9/2/10 - Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) joins local officials, police officers and PARX casino representatives  at a news conference to announce legislation that would provide stronger penalties for people who leave children alone in vehicles.
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Committee Hearing

September 1, 2010
Joint Transportation and Majority Policy Hearing on Tolling Interstate Highways
- 2:11

Issues

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Focus on PA

Summer 2010
Our Summer edition of Focus on Pennsylvania shines the spotlight on the growing trend of  Community Supported Agriculture or CSA farms. We’ll also show you how the Capitol Hunger Garden is growing food and awareness as well as a report on how young people are learning valuable recreation skills.

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Podcast

August 26, 2010 - State Senator Ted Erickson (R-26) discusses possible Interstate tolling options and a September first public hearing on the issue.

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9/2/10 - Legislation Introduced to Crack Down on Adults Who Leave Children Unattended While Gambling 
Legislation that would provide stronger penalties for people who leave children alone in vehicles has been introduced by Senator Tommy Tomlinson and Representative Gene DiGirolamo.    

9/1/10 - Media Alert - Legislators to Hold News Conference on Child Endangerment Bill
State Senator Tommy Tomlinson and State Representative Gene DiGirolamo will hold a news conference at noon on Thursday, September 2, at the Bensalem Municipal Building, located at 2400 Byberry Road in Bensalem.

8/30/10 - Senator Pileggi, Representative Eachus Unveil Mobile Website for Legislative Information
A new website will make it easier for users of mobile devices to access legislative information, Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and House Majority Leader Todd Eachus (D-116) announced today. 

8/24/10 - Race-to-the-Top Outcome Is Trigger for Real Reform
Reacting to today's announcement that Pennsylvania has not been chosen to receive federal Race to the Top (RTT) monies in the second round, the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, state Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin and York), said:

8/23/10 - Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi and Senate Transportation Committee Chair John Rafferty offered remarks during the Senate/House Transportation Caucus.
- Senator Pileggi
- Senator Rafferty
| - 2:00 (Hearing)

8/20/10 - Piccola Praises Harrisburg School's Move Toward Transparency and Accountability
Reacting to the release of Harrisburg School District's most recent test results, state Sen. Jeff Piccola (R-15) said:  "This level of transparency and honesty is refreshing, and long overdue. 

8/5/10 - Sen. Rafferty to Hold Senate Hearing on Misconduct at DRPA
Senate Transportation Committee Chair John Rafferty (R-44) said his committee will hold a public hearing in September to further probe widespread allegations of mismanagement, fraud and political patronage at the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA), stressing that "a long-term solution is needed to clean up decades of abuse."

7/16/10 - Senate Committee to Hold Summer Hearings On Wide Range of Transportation Issues
The Senate Transportation Committee will continue its aggressive schedule of public hearings on transportation funding issues this summer, according to Chairman John Rafferty (R-44), who said the panel is seeking input on a wide range of issues affecting the state’s roads, bridges, rail lines, ports and aviation.  The hearings will all be held in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building in Harrisburg. 

7/9/10 - Pippy Bill Allowing Higher Ed Schools to Offer Lower Tuition to Military Personnel Becomes Law
Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) that will allow colleges to offer lower, in-state tuition rates for on-line courses to military personnel has been signed into law.

7/6/10 - Sen. White's Rx Redistribution Measure Headed to Governor
Legislation introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) authorizing the Corrections Department and county prisons to redistribute unopened prescription medicines is now before the Governor for his signature and enactment into law.

7/3/10 - Harrisburg School District to Earn Money to Innovate
Pennsylvania's Education Empowerment law may have expired on June 30, but the state's efforts to turn around failing school districts are continuing in the form of incentive grants, to be awarded to the six former "empowerment" school districts that take steps to implement reforms.   

7/3/10 - Senate Approves Anti-Poaching Legislation 
The Senate approved legislation today that would improve hunter safety and impose stiffer penalties for poaching, according to Senator Richard Alloway II (R-33). 

7/3/10 - Senate Unanimously Approves Bill to Fight Blight
The Senate unanimously approved legislation today to help municipalities prevent blight and remediate abandoned properties, according to State Senator David G. Argall (R-29). 

7/2/10 - Brubaker Proposal Would Require Cost-Effective Travel for State Employees 
Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) proposed legislation this week that would require Senate and state employees to use the most cost-effective method of travel for state business. 

6/30/10 - Senate Sends Responsible Budget Package to House
The Senate today approved and returned to the House of Representatives a budget package that restrains state spending and maintains state services and programs without a broad-based tax increase.
- Senator Scarnati
- Senator Pileggi
- Senator Corman

6/30/10 - Orie Proposes Legislation to Improve Megan's Law Website and Incorporate Recommendations Made by Auditor General 
Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) is proposing legislation that would improve the Pennsylvania Megan's Law Website by incorporating recommendations made in a Special Report issued recently by Auditor General Jack Wagner. 

6/29/10 - Senate Approves Ward's Bill to Audit Methadone Treatment Costs
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) authorizing a performance audit of the state's methadone treatment and medical assistance transportation programs was approved by the Senate today.

6/29/10 - Senate Approves Senator Browne's Tanning Salon Bill
The Senate approved Senate Bill 460, legislation introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16), intended to improve safety at tanning salons and require parental consent for minors.

6/29/10 - Senate Majority Policy Committee Holds Hearing on Term Limits
The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), held a public hearing today on legislative term limits.
Agenda, Testimony and Video

6/29/10 - Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Examines Stranded Dairy Premiums 
The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee today explored ways to ensure that struggling state dairy farmers receive premiums intended to be paid to producers for milk sold in Pennsylvania, according to committee chairman Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36). 
Agenda, Testimony and Audio

6/29/10 - Senator Orie and Senator Rafferty Bill to Implement National Adam Walsh Child Safety Act Unanimously Reported from Committee
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) and Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) seeking to protect children from sexual predators  and establish federally mandated national standards to strengthen sex offender registration was unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

06/28/10 - Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi was the guest speaker at this month's Pennsylvania Press Club Luncheon.

6/28/10 - Commission Presents Final Recommendations to Senate Leaders
The Senate Government Management and Cost Study Commission presented its final report today outlining over 40 recommendations to reduce or eliminate unnecessary government expenditures.
- Press Conference
- Senator Argall

6/28/10 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

6/23/10 - Senate Approves College Textbook Affordability Legislation
The Senate approved legislation today that would make college textbooks more affordable and accessible to students, according to State Senator David G. Argall (R-29).

6/23/10 - Senate Approves Pileggi Bill to Give Local Communities a Share of Air Pollution Fines 
When a company is fined by the state for violating Pennsylvania's Clean Air Act, local communities would get a share of that money for environmental projects under legislation introduced by Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and approved unanimously today by the Senate. 

6/22/10 - Tomlinson's Childhood Immunization Bill Approved by Committee
The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee unanimously approved legislation today sponsored by Senator Robert M. "Tommy" Tomlinson that would require the Department of Health to take important steps to increase public awareness of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice's influenza recommendations for vaccines in children.   

6/22/10 - Senate Approves Study Designed to Modernize Pennsylvania's 50-Year-Old Library Code
Pennsylvania will soon begin work on a comprehensive review of the 50-year-old law governing library services in the state.

6/22/10 - Ward's Bill to Audit Methadone Treatment Costs Approved by Committee
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) authorizing a performance audit of the state's methadone treatment and medical assistance transportation programs was approved by the Senate Public Health and Welfare committee today.

6/22/10 - State Senate Passes Baker Legislation to Honor Fallen State Police Troopers
The State Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) that would designate I-84 from Lackawanna County to the PA/New York state line as the "Fallen Trooper Memorial Highway."

6/21/10 - Ward Unveils "Jennifer's Law" in Wake of Westmoreland County Murder
State Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) today unveiled her proposed "Jennifer's Law" named after a Westmoreland County woman who was tortured and murdered.

6/21/10 - Senate News Brief
A preview of what’s ahead in the Senate and a review of recent legislative action.

6/16/10 - Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Discusses Marcellus Shale Safety Issues
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), met today for a briefing on Marcellus Shale safety issues.
- 2:13

6/16/10 - Brubaker Introduces Workforce Development Legislation
Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) introduced legislation today that would support the Commonwealth's workforce development efforts by continuing the Industry Partnerships program.

6/15/10 - Senate Approves Measure to Block Federal REAL ID Program
Senator Mike Folmer's legislation – Senate Bill 621 – to exempt Pennsylvania from compliance with the unfunded mandate of a national identification card (REAL ID) today unanimously passed the full Senate.

6/15/10 - Senate Transportation Panel to Hold Hearings on Funding Issues 
The Senate Transportation Committee kicked off a series of public hearings today on transportation funding issues, according to Committee Chairman Senator John Rafferty (R-44).
- 1:44

6/15/10 - Senate Adopts New Rules of Ethical Conduct
The state Senate today adopted a set of Rules of Ethical Conduct designed to make the division between legislative and campaign work clear, to provide annual ethics training, and to establish strong penalties for violations.
- Senator Scarnati
- Senator Pileggi

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