/helpcitieswithpensions1.1904702
Fracking,EnvironmentNews
TribuneReview:DrillerstosubmitelectronicrecordsonfrackingchemicalsforPa.DEPtocheck,enforce
http://triblive.com/business/headlines/861241174/frackingrecordsfracfocus#ixzz3eSDz5xKB
StateImpact/NPR:CleanAirCouncilChallengesStatePaneltoAdoptNewBuildingCodes
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/06/26/cleanaircouncilchallengesstatepaneltoadoptnewbuildingcodes/
Narcan
TribuneReview:ButlerCountyofficialsapplyforgranttocombatoverdoses
http://triblive.com/news/butler/861758674/drugpoliceoverdoses#ixzz3eSBesFlE
PittsburghPostGazette:Editorial:Druggedstate:Pennsylvaniacoulddomoretocurboverdoses
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/2015/06/29/DruggedstatePennsylvaniacoulddomoretocurboverdoses/stories/201506300073
BackgroundChecks
StandardSpeaker:Childabuseclearancelawbeingclarified
http://standardspeaker.com/news/childabuseclearancelawbeingclarified1.1904891
ChescoDailyLocalNews:Volunteersinthecrosshair:Newlawcoulddetervolunteerism
http://www.dailylocal.com/generalnews/20150627/volunteersinthecrosshairnewlawcoulddetervolunteerism
MedicalMarijuana
PatriotNews:TonyMay:WhatwillittaketofinallymakemedicalmarijuanalegalinPa.?
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/06/medical_marijuana_david_reed_n.html#incart_river
PatriotNews:CharlieGerow:Here'showtokeepmedicalmarijuanafromgoingupinsmoke
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/06/heres how to keep medical mari.html#incart river
StatePolice
PittsburghPostGazette:Pa.statepolicelookingforafewgoodmenandwomen
http://www.postgazette.com/news/state/2015/06/29/Pastatepolicelookingforafewgoodmenandwomen/stories/201506290015
UPMC/Highmark
PittsburghPostGazette:Editorial:Healthplan:Pa.mustturnuptheheatonUPMC,Highmark
http://www.postgazette.com/opinion/2015/06/29/HealthplanPamustturnuptheheatonUPMCHighmark/stories/201506290016
Capitolwire:SundaynightinthestateCapitol.
ByChrisComisac
BureauChief
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(June28)Boy,Sundaynight
YouknowitslateJunewhentempersflareanddebategetstestyjustasitdidSundayeveningontheHousefloorasthechamberwas
consideringfundingproposalsforPennsylvaniasstaterelateduniversities.
OnehundredandthirtyonewasthemagicnumbertoapprovetheappropriationsforPennState,theUniversityofPittsburgh,TempleUniversity,
LincolnUniversityaswellastheUniversityofPennsylvaniaVeterinaryCollege.
Thechamberfailedtohititfivetimes,gettingyesvotesmostlyfromtheRepublicanmajoritywhichhad110or111membersvotingforeachof
thebillsandHouseDemocrats(alongwithahandfulorlessofGOPmembers)withholdingtheirapprovalforthenonpreferredappropriationsbills
thatproposetofund.
HouseDemocratssaidtheappropriationswithinthebillswerenotenoughtowarranttheirvotefortheproposedspending,andatthetailendof
onesetofsuchcomments,offeredbyRep.MattBradford,DMontgomery,HouseMajorityLeaderDaveReed,RIndiana,interjected,No
disrespect,butcmonnow,thegentlemenvotedagainstthefundingforthegovernorsbudget,andnowwantstospendthatmoney.
ReedcontinuedovercallsfromHouseDemocratsforhimtostophisremarks,whichtheybelievedtobeoutoforder,andloudroarsfromthe
membershipandappearedtobecomeperturbedwiththepartyacrosstheaisle,andhegotlouderashespoke:Ifthegentlemanwouldlikeus
tobringthatupagain,wewilldoso.Wewillgooverthisbill,andwewillbringit[theGovernorsrevenueproposals]andseeifthegentlemanhas
thegutstovoteforittoday.
OnJune1,HouseRepublicanscalledupanamendmentcontainingGov.TomWolfsrevenueproposals,whichwasdefeatedunanimouslybythe
chambersmembership.
Tryingtocalmthesituation,HouseSpeakerMikeTurzai,RAllegheny,beforecallingbothHouseleaderstotheSpeakersRostrumandfighting
toholdbackanamusedsmilesaid,Members,memberspleaseBoy,Sundaynight
TheRepublicanmajorityofferedpaltryfundingincreasesforPennState,Pitt,TempleandLincolnuniversitiesandtheveterinaryschoolatthe
UniversityofPennsylvania,HouseMinorityLeaderFrankDermody,DAllegheny,saidinapressreleaseissuedafterSundaysHousesession
completed.Wecanandwemustdobetterthanthis.
Doingbetter,accordingtotheDemocrats,meansfundingnumbersalotclosertothoseproposedbyWolf.Thegovernorsbudgetasproposedin
Marchsuggestedmorethan$82.1millioninnewfundingforthestaterelateduniversities(nearly$50.9millioninnewfundingforPennState,$14.9
millionforPitt,$15.4millionforTempleand$921,000forLincoln)butnofundingincreasefortheUniversityofPennsylvaniaVeterinaryCollege.
ThefundingpackagesupportedbytheHouseGOPwouldhaveprovidedan$8.4millionincreaseforPennState,a$4.22millionincreaseforPitt,a
$4.2millionincreaseforTempleandanearly$400,000increaseforLincolnUniversity.Thedefeatedplanalsoincludedanadditional$840,000for
theUniversityofPennsylvaniasVeterinarySchool.Alltotaled,theproposalswouldincreasefundingbynearly$18.1million.
ButthechambersRepublicansandDemocratsknowthefailuretogetenoughsupportforthefundingofthoseinstitutionsisonlytemporary,as
thevotesforeachofthebillswerethesubjectofareconsiderationmotionwhichleavesthemeasuresonthecalendarforanothervoteinthe
future.
Thisisnottheendofthestory,saidHouseMinorityWhipMikeHanna,DClinton.Inaveryshorttime,theHousewillagainhaveachanceto
voteontheseappropriations.Ifthefundinglevelsaresufficientlyclosetowhatthegovernorisproposing,thenDemocraticsupportwillbe
abundant.
AtaboutthesametimethingsweregettingrowdyintheHouse,plentyofcommentsaboutbudgetassumptionsandnumberswerebeinguttered
intheSenateAppropriationsCommittee.
DuringthecommitteeshourplusdebateregardingtheGOPdevelopedGeneralAppropriationsbudgetwhichproducedlittle(ifany)bipartisan
agreementtheonlynumberthatmatteredwas16.
ThatsthetotalnumberofthecommitteesRepublicanmembers,andithappenstobethenumberofvotesthatdefeatedafewDemocratic
proposedamendments,aswellasadvancedtheGOPsGeneralAppropriationsbudgetHouseBill1192tothefullSenate.Thebillwassentto
theSenatebytheHouseonSaturday,aftertheHouseamendedtheplanintoHB1192onFridayevening.
CommitteeMinorityChairmanVinceHughes,DPhiladelphia,hadfouramendmentspreparedforthebillreplacingcertainappropriationswithin
thebillwithamountssuggestedbyGov.TomWolfthreeofwhichwereconsideredbythecommitteeandonewithdrawnbythesenator.
Talliedup,theHughesamendmentswouldhaveaddedmorethan$1.6billiontotheexistingGAbill.Ofthethreethatdidgetconsideredand
defeatedadding$105.4milliontovariousstateeconomicdevelopmentprograms,adding$868.2millionforeducationfundingand$169.6million
fordrugandalcoholservices$1.14billioninnewrevenuewouldhavebeennecessarytobalancethebudget.
Hughesmaintaineditwasnotthecommitteesresponsibilitytofindthemoney,butCommitteeMajorityChairmanPatBrowne,RLehigh,saidthe
unamendedversionoftheGAbillisbalanced,andsinceHughesamendmentsofferednosourceofrevenuetopayforthem,theyshouldntbe
approved.
Thisisabudgetthatspendswhatwehave,notwhatwewishedwehad,saidSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,defendingthe
HB1192.
WithalltheRepublicancommitteemembersvotingwithBrowneandCorman,noneoftheamendmentsstoodachanceandtheDemocrats
knewit,butHughesnotedhestillhashisjobtodo.
ButwhileHugheswasntsuccessful,theDemocratsstilltookconsolationinonethingsummedupbySen.DaylinLeach,DMontgomery:This
wholebudget,werespendingalotoftimearguingaboutititsnevergonnabecomelawbecausethegovernortheresnothingofthe
governorsprioritiesinthisbudgetand,youknow,hesnotgoingtosignituntilthereis.
IntheHouseAppropriationCommitteejustabitlaterintheevening,thenumberthanmatteredwas20theGOPvotesregisteredinfavorofthe
FiscalCodebillthatwillimplementtheGAbill.
AndjustlikeLeachforHB1192,HouseAppropriationsCommitteeMinorityChairmanJoeMarkosek,DAllegheny,suggestedtheSenateBill
655(thenowproposedFiscalCode)doesnthaveafuture.
Keepinmind,theGeneralAppropriationsbudgetissortathewaytheGeneralAssemblydetermineswheretheCommonwealthisgoing,andas
weknow,theGeneralAppropriationsbillthewheelsarestartingtofalloffalready,andtopassanamendmentthatwouldprovideinstructions
forthatvehiclewhichisgoingnowheredoesntmakeawholelotofsensetome,saidMarkosekpriortothecommitteeamendingtheproposed
201516FiscalCodelanguageintoSB655.
Toaddtoallthefun,thestateSenateadvancedaliquorprivatizationbilloutofcommitteeandlaterblewpastit's11p.m.curfewtoconsiderabill
andamendmentsaboutcreatingaspecialdistrictforstrugglingschools.Andno,it'snotabudgetrelatedbill.
Boy,Sundaynight...whatastarttotheweek.
30
Capitolwire:Newliquorprivatizationplanmovesclosertoapproval.
ByKevinZwick
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(June28)TheSenateGOP'snewliquorprivatizationproposalhasmovedclosertopassage.
TheSenateLawandJusticeCommitteeamendedabillSundaynightandreportedoutthatbillona74vote.HouseBill466stillhastogothrough
theSenateAppropriationsCommittee,whichisexpectedtohappenMonday.AfinalfloorvoteisexpectedTuesday,saidSenateGOP
spokeswomanJenniferKocher.
Thebillisl kelytomoveswiftlysinceRepublicansareexpecting$220millioninnewrevenuefromtheplanfortheirbudgetproposal.Ifapprovedby
theSenate,themeasurewouldstillneedtoreturntotheHouseforaconcurrencevote.
Asummaryoftheproposal,circulatedbySenateRepublicans,showsitwouldallow14,000existingbeersellers,includinglicensedandimporting
distributors,restaurants,hotels,delisandgrocerystores,topayextrafeestosellwineorliquororboth.
Theplanalsoleaseswholesalepermitsfor10yearsandremovesthePennsylvaniaLiquorControlBoard'sabilitytodeterminewhatwineand
liquorissoldinPennsylvaniaortosetpricesforproducts.
ThePLCBwouldbechargedwithclosingstaterunwineandspiritsstoresbytakingintoconsiderationtheavailabilityofliquorandwinethrough
theprivateretailmarket,thepricingofliquorandtheprofitabilityofthestore.
Wolfhassaidheopposesliquorprivatizationandinsteadfavorsimprovingthestatecontrolledwineandliquorsystemwithmodernizationchanges
supportedbylegislativeDemocrats,includingbetterstorehoursandlocationsclosertosupermarkets.
SenateLawandJusticeCommitteeMinorityChairmanJimBrewster,DAllegheny,duringthemeetingsaidtheproposal"morethanlikelywillbe
vetoed"byGov.TomWolf,whohasalreadythreatenedtovetotheRepublicans'budget.
Onthebill,MajorityChairmanChuckMcIlhinney,RBucks,saidmostlikelyitwillhavetohaveanimpactthatitwillincreaseprices.Buthesaid
governmentshouldn'tbeinthebusinessofsellingalcohol.AndSenatePresidentProTemJoeScarnati,RJefferson,thenewplan'ssponsor,said
itwouldlikelyhamperruralaccesstowineandliquor,buthesaidhisconstituentswantprivatization.
SenateDemocratsobjectedtotheproposalmainlyoverthelossofjobsforafewthousandstatestoreclerksifthesystemwereturnedovertothe
privatesector.Brewstersaidprivatizationwillcausepainfuldinnertableconversationsforfamilieswhentheworkerslosetheirjobs.
Iwouldjustsaythinkaboutthatbeforeyoucastyourvote,Brewstersaid.
30
Capitolwire:SenateGOPliquorproposalleaseswholesale,provides'enhanced'wine,
liquorpermitsforbeersellers.
ByKevinZwick
StaffReporter
Capitolwire
HARRISBURG(June28)TheSenateLawandJusticeCommitteeisplanninglatertodaytoamendHouseBill466withaliquorprivatization
proposalthatwouldphaseoutstatestoresandcutoutthePennsylvaniaLiquorControlBoardasthemiddlemancontrollingpricesandproducts.
Theproposalwouldalsoallow14,000existingbeersellers,includinglicensedandimportingdistr butors,restaurants,hotels,delisandgrocery
stores,topayextrafeestosellwineorliquororboth.
Theplanalsoleaseswholesalepermitsfor10yearsandremovesthePennsylvaniaLiquorControlBoard'sabilitytodeterminewhatwineand
liquorissoldinPennsylvaniaortosetpricesforproducts,accordingtoasummaryobtainedbyCapitolwire.
Republicanleaderssaytheirproposedbudgetdependson$220milliongeneratedfromtheliquorproposal.Gov.TomWolfdoesn'tsupport
privatizationbutwantstoexpandSundaysales,increaseby$700annualrenewalfees,increaseotherfeesandpenaltiesandcreateafrequent
shoppersprogram.
Healsoopposesthepotentiallossofthousandsofjobsofunionizedstatestoreclerks.TheSenateGOP'sliquorproposalwouldprovidePHEAA
grants.
CLICKHEREfortheamendmenttobeofferedbySenateProTemJoeScarnati,RJefferson.
Restaurantandhotellicenseescanpayextrafortheabilitytosellupto192ouncesofwineandupto1.75litersofliquorforoffpremise
consumption,withanannualrenewalfeebetween$1,000and$3,000,dependingonprioryearsales.Beerdistributorsandimportingdistributors
canpay$45,000forawineorliquorpermittosellanyquantityorsizeofwineandliquorforoffpremiseconsumption,withanannualrenewalfee
between$2,000to$6,000.
ThePennsylvaniaLiquorControlBoardwouldissueenhancedwineandliquorpermitsequaltothenumberoflicensedandimportingdistributors
percounty.Remainingpermitswouldbeauctionedtounlicensedpersons,whocouldrenewtheirpermitannuallyfor$2,000to$6,000,depending
onprioryearsales.
ThePLCBwouldbechargedwithclosingstaterunwineandspiritsstorebytakingintoconsiderationtheavailabilityofliquorandwinethroughthe
privateretailmarket,thepricingofliquorandtheprofitabilityofthestore.
Thewholesaleoperationswouldbeleasedtoalicensedimporterfor10years,whilethePLCBwouldnolongerdeterminewhatwinesandliquors
canbesoldinPennsylvaniaorsetthepriceforproductsorsellproductstoretailpermitholders.
Thewholesalepermitwouldincludeaninitialfeeof15percentofthecostofgoodssoldaspaidbytheboardinthepastyear,andanannual
renewalfeeof15percentgrossreceiptspayableonaquarterlybasis.Thepermitholdercansellanddistributemorethanonebrandofwineand
liquorunderthesamepermit.Afeeof$2,500wouldbeleviedtosellanewbrandofliquor.
After10years,theimporterlicenseewouldbegrantedawholesalelicense,witharenewalfeeof5percentofthelicenseesgrossreceipts.
ThecommitteewillmeetoffthefloorlaterSundayintheSenateRulesroom.
30
From:
Karge,Jenna
Senttime: 06/15/201504:58:35PM
To:
Failor,DebraBarsotti,MichaelGhormoz,RobertMcGinty,KathleenPhillips,Betsy(GOV)Shafer,JosephSmith,KathieCross,
ElenaBrunelle,MichaelBane,YeseniaMcKeon,CatherineWoodbury,KatieSmith,MarkSweet,DavidWillford,Jean
Subject:
KAMSchedule6/16/15
ChiefofStaKa eMcGinty
Tuesday,June16,2015
Loca on:Harrisburg/Philadelphia
Weather:Harrisburg,PartlyCloudy,86,64;Philadelphia,IsolatedThunderstorms,92,67
Session:House&Senate
8:15am9:30am
From:
Karge,Jenna
Senttime: 06/16/201504:56:16PM
To:
Failor,DebraBarsotti,MichaelGhormoz,RobertMcGinty,KathleenPhillips,Betsy(GOV)Shafer,JosephSmith,KathieCross,
ElenaBrunelle,MichaelBane,YeseniaMcKeon,CatherineWoodbury,KatieSmith,MarkSweet,DavidWillford,Jean
Subject:
KAMSchedule6/17/15
ChiefofStaKa eMcGinty
Wednesday,June17,2015
Loca on:Harrisburg
Weather:Harrisburg,MostlySunny,83,63
Session:House&Senate
8:15am9:30am
3:00pm3:30pm
Mtgw/RepFrankFarina
28EastWing
Sta:COS,Barso
A endees:RepFrankFarina
3:45pm4:15pm
Mtgw/RepBarryJozwiak
402IrvisOceBldg
Sta:COS,Barso
A endees:RepBarryJozwiak
4:30pm5:00pm
McGinty/Kernodle/Topper/Isenhourre:Judges
COSOce
Sta:COS,Kernodle,Topper,Isenhour
5:00pm5:30pm
McGinty/CrossWeeklyStatusUpdates
COSOce
Sta:COS,Cross
5:30pm6:00pm
McGinty/Bane/Albright/Davin/Weaver/Drizosre:PEDFA
238ConferenceRoom
Sta:COS,Bane,Albright,Davin,Weaver,Drizos,Dunkelberger,Hanger,Wial
6:00pm7:00pm
McGinty/Hanger/Shafer/Isenhour/Brunellere:Pensions
238ConfRm/Dialin
Passcode
Sta:COS,Hanger,Shafer,Isenhour,Brunelle
JennaKarge|Administra veAssistanttotheChiefofSta
OceofGovernorTomWolf
Room225MainCapitol|HarrisburgPA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
Email:
www.pa.gov
PRIVILEGEDANDCONFIDENTIALCOMMUNICATION
Theinforma ontransmi edisintendedonlyforthepersonoren tytowhomitisaddressedandmaycontainconden aland/orprivileged
material.Anyuseofthisinforma onotherthanbytheintendedrecipientisprohibited.Ifyoureceivethismessageinerror,pleasesendareplye
mailtothesenderanddeletethematerialfromanyandallcomputers.Unintendedtransmissionsshallnotcons tutewaiverofthea orneyclient
oranyotherprivilege.
From:
Karge,Jenna
Senttime: 06/22/201505:09:12PM
To:
Failor,DebraBarsotti,MichaelGhormoz,RobertMcGinty,KathleenPhillips,Betsy(GOV)Shafer,JosephSmith,KathieCross,
ElenaBrunelle,MichaelBane,YeseniaMcKeon,CatherineWoodbury,KatieSmith,Mark(GOV)Sweet,David
Subject:
KAMSchedule6/23/15
ChiefofStaKa eMcGinty
Tuesday,June23,2015
Loca on:Harrisburg
Weather:Harrisburg,PMThunderstorms,89,63
Session:House&Senate
7:30am9:00am
TraveltoHarrisburg
8:30am9:00am
SeniorStaCall
DialIn
Pin
Sta:SeniorSta
9:00am10:00am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/Nicastre/Smylerre:Legisla vemee ng(strategy)
GovernorsOffice
A endees:Gov,COS,Shafer,Isenhour,Hanger,Albright,Nicastre,Smyler
10:00am10:15am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/SmylerprepforLegisla vemee ng
GovernorsOffice
Sta:Gov,COS,Shafer,Isenhour,Hanger,Albright,Smyler
10:15am11:00am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/SmylerLegisla vemee ng(Senate&HouseR's)
238ConferenceRoom
Sta:Gov,COS,Shafer,Isenhour,Hanger,Albright,Smyler
A endees:SenJoeScarna ,SenJakeCorman,RepMikeTurzai,RepDaveReed
11:00am11:30am
Mtgw/SenJayCosta
535MainCapitol
Sta:COS,Barso
A endees:SenJayCosta
11:30am12:00pm
McGinty/KernodleMtgw/JimKenney
COSOce
Sta:COS,Kernodle
A endees:JimKenney
12:00pm12:30pm
McGinty/Bane/Hanger/AlbrightMtgw/Shell
238ConferenceRoom
Sta:COS,Bane,Hanger,Albright
A endees:JohnHines,SanjeevAyyar,MikelvanBeek
12:30pm1:00pm
McGinty/Hanger/Albright/BrunelleMtgw/MercyHealthSystem
238MainCapitol
Sta:COS,Hanger,Albright,Brunelle
A endees:KaraBeem,MarkBullock,CathyCardillo
1:00pm2:00pm
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/Nicastre/Smylerre:Legisla vemee ng(strategy)
GovernorsOffice
A endees:Gov,COS,Shafer,Isenhour,Hanger,Albright,Nicastre,Smyler
2:00pm5:30pm
HOLD:BudgetNego a ons
GovernorsOffice
3:30pm4:00pm
Mtgw/RepHaroldEnglish
111RyanOceBuilding
Sta:COS,Barso
A endees:RepHaroldEnglish
4:30pm5:30pm
Mtgw/DennisYablonsky
LobbyattheHilton
OneN2ndStreet,Harrisburg
Sta:COS,Barso
A endees:DennisYablonsky
5:45pm6:00pm
TraveltoGovernorsResidence
6:00pm8:00pm
TWW/McGinty/Isenhour/HangerLegisla veDinner
GovernorsResidence
Sta:Gov,COS,Isenhour,Hanger,Danowski,Spade,Hanna,Harris
A endees:MembersoftheHouseDemocra cCaucus
JennaKarge|Administra veAssistanttotheChiefofSta
OceofGovernorTomWolf
Room225MainCapitol|HarrisburgPA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
Email:
www.pa.gov
PRIVILEGEDANDCONFIDENTIALCOMMUNICATION
Theinforma ontransmi edisintendedonlyforthepersonoren tytowhomitisaddressedandmaycontainconden aland/orprivileged
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oranyotherprivilege.
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/10/201502:37:51PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
PatriotNews:CoulddelayingpropertytaxdiscussionsbetheissuethathelpstobreakPa.budgetlogjam?
PatriotNews:CoulddelayingpropertytaxdiscussionsbetheissuethathelpstobreakPa.budgetlogjam?
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/gov_tom_wolf_willing_to_consid.html#incart_river
ByCharlesThompson|
Emailtheauthor|FollowonTwitter
onJuly10,2015at1:50PM,updatedJuly10,2015at1:51PM
Gov.TomWolfhassaidhedoesn'tdohisnegotiatinginthepress.
Sobearinmindthatwhatyou'reabouttoreadwasn'tsomuchanofferasananswertoaquestion.
ButitmaybeananswerworthkeepinganeyeonastheGreat2015BudgetStalemateslogsthroughJuly.
WolfwassayingFridaymorningthatyoucan'tdorealpropertytaxreliefforPennsylvaniahomeowners
withoutshiftingmuchoftheburdenforfundinglocalschooltothestatepersonalincomeorsalestax.
"Idon'tknowanywaywecanhaverealpropertytaxreliefwithoutit(increasesinthosetwo,broadbased
statetaxes),"saidWolf,whohasproposedraisingtheincometaxfrom3.07percentto3.7percentandthesales
taxfrom6percentt06.6percenttodojustthat.
Thoseincreases,accordingtothestateIndependentFiscalOffice,wouldnetmorethan$6.3billionin201617,
thefirstfullyearofcollection.
Mostoftheproceeds,estimatedatabout$3.6billionannually,wouldbeusedtooffsetschoolproperty
taxesacrossthestate,localwagetaxesinPhiladelphia,andproviderebatestorenterswith
householdincomesunder$50,000.
Wolfwasaskedifwiththe201516statebudgetalready10dayslatehecouldseehiswaytoseparatingthe
propertytaxissuefromtheongoingtalks,andcomingbacktoitasanoffbudgetpolicyissueinthefall.
That'swherethingsgotinteresting.Hedidn'texactlyendorsetheidea,buthedidn'tslamthedoorshuteither.
Andafterthreevetoesin10days,sometimesjusttheabsenceofaclear'no'getsyourattention.
LikewhenSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentreCounty,saidTuesdaythathedidinthisbudget
discussion.
Here'swhatWolfsaidFridayaboutdeferringonpropertytaxreliefnowafteraspeechtothestateAmerican
LegionconventioninHarrisburg:
"Idon'tknowwhatsomebodycouldofferorsaytomethatwouldmakemedothat,butIwouldhavetobe
convincedthatthey'rereallyseriousaboutpropertytaxrelief.Weneedpropertytaxrelief.
"Howwegetthere,I'mopentoconversation.Butweneedrealpropertytaxrelief....
"Aslongaswe'reseriousaboutthat,I'mwillingtoconsideranything.Butwehavetobeseriousaboutthat."
Whyisthisworthwatching?
1.LegislativeRepublicanswhocontrolthestateHouseandSenatehavemadetheirstandoncompletingthe
201516budgetwithoutanincreaseinthestate'sbroadbasedtaxes.
2.Wolfbelieveshedoesneedadditionaltaxestobooststateaidforpublicschoolsandtocorrectarecurringgap
betweenstateoperatingexpensesandannualrevenues.
Butifpropertytaxreformwassetasideforthefall,thesizeofWolf'staxaskwillbydefinitionbemuchsmaller.
3.ManyRepublicanswouldreallyratherdebatepropertytaxesinaforumwherethetaxshiftisdollarfor
dollar,therebyforcingWolftojustifyanyothertaxincreasesontheirmeritswithoutthe"camouflage"of
propertytaxestocoverthemup.
Andadollarfordollartaxshiftwouldhavenostatebudgetimpact.
4.Thepromisedtaxreliefcan'tbestarteduntil2016attheearliest,soit'snotlikedelayingdecisionsonschool
propertytaxeswouldbekillingthechanceoftaxrelieftohomeownersthissummer.
WolfwasalsoaskedFridayifhebelieveditpossibletomeethisotherbudgetaryneedswithoutasalesor
incometaxincrease.Andagain,doorsweren'tslammedshutatleastpublicly.
"Idon'tknowhowyoudothat,butI'dliketosee...TheremightbesomewaysandI'dbehappytoworkwith
ways,"thegovernorsaid.
"Butagain,weneedtobehonestaboutthebudget.Weneedtobehonestaboutthatdeficitthatwehave.We
can'tusesmokeandmirrorsthatwe'veusedinthepast.We'vegottogetinarealwaytoabalancedbudget.
"I'mwillingtotalkaboutthings,butIhaven'theardanythingyet."
Intheend,itwasjustsomeanswerstoquestions.
Andclearly,aseparationofthepropertytaxreformfromthecurrentbudgettabledoesn'tbyitselfresolve
anything.
There'sstilltheissuesof:Howmuchnewmoneytopumpintoschoolscontrollingthepensioncostsbonfire
whethertomodernizeorprivatizethestateownedliquorstoreswheretofindtherevenue,anddoes
thatlistincludeashalegastax.
Butitwouldtakeonehugelycomplexissueoffthetableandsignificantlyreducethegapsinthetwosides'
startingfiscalpositions.
Andafterthelasttwoweeksofbipartisangridlock,thatjustmaybesomething.
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/22/201502:55:36PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
PatriotNews:Editorial:WhowillstepupandgetthePennsylvaniabudgetprocessmovingforward?
PatriotNews:Editorial:WhowillstepupandgetthePennsylvaniabudgetprocessmovingforward?
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/06/pennsylvania_budget_editorial.html#incart_river
ByPennLiveEditorialBoard
Emailtheauthor
onJune22,2015at2:40PM,updatedJune22,2015at2:50PM
OnMondayafternoon,agroupofactivistsgatheredoutsideGov.TomWolf'ssecondfloorofficesinthestate
CapitoltosingandprayforastatebudgetthatdeliversforallPennsylvanians.
Withscarcelyaweekremainingtopassanewspendingplan,andDemocratWolfandtheRepublicancontrolled
GeneralAssemblystillmilesapartonkeycomponentsoftheadministration'sproposed$33.8billionbudget
proposal,itmaywelltakeanactofdivineinterventiontogetafinisheddocumentontoWolf'sdeskbytheJune
30deadline.
MajordisagreementsonsuchkeyissuesashowtomuchtoallocateforPennsylvania's500schooldistricts
howtountanglearoughly$50billionpublicemployeepensionknot,andwhetherorhow
tomodernizeorprivatizePennsylvania'sstateownedliquorstores,stillseparatethetwocamps.
Theprinciplesofgoodgovernancewoulddictatethatbothsidesputasidetheirpartisandifferencestopassa
budgetbythedeadline.
Andinaperfectworld,that'sexactlywhatwouldhappen.
Butthisisn'tSchoolhouseRock.
Inreality,it'snearlyimpossibletoseparatepoliticsfromadocumentthatbothsidesregardasavesselfortheir
mostdeeplyheldpartisanbeliefsandadeliverysystemfortheirrespectiveideologicalgoals.
Whatismoreunfortunate,however,isthat,ameresevendaysbeforethedeadline,lawmakersandthe
administrationappearnoclosertostrikinganaccord.It'snotasifthedeadlineisasurprise.June30fallson
exactlythesamedayeveryyear.Andit'sbeenbetterthanthreemonthssinceWolfpresentedhisfreshman
budgettoajointsessionofthestateHouseandSenate.
Look,noone'ssayingthisshouldbeeasybudgetingishardwork.Andputtingtogetheradocumentthat
makeseveryonehappyisaminormiracle.Andbothsidesthinktheyhaveamandate.
ButwesharethefrustrationofmanyPennsylvanianswholookoninwonderand,perhaps,angerat
policymakerswaitinguntiltheverylastminutetopassabudget.Whileit'struethatthegravitationalpullofthe
annualdebateandthepressureofthedeadlineiswhatittakestogetthingsdone,westillcannothelpbut
wonderifthereisn'tabetterway.
Atthiswriting,itappearsentirelylikelythatRepublicansintheHouseandSenatewillsendWolfabudgetby
June30thatcontainsalloftheirprioritiesandnoneofhis.Inreturn,observersbelieveWolfwillvetoliquor
privatizationandpensionreformbills,forcingRepublicanstothetableforalong,hotsummerofnegotiations.
InHarrisburg,that'swhatpassesforcompromise.
ThelosersinsuchascenarioarestateemployeeswhomayendupmissingapaycheckortwothePennsylvania
schoolchildren(especiallythoseinneedydistricts)andthevotingpublic,whowillbejustifiedinwonderingwhy
theirelectedleaderscannotaccomplishtheonetaskthattheyarerequired,bylaw,todo,yearinandyearout.
DuringameetingwiththePennLiveEditorialBoardlastweek,SenateMajorityLeaderJake
Corman,RCentreCounty,wasstillholdingouthopeforanearlyresolution.
"Therearecertainrealitiesweallhavetocometo,"hesaid."Thesoonerwegetthere,thebetter...Itallcomes
downtowhatpeoplearewillingtodotomoveforward."
Therearesevendaystogobeforethedeadline.Andsofar,nooneismovingforward.
Ifourleadersarenotmovingforward,Pennsylvaniansaremovingbackward.
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime: 06/26/201505:44:21PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
PatriotNews:HouseandSenateRepublicanslauncha"majorityapproved"budget,withoutagreementfromGov.TomWolf
PatriotNews:HouseandSenateRepublicanslauncha"majorityapproved"budget,withoutagreementfromGov.
TomWolf
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/house and senate republicans l.html
ByCharlesThompson|
Emailtheauthor|FollowonTwitter
onJune26,2015at5:05PM
LeadersofPennsylvania'sRepublicanHouseandSenatemajoritiesannouncedagreementFridayona$30.1
billionbudgetthattheyexpecttopassandsendtoGov.TomWolfintimeforthenewfiscalyearJuly1.
ThelegislativeproductisnottheresultofnegotiationswiththeDemocratgovernor,however,andmaybe
vetoedonceitreacheshisdesk.
TheGOPleaderssaidtheybelievePennsylvanianscanlivecomfortablywiththeirplan,whichtheynoted
includesspendingincreasesforalllevelsofpubliceducation,meetsthestate'sscheduledpensionpaymentsand
doesnotrelyonanynewtaxes.
DetailsareexpectedtobemadeavailablelaterFriday,buttheGOPspendingplandoesincludea$100million
increaseinfundingforbasiceducationsubsidies,clearsabackloginstatereimbursementsforschool
construction,anda3percentincreaseinappropriationstothestate'spublicuniversities.
"WehopethatthegovernorwillunderstandthatthepeopleofPennsylvania,althoughtheyelectedanew
governor,theydidnotelectanewphilosophyofmassivetaxincreases,andmassivespendingathistoriclevels,"
saidHouseMajorityLeaderDavidReed,RIndianaCounty.
TheinitialreactionfromtheWolfAdministrationwhichdidnotparticipateintheseRepublicantoRepublican
negotiationswasnotgood.
"Thisisanothergimmickfilledbudgetthatonceagainjustexacerbatesthedeficit,"saidWolf'spresssecretary
JeffSheridan."It'sreallydisappointingforthepeopleofPennsylvaniathattheyarenotwillingtohavereal
conversationwithus."
Sheridanstoppedshortofpredictingaveto,buthenotedthattheGOPplanfailstomeetthegovernor'sschool
fundingtargetsWolfhadcalledforfourtimesasmuchinnewbasiceducationsubsidies,or$400million.
TheRepublicanplanalsodoesnotincludeaseverancetaxonnaturalgasproductionanothercenterpieceof
Wolf's2014gubernatorialcampaignorpropertytaxrelief.
IfWolfwouldvetoallorportionsoftheGOPbackedplan,mostaspectsofstategovernmentwouldnotbe
dramaticallyaffectedforseveralweeks.
TheRepublicanplanfollowsseveralweeksofcloseddoornegotiationswiththegovernorandhisstaffthathave
doneasmuchtohighlightdeepphilosophicaldifferencesasproducenewconsensus.
Throughoutthatprocess,theGOPleadersopenlynotedthattheywerereservingtheoptiontopassaplanof
theirowncreationiftheydidn'tfeeltheywereseeingsignificantenoughconcessionsfromthefirstyear
governor.
That'swherewe'reat.
Republicanssaidtheirplanmeetsthemandatetheirhistoricmajoritiestookfromvoterslastfall:"Toreinin
stategovernmentspending,andtoholdthelineontaxes,"asSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre
County,putit.
"IfIwerethegovernorIwouldsignthesepiecesoflegislationanddeclarevictory,"saidHouseSpeakerMike
Turzai,RAlleghenyCounty."Thesearewinners,movingPennsylvaniaintothe21stCentury.
TheRepublicanssaidtheywereabletohittheirtargetsthroughacombinationof:
*Highertaxcollectionprojectionsfor201516,basedinpartonrevenuesurplusesthisyear.
*LowerstatewelfarecaseloadsthantheWolfAdministrationhasprojected.
*Fundtransfers.
*Aprojected$220millionfromprivatizationofPennsylvania'salcoholmonopoly.
TheRepublicanplanisastarkcontrastfromWolf'sproposal,whichcalledforcumulativetaxincreasesof$4.6
billion,thoughmuchofthatmoneywouldbereturnedtohomeownersin2016throughschoolpropertytax
cuts.
AcknowledgingthattheGOPbackedplan'sprospectsmaynotbegoodwithWolf,Cormanexpressed
satisfactionthattheHouseandSenatehaddevelopedaplanthatwasresponsivetotheirconstituents.
"Wewillcontinuetoworkwithhim(Wolf,intheeventofaveto),"Cormansaid."Butnoneofusaregoingback
toourdistrictsandhearingpeoplesay:'Youreallyneedtotaxchildcare.Youreallyneedtotaxhomehealth
care.Youreallyneedtotaxaccountingservices.'Ourconstituentsaren'ttellingusthat.
"Sowhatwedidiswelivedwithwhatwehad,stillmadesomegreatinvestments,andIthinkputabudgetin
that'sgoodforPennsylvania."
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/08/201504:16:11PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
PatriotNews:JohnMicek:Here'showMarcusBrown'snominationforPSPbossfinallyfellapart
PatriotNews:JohnMicek:Here'showMarcusBrown'snominationforPSPbossfinallyfellapart
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook/2015/06/with_state_police_commish_defe.html
ByJohnL.Micek|
Emailtheauthor|FollowonTwitter
onJune08,2015at4:12PM,updatedJune08,2015at4:14PM
Itwasn'tasurprisethattheRepublicancontrolledstateSenateshotdownGov.TomWolf'spicktorun
thePennsylvaniaStatePolice.
Theonlysurprisewasthatittookaslongasitdid.
FormorethananhourearlyMondayafternoon,RepublicanandDemocraticlawmakerssparredoverthefate
ofMarcusBrown,theformerMarylandstatecopwho'sbeenwanderingthehallsoftheCapitolforweekslike
somekindofpoliticalMaryCeleste,waitingforhisfatetobedecided.
Wolf'sstaffspenttheweekendworkingthephoneshardtryingtodrumupsupportforBrown,who
didn'texactlycharmtheGOPlawmakerswhoheldhisappointmentintheirhands.
WolfandSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,alsospokeovertheweekendatleast
once.CormantoldWolfthatthereweren'tenoughvotestoconfirmBrownmaybenotever.
AsrecentlyaslastFriday,Wolf'sspokesman,JeffreySheridan,wasinsistingthathisbosswasn'tgoingto
recallBrown'snominationsohecouldbuymoretimeforhistroubledpick.
Butthat'sexactlywhathappened.
Andthat'swhenthingswentfrommerelystrangetoseverelyweirdinthat"OnlyinHarrisburg"sortofway.
WolfissuedastatementMondaymorning,recallingthenomination,butaddingthathewasstandingbyhis
man.
CormansaidtheSenatewouldonlyhewtotraditionandhonortherecallifWolfpromisednotto
resubmitBrown'snomination.
Nodice,theadministrationsaid,BrownwasstayingonasActingCommissioner.SoitwasGameOn.
ThusthedramathatendedwiththeSenate's2622voteagainstconfirmationwasaspredictableasanyWile
E.Coyote/RoadRunnercartoon.
Youjustknewtheanvilwasgoingtobedroppedsoonerratherthanlater.
Andeachsideplayedtheirrespectivepartstoatee.
ThereweretheDemocratstoutingBrown'sresumeandcommitmenttodiversity:
"MarcusBrownroseupinoneofthetoughestcitiesinAmerica,yetwesaythathe'snotworthyof
Pennsylvania?"Sen.VinceHughes,DPhiladelphia,railedatonepoint,asheplayed
upBrown'sbackgroundasaBaltimorebeatcop.
AndthereweretheRepublicans,whomethodicallytookBrownapartwithcomplaintsabouthiscredibilityand
judgment.
Andfairornot,thelanternjawedcopgavethemplentyoffodder.
FromblowupsoverhiscontroversialdecisiontoweartheStatePolicegrayswithoutgoingtotheStatePolice
Academyanotoriousfracasoversomeyardsignsandrepeatedtempestsoverapensionpayoutandhis
propertytaxbill,Brownsnominationtookrepeatedhits.
Takentogether,theyweretheAcmerocketskates,EarthquakePillsandDehydratedBouldersthat
invariablyledtoBrownsmackingontothetunnelpaintedclifffaceattopspeed.
SowhenSen.LisaBaker,RLuzerne,notedthatBrownhad"createdunnecessarydistractions"that
promptedallbutthreeofthechamber's30Republicanstovoteagainsthim,itwashardnottonodin
recognition.
Butit'salsomorethanfairtoarguethatatleasttwoofthechargeslodgedagainstBrownwereentirely
overblown.
Withtheuniformfracas,thetoughasnailsStatePoliceprovedremarkablythinskinnedastheyrailedagainst
afellowofficerwhoseprimarysin,itseemed,wasn'tbeingunqualified,butratherforhailingfromaforcethat
someamongthemconsidertheJV.
Therewasplentyofsillinesstogoaroundintheflapovertheyardsigns.Theywerespecificallyplantedtoelicit
areaction.AndBrownwalkedrightintoit.Andhewascaughtontape,toboot.
ThereweredeeperandlegitimatequestionsaboutBrown'spensionpayoutwhenhelefttheBaltimoreCity
forcetojointheStatePolice.Andtherewasquiteabitofdebateoverwhatamountedtoalittlemorethan$90
worthofhomesteadexemptions.
InthewakeofMonday'svote,SheridansaidWolfwas"verydisappointed"intheSenate'sdecisionnotto
honortherecall,aspastadministrationshadinthepast.
Foritspart,theSenateGOPsaiditwasequallydisappointedthatWolfhaddoneanendrunand
keptBrownonthejob,essentiallyignoringthewhole"AdviseandConsent"thingintheStateConstitution.
that'ssupposedtogivetheSenatefinalsayoverCabinetpicks.
"Wedidn'tconsent,"Corman'sspokeswoman,JenniferKocher,said,hintingthatitmightbeimpossibleto
indefinitelykeepasidearmtotingtempintheBigBuildingonElmertonAvenueinsuburbanHarrisburg.
SothedayendedwiththetwocampsgloweringateachotherfromacrosstheCapitol.Shockertherewereno
meetingsplannedonthestatebudget.
Andthere'sbarelythreeweekstogountilthebudgetdeadline.Imaginewhat'sgoingtohappenwhentempers
getseriouslyfrayed.
JohnL.MicekisPennLive'sOpinionEditor.Readersmayemailhim
andfollowhimonTwitter@ByJohnLMicek.
SophieStone|PressAssistant
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PatriotNews:RaisetheMinimumWagePAdeliverspetitiontoSen.JakeCorman
PatriotNews:RaisetheMinimumWagePAdeliverspetitiontoSen.JakeCorman
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/raise_the_minimum_wage_pa_deli.html
ByMadisonRuss|PennLive.com
onJune08,2015at2:58PM
TheRaisetheMinimumWagePAcoalitiondeliveredapetitionwithover10,000signaturestoSenateMajority
LeaderJakeCorman'sofficethisafternoon.
Thepetitioncallsforlawmakerstomoveabillthatwouldraisethestateminimumwageto$10.10anhour.
Accordingtothecoalition,publicopinionpollssay66percentofthestate'spopulationsupportsraisingthe
minimumwage.Over1.2millionPennsylvaniaworkerswouldseearaiseifthelegislationispassed.
"Wedounderstandthatraisingtheminimumwageissomethingthatisofinteresttoalotofpeopleinthe
stateonbothsides(oftheissue),"saidJenniferKocher,communicationdirectorforCorman,aCentreCounty
Republican.
Shenotedthathearingsonthebillhavestirredalotofdiscussionamongstlegislators.
"We'rehopingtomoveforwardwiththattogetsomeofthosequestionsanswered,"saidKocher.
AdvocatesfromacrossthestatevoicedtheirconcernsinfrontofCorman'soffice,whowasnotpresent,before
deliveringthesignatures.
SamJones,fromRestaurantOpportunityCenter,calledfor"onefairwage"foralltippedworkerswhohesays
haven'thadamandatedincreaseinpayinover20years.
"18percentoftippedworkersliveinpovertyasopposeto8percentofallworkersoverall,"saidJones."70
percentoftippedworkersarewomenandbecausethetipminimumwageissolow,theyfacesexual
harassmentinordertogetthosetipstomaketheirliving."
About56percentofminimumwageworkerswhowouldseeaboostinwageswouldbewomen,andnearly25
percenthavechildrentoprovidefor,accordingtoanEconomicPolicyInstituteanalysisofsimilarminimum
wageproposals.
"Allworkersshouldbeabletolivewithdignity,"saidDonaldCooper,fromOnePittsburgh.Coopernotedthat
thecurrentstateminimumwage,at$7.25anhour,cannotsustainafamily.
"Weneedsomehelpfromourlegislators,weneedforthemtodotherightthing,"saidCooper."Theyshouldbe
worryingaboutpeopleoverprofits."
SophieStone|PressAssistant
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PatriotNews:RepublicancraftedbudgetpassestheSenate,nowgoestoGov.TomWolf
PatriotNews:RepublicancraftedbudgetpassestheSenate,nowgoestoGov.TomWolf
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/republicancrafted_budget_pass.html
ByChristianAlexandersen|
Emailtheauthor|FollowonTwitter
onJune30,2015at5:24PM,updatedJune30,2015at5:25PM
ThefateoftheRepublicancreatedbudgetproposalisnowinWolfshandsafterithaspassedbothhouse
inthePennsylvaniaGeneralAssembly.
ThePennsylvaniaSenatevoted3019Tuesdaytopassthe$30.2billionbudgetproposalafteritpassedthe
HouseofRepresentativesmostlyalongpartylinesonSaturday.Thedeadlinetopassabudgetismidnight
Tuesday.
READ:Pa.HousepassesGOPcreatedbudgetproposaltothedismayofDemocrats
READ:WhatwillGov.TomWolfdowithabudgethedoesn'twant?
ThefirsttimeDemocraticgovernormustnowdecidewhathewilldowiththeproposal.Wolfandhis
administrationhavebeencriticalofthebudgetbecauseitdoesnotincludemoremoneyforschools,a
severancetaxonnaturalgasdrillersandpropertytaxreform.
Withaproposalnowonhisdesk,Wolfcaneithersign,lineitemvetoorcompletelyvetotheGOPproposal.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanspokeinsupportofnotincludingaseverancetaxonnaturalgas
drillers.It'simportanttocreateapositivebusinessclimateforenergyproducersinPennsylvania,hesaid.
PassingabudgetwithaseverancetaxasproposedbyWolfwillnothelpkeepenergyproducersinthe
state.
"Thisisagoodbudget,"Cormansaid."IthinkthisisabudgetthepeopleofPennsylvaniacanbeproudof."
SenatePresidentProTemporeJoeScarnati,RJeffersonCounty,showedhissupportforthebudget
becauseitdealswithissuesthatPennsylvanianscareabout.Thebudgetincludesadditionalmoneyforpublic
educationanddoesnotincludetaxincreases.
"Thisisagreatbudget,"Scarnatisaid."ThisbudgetaddressesmanyissuesinPennsylvania."
Sen.ScottWagner,RYorkCounty,saidthegovernmentneedstogetoutofthewayofthebusinessesby
notraisingtaxesandgivethestateeconomyanopportunitytogrow.Thisbudget,hesaid,doesthat.
"Weneedtogetourhouseinorder,fixtheleaksontheship,"Wagnersaid.
Sen.VinceHughes,DPhiladelphia,criticizedthebudgetforitseducationfunding.Hughesarguedthat
theGOPproposalincludesa$120millionincreaseinstatefundingforpublicandspecialeducationbutitalso
shifts$112millionofcostsontolocalschooldistricts.
Thecombinationofaddingmoneybutshiftingcosts,Hughessaid,resultsinan$8millionincreaseforeducation
fundingfor2.1millionPennsylvaniastudents.Apointherepeatedmorethan10timesduringhisTuesday
budgetspeech.
HughesofferedanamendmenttotheGOPbudgetproposalwhichwouldprovide$400millionadditionaldollars
toschools.Theamendmentwasdefeated30to19alongpartylines.
Sen.RobTeplitz,DDauphinCounty,saidtheproposalis"notarealbudget."
"It'snotrealbecauseit'sbasedontricksandideology,"Teplitzsaid."Weallknowwe'regoingthroughthe
theatricsofpassingabudget...onlytoberejectedbythegovernor."
Republicans,hesaid,arecreatingan"artificialcrisis"byforcingtheirproposalthroughtheGeneralAssembly.
"What'sbeingpassedtodayisjustnotathoughtfulplanthatmovesusforward,"hesaid.
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
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Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
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PatriotNews:RepublicancraftedbudgetpassestheSenate,nowgoestoGov.TomWolf
PatriotNews:RepublicancraftedbudgetpassestheSenate,nowgoestoGov.TomWolf
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/republicancrafted_budget_pass.html
ByChristianAlexandersen|
Emailtheauthor|FollowonTwitter
onJune30,2015at5:24PM,updatedJune30,2015at5:25PM
ThefateoftheRepublicancreatedbudgetproposalisnowinWolfshandsafterithaspassedbothhouse
inthePennsylvaniaGeneralAssembly.
ThePennsylvaniaSenatevoted3019Tuesdaytopassthe$30.2billionbudgetproposalafteritpassedthe
HouseofRepresentativesmostlyalongpartylinesonSaturday.Thedeadlinetopassabudgetismidnight
Tuesday.
READ:Pa.HousepassesGOPcreatedbudgetproposaltothedismayofDemocrats
READ:WhatwillGov.TomWolfdowithabudgethedoesn'twant?
ThefirsttimeDemocraticgovernormustnowdecidewhathewilldowiththeproposal.Wolfandhis
administrationhavebeencriticalofthebudgetbecauseitdoesnotincludemoremoneyforschools,a
severancetaxonnaturalgasdrillersandpropertytaxreform.
Withaproposalnowonhisdesk,Wolfcaneithersign,lineitemvetoorcompletelyvetotheGOPproposal.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanspokeinsupportofnotincludingaseverancetaxonnaturalgas
drillers.It'simportanttocreateapositivebusinessclimateforenergyproducersinPennsylvania,hesaid.
PassingabudgetwithaseverancetaxasproposedbyWolfwillnothelpkeepenergyproducersinthe
state.
"Thisisagoodbudget,"Cormansaid."IthinkthisisabudgetthepeopleofPennsylvaniacanbeproudof."
SenatePresidentProTemporeJoeScarnati,RJeffersonCounty,showedhissupportforthebudget
becauseitdealswithissuesthatPennsylvanianscareabout.Thebudgetincludesadditionalmoneyforpublic
educationanddoesnotincludetaxincreases.
"Thisisagreatbudget,"Scarnatisaid."ThisbudgetaddressesmanyissuesinPennsylvania."
Sen.ScottWagner,RYorkCounty,saidthegovernmentneedstogetoutofthewayofthebusinessesby
notraisingtaxesandgivethestateeconomyanopportunitytogrow.Thisbudget,hesaid,doesthat.
"Weneedtogetourhouseinorder,fixtheleaksontheship,"Wagnersaid.
Sen.VinceHughes,DPhiladelphia,criticizedthebudgetforitseducationfunding.Hughesarguedthat
theGOPproposalincludesa$120millionincreaseinstatefundingforpublicandspecialeducationbutitalso
shifts$112millionofcostsontolocalschooldistricts.
Thecombinationofaddingmoneybutshiftingcosts,Hughessaid,resultsinan$8millionincreaseforeducation
fundingfor2.1millionPennsylvaniastudents.Apointherepeatedmorethan10timesduringhisTuesday
budgetspeech.
HughesofferedanamendmenttotheGOPbudgetproposalwhichwouldprovide$400millionadditionaldollars
toschools.Theamendmentwasdefeated30to19alongpartylines.
Sen.RobTeplitz,DDauphinCounty,saidtheproposalis"notarealbudget."
"It'snotrealbecauseit'sbasedontricksandideology,"Teplitzsaid."Weallknowwe'regoingthroughthe
theatricsofpassingabudget...onlytoberejectedbythegovernor."
Republicans,hesaid,arecreatingan"artificialcrisis"byforcingtheirproposalthroughtheGeneralAssembly.
"What'sbeingpassedtodayisjustnotathoughtfulplanthatmovesusforward,"hesaid.
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
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|Office:
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Senttime:
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PatriotNews:SenateMajorityleaderagainstrecallingtopcopnominee
PatriotNews:SenateMajorityleaderagainstrecallingtopcopnominee
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/senate_majority_leader_against.html
ByChristianAlexandersen|
Emailtheauthor|FollowonTwitter
onJune08,2015at10:34AM,updatedJune08,2015at10:35AM
Whileit'snotyetknownifthePennsylvaniaSenatewillhonorGov.TomWolf'srecallofPa.StatePolice
commissionernominee,atopRepublicanisagainstit.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentreCounty,saidonSundaythattheonlywayRepublicans
wouldallowBrown'snametoberecalledisifWolfdoesn'trenominatehim.CormansaidSenateRepublicansare
notinterestedinprolongingtheconfirmationvoteonMarcusBrownanothersixmonths.
READ:Gov.TomWolfaskstorecallPa.StatePolicecommissionernominee
READ:MarcusBrown'sconfirmationdrawsyetanothercontroversy
"Ifhewantstorecallandmoveontoanothernominee,that'sadifferentstory,"CormansaidSunday."We
wouldn'tbeinterestedinhavinghimrecalledandnominatehimagain.He'sbeenthroughtheprocessthere'sno
sensedelayingit."
RenominatingBrownwouldgivethenomineemoretimetofamiliarizehimselftosenatorsbutCormansaid,
"It'sbeensinceJanuary,okay.Atsomepointyou'vegottomakeadecisiontomoveon.We'vegivenhimthe
lengthoftimewepossiblycan."
WhenitcomestohonoringtheWolf'srequestforarecall,CormansaidSunday,"Leavingithangdoesn'tdo
anybodyanygood."
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
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Senttime:
07/07/201502:47:54PM
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PatriotNews:The#PaBudgetisamongthepriciestinthenation,studyfinds
PatriotNews:The#PaBudgetisamongthepriciestinthenation,studyfinds
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/pa_budget_among_the_most_costl.html
ByJohnL.Micek|
Emailtheauthor|FollowonTwitter
onJuly07,2015at2:39PM,updatedJuly07,2015at2:42PM
Gov.TomWolfmetwithSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre,onTuesday
afternoonasthetwosidesworkedtowardaresolutionofthestate'sweekoldbudgetstandoff.
Thetwosidesbrokewithoutreachinganysettlement,leadingCormantoconcludethatit'sgoingtobe
alongsummer.
Forthoseofyoutuninginlate,Wolf,aDemocrat,hasproposedspendingnearly$34billionforthefiscalyear
thatstartedJuly1.
Lastweek,RepublicanswhocontroltheGeneralAssemblysenttheDemocraticgovernora$30.2billion
budgetthatdidn'tincludeanytaxincreases.AmidRepublicanproteststhathisplanspenttoo
much,WolfvetoedtheGOPalternative.
ButhowdoesWolf'sproposalstackuptootherexecutivebudgetsnationwide?ArecentstudybyThe
NationalAssociationofStateBudgetOfficers,aprofessionalorganization,providessomeguidance.
Asthenation'ssixthlargeststate,itonlystandstoreasonthatPennsylvaniaisgoingtohaveaprettybig
budgetittakesalotofcointocovertheneedsof12millionpeople.
ButthedebateovertheappropriatelevelofspendingisonethatcontinuestodividetheDemocratic
administrationandRepublicanlawmakers.TheGOPwantstocutcostsandducktaxincreases.The
administrationsaysyearsofcutsandcouchcushionbudgetinghavetakentheirtoll.
Somehighlights:
Governorsin42statesrecommendedspendingmoremoneythantheyearbefore,atarateofabout3.1percent
nationwide,thestudyfound.That'satotalofnearly$780billionnationwideforfiscal201516,comparedto
$756billiontheyearbeforeand$722billiontheyearbeforethat.
Wolf'sbudgetproposalisamongtheeightlargestinthenation,trailingsuchneighboringstatesasOhio($35
billion)andNewJersey($34billion).California'sbudgetof$114billionisthelargestinthecountry,thestudy
concluded.
Despiteproposedcutstosomecorporatetaxes,Wolf'sproposed$4.5billiontaxpackageisthelargestinthe
nation,thestudyfound.Theadministration'splanraises$1.5billionfromahigherpersonalincometaxand
$2.3billionfromahigher(andexpanded)statesalestax.
WhileotherstatesconsiderahostofmeasuresfromworkforcecutstoLotteryexpansiontomanagecosts,
Pennsylvaniastandsnearlyaloneinnotemployinganycostcontrolmeasures.ARepublicanlawmaker,Rep.
JohnPayneofHershey,hasproposedallowingInternetgambling,buttheadministrationhasbeencooltothe
plan.
Pennsylvaniaisalsooneofseveralstates(includingneighboringOhio)thatdoesnotcutprogramstoreduce
costs,thestudyfound.
Here'sthefullreport:
NasboStateBudgetStudy
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PatriotNews:'TheSenatehasspoken':RepublicansurgeWolftolookfornewtopcopnomineewhileDemocratswantafight
PatriotNews:'TheSenatehasspoken':RepublicansurgeWolftolookfornewtopcopnomineewhileDemocratswant
afight
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/the senate has spoken republic.html#incart river
ByChristianAlexandersen|
Emailtheauthor|FollowonTwitter
onJune08,2015at3:37PM
RepublicanSenatorsarewarningGov.TomWolfthatifheresubmitsMarcusBrownashisnomineeforthePa.
StatePolicecommissioner,they'llrejecthimagain.
ThePennsylvaniaSenatevoted26to22againstBrown'sconfirmationonMonday.RepublicanSenatorsledthe
efforttorejectBrown'sconfirmationhighlightingseveraldecisions,viewsandactionsthattheyconsider
questionable.
WolfnowhastodecidewhethertoresubmitBrownforconfirmationorchooseanewnominee.Hehas10days
tomakethedecision,butinthemeantimeBrownwillcontinuetoserveasactingcommissioner.
IfthegovernorresubmitsBrown,SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentreCounty,saidthe
outcomewillbethesame.
"Iwouldhopehewouldn'tdothat,"Cormansaid."Thisparticularnominee,forwhateverreason,wasnotable
togarnersupport.IthinkthegovernorshouldrespecttheSenateandourprocessjustlikewerespecthimand
hisprocess."
SensingBrownwouldnotgetconfirmed,WolfaskedtheSenatetorecallBrown'snominationMonday
morning.TheSenateRulesCommittee,however,voted160tosendBrown'sconfirmationtothefloorfora
vote.
Cormansaidthat,"Itwastimetobringthismattertoaclose."
ButthatfeelingisnotbeingsharedbytheSenateDemocrats.
SenateMinorityLeaderJayCosta,DAlleghenyCounty,andSen.VinceHughes,D
Philadelphia,areencouragingthegovernortoresubmitBrownforconfirmation.
CostasaidtheadditionaltimewillallowBrowntowinsupportinareasthathehasn'tgottenityetlikethePa.
StateTrooperAssociation.CostasaidBrowncouldalsomeetwiththeRepublicanSenatorsthatvoted
againsthimtotrytoconvincethemthatheshouldbethestatepolicecommissioner.
Costasaidthathe'sdisappointedthatSenateRepublicansarenotgivingsuchaqualifiedcandidateachanceto
operatethestatepolice.
HughessaidWolf,whowonalandslidevictoryagainstincumbentRepublicanGov.TomCorbettinNovember,
isentitledtoputhisCabinettogether.Thatopportunity,whichhasbeenaffordedtonumerousgovernors,has
notnotgiventoWolf,hesaid.
"TheSenateRepublicans,today,havesentastrongmessagetodaythattheywanttogobackwardsandnot
wanttogoforwards"Hughessaid."WehopethegovernorwillstickwithMarcusBrown."
Costasaidthegovernorhas10daystomakeadecisiontoeitherresubmitBrownorsubmitanewnominee.
ThentheSenatewillhave25legislativedaystovoteonthenominee.
"Idon'tbelievehecanserveindefinitely,"Costasaid."Ibelievethegovernorwouldhavetorenominatehim
andsendhisnametousagainandthatwouldbeginthe25legislativedayclockagain."
CostasaidthatifBrown'snamekeepsbeingresubmittedbyWolfandrejectedbytheSenate,theactingstate
policecommissionercouldkeepservingaslongasheisresubmitted.
"Theoretically,thatcouldbethecase.Yes,"Costasaid.
CormansaidhehopesthegovernorwillhonorthedecisionmadebytheSenateandselectanewnominee.
"We'llputthemthroughthesameprocessthateveryothernominationhasgotten,"Cormansaid."TheSenate
hasspoken.WearenotcomfortablewithMarcusBrownasheadofthestatetroopers.Wehopethegovernor
respectsthatandlooksforanewnominee."
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308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
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Senttime:
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Stone,Sophie
Subject:
PatriotNews:VIDEO:Corman:'We'renotopentoabroadbasedtaxincrease'
PatriotNews:VIDEO:Corman:'We'renotopentoabroadbasedtaxincrease'
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/corman_were_not_open_to_a_broa.html#incart_river
ByJanMurphy|
Emailtheauthor|FollowonTwitter
onJuly07,2015at2:50PM,updatedJuly07,2015at2:51PM
FollowingaboutahalfhourmeetingwithGov.TomWolf,SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentre
County,declaredthesignificantdifferencebetweenhiscaucus'positionandthegovernor'sisoverabroad
basedtaxincrease.
Wolfisforit.SenateRepublicansaren't.
"Untilthisissuecanberesolvedwe'regoingtobehereawhile,"Cormansaid,asheexitedthegovernor'soffice.
WATCH:http://videoembed.pennlive.com/services/player/bcpid1950981438001?
bctid=4342532320001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAQBxUw0E~,DELAM66vw4zhl01IhycwsWq6Y4XfEN
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PhiladelphiaInquirer:GOPbudgetignoresWolf'spriorities
PhiladelphiaInquirer:GOPbudgetignoresWolf'spriorities
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150627_GOP_budget_ignores_Wolf_s_priorities.html
ANGELACOULOUMBIS,INQUIRERHARRISBURGBUREAU
LASTUPDATED:FRIDAY,JUNE26,2015,4:36PM
HARRISBURGRepublicanswhocontrolthelegislatureonFridayunveileda$30.1billionbudgetblueprintasanalternativetotheWolfadministration'sproposed
plan,settingthestageforavetobytheDemocraticgovernor.
TheGOP'sproposedspendingplanwouldraisenonewtaxesandwouldincludeadditionalmoneyforpubliceducation,althoughsubstantiallylessthanwhatthe
governorhasproposed.
"Ourmandatewastonotraisetaxesandrestraingovernmentspending,"saidSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman(R.,Centre)."If[Wolf]wantstovetopartof
thisorallofthis,that'shisright....Butthisisn'tWashingtonD.C.,whereweprintmoneyinthebasement."
Gov.Wolfhassaidrepeatedlyhewillnotsupportabudgetthatdoesnotcontainfundingincreasesforpublicschoolsandpropertytaxreliefforhomeowners.
AndhisadministrationoverthelastfewdayshassentstrongsignalsthatitwillnotsupporttheRepublicancounterproposal.
WolfspokesmanJeffSheridanonFridaywastednotimecriticizingtheGOPbackedplan,whichcouldcomeupforavoteintheHouseofRepresentativesas
earlyasSaturday.
"FromwhatI'mhearing,thisisanothergimmickfilledbudgetthatdoesn'tfundourschools,doesn'tmakeoilandgascompaniespaytheirfairshare.Itdoesn'tclose
thedeficit[without]gimmicks...andthereisnopropertytaxrelief,"hesaid.
HestoppedshortofsayingthatWolfwouldvetoit.
TheRepublicanplanwouldincreasebasiceducationfundingforpublicschoolsby$100million(incontrasttoWolf'sproposed$400million)hikefundingforearly
childhoodeducationby$30million(Wolfwouldboostitby$120million)andgiveanadditional$41millionforhighereducation.
Itwouldnotraisethepersonalincomeorthesalestaxorimposeanewtaxonnaturalgasdrillers,asWolfhadproposed.Thegovernorwantstoincreasethose
taxestofundamajorpropertytaxreliefplanforschooldistrictsstatewide.
@AngelasInk
Readmoreathttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150627_GOP_budget_ignores_Wolf_s_priorities.html#UHbGJI8ZibtXPg3A.99
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/16/201501:47:58PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
PLSReporter:TightlipsandmixedreactionsfollowTuesdaybudgetmeeting
PLSReporter:TightlipsandmixedreactionsfollowTuesdaybudgetmeeting
http://www.plsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/artmid/472/articleid/765/TightlipsandmixedreactionsfollowTuesday
budgetmeeting.aspx
Author:JasonGottesman/Tuesday,June16,2015/Categories:NewsandViews
FollowingTuesdaysweeklybudgetmeetingbetweenGov.TomWolfandlegislativeRepublicanleadership,negotiatorsremainedsilent
astopossibleareasofpotentialagreement,butofferedmixedreactionastotheprogressoftheongoingnegotiationssurroundingthe
budgetandrelatedmajorpiecesoflegislation.
Tuesdaysdiscussionslastedabout30minutes.
FirstoutofthemeetingtocatchupwithreporterswasHouseMajorityLeaderDaveReed(RIndiana)whorelayedthattalksarestill
progressingonthebigissues.
Certainly,sometimesthesemeetingsaremoregoingthroughanupdateonwhatstaffhasbeenmeetingonintheworkinggroups,he
said.Werestillplowingahead.
Rep.Reedaddednotmuchshouldbereadintothecomparativelyshortmeeting.
Ithinkwereatafairlyhighlevelrightnow,hetoldreporters.Werejusttryingtogetaframeworkandalotoftheactualdetailswillbe
workedoutfromhereonout.Werenotatthepointofdraftinglegislation,wereatthepointofmakingbiggerbroaderpolicydecisions
andgettingthemtointeractwithoneanothertogeteverythingdoneontime.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman(RCentre)agreedtheshortmeetingwasduetoitsnatureofastatusupdateonthemajorissues
atplaylikethebudget,liquorprivatization,andpensionreform.
Wehaveavarietyofworkinggroupsgoingon,hesaid.Thingsareprogressinginsmallergroups,sobasically,wegottogetherand
thegovernortalkedaboutwhereeverythingwasandthenwebrokeup.
HesaidtherewasnothingnegativeaboutTuesdaysmeeting.
Healsotoldreportersthatthelowerbudgetdeficitof$1.2billiondoesmakebudgetingeasier.
Yourelookingatthisfromamultiyearperspective,hesaid.Thelowerthedeficit,theeasiertheproblemistosolve.Wewanttoput
ourselvesinagoodstructuregoingforward,thatswhywewanttoaddresspensions.Itsanothermajorcostdriver.
Healsosaidthenewnumbersmighteasetheneedfornewrevenuesources.
Anytimethedeficitissmaller,ittakesthepressureoffofsomewhere,hesaid.Theresstillissuesinfrontofusthatwehaveto
resolveandthatswhatweretryingtodo.
Hedeclinedtocommentonhowdiscussionsrelatedtopublicpensionreformhavebeenprogressing.
SenatePresidentProTemporeJoeScarnati(RJefferson)alsocaughtupwithreportersfollowingTuesdaysmeetingandhintedata
morepositivetoneofongoingnegotiations.
Ithink,clearly,theconversationsaremoreproductivethisweekthantheywerelastweek,hesaid.Thespiritofcooperationseemsto
bemovingalong.
HecharacterizedtheTuesdaymeetingasanupdatewhichwillleadtoareevaluationofwherethingsaregoingthatwillinformthenext
roundofsubstantivenegotiations.
Sen.Scarnatiwasfrankwhenhewasaskedabouthismoodsurroundingthecurrentbudgetnegotiations.
IfeelconfidentweregoingtolandapensionbillandaliquorbillonhisdeskbyJune30th,andabudget,hesaid.Whetherornotits
allagreedtowiththegovernor,thatswhatweretryingtoworkon.
Onhowtalksareprogressingwithregardtosomeoftheothermajorpiecesoflegislation,Sen.Scarnatistatednobodyistalkingabout
ashaletax,butlikeotherRepublicanleaders,remaineddiplomaticallysilentastoprogressonthingslikepensionreformandliquor
privatization.
Itsinthebestinterestsofthespiritofcooperationforustowaitalittlebitlongeraboutwhatprogresshasbeenmade,hesaid.
Nothingsagreedtountileverythingsagreedtoandeverythingsnotagreedto,sothingscanstillchange.
NexttoaddtheirperspectivefollowingTuesdaysmeetingwasGov.Wolfwhosaidconversationscontinueandhesheartenedbythe
progressweremaking.
HespoketohowtheworktofindcompromisebetweenhisbudgetgoalsandthoseofRepublicanleadershasbeengoing.
Ithinktherearealotofdisagreements,hesaid.Westartedout,asyouknow,withmybudgetaddressandsomeofthethingsthat
havecomethrough,sowecontinuetohaveconversations.Ithinkbothsidesagreewearemakingprogressinbuildingthatbridge.
HetoldreportersheinformedRepublicanleadersthatheiswillingtomakesomemovementonpublicpensionreformandthose
conversationsremainongoing.
HouseSpeakerMikeTurzai(RAllegheny)castthemostnegativelightontheprogressofdiscussionssurroundingthebudgetand
relatedissues.
Theresalotofroomstilltocover,hesaid.Thererestillsignificantdifferences.
Astoliquorprivatization,hesaidthereispositivemovementbetweentheSenateandtheHouse,butawidegapremainswiththe
governorontheissue.
Thenewfiscalyearbeginsintwoweeks.
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/09/201502:27:36PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
PLSReporter:Turzaionbudgettalks:Theresawidegulfonmanyissues
PLSReporter:Turzaionbudgettalks:Theresawidegulfonmanyissues
http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/750/Turzaionbudgettalks
%E2%80%9CThere%E2%80%99sawidegulfonmanyissues%E2%80%9D.aspx
Author:JasonGottesman/Tuesday,June9,2015/Categories:NewsandViews
FollowingTuesdaymorningsmeetingbetweenlegislativeRepublicanleadershipandGov.TomWolf,HouseSpeakerMikeTurzai(R
Allegheny)told ThePLSReportertheresawidegulfonmanyissues.
Werecontinuingtomeet,theresalotofissuestocover,alotofworktodo,hesaidexitingthemeeting.
AlsoleavingthemeetingwasHouseMajorityLeaderDaveReed(RIndiana)whostruckjustaslightlymoreoptimistictoneabout
resolvingoutstandingissuesincludingpensionreformandliquorprivatization.
However,hesaidonestickingpointcontinuestobetheexactamountofthedeficitthatneedstobetackledintheFY20152016
budget,untilthatcanbedetermined,Rep.Reedsaidthoseissueswillhavetowait.
Weneedtofigureoutwhatisastructuraldeficit[and]thatfolksareactuallyagreeingonwhatthenumbersare,hesaid.Therestillis
asignificantdifferencebetweentheHouseandtheSenate,wheretheIFOandwheretheBudgetSecretaryisonwhatanactualbudget
deficitis.
Hesaidhehopesthatnumberisagreedtosoon.
Afterthedeficitnumbersareagreedto,Rep.Reedindicatedthatthediscussionswillthenlikelyturntofindinganagreementonpension
reformandliquorprivatizationandthenthegovernorsprioritieslikeeducation.
Asofyet,Rep.Reedtoldreporters,therehavenotbeenanysignificantcounterproposalstoissuesbroughtupbythelegislaturelike
pensionreform,liquorprivatization,andpropertytaxelimination.
Speakingspecificallytopensionreform,hesaidhopefullytheadministrationwillcounterSenateBill1soon,notingacounterproposal
fromthegovernoristheexpectationofthelegislature,thoughhedeclinedtocommentastowhethertheadministrationhasagreedto
producesuchacounterproposal.
Thatcouldhelpbreakthelogjamandmovethisprocessforwardinasignificantfashion,becauseobviouslypensionreformisa
cornerstonetowhatanybudgetagreementwillcometo,hesaid.
Whilenotingalltheissuesneedingactionfromthelegislaturewilltaketimetoconsider,Rep.Reedremainedoptimisticthattheissues
canberesolvedaroundtheJune30thdeadline.
Istillthinkwecangetthere,whetheritsonJune30thorJuly4th,whoknowsatthispoint,hesaid.Theyrebigissues,theyrenot
easytodealwith.
Hecalledongoingdiscussionspartiallyproductive,butsaidthefoundationalworkhasyettobelaidformoreproductiveworking
sessions.
Partofthediscussionsare,youhavenewleadershipintheHouse,newleadershipintheSenate,andnewleadershipinthegovernor,
hesaid.Alotofthepeoplearenewtothisprocess,sofiguringouttherightwaytostructurethisgoingforwardcancertainlybe
frustratingtoallparties.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman(RCentre)struckasimilartoneabouttheprogressofthediscussions.
Theresalwayspositivesandnegativestoeverymeeting,youjustkeepplowingthroughandkeepgoing,hesaid.Werejusttryingto
beproductive.
WhileheagreedtherearestillwidegapsbetweenlegislativeRepublicansandtheadministration,thetwosideswillkeepmeetingand
figurethemout.
Asmeetingscontinue,Sen.CormansaidheiscontinuallyconfidentthattheissuesofSenateRepublicansarebeingheard.
AsIvesaidmanytimes[Gov.Wolf]hastosignanybillwepassandwehavetopassabillforhimtosign,hestated.So,we
certainlyrespecthisroleinthisprocessandherespectsoursaswell.
Gov.Wolfaddedtothepostmeetingcommentary,sayingfeelsTuesdaysmeetingmadeprogressintheongoingbudgetnegotiations.
TheyrepeatedtheirdesiretolookatpensionsandIthinkthatsimportantandalsowhatweregoingtodowiththeLiquorControl
Board,sothosearetwothingsIthinkareimportant,hetoldreportersfollowingthemeeting.Ihadthechancetosay,Thisisabouta
structuralbudgetdeficit,soweregoingtobemeetingaboutthatwearetalkingaboutinvestmentineducationandtheseverancetax,I
gotachancetotalkaboutthatandpropertytaxrelief,Igotachancetotalkaboutthat.
Wehad,Ithought,agoodconversation,headded.
AsfarasclosingthegulfsreferencedbySpeakerTurzai,Gov.Wolfsaidworkcontinuesonlayingthefoundationforhowbigthosegulfs
are.
Certainly,ontheconversations,werelayingouthowbigthatgapisandwhatsomeoftheareasofagreementmightbe,hesaid.
Speakingtopensionreform,Gov.Wolfsaidconversationsneedtocontinuebetweenthetwosides.
Imassumingsincewearestartingatdifferentpoints,wellhavetohavesomeconversations,hestated.Idontknowiftheyllcome
closertomineorIllcomeclosertotheirs,butwewillbetalking."
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
05/14/201503:09:40AM
To:
Brunelle,Michael
Subject:
RE:ActuarialNoteforSB1,PN886
Plsseemere18and7.9.Iwillexplain
OriginalMessage
From:Brunelle,Michael
Sent:Tuesday,May12,201503:20PMEasternStandardTime
To:McGinty,Kathleen
Subject:FW:ActuarialNoteforSB1,PN886
Hereyougoitisonpage25.Ialsoincludedajpeg.
>>>"Hutchison,Rosalie"<
5/12/20151:18PM>>>
THIS EMAIL IS BEING SENT ON BEHALF OF JOHN T. DURBIN, CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT COMMISSION.
Dear Senator Scarnati:
On May 12, 2015, the Public Employee Retirement Commission reviewed Senate Bill
Number 1, Printers Number 886. The Commission voted to recommend that the General
Assembly and the Governor consider the policy issues identified in the actuarial note
transmittal.
The Commission trusts that the attached actuarial note will be of assistance in further
consideration of the proposed legislation.
John T. Durbin
Chairman
Public Employee Retirement Commission
Attachment
cc:
Thismessageandanyattachmentmaycontainprivilegedorconfidentialinformationintendedsolelyfortheuseofthepersonto
whomitisaddressed.Ifthereaderisnottheintendedrecipientthenbeadvisedthatforwarding,communicating,disseminating,
copyingorusingthismessageoritsattachmentsisstrictlyprohibited.Ifyoureceivethismessageinerror,pleasenotifythesender
immediatelyanddeletetheinformationwithoutsavinganycopies.
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
05/14/201503:09:40AM
To:
Brunelle,Michael
Subject:
RE:ActuarialNoteforSB1,PN886
Plsseemere18and7.9.Iwillexplain
OriginalMessage
From:Brunelle,Michael
Sent:Tuesday,May12,201503:20PMEasternStandardTime
To:McGinty,Kathleen
Subject:FW:ActuarialNoteforSB1,PN886
Hereyougoitisonpage25.Ialsoincludedajpeg.
>>>"Hutchison,Rosalie"<
5/12/20151:18PM>>>
THIS EMAIL IS BEING SENT ON BEHALF OF JOHN T. DURBIN, CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT COMMISSION.
Dear Senator Scarnati:
On May 12, 2015, the Public Employee Retirement Commission reviewed Senate Bill
Number 1, Printers Number 886. The Commission voted to recommend that the General
Assembly and the Governor consider the policy issues identified in the actuarial note
transmittal.
The Commission trusts that the attached actuarial note will be of assistance in further
consideration of the proposed legislation.
John T. Durbin
Chairman
Public Employee Retirement Commission
Attachment
cc:
Thismessageandanyattachmentmaycontainprivilegedorconfidentialinformationintendedsolelyfortheuseofthepersonto
whomitisaddressed.Ifthereaderisnottheintendedrecipientthenbeadvisedthatforwarding,communicating,disseminating,
copyingorusingthismessageoritsattachmentsisstrictlyprohibited.Ifyoureceivethismessageinerror,pleasenotifythesender
immediatelyanddeletetheinformationwithoutsavinganycopies.
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
03/09/201509:40:04PM
To:
Shafer,Joseph
Subject:
RE:CentreDailyTimes:WolfvisitsWingateElementary,stumpsforeducationbudget
Thx.
Onanothermatter,ispoketorandyrethepsumatter.Allokibelieve.Willfillintomorrow.Thx
OriginalMessage
From:Shafer,Joseph
Sent:Monday,March09,201509:34PMEasternStandardTime
To:McGinty,Kathleen
Subject:RE:CentreDailyTimes:WolfvisitsWingateElementary,stumpsforeducationbudget
YessorryIhadgottenbadIntelatfirst.SoundslikeCormanwasnotatalldisruptivewithGovandJeffsaid
CormanwentuptoTWandsaidsomethingaboutreallyappreciatingusreachingoutaboutaconversationon
pensions
OriginalMessage
From:McGinty,Kathleen
Sent:Monday,March09,201509:24PMEasternStandardTime
To:Shafer,Joseph
Subject:FW:CentreDailyTimes:WolfvisitsWingateElementary,stumpsforeducationbudget
Thisisgood.Butitlookslikecormandidshowup
OriginalMessage
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Monday,March09,201505:51PMEasternStandardTime
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:CentreDailyTimes:WolfvisitsWingateElementary,stumpsforeducationbudget
CentreDailyTimes:WolfvisitsWingateElementary,stumpsforeducationbudget
Link:http://www.centredaily.com/2015/03/09/4641477 wolfvisitswingateelementary.html?rh=1
BYLORIFALCE
9,2015Updated9minutesago
Thelittlegirlranuptothefrontoftheclasstosortthewordsintocategories,usingapointertoclickononetileanddigitally
slideitintothesoundslikeboxonthescreen.
Gov.TomWolfleanedovertostateSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RBennerTownship.
IsaidtoJake,Thatdidnthappenwhenwewereinschool,thegovernorrecounted.
WolfwasatWingateElementarySchoolonMondaytoseehowtechnologyandnewteaching
techniquesareimpactingeducation.
Healsowastherewithamessage,urgingsupportofhisproposedbudget.
Inthegovernorsspendingplanfor201516,hewantstodramaticallyincreasemoneyfor
education,fromthelittlestlearnerstotheuniversitylevel.ForBaldEagleAreaSchoolDistrict,that
wouldmeangoingfromthe$725,000cutoverthelastfouryearstoa$484,606increaseinjust
oneyear.
ItsnotjustagoodthingforBaldEagle,Wolfsaid.IcareaboutwhathappensinschoolsinErie,
inPhiladelphia,inStateCollege.
Wolfsaidhewantstorevamphoweducationisfunded,frombeingaboutlocalpropertytaxto
relyingmoreonstatecontributions.
Wereallyneedtoinvestineducation,hesaid.
Cormandisagreed.Althoughhewaspresentforthetour,hesaidafterWolfleftthattheplanwas
notpractical.Cormanadvocatedaddressingpensionissuesthatarecreatingcriticalproblemsfor
localschooldistricts,sayingthatwoulddomoretoincreasetheamountofmoneydistrictshaveat
theirdiscretion.
ButschoolboardmemberssuchasBellefontesBobLumleySapanskiareexcitedaboutthe
prospectsofthegovernorsproposal.
Itsbeentightgivingthekidstheeducationtheyneedtobesuccessful,hesaidafterthetour.I
knowthisisastartingpoint...butImoptimistic.
WingatePrincipalJimOrichoskysaidhehopestoseethefundingapproved.Hewantstorollthe
moneyintoadditionaltechnology,likethesmartboardsWolfsawinfirstgrade.
Thesmartboardsareinonlyfourclassroomsinthekindergartenthroughfifthgradebuilding,with
twomoreinbroaderareaslikethelibrary.Orichoskysaidhealsowouldliketoincreasethe
numberofChromebooksforstudents.Rightnow,Wingatehas90ofthemoncartsthatcanbe
usedindifferentclassrooms.Thereareabout400studentsinthebuilding.
Wehave21stcenturylearners.Wewanttomakesurewehave21stcenturytools,hetoldthe
governor.Ourstudentsliveinaninteractiveworldnow.
Orichoskyalsosaidhewouldliketoseethedistrictdevelopacomprehensivepreschoolprogram.
Wolfsaidhedoesntplantodictatehowthenewmoneywillbespent.
Themoneygoesintotheclassroom,hesaid.Everyschoolboardneedstobeinchargeofhow
theyspendtheirmoney.
Hedid,however,talkabouttheimportanceofaccountabilityandhowstandardizedtestingfitsinto
thepicture.
Thereisagoodcasetobemadeforaccountability.Wewanttomakesurewearegettingareturn
onourinvestment,Wolfsaid.Hesaidhedidntbelievethathighstakestestingshouldbea
focusofeducation.
Thatsnotthewaytogo,hesaid.
Thefinalbudgetwillnotbeknownformonths.Thelasttwoadministrationshavefacedshowdowns
withthelegislatureoverbudgetnegotiations.
LoriFalcecanbereacheda
FollowheronTwitter@LoriFalce.
Readmorehere:http://www.centredaily.com/2015/03/09/4641477_wolfvisitswingateelementary.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Sheridan,Jeffrey
Senttime:
07/08/201510:23:56PM
To:
Sturla,Michael<
Subject:
RE:DowningtonSD
Shafer,JosephMcGinty,KathleenHanger,John
Thankyou,Representative.Wekeptthetalkingpointstobasiceducationfundingasitpertainedspecificallytothe
school.Wedidn'tincludeSEForSSinthegovernorstalkingpoints.
IthinkyoursuggestionisagoodoneformetopushtoreportersatoureventsandIwillmakesuretodoso
tomorrow.
SentviatheSamsungGALAXYS5,anAT&T4GLTEsmartphone
Originalmessage
From:"Sturla,Michael"<
Date:07/08/201510:18PM(GMT05:00)
To:"Sheridan,Jeffrey"<
<
"Hanger,John"<
Cc:
Subject:DowningtonSD
"Shafer,Joseph"<
"McGinty,Kathleen"
Intheattachedarticle,GovsaysDowningtonwouldhaveonlyreceived$300kmoreinRepublicanbudgetcomparedtolastyearvshis
planthatwouldsendanextra$1.3m.
ButtheGovfailedtomentionthattheRbudgetwasalsostiffingschoolsoutof2monthsSocialSecurityreimbursements.Accordingto
dataIgotfromPDE,Downingtownwouldhavebeenshorted$511,224inSSpaymentswhilegetting$251,247inBEFand$80,879in
specialedfindsforanetLOSSof$179,098comparedtofundstheyreceivedfromthestatelastyear.
Icansendyouthespreadsheetforall500SDsifyouwant.
Originalmessage
From:"Dawes,James"
Date:07/08/20155:10PM(GMT05:00)
To:"Sturla,Michael","Bohnke,Michelle","Brunner,Nicole","McIlmoyle,Ryan","Miller,Brandi"
Subject:Corman'sFlipFloponTaxes
GoodPoliticsPAarticlebelowthatshowsAdministrationcallingoutCormanshypocrisy:
Ithinkitneedstobemadeveryclearthatthisisgoingtobeawhileaslongasthegovernorholdsontotheneedforbroadbasedtax
increases,Cormansaidashelefthisearlyafternoonmeeting.WerecertainlyatanimpasseoverbroadbasedtaxesThosebroad
basedtaxincreasesarenotgoingtobeapartofthediscussions,andthatswhathewantsanduntilthatissuecanberesolved,were
goingtobehereawhile.[HarrisburgPatriotNews,
07/07/15<http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/impasse in pa budget talks it.html>]
Soonerorlater,abroadbasedtaxincreasewillbenecessarytopayforit,Cormansaid.Whetherthatsnextyearortheyearafter
that,Idontknow.Buttheyreincreasingatabilliondollarsayearandrevenuesarentkeepingup.[AssociatedPress,
06/28/14<http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/06/get ready for the big gimmick.html>]
Mike,Downingtownactuallyhad$180,000cutifWolffactoredinthesocialsecuritypayment.
PABGT:Wolf,GOPSparoverEducationFunding
WrittenbyNickField,ManagingEditor
GovernorWolfistakingthebudgetfighttotheschoolsliterally.
AspartoftheGovsSchoolsthatTeachtour(youllrememberthatisoneofhisbudgetsthreepillars<http://www.politicspa.com/pa
govwolfdeliversfirstbudgetaddress/64204/>),WolfvisitedDowningtownSchoolDistrict<http://www.dasd.org/site/default.aspx?
PageID=1>.
ThepeopleofPennsylvaniawantfundingforeducation,andtheysupportacommonsenseseverancetaxtopayforit,GovernorWolf
said.Whilemybudgetproposesahistoric$1billioninvestmentineducationatalllevels,including$500millionforK12education,the
Republicanbudgetcontinuesthehandoutsforoilandgascompaniesandtheunderfundingofourschools.Theirbudgetincludesonly$8
millionforeducationthatslessthan3cents,perchild,perday.
TheGovernorwentontoassertthathisbudgetplanwouldprovide$1.3millioninadditionalfundingtotheDowningtownSchoolDistrict,
whiletheRepublicansbudgetwouldgrantjust$300,000more.
JustdaysaftervetoingthelargeststatebudgetinPennsylvaniahistory,itlookslikeTomWolfisheadedbacktothecampaigntrail,
respondedPAGOPCommunicationsDirectorMeganSweeney.TomWolfvetoedahistoricstateinvestmentinourschoolsbecauseit
waspaidforwithoutraisingtaxes.
TomWolfstaxhikeswouldcostresidentsoftheDowningtownAreaSchoolDistrictnearly$27millioninnewtaxeslikeadiaperand
daycaretax,shecontinued.ItsnowonderthatGovernorWolfsbudgetwasunanimouslyrejectedintheStateHouse.Itstimefor
TomWolftostepoffofthecampaigntrailandjoinwithRepublicansinsupportingafiscallyresponsiblebudget.
WolfandCorman
WolfsPressSecretaryJeffreySheridanalsocameoutswingingagainstSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormantoday.Whilethe
Administrationhasfrequentlybeensendingoutemails<http://www.politicspa.com/pagovwolfseekstoframebudgetdebate/67267/>
defendingtheirplanandpokingholesintheGOPbudget,directattackshavebeenrareforthem.
TherefusalbySenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanandRepublicanleaderstoacceptbasicmathandacknowledgePennsylvanias
massivestructuralbudgetdeficitisthesoleobstaclepreventingbudgettalksfrommovingforward,theemailbegins.
SheridangoesontoaccuseSen.Cormanofflipfloppingontaxincreases.
Strangely,todaysSenatorCormandoesntagreewiththeSenatorCormanofthepast.SenatorCormansleadershiptitleseemsto
haveshiftedhisidealsonbudgetingandfinancialplanning.
TheypointtotwostatementsfromCormantoillustratethispoint,onefromyesterdayandtheotherfromlastyear:
Ithinkitneedstobemadeveryclearthatthisisgoingtobeawhileaslongasthegovernorholdsontotheneedforbroadbasedtax
increases,Cormansaidashelefthisearlyafternoonmeeting.WerecertainlyatanimpasseoverbroadbasedtaxesThosebroad
basedtaxincreasesarenotgoingtobeapartofthediscussions,andthatswhathewantsanduntilthatissuecanberesolved,were
goingtobehereawhile.[HarrisburgPatriotNews,
07/07/15<http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/impasse in pa budget talks it.html>]
Soonerorlater,abroadbasedtaxincreasewillbenecessarytopayforit,Cormansaid.Whetherthatsnextyearortheyearafter
that,Idontknow.Buttheyreincreasingatabilliondollarsayearandrevenuesarentkeepingup.[AssociatedPress,
06/28/14<http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/06/get_ready_for_the_big_gimmick.html>]
ThenotexactlysubtleinsinuationfromtheWolfteamisthatCormanwasfinewithtaxincreaseswhenGov.Corbettwasinchargebut
isnowagainstthemunderthenewGovernor.
PoliticsPAreachedouttoSen.Cormansofficebuthasyettohearback.
From:
Sheridan,Jeffrey
Senttime:
07/08/201510:23:56PM
To:
Sturla,Michael<
Subject:
RE:DowningtonSD
Shafer,JosephMcGinty,KathleenHanger,John
Thankyou,Representative.Wekeptthetalkingpointstobasiceducationfundingasitpertainedspecificallytothe
school.Wedidn'tincludeSEForSSinthegovernorstalkingpoints.
IthinkyoursuggestionisagoodoneformetopushtoreportersatoureventsandIwillmakesuretodoso
tomorrow.
SentviatheSamsungGALAXYS5,anAT&T4GLTEsmartphone
Originalmessage
From:"Sturla,Michael"<
Date:07/08/201510:18PM(GMT05:00)
To:"Sheridan,Jeffrey"<
<
"Hanger,John"<
Cc:
Subject:DowningtonSD
"Shafer,Joseph"<
"McGinty,Kathleen"
Intheattachedarticle,GovsaysDowningtonwouldhaveonlyreceived$300kmoreinRepublicanbudgetcomparedtolastyearvshis
planthatwouldsendanextra$1.3m.
ButtheGovfailedtomentionthattheRbudgetwasalsostiffingschoolsoutof2monthsSocialSecurityreimbursements.Accordingto
dataIgotfromPDE,Downingtownwouldhavebeenshorted$511,224inSSpaymentswhilegetting$251,247inBEFand$80,879in
specialedfindsforanetLOSSof$179,098comparedtofundstheyreceivedfromthestatelastyear.
Icansendyouthespreadsheetforall500SDsifyouwant.
Originalmessage
From:"Dawes,James"
Date:07/08/20155:10PM(GMT05:00)
To:"Sturla,Michael","Bohnke,Michelle","Brunner,Nicole","McIlmoyle,Ryan","Miller,Brandi"
Subject:Corman'sFlipFloponTaxes
GoodPoliticsPAarticlebelowthatshowsAdministrationcallingoutCormanshypocrisy:
Ithinkitneedstobemadeveryclearthatthisisgoingtobeawhileaslongasthegovernorholdsontotheneedforbroadbasedtax
increases,Cormansaidashelefthisearlyafternoonmeeting.WerecertainlyatanimpasseoverbroadbasedtaxesThosebroad
basedtaxincreasesarenotgoingtobeapartofthediscussions,andthatswhathewantsanduntilthatissuecanberesolved,were
goingtobehereawhile.[HarrisburgPatriotNews,
07/07/15<http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/impasse in pa budget talks it.html>]
Soonerorlater,abroadbasedtaxincreasewillbenecessarytopayforit,Cormansaid.Whetherthatsnextyearortheyearafter
that,Idontknow.Buttheyreincreasingatabilliondollarsayearandrevenuesarentkeepingup.[AssociatedPress,
06/28/14<http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/06/get ready for the big gimmick.html>]
Mike,Downingtownactuallyhad$180,000cutifWolffactoredinthesocialsecuritypayment.
PABGT:Wolf,GOPSparoverEducationFunding
WrittenbyNickField,ManagingEditor
GovernorWolfistakingthebudgetfighttotheschoolsliterally.
AspartoftheGovsSchoolsthatTeachtour(youllrememberthatisoneofhisbudgetsthreepillars<http://www.politicspa.com/pa
govwolfdeliversfirstbudgetaddress/64204/>),WolfvisitedDowningtownSchoolDistrict<http://www.dasd.org/site/default.aspx?
PageID=1>.
ThepeopleofPennsylvaniawantfundingforeducation,andtheysupportacommonsenseseverancetaxtopayforit,GovernorWolf
said.Whilemybudgetproposesahistoric$1billioninvestmentineducationatalllevels,including$500millionforK12education,the
Republicanbudgetcontinuesthehandoutsforoilandgascompaniesandtheunderfundingofourschools.Theirbudgetincludesonly$8
millionforeducationthatslessthan3cents,perchild,perday.
TheGovernorwentontoassertthathisbudgetplanwouldprovide$1.3millioninadditionalfundingtotheDowningtownSchoolDistrict,
whiletheRepublicansbudgetwouldgrantjust$300,000more.
JustdaysaftervetoingthelargeststatebudgetinPennsylvaniahistory,itlookslikeTomWolfisheadedbacktothecampaigntrail,
respondedPAGOPCommunicationsDirectorMeganSweeney.TomWolfvetoedahistoricstateinvestmentinourschoolsbecauseit
waspaidforwithoutraisingtaxes.
TomWolfstaxhikeswouldcostresidentsoftheDowningtownAreaSchoolDistrictnearly$27millioninnewtaxeslikeadiaperand
daycaretax,shecontinued.ItsnowonderthatGovernorWolfsbudgetwasunanimouslyrejectedintheStateHouse.Itstimefor
TomWolftostepoffofthecampaigntrailandjoinwithRepublicansinsupportingafiscallyresponsiblebudget.
WolfandCorman
WolfsPressSecretaryJeffreySheridanalsocameoutswingingagainstSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormantoday.Whilethe
Administrationhasfrequentlybeensendingoutemails<http://www.politicspa.com/pagovwolfseekstoframebudgetdebate/67267/>
defendingtheirplanandpokingholesintheGOPbudget,directattackshavebeenrareforthem.
TherefusalbySenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanandRepublicanleaderstoacceptbasicmathandacknowledgePennsylvanias
massivestructuralbudgetdeficitisthesoleobstaclepreventingbudgettalksfrommovingforward,theemailbegins.
SheridangoesontoaccuseSen.Cormanofflipfloppingontaxincreases.
Strangely,todaysSenatorCormandoesntagreewiththeSenatorCormanofthepast.SenatorCormansleadershiptitleseemsto
haveshiftedhisidealsonbudgetingandfinancialplanning.
TheypointtotwostatementsfromCormantoillustratethispoint,onefromyesterdayandtheotherfromlastyear:
Ithinkitneedstobemadeveryclearthatthisisgoingtobeawhileaslongasthegovernorholdsontotheneedforbroadbasedtax
increases,Cormansaidashelefthisearlyafternoonmeeting.WerecertainlyatanimpasseoverbroadbasedtaxesThosebroad
basedtaxincreasesarenotgoingtobeapartofthediscussions,andthatswhathewantsanduntilthatissuecanberesolved,were
goingtobehereawhile.[HarrisburgPatriotNews,
07/07/15<http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/impasse in pa budget talks it.html>]
Soonerorlater,abroadbasedtaxincreasewillbenecessarytopayforit,Cormansaid.Whetherthatsnextyearortheyearafter
that,Idontknow.Buttheyreincreasingatabilliondollarsayearandrevenuesarentkeepingup.[AssociatedPress,
06/28/14<http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/06/get_ready_for_the_big_gimmick.html>]
ThenotexactlysubtleinsinuationfromtheWolfteamisthatCormanwasfinewithtaxincreaseswhenGov.Corbettwasinchargebut
isnowagainstthemunderthenewGovernor.
PoliticsPAreachedouttoSen.Cormansofficebuthasyettohearback.
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
03/06/201508:07:53PM
To:
Albright,RandolphNicastre,MarkHanger,JohnIsenhour,MaryShafer,JosephBane,Yesenia
Subject:
RE:Fwd:SB1
Didusaytherewasareplyfromcosta?
OriginalMessage
From:Albright,Randolph
Sent:Friday,March06,201506:36PMEasternStandardTime
To:Nicastre,MarkMcGinty,KathleenHanger,JohnIsenhour,MaryShafer,JosephBane,Yesenia
Subject:FW:Fwd:SB1
OriginalMessage
From:MarkMekilo[
Sent:Friday,March06,201504:57PMEasternStandardTime
To:Albright,Randolph
Subject:Fwd:SB1
FYI
SentfrommyiPhone
Beginforwardedmessage:
From:"LucMiron"<
Date:March6,2015at4:12:02PMEST
To:"C.J.Hafner"<
"SenatorJohnBlake"<
"KyleMullins"<
"MarkMekilo"<
Jumper"<
"StephenBruder"<
Lepore"<
Subject:Re:SB1
"Ron
"Tony
ThiswassenttoALLsuperintendentsacrosstheCommonwealth.
DearSuperintendent:
Asyouknow,earlierthisweekGovernorTomWolfunveiledhisFY201516proposedstatebudget.
GiventheextraordinarylevelofspendingincreasesproposedintheGovernorsoverallplan,we
encourageyoutotakeaconservativeapproachtoyourstaterevenueestimatesandadviseagainst
adjustingyourschooldistrictspreliminarybudgettoreflecthiseducationproposal.
Educationfundingisasignificantpriorityineachyear'sbudgethowever,itmustbeputinthecontext
oftheoverallbudgetpicture,bothintermsofexpendituresandrevenues.Theproposedbudget
recommendsa$400millionincreaseinthebasiceducationsubsidywhiletheoverallbudgetincludes
historicrevenueandspendingescalationsthatnecessitate$4.7billionintaxincreasesthatare
unsupportedthroughouttheGeneralAssembly.
Werecognizethedifficulttaskschooladministratorshaveinmakingdecisionsaboutanticipated
revenuefromtheCommonwealthgiventhatthefullextentoftheGovernorsproposedincreasesmay
notbecontainedintheCommonwealthsfinalbudget.TheSenateremainscommittedtoaddressing
theunderlyingfiscalcostdriversofschooldistricts,mostimportantlypensionreform.
Thankyouforyourattentiontothismatter.Asthecriticalworkofensuringtheoverallfinancialstability
oftheCommonwealthcontinues,knowthatwewilladvocateforeducationfundingtobeapriority
duringbudgetconversations.
Sincerely,
SenatorJoeScarnatiSenatorJakeCorman
SenatorPatBrowneJohnGordner
>>>LucMiron3/6/20154:00PM>>>
Browne,theSenateAppropriationsCommitteechairman,soonplanstointroducehisrobustpension
proposalthathesaidaddressesallthreefactorsthatgotthepensionsystemsintheshapetheyare
innowunderfunding,benefitenhancementsandpoorinvestmentreturns.
"It'snotaneasyprocess,"Brownesaid."There'sgoingtobesacrifice.Peopleinthebuildinghaveto
bewillingtotakethatsacrificebutifwedonottakethat,thentheonlythingwe'regoingtoseein
thefuture...isthishigherdebtandbiggerchallenges."
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/03/solving pennsylvanias public p.html#incart river
Thismessageandanyattachmentmaycontainprivilegedorconfidentialinformationintendedsolelyfortheuseof
thepersontowhomitisaddressed.Ifthereaderisnottheintendedrecipientthenbeadvisedthatforwarding,
communicating,disseminating,copyingorusingthismessageoritsattachmentsisstrictlyprohibited.Ifyou
receivethismessageinerror,pleasenotifythesenderimmediatelyanddeletetheinformationwithoutsavingany
copies.
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
03/06/201508:07:53PM
To:
Albright,RandolphNicastre,MarkHanger,JohnIsenhour,MaryShafer,JosephBane,Yesenia
Subject:
RE:Fwd:SB1
Didusaytherewasareplyfromcosta?
OriginalMessage
From:Albright,Randolph
Sent:Friday,March06,201506:36PMEasternStandardTime
To:Nicastre,MarkMcGinty,KathleenHanger,JohnIsenhour,MaryShafer,JosephBane,Yesenia
Subject:FW:Fwd:SB1
OriginalMessage
From:MarkMekilo[
Sent:Friday,March06,201504:57PMEasternStandardTime
To:Albright,Randolph
Subject:Fwd:SB1
FYI
SentfrommyiPhone
Beginforwardedmessage:
From:"LucMiron"<
Date:March6,2015at4:12:02PMEST
To:"C.J.Hafner"<
"SenatorJohnBlake"<
"KyleMullins"<
"MarkMekilo"<
Jumper"<
"StephenBruder"<
Lepore"<
Subject:Re:SB1
"Ron
"Tony
ThiswassenttoALLsuperintendentsacrosstheCommonwealth.
DearSuperintendent:
Asyouknow,earlierthisweekGovernorTomWolfunveiledhisFY201516proposedstatebudget.
GiventheextraordinarylevelofspendingincreasesproposedintheGovernorsoverallplan,we
encourageyoutotakeaconservativeapproachtoyourstaterevenueestimatesandadviseagainst
adjustingyourschooldistrictspreliminarybudgettoreflecthiseducationproposal.
Educationfundingisasignificantpriorityineachyear'sbudgethowever,itmustbeputinthecontext
oftheoverallbudgetpicture,bothintermsofexpendituresandrevenues.Theproposedbudget
recommendsa$400millionincreaseinthebasiceducationsubsidywhiletheoverallbudgetincludes
historicrevenueandspendingescalationsthatnecessitate$4.7billionintaxincreasesthatare
unsupportedthroughouttheGeneralAssembly.
Werecognizethedifficulttaskschooladministratorshaveinmakingdecisionsaboutanticipated
revenuefromtheCommonwealthgiventhatthefullextentoftheGovernorsproposedincreasesmay
notbecontainedintheCommonwealthsfinalbudget.TheSenateremainscommittedtoaddressing
theunderlyingfiscalcostdriversofschooldistricts,mostimportantlypensionreform.
Thankyouforyourattentiontothismatter.Asthecriticalworkofensuringtheoverallfinancialstability
oftheCommonwealthcontinues,knowthatwewilladvocateforeducationfundingtobeapriority
duringbudgetconversations.
Sincerely,
SenatorJoeScarnatiSenatorJakeCorman
SenatorPatBrowneJohnGordner
>>>LucMiron3/6/20154:00PM>>>
Browne,theSenateAppropriationsCommitteechairman,soonplanstointroducehisrobustpension
proposalthathesaidaddressesallthreefactorsthatgotthepensionsystemsintheshapetheyare
innowunderfunding,benefitenhancementsandpoorinvestmentreturns.
"It'snotaneasyprocess,"Brownesaid."There'sgoingtobesacrifice.Peopleinthebuildinghaveto
bewillingtotakethatsacrificebutifwedonottakethat,thentheonlythingwe'regoingtoseein
thefuture...isthishigherdebtandbiggerchallenges."
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/03/solving pennsylvanias public p.html#incart river
Thismessageandanyattachmentmaycontainprivilegedorconfidentialinformationintendedsolelyfortheuseof
thepersontowhomitisaddressed.Ifthereaderisnottheintendedrecipientthenbeadvisedthatforwarding,
communicating,disseminating,copyingorusingthismessageoritsattachmentsisstrictlyprohibited.Ifyou
receivethismessageinerror,pleasenotifythesenderimmediatelyanddeletetheinformationwithoutsavingany
copies.
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
06/08/201508:24:29PM
To:
Failor,Debra
Subject:
RE:KAMSchedule6/9/15
Sorry.Itwasatestsincegoodisshuttingdownonmewhenifwrdsmthg
From:Failor,Debra
Sent:Monday,June8,20158:06:25PM
To:McGinty,Kathleen
Subject:RE:KAMSchedule6/9/15
Nothinginyourmessage.
OriginalMessage
From:McGinty,Kathleen
Sent:Monday,June08,201506:47PMEasternStandardTime
To:Failor,Debra
Subject:FW:KAMSchedule6/9/15
From:Karge,Jenna
Sent:Monday,June8,20154:55:06PM
To:Failor,Debra;Barso ,Michael;Ghormoz,Robert;McGinty,Kathleen;Phillips,Betsy(GOV);Shafer,Joseph;Smith,Kathie;
Cross,Elena;Brunelle,Michael;Bane,Yesenia;McKeon,Catherine;Woodbury,Ka e;Smith,Mark;Sweet,David;Willford,Jean
Subject:KAMSchedule6/9/15
ChiefofStaKa eMcGinty
Tuesday,June9,2015
Loca on:Harrisburg/Philadelphia
Weather:Harrisburg,AMShowers,83,60;Philadelphia,AMThunderstorms,87,64
Session:House&Senate
8:15am9:30am
TraveltoHarrisburg
8:30am9:00am
SeniorStaCall
Dialin
Passcode
Sta:SeniorSta
9:30am9:50am
Mee ngre:MarketEastMall
ConferencecallDialin:
Pin:
Sta:COS,Albright,Davin,Bane,Dunkelberger
10:00am10:15am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/SmylerprepforLegisla vemee ng
GovernorsOffice
Sta:Gov,COS,Shafer,Isenhour,Hanger,Albright,Smyler
10:15am11:00am
TWW/McGinty//Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/SmylerLegisla vemee ng(Senate&HouseR's)
238ConferenceRoom
Sta:Gov,COS,Shafer,Isenhour,Hanger,Albright,Smyler
A endees:JoeScarna ,JakeCorman,MikeTurzai,DaveReed
11:00am11:20am
McGinty/SmithMtgw/KevinAcklin
COSOce
Sta:COS,MarkSmith
A endees:KevinAcklin
11:30am12:00pm
Mtgw/SenBobMensch
16EastWing
Sta:COS,MikeBarso
A endees:SenBobMensch
12:30pm12:50pm
Mtgw/SenWagner
187MainCapitol
Sta:COS,MikeBarso
A endees:SenSco Wagner
1:00pm2:30pm
TraveltoWayne
2:30pm3:00pm
PersonalAppointment
3:00pm4:00pmYoumaya endviaphone.
Hanger/McGintymee ngwithNelsonMullins
ConferenceRoom238
A endees:Hanger,RonKlink,MickNardelli,GeorgeMcElwee,KeithPemrick
JennaKarge|Administra veAssistanttotheChiefofSta
OceofGovernorTomWolf
Room225MainCapitol|HarrisburgPA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
Email:
www.pa.gov
PRIVILEGEDANDCONFIDENTIALCOMMUNICATION
Theinforma ontransmi edisintendedonlyforthepersonoren tytowhomitisaddressedandmaycontain
conden aland/orprivilegedmaterial.Anyuseofthisinforma onotherthanbytheintendedrecipientisprohibited.If
youreceivethismessageinerror,pleasesendareplyemailtothesenderanddeletethematerialfromanyandall
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
04/24/201502:00:24PM
To:
Bane,Yesenia
Subject:
RE:Sen.Cormaninquiry
Letsbesurewediscussbeforetakinganyaction
OriginalMessage
From:Bane,Yesenia
Sent:Thursday,April23,201504:25PMEasternStandardTime
To:Albright,RandolphMcGinty,KathleenHanger,JohnIsenhour,MarySweet,David
Subject:FW:Sen.Cormaninquiry
FYI
OriginalMessage
From:Matio,Terri
Sent:Thursday,April23,201504:12PMEasternStandardTime
To:Bane,Yesenia
Subject:FW:Sen.Cormaninquiry
HiYeseniaAnyinformationyoucanprovideonthisdocumentthatiswiththeComptroller?Thanks.
OriginalMessage
From:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
Sent:Thursday,April23,20152:42PM
To:Matio,TerriSpade,Nathan
Subject:FW:Sen.Cormaninquiry
IamjustfollowinguponMaculaVisionResearch.Anynews????
LisaM.Wagner|LegislativeAide
DepartmentofHealth|LegislativeAffairs
625ForsterStreet,8thFloor|Harrisburg,PA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
www.health.state.pa.us
OriginalMessage
From:Dare,Deanna[mailto
Sent:Monday,April13,20159:20AM
To:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
Cc:Meyer,Mark
Subject:FW:Sen.Cormaninquiry
Hi,LisaI'mfollowinguponthisBioTechnoloycontractforMaculaVisionResearchFoundations,SAP4100068495.
TheystillhavenotheardanythingistheresomeoneelseIshouldbecontacting?
Thankyou!
DeannaDare
OfficeofSenateMajorityLeader
SenatorJakeCorman
350MainCapitolBuilding
Harrisburg,PA17120
www.jakecorman.com
OriginalMessage
From:Dare,Deanna[mailto
Sent:Friday,March13,20151:16PM
To:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
Subject:RE:Sen.Cormaninquiry
Ok,so4/3wouldbe30days
OriginalMessage
From:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)[mailto
Sent:Friday,March13,20151:11PM
To:Dare,Deanna
Subject:RE:Sen.Cormaninquiry
No,comptrolleristhelastsignaturetheyneed.
LisaM.Wagner|LegislativeAide
DepartmentofHealth|LegislativeAffairs
625ForsterStreet,8thFloor|Harrisburg,PA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
www.health.state.pa.us
OriginalMessage
From:Dare,Deanna[mailto
Sent:Friday,March13,20151:11PM
To:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
Subject:RE:Sen.Cormaninquiry
ThankssoitstillneedstogothroughOGC?IjustwanttomakesureIgiveaccurateinformation.
Thanksagain.
OriginalMessage
From:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)[mailto
Sent:Friday,March13,201510:10AM
To:Dare,Deanna
Subject:RE:Sen.Cormaninquiry
Yes.IfIunderstandright,itmustgotous,AG,Comptroller,andOGC.SowhiletheymighthavesentitinearlyFeb,itmustgothrough
allthechannels.Andtheyallhave30daystoreview.
LisaM.Wagner|LegislativeAide
DepartmentofHealth|LegislativeAffairs
625ForsterStreet,8thFloor|Harrisburg,PA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
www.health.state.pa.us
OriginalMessage
From:Dare,Deanna[mailto
Sent:Friday,March13,20159:45AM
To:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
Subject:Re:Sen.Cormaninquiry
It'sfineI'mjusttryingtounderstandprocess.Toclarify.ItwassenttodeptinearlyFebruarybuthasonlybeenwithComptrollersince
March3?
SentfrommyiPhone
>OnMar13,2015,at9:01AM,"Wagner,Lisa(DOH)"<
>
>Ofcourse.Sorryitwasn'tbetternews!
>
>LisaM.Wagner|LegislativeAide
>DepartmentofHealth|LegislativeAffairs
>625ForsterStreet,8thFloor|Harrisburg,PA17120
>Phone:
|Fax:
www.health.state.pa.us
wrote:
>
>
>OriginalMessage
>From:Dare,Deanna[mailto
>Sent:Friday,March13,20159:01AM
>To:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
>Cc:Meyer,Mark
>Subject:Re:Sen.Cormaninquiry
>
>NowhenyouandIspokeyousaiditwaswithComptroller.Ithoughtithadbeenwithcomptrollersincethebeginning.Iwillexplain
thistoconstituent.ThankyouforadditionalexplanationThanks!
>
>SentfrommyiPhone
>
>OnMar13,2015,at8:57AM,"Wagner,Lisa(DOH)"<
mailto
wrote:
>
>ItwassentovertothemonMarch3.Pleasekeepinmindeachdepartmentthatmustlookatitandsignhas30daysinwhichtodo
so.Thisisbecausesomanydifferentareasmustreviewit.HavetoyouspokentotheComptroller?
>
>LisaM.Wagner|LegislativeAide
>DepartmentofHealth|LegislativeAffairs
>625ForsterStreet,8thFloor|Harrisburg,PA17120
>Phone:
|Fax:
>www.health.state.pa.us<http://www.health.state.pa.us>
>
>
>From:Dare,Deanna[mailto
>Sent:Thursday,March12,20154:12PM
>To:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
>Cc:Meyer,Mark
>Subject:Sen.Cormaninquiry
>
>Hi,Lisa:
>
>Iamfollowinguponourphoneconversationfromearlierthisweekregardinga201415BioTechnologycontract,SAP41000684,for
MaculaVisionResearchFoundation.
>
>TheinformationyouhadisthatitiswiththeComptroller,whohas30daystosignit.
>
>Couldyouaskhowmuchlongeritwilltaketoprocess?IamtoldthatitwassenttotheDepartmentinearlyFebruarysoitshouldbe
readytogo.
>
>Thanksagainforyourassistance.
>
>DeannaDare
>OfficeofSenateMajorityLeader
>SenatorJakeCorman
>350MainCapitolBuilding
>Harrisburg,PA17120
>
>
>www.jakecorman.com<http://www.jakecorman.com/>
><image001.png><https://www.facebook.com/pages/SenatorJakeCorman/209672059054169?
sk=wall><image002.png><https://twitter.com/jakecorman><image003.png><https://vimeo.com/senatorcorman>
>
>
>
>
>
>
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
04/24/201502:00:24PM
To:
Bane,Yesenia
Subject:
RE:Sen.Cormaninquiry
Letsbesurewediscussbeforetakinganyaction
OriginalMessage
From:Bane,Yesenia
Sent:Thursday,April23,201504:25PMEasternStandardTime
To:Albright,RandolphMcGinty,KathleenHanger,JohnIsenhour,MarySweet,David
Subject:FW:Sen.Cormaninquiry
FYI
OriginalMessage
From:Matio,Terri
Sent:Thursday,April23,201504:12PMEasternStandardTime
To:Bane,Yesenia
Subject:FW:Sen.Cormaninquiry
HiYeseniaAnyinformationyoucanprovideonthisdocumentthatiswiththeComptroller?Thanks.
OriginalMessage
From:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
Sent:Thursday,April23,20152:42PM
To:Matio,TerriSpade,Nathan
Subject:FW:Sen.Cormaninquiry
IamjustfollowinguponMaculaVisionResearch.Anynews????
LisaM.Wagner|LegislativeAide
DepartmentofHealth|LegislativeAffairs
625ForsterStreet,8thFloor|Harrisburg,PA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
www.health.state.pa.us
OriginalMessage
From:Dare,Deanna[mailto
Sent:Monday,April13,20159:20AM
To:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
Cc:Meyer,Mark
Subject:FW:Sen.Cormaninquiry
Hi,LisaI'mfollowinguponthisBioTechnoloycontractforMaculaVisionResearchFoundations,SAP4100068495.
TheystillhavenotheardanythingistheresomeoneelseIshouldbecontacting?
Thankyou!
DeannaDare
OfficeofSenateMajorityLeader
SenatorJakeCorman
350MainCapitolBuilding
Harrisburg,PA17120
www.jakecorman.com
OriginalMessage
From:Dare,Deanna[mailto
Sent:Friday,March13,20151:16PM
To:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
Subject:RE:Sen.Cormaninquiry
Ok,so4/3wouldbe30days
OriginalMessage
From:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)[mailto
Sent:Friday,March13,20151:11PM
To:Dare,Deanna
Subject:RE:Sen.Cormaninquiry
No,comptrolleristhelastsignaturetheyneed.
LisaM.Wagner|LegislativeAide
DepartmentofHealth|LegislativeAffairs
625ForsterStreet,8thFloor|Harrisburg,PA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
www.health.state.pa.us
OriginalMessage
From:Dare,Deanna[mailto
Sent:Friday,March13,20151:11PM
To:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
Subject:RE:Sen.Cormaninquiry
ThankssoitstillneedstogothroughOGC?IjustwanttomakesureIgiveaccurateinformation.
Thanksagain.
OriginalMessage
From:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)[mailto
Sent:Friday,March13,201510:10AM
To:Dare,Deanna
Subject:RE:Sen.Cormaninquiry
Yes.IfIunderstandright,itmustgotous,AG,Comptroller,andOGC.SowhiletheymighthavesentitinearlyFeb,itmustgothrough
allthechannels.Andtheyallhave30daystoreview.
LisaM.Wagner|LegislativeAide
DepartmentofHealth|LegislativeAffairs
625ForsterStreet,8thFloor|Harrisburg,PA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
www.health.state.pa.us
OriginalMessage
From:Dare,Deanna[mailto
Sent:Friday,March13,20159:45AM
To:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
Subject:Re:Sen.Cormaninquiry
It'sfineI'mjusttryingtounderstandprocess.Toclarify.ItwassenttodeptinearlyFebruarybuthasonlybeenwithComptrollersince
March3?
SentfrommyiPhone
>OnMar13,2015,at9:01AM,"Wagner,Lisa(DOH)"<
>
>Ofcourse.Sorryitwasn'tbetternews!
>
>LisaM.Wagner|LegislativeAide
>DepartmentofHealth|LegislativeAffairs
>625ForsterStreet,8thFloor|Harrisburg,PA17120
>Phone:
|Fax:
www.health.state.pa.us
wrote:
>
>
>OriginalMessage
>From:Dare,Deanna[mailto
>Sent:Friday,March13,20159:01AM
>To:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
>Cc:Meyer,Mark
>Subject:Re:Sen.Cormaninquiry
>
>NowhenyouandIspokeyousaiditwaswithComptroller.Ithoughtithadbeenwithcomptrollersincethebeginning.Iwillexplain
thistoconstituent.ThankyouforadditionalexplanationThanks!
>
>SentfrommyiPhone
>
>OnMar13,2015,at8:57AM,"Wagner,Lisa(DOH)"<
mailto
wrote:
>
>ItwassentovertothemonMarch3.Pleasekeepinmindeachdepartmentthatmustlookatitandsignhas30daysinwhichtodo
so.Thisisbecausesomanydifferentareasmustreviewit.HavetoyouspokentotheComptroller?
>
>LisaM.Wagner|LegislativeAide
>DepartmentofHealth|LegislativeAffairs
>625ForsterStreet,8thFloor|Harrisburg,PA17120
>Phone:
|Fax:
>www.health.state.pa.us<http://www.health.state.pa.us>
>
>
>From:Dare,Deanna[mailto
>Sent:Thursday,March12,20154:12PM
>To:Wagner,Lisa(DOH)
>Cc:Meyer,Mark
>Subject:Sen.Cormaninquiry
>
>Hi,Lisa:
>
>Iamfollowinguponourphoneconversationfromearlierthisweekregardinga201415BioTechnologycontract,SAP41000684,for
MaculaVisionResearchFoundation.
>
>TheinformationyouhadisthatitiswiththeComptroller,whohas30daystosignit.
>
>Couldyouaskhowmuchlongeritwilltaketoprocess?IamtoldthatitwassenttotheDepartmentinearlyFebruarysoitshouldbe
readytogo.
>
>Thanksagainforyourassistance.
>
>DeannaDare
>OfficeofSenateMajorityLeader
>SenatorJakeCorman
>350MainCapitolBuilding
>Harrisburg,PA17120
>
>
>www.jakecorman.com<http://www.jakecorman.com/>
><image001.png><https://www.facebook.com/pages/SenatorJakeCorman/209672059054169?
sk=wall><image002.png><https://twitter.com/jakecorman><image003.png><https://vimeo.com/senatorcorman>
>
>
>
>
>
>
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
05/08/201509:44:02AM
To:
Nicastre,MarkSheridan,JeffreyShafer,JosephIsenhour,MaryHanger,John
Subject:
RE:SenateMajorityLeaderslamsGov.Wolffor'completemischaracterization'inpressrelease
Canweallhoponourmorningconfline?
OriginalMessage
From:Nicastre,Mark
Sent:Friday,May08,201509:38AMEasternStandardTime
To:Sheridan,JeffreyMcGinty,KathleenShafer,JosephIsenhour,MaryHanger,John
Subject:SenateMajorityLeaderslamsGov.Wolffor'completemischaracterization'inpressrelease
AnygoodwillGov.TomWolfbuiltupwiththeRepublicancontrolledSenatemighthavebeenundonewitha
pressrelease.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanstronglycriticizedWolfforapressreleasethegovernorsentout
Thursdayafternoonregardingexecutivenominations.Init,Wolfsaidhewassendinghis17nominationsfor
approvaltothePennsylvaniaSenateafterheandCormanworkedoutacompromise.
READ:WillcompromisegetGov.TomWolf's17executivenominationsthroughthePa.Senate?
Thedealwouldbethat13nominationsrecommendedbytheSenatewouldproceedandWolfwouldsubmit12
nominationsofhischoosing.Anotherfivenominationaretofillvacantseats.
Cormanisvehementlydenyingthat.
"IdonotappreciatebeingspokenforandGov.Wolf'spressreleaseisacompletemischaracterizationofthe
eventssurroundingthesenominations,"Cormansaidinapreparedrelease.
"WeinformedGov.Wolf'sstaffseveraldaysagoandaslateas[Friday]thatthiswasnotanagreedtoprocess,
yet,thegovernorstillchosetosendthisrelease."
Earlierthisyear,Wolfrecalled25executivenominationsthatweremadebyoutgoinggovernorTom
Corbett,aRepublican.
"IdidnotandcouldnotcommittheSenateRepublicanCaucustoconfirmingablankslateof12nominations,"
Cormansaid."UnlikeGov.Wolf,ItaketheSenateconfirmationprocessveryseriously.Itisentirelyuptoeach
nomineetoearntheconfirmationvoteofeachSenator."
Cormancontinued"Neverinmy17yearsintheSenatehasaGovernorRepublicanorDemocratshown
thistypeofdisrespectforamemberoftheGeneralAssembly.IamdismayedGov.Wolfwouldissuearelease
whileknowingthatthememberdidnotapproveofwhatwasbeingsaid."
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
05/08/201509:46:42AM
To:
Shafer,JosephNicastre,MarkSheridan,JeffreyIsenhour,MaryHanger,John
Subject:
RE:SenateMajorityLeaderslamsGov.Wolffor'completemischaracterization'inpressrelease
Imonthelinenow
OriginalMessage
From:Shafer,Joseph
Sent:Friday,May08,201509:44AMEasternStandardTime
To:McGinty,KathleenNicastre,MarkSheridan,JeffreyIsenhour,MaryHanger,John
Subject:RE:SenateMajorityLeaderslamsGov.Wolffor'completemischaracterization'inpressrelease
Yes
From:McGinty,Kathleen
Sent:Friday,May08,20159:44AM
To:Nicastre,MarkSheridan,JeffreyShafer,JosephIsenhour,MaryHanger,John
Subject:RE:SenateMajorityLeaderslamsGov.Wolffor'completemischaracterization'inpressrelease
Canweallhoponourmorningconfline?
OriginalMessage
From:Nicastre,Mark
Sent:Friday,May08,201509:38AMEasternStandardTime
To:Sheridan,JeffreyMcGinty,KathleenShafer,JosephIsenhour,MaryHanger,John
Subject:SenateMajorityLeaderslamsGov.Wolffor'completemischaracterization'inpressrelease
AnygoodwillGov.TomWolfbuiltupwiththeRepublicancontrolledSenatemighthavebeenundonewitha
pressrelease.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanstronglycriticizedWolfforapressreleasethegovernorsentout
Thursdayafternoonregardingexecutivenominations.Init,Wolfsaidhewassendinghis17nominationsfor
approvaltothePennsylvaniaSenateafterheandCormanworkedoutacompromise.
READ:WillcompromisegetGov.TomWolf's17executivenominationsthroughthePa.Senate?
Thedealwouldbethat13nominationsrecommendedbytheSenatewouldproceedandWolfwouldsubmit12
nominationsofhischoosing.Anotherfivenominationaretofillvacantseats.
Cormanisvehementlydenyingthat.
"IdonotappreciatebeingspokenforandGov.Wolf'spressreleaseisacompletemischaracterizationofthe
eventssurroundingthesenominations,"Cormansaidinapreparedrelease.
"WeinformedGov.Wolf'sstaffseveraldaysagoandaslateas[Friday]thatthiswasnotanagreedtoprocess,
yet,thegovernorstillchosetosendthisrelease."
Earlierthisyear,Wolfrecalled25executivenominationsthatweremadebyoutgoinggovernorTom
Corbett,aRepublican.
"IdidnotandcouldnotcommittheSenateRepublicanCaucustoconfirmingablankslateof12nominations,"
Cormansaid."UnlikeGov.Wolf,ItaketheSenateconfirmationprocessveryseriously.Itisentirelyuptoeach
nomineetoearntheconfirmationvoteofeachSenator."
Cormancontinued"Neverinmy17yearsintheSenatehasaGovernorRepublicanorDemocratshown
thistypeofdisrespectforamemberoftheGeneralAssembly.IamdismayedGov.Wolfwouldissuearelease
whileknowingthatthememberdidnotapproveofwhatwasbeingsaid."
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
05/08/201509:44:02AM
To:
Nicastre,MarkSheridan,JeffreyShafer,JosephIsenhour,MaryHanger,John
Subject:
RE:SenateMajorityLeaderslamsGov.Wolffor'completemischaracterization'inpressrelease
Canweallhoponourmorningconfline?
OriginalMessage
From:Nicastre,Mark
Sent:Friday,May08,201509:38AMEasternStandardTime
To:Sheridan,JeffreyMcGinty,KathleenShafer,JosephIsenhour,MaryHanger,John
Subject:SenateMajorityLeaderslamsGov.Wolffor'completemischaracterization'inpressrelease
AnygoodwillGov.TomWolfbuiltupwiththeRepublicancontrolledSenatemighthavebeenundonewitha
pressrelease.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanstronglycriticizedWolfforapressreleasethegovernorsentout
Thursdayafternoonregardingexecutivenominations.Init,Wolfsaidhewassendinghis17nominationsfor
approvaltothePennsylvaniaSenateafterheandCormanworkedoutacompromise.
READ:WillcompromisegetGov.TomWolf's17executivenominationsthroughthePa.Senate?
Thedealwouldbethat13nominationsrecommendedbytheSenatewouldproceedandWolfwouldsubmit12
nominationsofhischoosing.Anotherfivenominationaretofillvacantseats.
Cormanisvehementlydenyingthat.
"IdonotappreciatebeingspokenforandGov.Wolf'spressreleaseisacompletemischaracterizationofthe
eventssurroundingthesenominations,"Cormansaidinapreparedrelease.
"WeinformedGov.Wolf'sstaffseveraldaysagoandaslateas[Friday]thatthiswasnotanagreedtoprocess,
yet,thegovernorstillchosetosendthisrelease."
Earlierthisyear,Wolfrecalled25executivenominationsthatweremadebyoutgoinggovernorTom
Corbett,aRepublican.
"IdidnotandcouldnotcommittheSenateRepublicanCaucustoconfirmingablankslateof12nominations,"
Cormansaid."UnlikeGov.Wolf,ItaketheSenateconfirmationprocessveryseriously.Itisentirelyuptoeach
nomineetoearntheconfirmationvoteofeachSenator."
Cormancontinued"Neverinmy17yearsintheSenatehasaGovernorRepublicanorDemocratshown
thistypeofdisrespectforamemberoftheGeneralAssembly.IamdismayedGov.Wolfwouldissuearelease
whileknowingthatthememberdidnotapproveofwhatwasbeingsaid."
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
05/08/201509:46:42AM
To:
Shafer,JosephNicastre,MarkSheridan,JeffreyIsenhour,MaryHanger,John
Subject:
RE:SenateMajorityLeaderslamsGov.Wolffor'completemischaracterization'inpressrelease
Imonthelinenow
OriginalMessage
From:Shafer,Joseph
Sent:Friday,May08,201509:44AMEasternStandardTime
To:McGinty,KathleenNicastre,MarkSheridan,JeffreyIsenhour,MaryHanger,John
Subject:RE:SenateMajorityLeaderslamsGov.Wolffor'completemischaracterization'inpressrelease
Yes
From:McGinty,Kathleen
Sent:Friday,May08,20159:44AM
To:Nicastre,MarkSheridan,JeffreyShafer,JosephIsenhour,MaryHanger,John
Subject:RE:SenateMajorityLeaderslamsGov.Wolffor'completemischaracterization'inpressrelease
Canweallhoponourmorningconfline?
OriginalMessage
From:Nicastre,Mark
Sent:Friday,May08,201509:38AMEasternStandardTime
To:Sheridan,JeffreyMcGinty,KathleenShafer,JosephIsenhour,MaryHanger,John
Subject:SenateMajorityLeaderslamsGov.Wolffor'completemischaracterization'inpressrelease
AnygoodwillGov.TomWolfbuiltupwiththeRepublicancontrolledSenatemighthavebeenundonewitha
pressrelease.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanstronglycriticizedWolfforapressreleasethegovernorsentout
Thursdayafternoonregardingexecutivenominations.Init,Wolfsaidhewassendinghis17nominationsfor
approvaltothePennsylvaniaSenateafterheandCormanworkedoutacompromise.
READ:WillcompromisegetGov.TomWolf's17executivenominationsthroughthePa.Senate?
Thedealwouldbethat13nominationsrecommendedbytheSenatewouldproceedandWolfwouldsubmit12
nominationsofhischoosing.Anotherfivenominationaretofillvacantseats.
Cormanisvehementlydenyingthat.
"IdonotappreciatebeingspokenforandGov.Wolf'spressreleaseisacompletemischaracterizationofthe
eventssurroundingthesenominations,"Cormansaidinapreparedrelease.
"WeinformedGov.Wolf'sstaffseveraldaysagoandaslateas[Friday]thatthiswasnotanagreedtoprocess,
yet,thegovernorstillchosetosendthisrelease."
Earlierthisyear,Wolfrecalled25executivenominationsthatweremadebyoutgoinggovernorTom
Corbett,aRepublican.
"IdidnotandcouldnotcommittheSenateRepublicanCaucustoconfirmingablankslateof12nominations,"
Cormansaid."UnlikeGov.Wolf,ItaketheSenateconfirmationprocessveryseriously.Itisentirelyuptoeach
nomineetoearntheconfirmationvoteofeachSenator."
Cormancontinued"Neverinmy17yearsintheSenatehasaGovernorRepublicanorDemocratshown
thistypeofdisrespectforamemberoftheGeneralAssembly.IamdismayedGov.Wolfwouldissuearelease
whileknowingthatthememberdidnotapproveofwhatwasbeingsaid."
From:
McGinty,Kathleen
Senttime:
07/15/201501:13:35PM
To:
DaveMyers<
Subject:
RE:ThinkingAboutYou
Dave,
Ihavereadthisthoughtfulnoteoveronseveraloccasionstheselasttwoweeks.IwishIcouldsayyourpredictions
wereoverlypessimistic.Alas.....
Ithinkyouarespotoninyourdiagnosis.Thecultureisdifferentanddeterioratedfrom2008whenIleft.Jakeand
Joeareshadowsoftheirformerselves.Scaredoftheirowncaucuses.Devoidofsubstanceandfullofrhetoric
andposturing.Itreallyisashame.Youarealsoright,howeverthattheGovernorisonthesideofthepublicand
thatlendsstrengthandresolve.
Astoyourprojects......wehavetimeonourhandsduringthisnonsense.Sopleasecomeseeus!!!Debbiecan
schedatanytime.Younameit.
K
From:DaveMyers<
Sent:Tuesday,June30,20159:51:21AM
To:McGinty,Kathleen
Subject:ThinkingAboutYou
Katie,astodaygotcloserandcloser,IwantedtoletyouknowthatI'vebeenthinkingaboutyouandsimplywanted
towishyougoodluckinwhatclearlyisgoingtobealong,uglyslog.It'stimeslikethisthatmakewegladthatI'm
notinHarrisburg.
Iknowhowuglyandtoughtimeslikethiscanbe.IrememberbacktoearlyintheCaseyadministration,wherethe
Republicanshelduphisfirstbudget,withmuchofthesamerhetoricthatyou'rehearingnow."Wehavethe
mandate,hedoesn't."justbeingoneofthemany.Andhowtheywerewilingtodelaythebudgetformonthssimply
toseeifCaseywouldfightback.
Andofcourse,webothlivedthroughthefirstRendellbudget.IremembernewpaperarticlessayingthatRendell's
staffwasinept.(OfcourseMasch'stwobudgetideainhindsightwasn'tagreatidea.)AndhowRendellmissed
DavidCohenbecause,byimplication,JohnEsteywassobad.
It'simportanttorememberattimeslikethis,thatyou'refightingfortherightthingsthethingsthatpeoplewant.
Andthatmuchofishappeningisatesttoseeifyou'rewillingtofightforthethingsyouwant.
Thatsaid,IdothinkthatinsomewaysbothCaseyandRendellhaditeasier.Notbecauseoftheiragendas.But
becauseofthenatureoftheiroppositionandthecultureoftheCapitol.TheSenateRepublicanLeadershipduring
Casey'sfirstyearwerebasicallyhonorablemenwhobelievedthatgovernmentactuallyservedapurpose.Andthe
RepublicansduringthefirstRendellyearswerealsobasicallyhonorablemenwhowantedtodothings.I'mnot
sayingthatthetheRepublicanleadershipisn'thonorable.IhadtonegotiatewithJakeCormanover
Telecommunications.Wecantalkaboutthatexperience.Butitwasn'tlikedealingwithMattRyanorJack
Stauffer.AndScottWagnerisSamRohreronsteroids.
IguessallI'mtryingtosayisdon'tletthemgettoyou.Youhavetherightagenda.Standingonprinciplemakes
youbothtallerandstronger.Andeventhoughtheyandtheirsurrogateswillattackyoupersonallyandunfairly,don't
letthemgettoyou.
Ireallystartedouttowriteyouaboutsomeprojectsthatwe'redoing,butasIthoughtaboutit,Ithoughtthatcanwait
foranotherday.
MybestandknowthatI'mthinkingaboutyou(forwhateverconsolationthatbrings)andknowthatintheendboth
youandtheGovernor'sagendawillprevail.
Dave
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/17/201503:27:27PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
RE:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanEveryonethinkswe'regoingtobehereallsummer,I'mtryingtobemoreoptimisticthanthat.
#pleditboard
3:14pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:mostsignificantpushbackisonthesalestaxproposals
3:15pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
[What]don'tpeopleunderstandabouttheprocess?Sen.CormanGov.wolfwillhavetosignbillsthathedoes't
like#PLEditboard
3:16pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
cont...however,he'sgoingtohavetoatsomepointwhetherit'sthebeginningofthesummerortheendofthe
summer#PLEditboard
3:17pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:ItelltheGov.he'sgoingtohavetosignthingshedoesn'tlikeandwewillvoteforthingswedon't
like2/2#pleditboard
3:17pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Notpersonal.Justb/cwedisagreeontheOpenRecordsOfficedoesn'tmeanthatwecan'tagree
onabudget#pleditboard
3:18pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
Corman:MarcusBrowncouldn'tgetsupport,notouttogetvotesagainsthim.#pleditboardItwasunfortunate.
3:18pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWithPSP,we'rereadytomoveonwithnewnominee.#pleditboard
3:19pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanForKatieMcGintytogetupandsaywegetbenefitfrompensionbillisunfortunate.Wedon't.
#pleditboard
3:20pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanYoucansayit'sterrible,buttosayasMcGintydid,thatLeggetsnew#pensionreformbenefitis
blatantlyuntrue.#pleditboard
3:21pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
"You'vetaken3pensionvotes,you'veregrettedsomeinthepast..."Sen.Corman:Theydidn'tworkouthowthey
weresoldtome.#PLEditboard
3:23pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanNoonewouldprojectrecessionlike2008,wherefundslost30percentofthevalue.#pleditboard
3:24pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Noonewouldhaveprojectedarecessionlike2008...Itwasahugerisktotakeanddidn'tturnout
asprojected#PLEditboard
3:26pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWhatI'velearnedthroughthisprocess(pensions)istryingtominimizetherisk.#pleditboard
3:25pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Weneedtoreducetheriskfortaxpayers...moreofasharedriskneedstohappen#PLEditboard
3:26pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Wednesday,June17,20153:15PM
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanSaysit'sstillearlyinbudgettalksdon'tknowhowit'lgowithsomeonenew.#pleditboard
3:07pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.JakeCorman:Unknownofhownegationsw/Gov.WolfwillbecomparedtoGov.Corbett.TBD
#PLEditboard
3:08pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanFinishingthisbudgetyearaheadisagoodsign.#pleditboard
3:10pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanStructuraldeficitdoesn'tcomefromrevenue,itcomesfromthegrowthingovernment,from
pensions,et.al.#pleditboard
3:10pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Gov.corbettdidtherightthingin2011matchinguprev.toexpenditure,couldn'tmatchitupforthe
future.#PLEditboard
3:11pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanQuestionishowtocurtailourgrowth.Wecan'trundeficits.Wehavetobalance.#pleditboard
3:11pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCormanquestionnowistaking$8Boutoftheeconomyagoodideaorshouldwedealingw/theproblems
drivingupthecosts#pleditboard
3:14pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OceofCommunica ons|OceoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Oce:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/17/201504:03:05PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
RE:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanHopefullypeoplewillgive/getandifcomeinwiththatmindset,wecangetthingsdone.
#pleditboard
3:59pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:DecisionsinNov.aresameasthoseinJuly.WehavetorespectpeopleofPAandgetthisdone
#PLEditboard
4:00pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:We'regoingtogiveandwe'regoingtoget.Ifpplhavethatmindset,wecangetthingsdone.
#PLeditboard
4:01pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Wednesday,June17,20153:58PM
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:RE:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanI'moptimisticwecanbedoneby6/30,ifwehavetherightspiritofmind.#pleditboard
3:42pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Onliquorwearetryingtodevelopasystemthatbeginstheprocessofturningthisovertoprivate
hands#PLEditboard
3:45pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanHavetobecarefulnottodevalueexistingliquorlicenses.#pleditboard
3:45pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Wearelookingtohopefullylookingtonextweekhavesomethingonliquorwecanconsider
#PLEditboard
3:47pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
JasonMaddux
@jasonmaddux
Sen.@JakeCorman:A"storeinsideastore"possibleforliquorsales.#Pleditboard
3:48pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanAnytimeyoucanbemoreefficient,youshouldbe.Buthavetobecarefulonagency
consolidations.#pleditboard
3:48pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JasonMaddux
@jasonmaddux
Sen.@JakeCormanonBrown,Arneson:They'resideissuesthatdonthaveanythingtodowithusgoverning.
#Pleditboard
3:54pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Govstaffisn'tdiscussingpolicybutrathergetsintopersonalattacks#PLEditboard
3:55pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Wednesday,June17,20153:42PM
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:RE:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
JasonMaddux
@jasonmaddux
Cormanonpensionstructure:"Evenduringrecordhighstockmarket,wedidntmakewhatweneedtomake.And
thatsaproblem."#Pleditboard
3:27pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:thereisnopainfreewayofgettingoutofthepensionproblem.#pleditboard
3:28pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Iftaxpayershaveto"swallowthemedicine",atleastwecansayitwon'thappenagain
#PLEditboard
3:28pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanOurbillcreatescommissiontoreviewfeestructuresandotheroperations.#pleditboard
3:30pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanI'mriskaverserightnowwhichmeansnopensionobligationbonds.#pleditboard
3:31pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:yespensionfeesaretoohigh.Oursistheonlyplanouttheretoaddressfees.#pleditboard
3:31pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
JennKocher
@jkocher156
Govtalksaboutsavingfeesbutatthispointhasofferednoconcreteplanfordoingso.@ByJohnLMicek
@PennLive
3:32pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Youcan'tjusttakeoutabondtopayoffyourdebt...Mustchangespendinghabits#PLEditboard
3:33pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Pensionbondsareariskypropositionandespeciallysoifyoudon'tchangethestructural
problemsw/theplan#PLEditboard
3:33pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Mybrainisnotburdenedbyalawdegree#PLEditboard
3:34pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWetriedtobecarefulinthewaywewrotethistomeettheConstitutionalmandate.#pleditboard
3:34pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWe'vetriedtogiveoptionsonretirementplanstomeetConstitutionalobligations.#pleditboard
3:35pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanDon'tthinktherewillbemassretirements.Theywon'tbelosinganything.#pleditboard
3:39pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Ifyou'reacurrenttrooper,wewon'tbelievethisbillwillimpactyouatall.#PLeditboard
3:40pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Wednesday,June17,20153:27PM
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:RE:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanEveryonethinkswe'regoingtobehereallsummer,I'mtryingtobemoreoptimisticthanthat.
#pleditboard
3:14pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:mostsignificantpushbackisonthesalestaxproposals
3:15pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
[What]don'tpeopleunderstandabouttheprocess?Sen.CormanGov.wolfwillhavetosignbillsthathedoes't
like#PLEditboard
3:16pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
cont...however,he'sgoingtohavetoatsomepointwhetherit'sthebeginningofthesummerortheendofthe
summer#PLEditboard
3:17pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:ItelltheGov.he'sgoingtohavetosignthingshedoesn'tlikeandwewillvoteforthingswedon't
like2/2#pleditboard
3:17pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Notpersonal.Justb/cwedisagreeontheOpenRecordsOfficedoesn'tmeanthatwecan'tagree
onabudget#pleditboard
3:18pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
Corman:MarcusBrowncouldn'tgetsupport,notouttogetvotesagainsthim.#pleditboardItwasunfortunate.
3:18pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWithPSP,we'rereadytomoveonwithnewnominee.#pleditboard
3:19pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanForKatieMcGintytogetupandsaywegetbenefitfrompensionbillisunfortunate.Wedon't.
#pleditboard
3:20pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanYoucansayit'sterrible,buttosayasMcGintydid,thatLeggetsnew#pensionreformbenefitis
blatantlyuntrue.#pleditboard
3:21pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
"You'vetaken3pensionvotes,you'veregrettedsomeinthepast..."Sen.Corman:Theydidn'tworkouthowthey
weresoldtome.#PLEditboard
3:23pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanNoonewouldprojectrecessionlike2008,wherefundslost30percentofthevalue.#pleditboard
3:24pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Noonewouldhaveprojectedarecessionlike2008...Itwasahugerisktotakeanddidn'tturnout
asprojected#PLEditboard
3:26pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWhatI'velearnedthroughthisprocess(pensions)istryingtominimizetherisk.#pleditboard
3:25pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Weneedtoreducetheriskfortaxpayers...moreofasharedriskneedstohappen#PLEditboard
3:26pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Wednesday,June17,20153:15PM
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanSaysit'sstillearlyinbudgettalksdon'tknowhowit'lgowithsomeonenew.#pleditboard
3:07pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.JakeCorman:Unknownofhownegationsw/Gov.WolfwillbecomparedtoGov.Corbett.TBD
#PLEditboard
3:08pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanFinishingthisbudgetyearaheadisagoodsign.#pleditboard
3:10pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanStructuraldeficitdoesn'tcomefromrevenue,itcomesfromthegrowthingovernment,from
pensions,et.al.#pleditboard
3:10pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Gov.corbettdidtherightthingin2011matchinguprev.toexpenditure,couldn'tmatchitupforthe
future.#PLEditboard
3:11pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanQuestionishowtocurtailourgrowth.Wecan'trundeficits.Wehavetobalance.#pleditboard
3:11pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCormanquestionnowistaking$8Boutoftheeconomyagoodideaorshouldwedealingw/theproblems
drivingupthecosts#pleditboard
3:14pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OceofCommunica ons|OceoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Oce:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/17/201503:42:11PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
RE:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
JasonMaddux
@jasonmaddux
Cormanonpensionstructure:"Evenduringrecordhighstockmarket,wedidntmakewhatweneedtomake.And
thatsaproblem."#Pleditboard
3:27pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:thereisnopainfreewayofgettingoutofthepensionproblem.#pleditboard
3:28pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Iftaxpayershaveto"swallowthemedicine",atleastwecansayitwon'thappenagain
#PLEditboard
3:28pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanOurbillcreatescommissiontoreviewfeestructuresandotheroperations.#pleditboard
3:30pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanI'mriskaverserightnowwhichmeansnopensionobligationbonds.#pleditboard
3:31pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:yespensionfeesaretoohigh.Oursistheonlyplanouttheretoaddressfees.#pleditboard
3:31pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
JennKocher
@jkocher156
Govtalksaboutsavingfeesbutatthispointhasofferednoconcreteplanfordoingso.@ByJohnLMicek
@PennLive
3:32pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Youcan'tjusttakeoutabondtopayoffyourdebt...Mustchangespendinghabits#PLEditboard
3:33pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Pensionbondsareariskypropositionandespeciallysoifyoudon'tchangethestructural
problemsw/theplan#PLEditboard
3:33pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Mybrainisnotburdenedbyalawdegree#PLEditboard
3:34pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWetriedtobecarefulinthewaywewrotethistomeettheConstitutionalmandate.#pleditboard
3:34pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWe'vetriedtogiveoptionsonretirementplanstomeetConstitutionalobligations.#pleditboard
3:35pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanDon'tthinktherewillbemassretirements.Theywon'tbelosinganything.#pleditboard
3:39pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Ifyou'reacurrenttrooper,wewon'tbelievethisbillwillimpactyouatall.#PLeditboard
3:40pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Wednesday,June17,20153:27PM
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:RE:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanEveryonethinkswe'regoingtobehereallsummer,I'mtryingtobemoreoptimisticthanthat.
#pleditboard
3:14pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:mostsignificantpushbackisonthesalestaxproposals
3:15pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
[What]don'tpeopleunderstandabouttheprocess?Sen.CormanGov.wolfwillhavetosignbillsthathedoes't
like#PLEditboard
3:16pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
cont...however,he'sgoingtohavetoatsomepointwhetherit'sthebeginningofthesummerortheendofthe
summer#PLEditboard
3:17pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:ItelltheGov.he'sgoingtohavetosignthingshedoesn'tlikeandwewillvoteforthingswedon't
like2/2#pleditboard
3:17pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Notpersonal.Justb/cwedisagreeontheOpenRecordsOfficedoesn'tmeanthatwecan'tagree
onabudget#pleditboard
3:18pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
Corman:MarcusBrowncouldn'tgetsupport,notouttogetvotesagainsthim.#pleditboardItwasunfortunate.
3:18pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWithPSP,we'rereadytomoveonwithnewnominee.#pleditboard
3:19pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanForKatieMcGintytogetupandsaywegetbenefitfrompensionbillisunfortunate.Wedon't.
#pleditboard
3:20pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanYoucansayit'sterrible,buttosayasMcGintydid,thatLeggetsnew#pensionreformbenefitis
blatantlyuntrue.#pleditboard
3:21pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
"You'vetaken3pensionvotes,you'veregrettedsomeinthepast..."Sen.Corman:Theydidn'tworkouthowthey
weresoldtome.#PLEditboard
3:23pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanNoonewouldprojectrecessionlike2008,wherefundslost30percentofthevalue.#pleditboard
3:24pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Noonewouldhaveprojectedarecessionlike2008...Itwasahugerisktotakeanddidn'tturnout
asprojected#PLEditboard
3:26pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWhatI'velearnedthroughthisprocess(pensions)istryingtominimizetherisk.#pleditboard
3:25pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Weneedtoreducetheriskfortaxpayers...moreofasharedriskneedstohappen#PLEditboard
3:26pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Wednesday,June17,20153:15PM
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanSaysit'sstillearlyinbudgettalksdon'tknowhowit'lgowithsomeonenew.#pleditboard
3:07pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.JakeCorman:Unknownofhownegationsw/Gov.WolfwillbecomparedtoGov.Corbett.TBD
#PLEditboard
3:08pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanFinishingthisbudgetyearaheadisagoodsign.#pleditboard
3:10pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanStructuraldeficitdoesn'tcomefromrevenue,itcomesfromthegrowthingovernment,from
pensions,et.al.#pleditboard
3:10pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Gov.corbettdidtherightthingin2011matchinguprev.toexpenditure,couldn'tmatchitupforthe
future.#PLEditboard
3:11pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanQuestionishowtocurtailourgrowth.Wecan'trundeficits.Wehavetobalance.#pleditboard
3:11pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCormanquestionnowistaking$8Boutoftheeconomyagoodideaorshouldwedealingw/theproblems
drivingupthecosts#pleditboard
3:14pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OceofCommunica ons|OceoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Oce:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/17/201503:57:44PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
RE:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanI'moptimisticwecanbedoneby6/30,ifwehavetherightspiritofmind.#pleditboard
3:42pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Onliquorwearetryingtodevelopasystemthatbeginstheprocessofturningthisovertoprivate
hands#PLEditboard
3:45pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanHavetobecarefulnottodevalueexistingliquorlicenses.#pleditboard
3:45pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Wearelookingtohopefullylookingtonextweekhavesomethingonliquorwecanconsider
#PLEditboard
3:47pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
JasonMaddux
@jasonmaddux
Sen.@JakeCorman:A"storeinsideastore"possibleforliquorsales.#Pleditboard
3:48pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanAnytimeyoucanbemoreefficient,youshouldbe.Buthavetobecarefulonagency
consolidations.#pleditboard
3:48pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JasonMaddux
@jasonmaddux
Sen.@JakeCormanonBrown,Arneson:They'resideissuesthatdonthaveanythingtodowithusgoverning.
#Pleditboard
3:54pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Govstaffisn'tdiscussingpolicybutrathergetsintopersonalattacks#PLEditboard
3:55pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Wednesday,June17,20153:42PM
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:RE:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
JasonMaddux
@jasonmaddux
Cormanonpensionstructure:"Evenduringrecordhighstockmarket,wedidntmakewhatweneedtomake.And
thatsaproblem."#Pleditboard
3:27pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:thereisnopainfreewayofgettingoutofthepensionproblem.#pleditboard
3:28pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Iftaxpayershaveto"swallowthemedicine",atleastwecansayitwon'thappenagain
#PLEditboard
3:28pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanOurbillcreatescommissiontoreviewfeestructuresandotheroperations.#pleditboard
3:30pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanI'mriskaverserightnowwhichmeansnopensionobligationbonds.#pleditboard
3:31pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:yespensionfeesaretoohigh.Oursistheonlyplanouttheretoaddressfees.#pleditboard
3:31pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
JennKocher
@jkocher156
Govtalksaboutsavingfeesbutatthispointhasofferednoconcreteplanfordoingso.@ByJohnLMicek
@PennLive
3:32pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Youcan'tjusttakeoutabondtopayoffyourdebt...Mustchangespendinghabits#PLEditboard
3:33pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Pensionbondsareariskypropositionandespeciallysoifyoudon'tchangethestructural
problemsw/theplan#PLEditboard
3:33pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Mybrainisnotburdenedbyalawdegree#PLEditboard
3:34pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWetriedtobecarefulinthewaywewrotethistomeettheConstitutionalmandate.#pleditboard
3:34pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWe'vetriedtogiveoptionsonretirementplanstomeetConstitutionalobligations.#pleditboard
3:35pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanDon'tthinktherewillbemassretirements.Theywon'tbelosinganything.#pleditboard
3:39pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Ifyou'reacurrenttrooper,wewon'tbelievethisbillwillimpactyouatall.#PLeditboard
3:40pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Wednesday,June17,20153:27PM
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:RE:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanEveryonethinkswe'regoingtobehereallsummer,I'mtryingtobemoreoptimisticthanthat.
#pleditboard
3:14pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:mostsignificantpushbackisonthesalestaxproposals
3:15pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
[What]don'tpeopleunderstandabouttheprocess?Sen.CormanGov.wolfwillhavetosignbillsthathedoes't
like#PLEditboard
3:16pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
cont...however,he'sgoingtohavetoatsomepointwhetherit'sthebeginningofthesummerortheendofthe
summer#PLEditboard
3:17pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:ItelltheGov.he'sgoingtohavetosignthingshedoesn'tlikeandwewillvoteforthingswedon't
like2/2#pleditboard
3:17pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCorman:Notpersonal.Justb/cwedisagreeontheOpenRecordsOfficedoesn'tmeanthatwecan'tagree
onabudget#pleditboard
3:18pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
Corman:MarcusBrowncouldn'tgetsupport,notouttogetvotesagainsthim.#pleditboardItwasunfortunate.
3:18pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWithPSP,we'rereadytomoveonwithnewnominee.#pleditboard
3:19pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanForKatieMcGintytogetupandsaywegetbenefitfrompensionbillisunfortunate.Wedon't.
#pleditboard
3:20pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanYoucansayit'sterrible,buttosayasMcGintydid,thatLeggetsnew#pensionreformbenefitis
blatantlyuntrue.#pleditboard
3:21pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
"You'vetaken3pensionvotes,you'veregrettedsomeinthepast..."Sen.Corman:Theydidn'tworkouthowthey
weresoldtome.#PLEditboard
3:23pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanNoonewouldprojectrecessionlike2008,wherefundslost30percentofthevalue.#pleditboard
3:24pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Noonewouldhaveprojectedarecessionlike2008...Itwasahugerisktotakeanddidn'tturnout
asprojected#PLEditboard
3:26pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanWhatI'velearnedthroughthisprocess(pensions)istryingtominimizetherisk.#pleditboard
3:25pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Weneedtoreducetheriskfortaxpayers...moreofasharedriskneedstohappen#PLEditboard
3:26pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
From:Stone,Sophie
Sent:Wednesday,June17,20153:15PM
To:Stone,Sophie
Subject:TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanSaysit'sstillearlyinbudgettalksdon'tknowhowit'lgowithsomeonenew.#pleditboard
3:07pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.JakeCorman:Unknownofhownegationsw/Gov.WolfwillbecomparedtoGov.Corbett.TBD
#PLEditboard
3:08pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanFinishingthisbudgetyearaheadisagoodsign.#pleditboard
3:10pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanStructuraldeficitdoesn'tcomefromrevenue,itcomesfromthegrowthingovernment,from
pensions,et.al.#pleditboard
3:10pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Gov.corbettdidtherightthingin2011matchinguprev.toexpenditure,couldn'tmatchitupforthe
future.#PLEditboard
3:11pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanQuestionishowtocurtailourgrowth.Wecan'trundeficits.Wehavetobalance.#pleditboard
3:11pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCormanquestionnowistaking$8Boutoftheeconomyagoodideaorshouldwedealingw/theproblems
drivingupthecosts#pleditboard
3:14pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OceofCommunica ons|OceoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Oce:
From:
GovernorsPressOffice
Senttime:
07/08/201503:39:31PM
To:
GovernorsPressOffice
Subject:
SenatorCormansPoliticalExpediency
To:InterestedParties
From:JeffSheridan,PressSecretary,GovernorTomWolf
Date:July8,2015
Subject:SenatorCormansPoliticalExpediency
TherefusalbySenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanandRepublicanleaderstoacceptbasicmathandacknowledge
Pennsylvaniasmassivestructuralbudgetdeficitisthesoleobstaclepreventingbudgettalksfrommovingforward.
Pennsylvaniahasasignificantstructuralbudgetdeficitthatneedstobeaddressed.Drasticcutsmadetostateeducation
fundingcutsmadebySenatorCormanandRepublicansneedtoberestored.Unfortunately,theRepublicanbudget
craftedbySenatorCormanandhisRepublicancolleaguesfailedtoaddressthesegaps.TheRepublicanbudgetisnot
balancedandwouldleadtoa$3billionbudgetdeficit,whiledoingnothingforpubliceducationaddinglessthan3cents
perstudentperdayineducationfunding.
Strangely,todaysSenatorCormandoesntagreewiththeSenatorCormanofthepast.SenatorCormansleadershiptitle
seemstohaveshiftedhisidealsonbudgetingandfinancialplanning.
Yesterday,SenatorCormaninsistedthatthebudgetimpassewouldcontinueuntilGovernorWolfabandonedhisplanto
responsiblyclosethestructuraldeficit:
Ithinkitneedstobemadeveryclearthatthisisgoingtobeawhileaslongasthegovernorholdsontotheneed
forbroadbasedtaxincreases,Cormansaidashelefthisearlyafternoonmeeting.We'recertainlyatan
impasseoverbroadbasedtaxes...Thosebroadbasedtaxincreasesarenotgoingtobeapartofthe
discussions,andthat'swhathewantsanduntilthatissuecanberesolved,we'regoingtobehereawhile."
[HarrisburgPatriotNews,07/07/15]
However,lastyearsSenatorCormanexpressedconcernoverthegrowingstructuraldeficitunderthebudgetsenacted
bySenatorCorman,Republicans,andformerGovernorTomCorbett,aswellasopennesstoraisingtaxestoclosethat
deficit:
"Soonerorlater,abroadbasedtaxincreasewillbenecessarytopayforit,"Cormansaid."Whetherthat'snext
yearortheyearafterthat,Idon'tknow.Butthey'reincreasingatabilliondollarsayearandrevenuesaren't
keepingup."[AssociatedPress,06/28/14]
SenateAppropriationsCommitteeChairmanJakeCorman,RCentre,saidhischambersRepublicanswould
havejoinedDemocratstosupportsomesortoftaxincrease,butthatHouseRepublicanswouldnothave
supportedone.[AssociatedPress,06/28/14]
Yesterday,SenatorCormanalsodemonstratedanunwillingnesstoaddressthebudgetdeficitinalongtermframework:
"Hewantsenoughrevenuesohedoesn'thavetoworryaboutthisforfouryears,andIrespectthat,"theCentre
CountyRepublicansaid"Butwe'renotopentoadiscussiononanincometaxincrease.We'renotopentoa
discussiononasalestaxincrease.We'renotopentoadiscussiononclosingsalestaxexemptions.[Harrisburg
PatriotNews,07/07/15]
But,hereiswhatSenatorCormansaidin2009aboutresponsiblebudgetingandlookinglongterm:
Wejusthavetofigureoutawaytomoveforward.Buttheprinciplewearestandingoniswecannotjustworry
aboutnextyearandhowtobalancethebudgetwithshorttermdecisions.Weneedtomakelongtermdecisions
aswell[CormanFloorSpeech,07/01/09]
Overthelastfouryears,SenatorCormanandthecurrentRepublicanlegislativeteamhavepassedbacktobackfiscally
irresponsiblebudgetsthathaveresultedinmultibilliondollardeficits,annualfiscalcrises,andnumerouscredit
downgrades.
ItistimeforSenatorCormanandtheRepublicanleaderstostopignoringbasicmathandtostoppretendingthattheir
samegimmicks,irresponsiblebudgeting,andgapingdeficitswillhelpmovePennsylvaniaforward.
GovernorWolfwillcontinuefightingonbehalfofthepeopleofPennsylvaniatocloseourdeficitwithoutgimmicks,fundour
schoolsthroughacommonsenseseverancetax,andprovidepropertytaxrelieftoPennsylvanianfamilies.
MEDIACONTACT:JeffSheridan
###
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/10/201511:18:03AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
StatementfromSenateGOPonArnesoncasedecision
SenateHailsCommonwealthCourtDecisiontoReinstateOfficeofOpenRecords
Chief
June10,2015
(HARRISBURG)Callingitagooddayfortransparencyandopennessingovernment,SenateRepublicansapplaudeda
stateCommonwealthCourtdecisionthatGov.WolfexceededhispowersinremovingthedirectorofthestatesOfficeofOpen
Records(OOR).
TodaytheCourtagreedwithGeneralAssemblysvisionwhencreatingthislawthatonlythroughtheindependenceofthe
officecanweensurethatproperscrutinycanbegiventogovernmentthroughitspublicrecords,saidSenateMajorityLeader
JakeCorman(R34).Thedecisionwillallowthisimportantwatchdogagencytocontinueinitsroleasanindependentarbiter
whencitizensaredeniedaccesstogovernmentrecords.
TheCourtrulingissuedtodayisavictoryforthepeopleofPennsylvaniaandensurestransparencycontinuestoexistinstate
government,saidSenatePresidentProTemporeJoeScarnati(R25).WelookforwardtoErikArnesonsreturntoactively
servingasExecutiveDirectoroftheOfficeofOpenRecordsandcontinuingtooverseetheindependenceoftheofficeforthe
remainderofhissixyearterm.
TheSenateRepublicanCaucusfiledapetitioninJanuarybeforeCommonwealthCourttodefendtheintegrityofastatuteand
protecttheindependenceoftheOOR.InitsrulingclickheretoreadtheCourtsupportedtheSenatepositionsaying:The
OORisinherentlyindependentfromtheExecutivebranchtheOORspredominatepurposeistoserveasaquasijudicial,
independentagencythatisnotsubjecttothepolicysupervisionandcontrolofthegovernor.
SayingtheOORexecutivedirector,anindependentbody,isinsulatedfromtheGovernorspowertoremoveappointeesat
will,theCourtorderedErikArnesontobereturnedtothepositionwithbackpay.
SenateRepublicansareoptimisticthat,oncegiventheopportunitytoreviewtheruling,theGovernorwilldecideagainsta
plannedappeal.
WearehopefulthattheGovernorwillstophiseffortstodismantlethewallofindependencebetweentheOfficeofthe
GovernorandtheOfficeofOpenRecords.Weurgehimnottocontinuewastingtaxpayermoneybyappealingthisdecision,
SenatorCormansaid.
####
CONTACTS:
DrewCrompton:
JennKocher:
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
ChristianMuniz<
Senttime:
06/23/201505:13:24PM
To:
ChristianMuniz<
Cc:
EllenHoran<
Subject:
SUPPORTFORSB7556/24SEN.FINANCECOMMITTEEMEETING
Attachments:
CSCSB755supportSFCvote062415.pdf
RickSchuettler<
June23,2015
DearHonorableMembersofthePennsylvaniaSenateFinanceCommittee:
RE:Su p p o r tf o rSB755
OnbehalfoftheCoalitionforSustainableCommunities(CSC),werespectfullyrequestyourconsiderationinofferinganaffirmative
voteonSB755whenitisconsideredtomorrowduringtheSenateFinanceCommitteemeeting.Ourgrowingstatewideand
bipartisancoalitionincludesnearly40organizations:businesschambers,municipalassociations,andotherprofessionaland
communitydevelopmentorganizations,allofwhichsupportSB755.
Municipalpensiondistressiswidespread,hittingurban,suburban,andruralareasalikewiththechiefcostdriverbeinguniformed
unionpensions.Infact,in66ofPennsylvanias67counties,atleastonemunicipalityhasapensionplanthatisunderahighlevelof
fiscaldistress.Earlierthisyear,AuditorGeneralEugeneDePasqualereportedthatmunicipalpensionliabilitieshavereachednearly
$8billion,anincreaseofover$1billionsincethe201314legislativesession.WhilePhiladelphiaandPittsburghaccountforalarge
portionofthisunfundedliabilityduetosheersize,theAuditorGeneralsreportshowedthatofthetop25municipalitieswiththe
highestdollaramountofunfundedaggregatepensionliability,eightweretownshipsandboroughs.Thesamereportshowedthatof
thetop25municipalitieswiththehighestpercentageofunfundedpensionliabilities,21weretownshipsandboroughs.
SB755aimstotakecorrectiveactionnowbygivingmunicipalgovernmentsthetoolsneededtopreventwidespreadpension
collapseandreversethecurrentdeteriorationinpublicsafetyservices.UnlikethecurrentDefinedBenefitpensionplans,the
optionalDefinedContributionplanofferedinSB755willreduceemployercostsbyprovidingareliable,fairandmodernbenefit
structure,amodestbenefitreductionfornewemployees,andthepromiseofeventuallystabilizingmunicipalpensionssothat
unfundedliabilitiescanbeeliminated.
UnderSB755,localelectedofficialsmustaffirmativelyadoptthenewplanviaordinance.Ifadopted:
Currentpoliceandfirefighters,aswellaspensioners,retainallexistingbenefits
Futureemployeesreceiveafairandmodernpensionplanwhichisportableandbasedoncontributionsfromboth
employeesandemployers.Thiseliminatesthepracticeofsalaryspikingandreversesthecurrentplanstructure
whereemployeesmakeonlymarginal,andoftenno,contributionstotheirpensions
NonSocialSecurityemployeesmustcontributeahigherpercentoftheirincreasednetincome(duetolackofSocial
Securitywithholdings)toensuretheirretirementsecurity
Allpensions,forcurrentandfutureemployees,areremovedfromthebindingarbitrationprocesssothatmunicipal
employerscanpredictcostsbasedonsoundactuarialdatawhileslowlypayingdowntheirexistingpensionliability
Earlieremployeevestingoptionsaremadeavailable:25percentatfouryears50percentatsixyears75percentat
eightyearsand100percentattenyears(currentstatuteoffersvestingat12years)
Improvesjobandpensionsecurityforcurrentandfuturemunicipaluniformedunionemployees.
TheCSCformedbecausewecaredeeplyaboutourcommunitiesandwantthemtosucceed.Municipalpensionfiscalstrains,in
somecasesatthepointofcrisislevel,areresultinginpublicsafetylayoffsandhiringfreezes,servicecuts,andtaxincreases.Inthe
verynearfuture,thiswillalsomeanalossofpensionsforretireesandcurrentemployees.Theselastresortoptionsharmthevery
workers,residents,andbusinessesneededtosustainandgrowacommunity.Noonewantstolive,work,orgrowabusinessin
anovertaxed,underserved,andfiscallyunstablecommunity.
Thankyouforyourconsiderationandleadershipinsupportingthislegislation.
Yoursrespectfully,
EllenHoran
PresidentandCEO
GreaterReadingChamberofCommerce
andIndustry
RichardJ.Schuettler
ExecutiveDirector
PennsylvaniaMunicipalLeague
cc:HonorableTomWolf,GovernorofPennsylvania
HonorableJoeScarnati,PresidentProTempore,PennsylvaniaStateSenate
HonorableJakeCorman,MajorityLeader,PennsylvaniaStateSenate
HonorableJayCosta,DemocraticLeader,PennsylvaniaStateSenate
MembersoftheCoalitionforSustainableCommunities:
AlleghenyConferenceonCommunityDevelopment,AlleghenyValleyChamberofCommerce,BlairCountyChamberof
Commerce,ChamberofBusinessandIndustryofCentreCounty,ClintonCountyEconomicPartnership,CountyCommissioners
AssociationofPennsylvania,CommonwealthFoundationforPublicPolicyAlternativesDelawareCountyChamberof
Commerce,ErieRegionalChamberofCommerce,GreaterCarlisleAreaChamberofCommerce,GreaterJohnstownCambriaCounty
ChamberofCommerce,GreaterLehighValleyChamberofCommerce,GreaterPhiladelphiaChamberofCommerce,Greater
PittsburghChamberofCommerce,GreaterReadingChamberofCommerce&Industry,GreaterScrantonChamberofCommerce,
GreaterWilkesBarreChamberofCommerce,HarrisburgRegionalChamber,HuntingdonCountyChamberofCommerce,
LancasterChamberofCommerce&Industry,LebanonValleyChamberofCommerce,LehighValleyPartnership,Monroeville
AreaChamber,MonValleyProgressCouncil,PennsylvaniaBusinessCouncil,PennsylvaniaChamberofBusiness&Industry,
EconomyLeagueofGreaterPhiladelphia,PennsylvaniaEconomyLeagueofGreaterPittsburgh,PennsylvaniaEconomyLeague,
Inc.CentralDivision,PennsylvaniaInstituteofCertifiedPublicAccountants,PennsylvaniaManufacturersAssociation,
PennsylvaniaMunicipalLeague,PennsylvaniaStateAssociationofTownshipCommissioners,PennsylvaniaStateAssociation
ofTownshipSupervisors,SchuylkillChamberofCommerce,WestmorelandChamberofCommerce,Williamsport/Lycoming
ChamberofCommerce,YorkCountyEconomicAlliance
From:
ChristianMuniz<
Senttime:
06/23/201505:13:24PM
To:
ChristianMuniz<
Cc:
EllenHoran<
Subject:
SUPPORTFORSB7556/24SEN.FINANCECOMMITTEEMEETING
Attachments:
CSCSB755supportSFCvote062415.pdf
RickSchuettler<
June23,2015
DearHonorableMembersofthePennsylvaniaSenateFinanceCommittee:
RE:Su p p o r tf o rSB755
OnbehalfoftheCoalitionforSustainableCommunities(CSC),werespectfullyrequestyourconsiderationinofferinganaffirmative
voteonSB755whenitisconsideredtomorrowduringtheSenateFinanceCommitteemeeting.Ourgrowingstatewideand
bipartisancoalitionincludesnearly40organizations:businesschambers,municipalassociations,andotherprofessionaland
communitydevelopmentorganizations,allofwhichsupportSB755.
Municipalpensiondistressiswidespread,hittingurban,suburban,andruralareasalikewiththechiefcostdriverbeinguniformed
unionpensions.Infact,in66ofPennsylvanias67counties,atleastonemunicipalityhasapensionplanthatisunderahighlevelof
fiscaldistress.Earlierthisyear,AuditorGeneralEugeneDePasqualereportedthatmunicipalpensionliabilitieshavereachednearly
$8billion,anincreaseofover$1billionsincethe201314legislativesession.WhilePhiladelphiaandPittsburghaccountforalarge
portionofthisunfundedliabilityduetosheersize,theAuditorGeneralsreportshowedthatofthetop25municipalitieswiththe
highestdollaramountofunfundedaggregatepensionliability,eightweretownshipsandboroughs.Thesamereportshowedthatof
thetop25municipalitieswiththehighestpercentageofunfundedpensionliabilities,21weretownshipsandboroughs.
SB755aimstotakecorrectiveactionnowbygivingmunicipalgovernmentsthetoolsneededtopreventwidespreadpension
collapseandreversethecurrentdeteriorationinpublicsafetyservices.UnlikethecurrentDefinedBenefitpensionplans,the
optionalDefinedContributionplanofferedinSB755willreduceemployercostsbyprovidingareliable,fairandmodernbenefit
structure,amodestbenefitreductionfornewemployees,andthepromiseofeventuallystabilizingmunicipalpensionssothat
unfundedliabilitiescanbeeliminated.
UnderSB755,localelectedofficialsmustaffirmativelyadoptthenewplanviaordinance.Ifadopted:
Currentpoliceandfirefighters,aswellaspensioners,retainallexistingbenefits
Futureemployeesreceiveafairandmodernpensionplanwhichisportableandbasedoncontributionsfromboth
employeesandemployers.Thiseliminatesthepracticeofsalaryspikingandreversesthecurrentplanstructure
whereemployeesmakeonlymarginal,andoftenno,contributionstotheirpensions
NonSocialSecurityemployeesmustcontributeahigherpercentoftheirincreasednetincome(duetolackofSocial
Securitywithholdings)toensuretheirretirementsecurity
Allpensions,forcurrentandfutureemployees,areremovedfromthebindingarbitrationprocesssothatmunicipal
employerscanpredictcostsbasedonsoundactuarialdatawhileslowlypayingdowntheirexistingpensionliability
Earlieremployeevestingoptionsaremadeavailable:25percentatfouryears50percentatsixyears75percentat
eightyearsand100percentattenyears(currentstatuteoffersvestingat12years)
Improvesjobandpensionsecurityforcurrentandfuturemunicipaluniformedunionemployees.
TheCSCformedbecausewecaredeeplyaboutourcommunitiesandwantthemtosucceed.Municipalpensionfiscalstrains,in
somecasesatthepointofcrisislevel,areresultinginpublicsafetylayoffsandhiringfreezes,servicecuts,andtaxincreases.Inthe
verynearfuture,thiswillalsomeanalossofpensionsforretireesandcurrentemployees.Theselastresortoptionsharmthevery
workers,residents,andbusinessesneededtosustainandgrowacommunity.Noonewantstolive,work,orgrowabusinessin
anovertaxed,underserved,andfiscallyunstablecommunity.
Thankyouforyourconsiderationandleadershipinsupportingthislegislation.
Yoursrespectfully,
EllenHoran
PresidentandCEO
GreaterReadingChamberofCommerce
andIndustry
RichardJ.Schuettler
ExecutiveDirector
PennsylvaniaMunicipalLeague
cc:HonorableTomWolf,GovernorofPennsylvania
HonorableJoeScarnati,PresidentProTempore,PennsylvaniaStateSenate
HonorableJakeCorman,MajorityLeader,PennsylvaniaStateSenate
HonorableJayCosta,DemocraticLeader,PennsylvaniaStateSenate
MembersoftheCoalitionforSustainableCommunities:
AlleghenyConferenceonCommunityDevelopment,AlleghenyValleyChamberofCommerce,BlairCountyChamberof
Commerce,ChamberofBusinessandIndustryofCentreCounty,ClintonCountyEconomicPartnership,CountyCommissioners
AssociationofPennsylvania,CommonwealthFoundationforPublicPolicyAlternativesDelawareCountyChamberof
Commerce,ErieRegionalChamberofCommerce,GreaterCarlisleAreaChamberofCommerce,GreaterJohnstownCambriaCounty
ChamberofCommerce,GreaterLehighValleyChamberofCommerce,GreaterPhiladelphiaChamberofCommerce,Greater
PittsburghChamberofCommerce,GreaterReadingChamberofCommerce&Industry,GreaterScrantonChamberofCommerce,
GreaterWilkesBarreChamberofCommerce,HarrisburgRegionalChamber,HuntingdonCountyChamberofCommerce,
LancasterChamberofCommerce&Industry,LebanonValleyChamberofCommerce,LehighValleyPartnership,Monroeville
AreaChamber,MonValleyProgressCouncil,PennsylvaniaBusinessCouncil,PennsylvaniaChamberofBusiness&Industry,
EconomyLeagueofGreaterPhiladelphia,PennsylvaniaEconomyLeagueofGreaterPittsburgh,PennsylvaniaEconomyLeague,
Inc.CentralDivision,PennsylvaniaInstituteofCertifiedPublicAccountants,PennsylvaniaManufacturersAssociation,
PennsylvaniaMunicipalLeague,PennsylvaniaStateAssociationofTownshipCommissioners,PennsylvaniaStateAssociation
ofTownshipSupervisors,SchuylkillChamberofCommerce,WestmorelandChamberofCommerce,Williamsport/Lycoming
ChamberofCommerce,YorkCountyEconomicAlliance
From:
DaveMyers<
Senttime:
06/30/201509:51:21AM
To:
McGinty,Kathleen
Subject:
ThinkingAboutYou
Katie,astodaygotcloserandcloser,IwantedtoletyouknowthatI'vebeenthinkingaboutyouandsimplywanted
towishyougoodluckinwhatclearlyisgoingtobealong,uglyslog.It'stimeslikethisthatmakewegladthatI'm
notinHarrisburg.
Iknowhowuglyandtoughtimeslikethiscanbe.IrememberbacktoearlyintheCaseyadministration,wherethe
Republicanshelduphisfirstbudget,withmuchofthesamerhetoricthatyou'rehearingnow."Wehavethe
mandate,hedoesn't."justbeingoneofthemany.Andhowtheywerewilingtodelaythebudgetformonthssimply
toseeifCaseywouldfightback.
Andofcourse,webothlivedthroughthefirstRendellbudget.IremembernewpaperarticlessayingthatRendell's
staffwasinept.(OfcourseMasch'stwobudgetideainhindsightwasn'tagreatidea.)AndhowRendellmissed
DavidCohenbecause,byimplication,JohnEsteywassobad.
It'simportanttorememberattimeslikethis,thatyou'refightingfortherightthingsthethingsthatpeoplewant.
Andthatmuchofishappeningisatesttoseeifyou'rewillingtofightforthethingsyouwant.
Thatsaid,IdothinkthatinsomewaysbothCaseyandRendellhaditeasier.Notbecauseoftheiragendas.But
becauseofthenatureoftheiroppositionandthecultureoftheCapitol.TheSenateRepublicanLeadershipduring
Casey'sfirstyearwerebasicallyhonorablemenwhobelievedthatgovernmentactuallyservedapurpose.Andthe
RepublicansduringthefirstRendellyearswerealsobasicallyhonorablemenwhowantedtodothings.I'mnot
sayingthatthetheRepublicanleadershipisn'thonorable.IhadtonegotiatewithJakeCormanover
Telecommunications.Wecantalkaboutthatexperience.Butitwasn'tlikedealingwithMattRyanorJack
Stauffer.AndScottWagnerisSamRohreronsteroids.
IguessallI'mtryingtosayisdon'tletthemgettoyou.Youhavetherightagenda.Standingonprinciplemakes
youbothtallerandstronger.Andeventhoughtheyandtheirsurrogateswillattackyoupersonallyandunfairly,don't
letthemgettoyou.
Ireallystartedouttowriteyouaboutsomeprojectsthatwe'redoing,butasIthoughtaboutit,Ithoughtthatcanwait
foranotherday.
MybestandknowthatI'mthinkingaboutyou(forwhateverconsolationthatbrings)andknowthatintheendboth
youandtheGovernor'sagendawillprevail.
Dave
From:
DaveMyers<
Senttime:
06/30/201509:51:21AM
To:
McGinty,Kathleen
Subject:
ThinkingAboutYou
Katie,astodaygotcloserandcloser,IwantedtoletyouknowthatI'vebeenthinkingaboutyouandsimplywanted
towishyougoodluckinwhatclearlyisgoingtobealong,uglyslog.It'stimeslikethisthatmakewegladthatI'm
notinHarrisburg.
Iknowhowuglyandtoughtimeslikethiscanbe.IrememberbacktoearlyintheCaseyadministration,wherethe
Republicanshelduphisfirstbudget,withmuchofthesamerhetoricthatyou'rehearingnow."Wehavethe
mandate,hedoesn't."justbeingoneofthemany.Andhowtheywerewilingtodelaythebudgetformonthssimply
toseeifCaseywouldfightback.
Andofcourse,webothlivedthroughthefirstRendellbudget.IremembernewpaperarticlessayingthatRendell's
staffwasinept.(OfcourseMasch'stwobudgetideainhindsightwasn'tagreatidea.)AndhowRendellmissed
DavidCohenbecause,byimplication,JohnEsteywassobad.
It'simportanttorememberattimeslikethis,thatyou'refightingfortherightthingsthethingsthatpeoplewant.
Andthatmuchofishappeningisatesttoseeifyou'rewillingtofightforthethingsyouwant.
Thatsaid,IdothinkthatinsomewaysbothCaseyandRendellhaditeasier.Notbecauseoftheiragendas.But
becauseofthenatureoftheiroppositionandthecultureoftheCapitol.TheSenateRepublicanLeadershipduring
Casey'sfirstyearwerebasicallyhonorablemenwhobelievedthatgovernmentactuallyservedapurpose.Andthe
RepublicansduringthefirstRendellyearswerealsobasicallyhonorablemenwhowantedtodothings.I'mnot
sayingthatthetheRepublicanleadershipisn'thonorable.IhadtonegotiatewithJakeCormanover
Telecommunications.Wecantalkaboutthatexperience.Butitwasn'tlikedealingwithMattRyanorJack
Stauffer.AndScottWagnerisSamRohreronsteroids.
IguessallI'mtryingtosayisdon'tletthemgettoyou.Youhavetherightagenda.Standingonprinciplemakes
youbothtallerandstronger.Andeventhoughtheyandtheirsurrogateswillattackyoupersonallyandunfairly,don't
letthemgettoyou.
Ireallystartedouttowriteyouaboutsomeprojectsthatwe'redoing,butasIthoughtaboutit,Ithoughtthatcanwait
foranotherday.
MybestandknowthatI'mthinkingaboutyou(forwhateverconsolationthatbrings)andknowthatintheendboth
youandtheGovernor'sagendawillprevail.
Dave
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/07/201504:25:04PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
TribuneReview:'Broadbasedtaxincreases'offlimits,GOPleaderstellPa.Gov.Wolf
TribuneReview:'Broadbasedtaxincreases'olimits,GOPleaderstellPa.Gov.Wolf
h p://triblive.com/news/adminpage/869698074/wolftaxbudget#axzz3fEhPJ97B
ByBradBumsted
Tuesday,July7,2015,2:21p.m.
Updated1hourago
HARRISBURGRepublicanleadersaredrawingabrightlineinbudgetnegotiationswithDemocraticGov.TomWolf,declaringbroad
basedtaxincreasesofflimits,atopsenatorsaidTuesday.
SenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentreCounty,saidGOPleadersrejectWolf'splantoraisethestateincometax,salestax
andexpandthebaseofthesalestaxtodozensofitems.
TheRepublicanleadersareopentohelpingthegovernorbutnottoincreasingtaxes.
We'recertainlyatanimpasse,Cormansaid.
HouseMajorityLeaderDaveReed,RIndianaCounty,attendedthemeetingbutdidnotstoptotalktoreportersafterward.
Wolfisopentoideasbutbelievesthelegislatureneedstocloseastatedeficitandraisemoneytocutpropertytaxes,saidJeffrey
Sheridan,thegovernor'sspokesman.
Republicansarecontinuingtheirrefusaltoacceptbasicmath.Pennsylvaniahasasignificantstructuralbudgetdeficitand,
unfortunately,theRepublicanbudgetisnotbalancedandwouldleadtoa$3billionbudgetdeficit.Evenworse,theirbudgetunderfunds
education,Sheridansaid.
AbudgetimpassebeganJuly1whenWolfrejectedthe$30.1billionGOPdraftedbudgetthathadnotaxhikes.
Withthesidesfarapartideologically,negotiationisgoingtotakeawhile,Cormantoldreportersfollowingahalfhourmeetingwith
Wolf.
Wehaddiscussions.We'llcontinuetohavediscussions,Cormansaid.Hesaidtheyhavenoagreedonhowmuchtospend.
WolfandlawmakersareatoddsovertheSenate'spushtoreplaceguaranteedpensionsforstateandschoolemployeeswith401(k)
styleplansandtheHouse'spushtoletprivateinterestscontrolthestate'swineandspiritsstoresandwholesaleliquorsystem.
Wolfvetoedtheliquorprivatizationbilllastweek.HemustdecidewhethertosignorvetothepensionbillbyFriday.
Wolfwantstoshiftthetaxburdenfromschoolpropertytaxestohighersalesandincometaxes,andtoimposeataxonnaturalgas
extractionideasthatmostGOPlawmakershaveopposedsinceheproposedhisbudgetinMarch.Muchofthemoneywouldgo
towardfundingeducation,Wolfhassaid.
Republicanssaythedeficitis$1.2billionbutWolfpredictsthat,unaddressed,itwillgrowto$3billionnextyear.
Gov.Wolfwillcontinuetryingtoworkwiththemtocloseourdeficit,fundourschoolsthroughacommonsenseseverancetax,and
providepropertytaxrelieftoPennsylvaniafamilies,Sheridansaid.
BradBumstedisTribTotalMedia'sstateCapitolreporter.Reachhimat
or
Readmore:http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/869698074/wolfbudgetgop#ixzz3fEth27Qs
Followus:@tribliveonTwitter|tribliveonFacebook
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OceofCommunica ons|OceoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Oce:
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/30/201505:37:08PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
TribuneReview:Pa.Senatepasses$30.1BGOPbudgetWolfvetolikely
TribuneReview:Pa.Senatepasses$30.1BGOPbudget;Wolfvetolikely
h p://triblive.com/news/adminpage/865850674/statebudgetbill#axzz3eUZhKQf3
ByBradBumsted
Tuesday,June30,2015,5:30p.m.
Updated6minutesago
HARRISBURGTheSenateonTuesdaysenta$30.1billionbudgetthatdoesn'traisetaxestoDemocraticGov.TomWolf,whohas
pledgedtovetoit.
TheplancontrastswithtaxincreasesofhistoricproportionsthatWolfproposedinMarch,saidSenateAppropriationsChairman
PatrickBrowne,RAllentown.
ApprovedbytheHouseonSaturday,theRepublicandraftedlegislationmovesthestatetothevergeofabudgetimpasse.Wolfhasnot
saidwhetherhewillvetotheentirebilloreliminatelineitems.
Thefiscalyearbeginsat12:01a.m.Wednesday.Evenifthebudgetisdelayed,stateemployeeswillbepaidanditmaybeamonthor
morebeforevendorsfeelthepinch.Smallnonprofitorganizationsreceivingstatemoneywerethehardesthitduringa101dayimpasse
in2009.
TheSenatevotewas30to19.TheHousevoteof112to77largelyfollowedpartylines.
It'sourresponsibilitytopassabudget,saidSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentreCounty.Ifthegovernorvetoesit,sobeit.
I'llbeheretomorrowtoworkwiththegovernor,andthenextdaythroughtheFourthofJuly.I'llbehere,whateverIttakestogetitdone.
Thebudgetboostsspending3.6percent.Thebillprovides$100millionforbasiceducationand$20millionforspecialeducation.It
balancesa$1.2billiondeficitwithprudentmanagementandmorerobuststatetaxcollections,GOPlawmakerssaid.
It'snotarealbudget,saidSen.RobTeplitz,DHarrisburg,butonebasedontricksandideology.
SenatePresidentProTemporeJoeScarnati,RJeffersonCounty,respondedthatthebillisoneofthebest,wellcrafted(budget)
documentswe'veseeninalongtime.
Forthefirsttime,lawmakersplantoincludemoneyinastatebudgetfromsellingstateWine&Spiritsstoresandleasingthestate's
wholesalecontrolofliquorandwine.Thebudgetcountson$220millionannuallyfromwhattheGOPcallsliquorreform.
Wolfopposessellingthestatestoresbuthasn'tsaidhewouldvetotheliquorbill,spokesmanJeffreySheridansaid.
TheHousevoted106to89toapproveabilltoreducepublicpensioncostsandsentittotheSenate.Itisnotpartofthisyear'sbudget
calculations,butRepublicansupporterssayit'scriticaltofuturefinancesofthestate.
Wolfinsistsonclosingthestate'sdeficitwithoutgimmicks.Hewantslegislationtoshiftawayfromschoolpropertytaxes,through
higherincomeandsalestaxes,andtotaxnaturalgasextraction.TheGOPplandoesn'tincludetaxshiftingoraMarcellusshaletax.
Thisbudgetisn'tbalancedandunderfundseducation,Sheridansaid.
RepublicanssayWolf'splanwouldraisetaxesmorethan$4billionandincreasestatespending16percent.TheIndependentFiscal
Office,inanAprilreportonWolf'sbudget,saidallclassesoftaxpayerswouldpaymore.
Ifpropertytaxesareloweredinfavorofhighersalesandincometaxes,youwaitafewacoupleyearsandthe(propertytax)billgoes
up,saidScarnati.
Asfortheproposedshaletax,Let'snotpushthisindustryaway,saidSen.DonWhite,RIndianaCounty.Let'slookatthefacts.Let's
lookatthereality.
WhitereferredtoHalliburton'sannouncementTuesdaythatitwillcloseitsHomerCityofficeandmoveittoZanesville,Ohio,whichthe
companysaidwouldresultin90lostjobs.
Theshaletaxproposalispopularbecausepeoplehavedemonizedtheenergyindustry,saidSen.JohnEichelberger,RAltoona.But
hesaidnaturalgascompaniesareteeteringonpullingoutordownsizing.
AstheSenatepassedtheliquorbillandbudget,theHousedebatedthepensionbill,whichwouldplacenewemployeesunderdefined
contributionplanssuchasa401(k).Theguaranteedpensionsystemisn'tsustainablefortaxpayers,Republicanlawmakerssaid.They
arguedthechangeswouldsave$30billionover30years.
It'sonlygoingtostartgettingbetterwhenwemanagebythenumbersandwedowhat'srightforeveryoneinthecommonwealthof
Pennsylvania,saidRep.MikeTobash,RSchuylkill.It'ssimple:wehaveahugedebt,youneedtotakeaction.
ButDemocratssaidtheproposalwillnothelpthisyear'sbudget.Rep.BillKortz,DDravosburg,calleditanattackontheworkingfolks
inthisstate.It'sanattackonourstateemployees.It'sabillthatwillripoffhardworkingfolksoftheirhardearnedpensions.
Wolfproposedabondissuetopaydowntheunfundedpensionliabilitycreatedbypreviouslegislatorsandgovernorswhoshortchanged
thepensionfundsforschoolandstateemployees.
Wolfwon'tdecidewhethertovetothepensionbilluntilhereviewsit,Sheridansaid.
BradBumstedisTribTotalMedia'sstateCapitolreporter.Reachhimat
Presscontributed.
or
Readmore:http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/865850674/statebudgetbill#ixzz3eaGA6ek0
Followus:@tribliveonTwitter|tribliveonFacebook
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OceofCommunica ons|OceoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Oce:
TheAssociated
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/30/201505:37:08PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
TribuneReview:Pa.Senatepasses$30.1BGOPbudgetWolfvetolikely
TribuneReview:Pa.Senatepasses$30.1BGOPbudget;Wolfvetolikely
h p://triblive.com/news/adminpage/865850674/statebudgetbill#axzz3eUZhKQf3
ByBradBumsted
Tuesday,June30,2015,5:30p.m.
Updated6minutesago
HARRISBURGTheSenateonTuesdaysenta$30.1billionbudgetthatdoesn'traisetaxestoDemocraticGov.TomWolf,whohas
pledgedtovetoit.
TheplancontrastswithtaxincreasesofhistoricproportionsthatWolfproposedinMarch,saidSenateAppropriationsChairman
PatrickBrowne,RAllentown.
ApprovedbytheHouseonSaturday,theRepublicandraftedlegislationmovesthestatetothevergeofabudgetimpasse.Wolfhasnot
saidwhetherhewillvetotheentirebilloreliminatelineitems.
Thefiscalyearbeginsat12:01a.m.Wednesday.Evenifthebudgetisdelayed,stateemployeeswillbepaidanditmaybeamonthor
morebeforevendorsfeelthepinch.Smallnonprofitorganizationsreceivingstatemoneywerethehardesthitduringa101dayimpasse
in2009.
TheSenatevotewas30to19.TheHousevoteof112to77largelyfollowedpartylines.
It'sourresponsibilitytopassabudget,saidSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,RCentreCounty.Ifthegovernorvetoesit,sobeit.
I'llbeheretomorrowtoworkwiththegovernor,andthenextdaythroughtheFourthofJuly.I'llbehere,whateverIttakestogetitdone.
Thebudgetboostsspending3.6percent.Thebillprovides$100millionforbasiceducationand$20millionforspecialeducation.It
balancesa$1.2billiondeficitwithprudentmanagementandmorerobuststatetaxcollections,GOPlawmakerssaid.
It'snotarealbudget,saidSen.RobTeplitz,DHarrisburg,butonebasedontricksandideology.
SenatePresidentProTemporeJoeScarnati,RJeffersonCounty,respondedthatthebillisoneofthebest,wellcrafted(budget)
documentswe'veseeninalongtime.
Forthefirsttime,lawmakersplantoincludemoneyinastatebudgetfromsellingstateWine&Spiritsstoresandleasingthestate's
wholesalecontrolofliquorandwine.Thebudgetcountson$220millionannuallyfromwhattheGOPcallsliquorreform.
Wolfopposessellingthestatestoresbuthasn'tsaidhewouldvetotheliquorbill,spokesmanJeffreySheridansaid.
TheHousevoted106to89toapproveabilltoreducepublicpensioncostsandsentittotheSenate.Itisnotpartofthisyear'sbudget
calculations,butRepublicansupporterssayit'scriticaltofuturefinancesofthestate.
Wolfinsistsonclosingthestate'sdeficitwithoutgimmicks.Hewantslegislationtoshiftawayfromschoolpropertytaxes,through
higherincomeandsalestaxes,andtotaxnaturalgasextraction.TheGOPplandoesn'tincludetaxshiftingoraMarcellusshaletax.
Thisbudgetisn'tbalancedandunderfundseducation,Sheridansaid.
RepublicanssayWolf'splanwouldraisetaxesmorethan$4billionandincreasestatespending16percent.TheIndependentFiscal
Office,inanAprilreportonWolf'sbudget,saidallclassesoftaxpayerswouldpaymore.
Ifpropertytaxesareloweredinfavorofhighersalesandincometaxes,youwaitafewacoupleyearsandthe(propertytax)billgoes
up,saidScarnati.
Asfortheproposedshaletax,Let'snotpushthisindustryaway,saidSen.DonWhite,RIndianaCounty.Let'slookatthefacts.Let's
lookatthereality.
WhitereferredtoHalliburton'sannouncementTuesdaythatitwillcloseitsHomerCityofficeandmoveittoZanesville,Ohio,whichthe
companysaidwouldresultin90lostjobs.
Theshaletaxproposalispopularbecausepeoplehavedemonizedtheenergyindustry,saidSen.JohnEichelberger,RAltoona.But
hesaidnaturalgascompaniesareteeteringonpullingoutordownsizing.
AstheSenatepassedtheliquorbillandbudget,theHousedebatedthepensionbill,whichwouldplacenewemployeesunderdefined
contributionplanssuchasa401(k).Theguaranteedpensionsystemisn'tsustainablefortaxpayers,Republicanlawmakerssaid.They
arguedthechangeswouldsave$30billionover30years.
It'sonlygoingtostartgettingbetterwhenwemanagebythenumbersandwedowhat'srightforeveryoneinthecommonwealthof
Pennsylvania,saidRep.MikeTobash,RSchuylkill.It'ssimple:wehaveahugedebt,youneedtotakeaction.
ButDemocratssaidtheproposalwillnothelpthisyear'sbudget.Rep.BillKortz,DDravosburg,calleditanattackontheworkingfolks
inthisstate.It'sanattackonourstateemployees.It'sabillthatwillripoffhardworkingfolksoftheirhardearnedpensions.
Wolfproposedabondissuetopaydowntheunfundedpensionliabilitycreatedbypreviouslegislatorsandgovernorswhoshortchanged
thepensionfundsforschoolandstateemployees.
Wolfwon'tdecidewhethertovetothepensionbilluntilhereviewsit,Sheridansaid.
BradBumstedisTribTotalMedia'sstateCapitolreporter.Reachhimat
Presscontributed.
or
Readmore:http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/865850674/statebudgetbill#ixzz3eaGA6ek0
Followus:@tribliveonTwitter|tribliveonFacebook
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OceofCommunica ons|OceoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Oce:
TheAssociated
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
06/17/201503:14:36PM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
TwittercoverageofSen.Corman'smeetingwithPennLive/PatriotNewsEditorialBoard
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanSaysit'sstillearlyinbudgettalksdon'tknowhowit'lgowithsomeonenew.#pleditboard
3:07pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.JakeCorman:Unknownofhownegationsw/Gov.WolfwillbecomparedtoGov.Corbett.TBD
#PLEditboard
3:08pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanFinishingthisbudgetyearaheadisagoodsign.#pleditboard
3:10pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanStructuraldeficitdoesn'tcomefromrevenue,itcomesfromthegrowthingovernment,from
pensions,et.al.#pleditboard
3:10pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
MorganHollinger
@Morgan03
Sen.Corman:Gov.corbettdidtherightthingin2011matchinguprev.toexpenditure,couldn'tmatchitupforthe
future.#PLEditboard
3:11pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
ByJohnLMicek
@ByJohnLMicek
@JakeCormanQuestionishowtocurtailourgrowth.Wecan'trundeficits.Wehavetobalance.#pleditboard
3:11pm17Jun2015TwitterWebClient
JennKocher
@jkocher156
@JakeCormanquestionnowistaking$8Boutoftheeconomyagoodideaorshouldwedealingw/theproblems
drivingupthecosts#pleditboard
3:14pm17Jun2015TwitterforiPhone
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OceofCommunica ons|OceoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Oce:
From:
Failor,Debra
Senttime: 06/22/201509:04:21PM
To:
Karge,JennaBarsotti,MichaelGhormoz,RobertMcGinty,KathleenPhillips,Betsy(GOV)Shafer,JosephSmith,KathieCross,
ElenaBrunelle,MichaelBane,YeseniaMcKeon,CatherineWoodbury,KatieSmith,Mark(GOV)Sweet,David
Subject:
UPDATEDKAMSchedule6/23/15
ChiefofStaKa eMcGinty
Tuesday,June23,2015
Loca on:Harrisburg
Weather:Harrisburg,PMThunderstorms,89,63
Session:House&Senate
7:30am9:00am
TraveltoHarrisburg
8:30am9:00am
SeniorStaCall
DialIn
Pin
Sta:SeniorSta
9:00am10:00am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/Nicastre/Smylerre:Legisla vemee ng(strategy)
GovernorsOffice
Sta:Governor,COS,Shafer,SecyIsenhour,SecyHanger,SecyAlbright,Nicastre&Smyler
10:00am10:15am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/SmylerprepforLegisla vemee ng
GovernorsOffice
Sta:Governor,COS,Shafer,SecyIsenhour,SecyHanger,SecyAlbright&Smyler
10:15am11:00am
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/SmylerLegisla vemee ng(Senate&HouseR's)
238ConferenceRoom
Sta:Governor,COS,Shafer,SecyIsenhour,SecyHanger,SecyAlbright&Smyler
A endees:SenJoeScarna ,SenJakeCorman,RepMikeTurzai&RepDaveReed
11:00am11:30am
Mtgw/SenJayCosta
535MainCapitol
Sta:COS&Barso
A endees:SenJayCosta
11:30am12:00pm
McGinty/KernodleMtgw/JimKenney
COSOce
Sta:COS&Kernodle
A endees:JimKenney
12:00pm12:30pm
McGinty/Bane/Hanger/AlbrightMtgw/Shell
238ConferenceRoom
Sta:COS,Bane,SecyHanger&SecyAlbright
A endees:JohnHines,SanjeevAyyar&MikelvanBeek
12:30pm1:00pm
McGinty/Hanger/Albright/BrunelleMtgw/MercyHealthSystem
238MainCapitol
Sta:COS,SecyHanger,SecyAlbright&Brunelle
A endees:KaraBeem,MarkBullock&CathyCardillo
1:00pm2:00pm
TWW/McGinty/Shafer/Isenhour/Hanger/Albright/Nicastre/Smylerre:Legisla vemee ng(strategy)
GovernorsOffice
A endees:Governor,COS,Shafer,SecyIsenhour,SecyHanger,SecyAlbright,Nicastre&Smyler
2:00pm2:30pm
McGinty/Hanger/Shaferre:PrepforPML
COSOce
Sta:COS,SecyHanger&Shafer
2:30pm3:00pm
McGinty/Brunelle/Shaferre:PrepforPipeTrades
COSOce
Sta:COS,Brunelle&Shafer
2:00pm5:30pm
HOLD:BudgetNego a ons
GovernorsOffice
3:30pm4:00pm
Mtgw/RepHaroldEnglish
111RyanOceBuilding
Sta:COS&Barso
A endees:RepHaroldEnglish
4:30pm5:30pm
Mtgw/DennisYablonsky
Lobby,Hilton,OneN2n dStreet,Harrisburg
Sta:COS&Barso
A endees:DennisYablonsky
5:45pm6:00pm
TraveltoGovernorsResidence
6:00pm8:00pm
TWW/McGinty/Isenhour/HangerLegisla veDinner
GovernorsResidence
Sta:Governor,COS,SecyIsenhour,SecyHanger,Danowski,Spade,Hanna&Harris
A endees:MembersoftheHouseDemocra cCaucus
DebbieFailor|ExecutiveAssistanttotheChiefofStaff
OfficeofGovernorTomWolf
Room225MainCapitol|HarrisburgPA17120
Phone:
|Fax:
Email:
www.pa.gov
PRIVILEGEDANDCONFIDENTIALCOMMUNICATION
Theinforma ontransmi edisintendedonlyforthepersonoren tytowhomitisaddressedandmaycontainconden aland/orprivilegedmaterial.Anyuseofthisinforma onotherthanbytheintendedrecipientisprohibited.Ifyou
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From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/08/201509:57:46AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
WITF:No"illusions"ofprogressinPAbudgettalks
WITF:No"illusions"ofprogressinPAbudgettalks
http://www.witf.org/statehousesoundbites/2015/07/noillusionsofprogressinpabudgettalks.php
ByMaryWilson
July7,2015
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office:
From:
Melena,Beth
Senttime:
07/13/201501:52:34PM
To:
Melena,Beth
Subject:
WolfralliesforschoolfundinginGOPSenateboss'districttempersfrayasbudgetstandoffhitsWeek3
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook//print.html?entry=/2015/07/wolf_rallies_for_school_fundin.html
Sohowcanyoutellwhenthingshavetakenaturnfortheworseintheongoingstandoffoverthestatebudget?
That'dbewhenGov.TomWolftakeshis"SchoolsThatTeach"educationfundingtourdeepintothehomedistrictof
PennsylvaniaSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanandforgetstotellhimthathe'llbestoppingbyfortea,crumpetsand
heapinghelpingofrhetoric.
"Iwasn'tinvited,"avisiblypeevedCorman,RCentre,saidduringaquickconversationinhisCapitolofficethismorning."I
foundoutaboutitlateyesterday."
Incaseyou'rewonderingwhythismatters,it'salongstandingtraditionforgovernorsandotherelectedofficialstosend
advanceword,andaninvite,whentheyplanonholdinganeventinalawmakers'district.
AndwhilepoliticsishardlycricketandWolfandRepublicansareinastateofpitchedbattleoverthestatebudget,it'sstill
somethingofaprotocolbreach.
Andit'sdonelittletofosterwarmfuzziesbetweenthetwosides.
"WehopethatSen.Cormanwilljoinus,"Wolf'sspokesmanJeffreySheridansaidwhenIaskedhimthismorningwhether
they'dinvitedCormantothe12:45p.m.eventatBellefonteAreaHighSchoolinhisdistrict.
Thatseemedalogisticalimpossibility,whatwiththeSenatesettogavelinat1:30p.m.thisafternoonforashortweekof
paperpushingthatincludesvotesonbillsthatprovidefundingforPennsylvania'sstaterelateduniversities.
Andeventhoughit'sbadform,IgetwhyWolfisdoingitpublicpressureandthestrengthofthebullypulpitarethe
biggestperksofsittingintheBigChair.Butrightnow,it'sexacerbatingtensions(whichisalsohalfthepoint,one
suspects).
ReadMore:Couldpropertytaxdelaybreakthe#PaBudgetlogjam?
"I'vebeenashonestasIcan,"Cormansaidofthestateoftalksbetweenthetwocamps."Butif[Wolf]isgoingto
continueonthecampaignhe'son,wehavetotalkaboutourneeds[tothemedia]."
BudgettalkswereatavirtualstandstillasweekthreeoftheimpasseopenedMonday.EventhoughWolfhasevincedan
interestinhearing"betterideas,"Republicansareduginoverhisproposaltoboostthestate'spersonalincometaxand
salestax.
Wolf'svetolastweekofaGOPauthoredpensionreformbillwidenedthegulfbetweenthetwosidesandanyhopefora
quickresolutionvanished.
SheridanhimselfwasalittlefumeythismorningoveranegotiatingsessionthatendedwithCorman(astheyseeit)
breakingthesanctityoftheconfessionalbymarchingoutandtellingreporters(broadly)whatthetwosideshadjust
discussed.
Youalsocan'tblameWolfforbeingfrustrated.
ReadMore:WasCentralPa.lawmakeratargetofunionharassment?
TheYorkDemocrathadmadewhathesawassignificantconcessionsonsomepartsofhispensionreformplanandonthe
structureofaproposedextractiontaxonMarcellusshalenaturalgasdrillers.
Republicans"havesaidno"tojustabouteverythingWolfhasthrownonthetable,includingpropertytaxreformandschool
funding,Sheridansaid,leavingWolflittlechoicebuttorevupthebusandrelaunchhisbudgetarymagicalmysterytour.
"Theysaytheywanttodopropertytaxesinthefall,"Sheridansaid."Ithinkmostpeopleknowthatiftheysaytheywant
todoitinthefall,itwillprobablyneverhappen."
"Pennsylvaniansdon'tneedpropertytaxreliefinthefall,theyneeditnow,"Sheridansaid.
RankandfileRepublicansaresettocaucusthisafternoonforthefirsttimesinceWolfvetoedaGOPauthored$30.2billion
generalfundbillandtwopieceofenablinglegislationaliquorprivatizationbill,and,lastweek,aGOPbackedpension
reformbill.
Oh,tobeaflyonthewallforthatmassivecriedecoeur...
GOPbackbenchersaresaidtobe"livid"overa$500,000adcampaignpaidforalaborbackedwingoftheDemocratic
GovernorsAssociation.
Butasoneobservernoted,theirfuryiscut"byafifth,"courtesyofa$100,000campaignwagedbyapoliticalaction
committeerunbySen.ScottWagner,RYork,that'sbeenhammeringWolfforhisbudgettactics.
ThePennsylvaniaChamberofBusinessandIndustry,alongwiththeKochBrothersbackedAmericansforProsperity,
arealsoontheairgivingindirectaidtotheGOPhardline.
Yetbothsidessaythey'relookingforadeal.AndRepublicanssaytheymightevenbewillingtohandWolfawinonsomeof
hispriorities,inexchangeforpensionsandnonewtaxes.
ButbasedonwheretheWolfiesarestandingnow,thatdoesn'tseemlikeaworkablescenario.
Sowheretonow?
Well,wecanhopethatWagnerkeepscrankingoutthoseRalphSteadmanesqueposters.Asmuchofabadtripasthey
are,they'reatleastadistractionfromtheseriouslybadtripthatisthebudgetlogjam.
From:
Melena,Beth
Senttime:
07/13/201501:52:34PM
To:
Melena,Beth
Subject:
WolfralliesforschoolfundinginGOPSenateboss'districttempersfrayasbudgetstandoffhitsWeek3
http://blog.pennlive.com/capitolnotebook//print.html?entry=/2015/07/wolf_rallies_for_school_fundin.html
Sohowcanyoutellwhenthingshavetakenaturnfortheworseintheongoingstandoffoverthestatebudget?
That'dbewhenGov.TomWolftakeshis"SchoolsThatTeach"educationfundingtourdeepintothehomedistrictof
PennsylvaniaSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCormanandforgetstotellhimthathe'llbestoppingbyfortea,crumpetsand
heapinghelpingofrhetoric.
"Iwasn'tinvited,"avisiblypeevedCorman,RCentre,saidduringaquickconversationinhisCapitolofficethismorning."I
foundoutaboutitlateyesterday."
Incaseyou'rewonderingwhythismatters,it'salongstandingtraditionforgovernorsandotherelectedofficialstosend
advanceword,andaninvite,whentheyplanonholdinganeventinalawmakers'district.
AndwhilepoliticsishardlycricketandWolfandRepublicansareinastateofpitchedbattleoverthestatebudget,it'sstill
somethingofaprotocolbreach.
Andit'sdonelittletofosterwarmfuzziesbetweenthetwosides.
"WehopethatSen.Cormanwilljoinus,"Wolf'sspokesmanJeffreySheridansaidwhenIaskedhimthismorningwhether
they'dinvitedCormantothe12:45p.m.eventatBellefonteAreaHighSchoolinhisdistrict.
Thatseemedalogisticalimpossibility,whatwiththeSenatesettogavelinat1:30p.m.thisafternoonforashortweekof
paperpushingthatincludesvotesonbillsthatprovidefundingforPennsylvania'sstaterelateduniversities.
Andeventhoughit'sbadform,IgetwhyWolfisdoingitpublicpressureandthestrengthofthebullypulpitarethe
biggestperksofsittingintheBigChair.Butrightnow,it'sexacerbatingtensions(whichisalsohalfthepoint,one
suspects).
ReadMore:Couldpropertytaxdelaybreakthe#PaBudgetlogjam?
"I'vebeenashonestasIcan,"Cormansaidofthestateoftalksbetweenthetwocamps."Butif[Wolf]isgoingto
continueonthecampaignhe'son,wehavetotalkaboutourneeds[tothemedia]."
BudgettalkswereatavirtualstandstillasweekthreeoftheimpasseopenedMonday.EventhoughWolfhasevincedan
interestinhearing"betterideas,"Republicansareduginoverhisproposaltoboostthestate'spersonalincometaxand
salestax.
Wolf'svetolastweekofaGOPauthoredpensionreformbillwidenedthegulfbetweenthetwosidesandanyhopefora
quickresolutionvanished.
SheridanhimselfwasalittlefumeythismorningoveranegotiatingsessionthatendedwithCorman(astheyseeit)
breakingthesanctityoftheconfessionalbymarchingoutandtellingreporters(broadly)whatthetwosideshadjust
discussed.
Youalsocan'tblameWolfforbeingfrustrated.
ReadMore:WasCentralPa.lawmakeratargetofunionharassment?
TheYorkDemocrathadmadewhathesawassignificantconcessionsonsomepartsofhispensionreformplanandonthe
structureofaproposedextractiontaxonMarcellusshalenaturalgasdrillers.
Republicans"havesaidno"tojustabouteverythingWolfhasthrownonthetable,includingpropertytaxreformandschool
funding,Sheridansaid,leavingWolflittlechoicebuttorevupthebusandrelaunchhisbudgetarymagicalmysterytour.
"Theysaytheywanttodopropertytaxesinthefall,"Sheridansaid."Ithinkmostpeopleknowthatiftheysaytheywant
todoitinthefall,itwillprobablyneverhappen."
"Pennsylvaniansdon'tneedpropertytaxreliefinthefall,theyneeditnow,"Sheridansaid.
RankandfileRepublicansaresettocaucusthisafternoonforthefirsttimesinceWolfvetoedaGOPauthored$30.2billion
generalfundbillandtwopieceofenablinglegislationaliquorprivatizationbill,and,lastweek,aGOPbackedpension
reformbill.
Oh,tobeaflyonthewallforthatmassivecriedecoeur...
GOPbackbenchersaresaidtobe"livid"overa$500,000adcampaignpaidforalaborbackedwingoftheDemocratic
GovernorsAssociation.
Butasoneobservernoted,theirfuryiscut"byafifth,"courtesyofa$100,000campaignwagedbyapoliticalaction
committeerunbySen.ScottWagner,RYork,that'sbeenhammeringWolfforhisbudgettactics.
ThePennsylvaniaChamberofBusinessandIndustry,alongwiththeKochBrothersbackedAmericansforProsperity,
arealsoontheairgivingindirectaidtotheGOPhardline.
Yetbothsidessaythey'relookingforadeal.AndRepublicanssaytheymightevenbewillingtohandWolfawinonsomeof
hispriorities,inexchangeforpensionsandnonewtaxes.
ButbasedonwheretheWolfiesarestandingnow,thatdoesn'tseemlikeaworkablescenario.
Sowheretonow?
Well,wecanhopethatWagnerkeepscrankingoutthoseRalphSteadmanesqueposters.Asmuchofabadtripasthey
are,they'reatleastadistractionfromtheseriouslybadtripthatisthebudgetlogjam.
From:
Stone,Sophie
Senttime:
07/17/201510:15:39AM
To:
Stone,Sophie
Subject:
YorkDailyRecord:HouseDemocraticLeaderFrankDermodysaysbudgetnegotiations'notveryfaralongatall'
YorkDailyRecord:HouseDemocraticLeaderFrankDermodysaysbudgetnegotiations'notveryfaralongatall'
http://www.ydr.com/politics/ci 28498201/housedemocraticleaderfrankdermodysaysbudgetnegotiations
ThenewfiscalyearbeganJuly1,butlawmakershaven'tagreedonabudget
ByEdMahon
@edmahonreporteronTwitter
UPDATED:07/17/201508:57:33AMEDT
HouseDemocraticLeaderFrankDermodysaidhedoesn'texpectlawmakerstoagreeonabudgetpackageuntilat
leastAugust.
"Frankly,we'renotveryfaralongatallinnegotiatingthisbudget,"DermodysaidduringaYorkDailyRecord/Sunday
NewseditorialboardsessionThursday.
OnJune26,Republicanlegislativeleadersintroducedanabout$30.18billionspendingplanforthestateandlater
passedmostofthatpackage.ButWolfvetoedtheirspendingplanandrelatedbills.ThenewfiscalyearstartedJuly1.
WolfhasalsovetoedRepublicanbackedproposalstoprivatizethestateliquorstoresystemandshiftmanynewstate
andpublicschoolemployeestoahybrid401(k)styleandcashbalanceretirementplaninsteadofadefinedbenefit
pension.
Dermody,ofAlleghenyCounty,andstateRep.KevinSchreiber,DYork,expressedsupportforthegovernorandtalked
aboutthebudgetimpasse.Herearethreethingstoknowaboutthesession.
BUDGETIMPASSE>>Republicanshavesaidtheirbudgetplanwasbalanced,wouldn'traisetaxesandwould
increaseeducationfunding.DemocraticlawmakersandWolfhavesaiditreliesononetimerevenueandbudget
gimmicks,wouldcreatealargerstructuraldeficitandwouldn'tdoenoughforschools.TheGOPbackedplandoesnot
includeanextractiontaxonnaturalgasdrilling,whichWolfhascalledfor.
Dermodysaidfundingforcertainservicesarecontinuingduringthebudgetimpasse,andhesaidhedoesn'texpecta
stopgapbudgettobepassedforotherlineitems.
HesaidhehopestheHouseDemocraticCaucuswillhaveenoughfundinginitsownreservestolastthroughAugust.
"We'lldowhatittakestogettherightthingdoneforthebudget....Sowe'llholdout,"Dermodysaid.
DEMOCRATICVOTES>>SomeRepublicanlawmakershavesaidmanyDemocratswouldn'tsupportthe
governor'sbudgetplan.Dermodydisputedthat.
"Theyjustcan'tcountverywellonourside,"DermodysaidofRepublicansThursday."I'veheardthatstuff,too."
Dermodysaidifthereisanagreementonthebudget,Democrats,whoareintheminority,wouldhelpgetitpassed.
OnJune1,theHouseunanimouslyrejectedtaxrevenueproposalsfromthegovernor'sbudget.WolfandDermody
calledthatvoteapoliticalstunt.Republicanshavepointedtothevoteasevidencethatthegovernor'splanlacked
support.
OnThursday,SchreibersaidthatmovebyRepublicanswasposturing,notnegotiating.
PROPERTYTAXES>>Dermodysaidlawmakersshouldn'twaituntilafterabudgetispassedtotackleproperty
taxreform.
InhisMarch3budgetaddress,Wolfproposedaplantoreduceschoolpropertytaxesbyraisingthepersonalincome
taxrate,raisingthestatesalestaxrate,andexpandingwhat'scoveredbythestatesalestax.TheHousepasseda
differentpropertytaxreductionplaninMay.
Butpropertytaxreformwasn'tpartofthebudgetpackagethatRepublicanlawmakerspassed.
JennKocher,aspokeswomanforSenateMajorityLeaderJakeCorman,saidSenateRepublicanswantanyschool
propertytaxreductionplantobedoneseparatelyfromthegeneralfundbudget.Shesaidtheywantanytaxshiftplan
tobeatruedollarfordollarexchangeandtheydon'twantnewrevenuesiphonedoffforthegeneralfund.
Dermodysaiddelayingactiononpropertytaxeswillleadtomoredelays.
"Andthenwe'llbeworryingaboutitforthenext25years,"Dermodysaidduringtheeditorialboardsession.
ContactEdMahonat
SeearecapofPa.HouseLeaderDermodyandRep.Schreiber'sstatebudgetdiscussionwiththeYDR
editorialboard.
SophieStone|PressAssistant
OfficeofCommunications|OfficeoftheGovernor
308MainCapitolBuilding|Harrisburg,PA17120
Email:
|Office: