Pennsylvania Senate Republican News Brief

"I think the governor acknowledged that with the drop-off in revenues there needs to be a reduction in spending."

-- Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) following a June 3 budget meeting at the Governor's Residence.

Preview

Government Management and Cost Study Commission

The Government Management and Cost Study Commission, chaired by Sen. David Argall (R-Schuylkill), will holds its next meeting today.

The panel, made up of 10 appointees from the private and public sectors, was created by Senate Resolution 161 to help the Senate eliminate unnecessary government spending. The commission will hear testimony on possible cost savings related to technology, criminal justice, education and policy.

On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery), will hold a public hearing to receive testimony on best practices in juvenile justice.

Review

Revenues Continue to Fall Behind Projections

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman (R-Centre) reiterated his commitment to adopting a fiscally responsible state budget before the June 30 deadline, but strongly warned that underperforming revenues continue to drive up the Commonwealth's year-end deficit.

For the month of May, revenues were approximately $125 million short, pushing the year-end deficit to $1.23 billion. Gov. Rendell's budget, which called for funding to cover an anticipated $525 million deficit by June, is considerably out of balance.

In addition, Gov. Rendell's proposed budget relies on federal passage of enhanced ARRA FMAP funding. However, the federal government has not authorized the additional funding, leaving the Commonwealth with an additional potential revenue hole of $848 million.

Senator Corman said: "It is becoming more and more clear that in these very difficult economic times, Pennsylvania will have to yet again tighten an already-cinched belt, hold the line on spending, and put off costly items that we simply can't afford. I think state residents recognize those realities and are willing to deal with short-term pain in return for a better economic outlook in the long term."

Senators Unveil Bipartisan Methadone Accountability Package

A group of lawmakers and advocates unveiled a bipartisan package of legislation overhauling Pennsylvania's methadone treatment laws to increase fiscal accountability and safety, and reduce the unlawful use of methadone and methadone poisoning deaths.

Discussing the issue at a Capitol news conference were Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland), Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair) and Sen. Don White (R-Indiana). Also on hand was Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) and Marti Hottenstein, who helped found Helping America Reduce Methadone Deaths (HARMD) after the death of her son.

The measures making up the Methadone Accountability Package address the illegal diversion of methadone from treatment uses; methadone use and highway safety; and accountability in government-sponsored treatment, including cost to taxpayers, open-ended treatment, overdoses and deaths.

For more on the Methadone Accountability Package, please see In the Spotlight and Fast Facts, below.
- Senator Eichelberger
- Senator Ward
- Senator White

Bill Creating a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth Approved

The Senate unanimously passed legislation to allow a parent to request a "Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth" from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Senate Bill 620, sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), would provide parents with documentation when a child is stillborn. At least 20 other states have adopted similar legislation.

At the option of the parent, the name of the child, the names of the parents and birthplace can be included on the certificate. The cost of a certificate would be covered by the parent and would be the same as a death certificate.

Senate Bill 620 was sent to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

Senator Corman said: "This issue was brought to me by a resident of my senatorial district and I am proud that we were able to pass it out of the Senate. Stillbirths are a tragedy for parents, and often times they feel no sense of healing or closure because there is no documentation of their child's birth."

Sen. Vogel's Bill to aid Community Fundraisers BECOMES LAW

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) barring the state from citing community groups for selling homemade baked goods was approved by the General Assembly and signed into law.

Act 31 of 2010 eliminates the ability of the Department of Agriculture to cite non-profit community groups such as volunteer fire companies, churches, and school booster clubs for selling non-hazardous home-baked food at fundraisers.

Senator Vogel introduced the bill after the Department of Agriculture cited a local church for selling homemade baked goods prepared by ladies of the church at a Lenten fish fry.

Senator Vogel said: "I believe we should all be concerned about food safety. However, I also believe that the Commonwealth could make better use of its resources than to pursue volunteers and groups who are working to improve their communities. It's time to restore a little common sense to government."

Senator Pileggi Calls for Update to 50-Year-Old Library Code

Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) has introduced a resolution calling for a study designed to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive update of the 50-year-old law governing library services in Pennsylvania.

Senate Resolution 343 will require the Joint State Government Commission to review the Library Code and the current library structure, including the funding formula. The final report, with recommendations, will be due by November 30.

According to the Pennsylvania Library Association, visits to the state's 474 public libraries were up 11 percent in 2009 compared to 2008, circulation of books and videos was up 9 percent, and in-library computer use was up 19 percent.

The Pennsylvania Library Association supports a review of the Library Code.

Senator Pileggi said: "Libraries in Pennsylvania are busier than ever. But the state Library Code was enacted in 1961, and it is now antiquated in many ways. As we face another difficult budget, this study is a cost-effective way to help ensure that every dollar invested in library services is put to the best possible use."

In the Spotlight

The National Drug Intelligence Center reported a 109 percent increase in the unlawful diversion of methadone from 2003 to 2007. The National Center for Health Statistics found that, from 1999-2005, the number of poisoning deaths involving methadone increased 468 percent, and the rate of methadone deaths in younger individuals (age 15 to 24) increased eleven-fold.

The increase in methadone use and abuse has also affected highway safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that a single dose can cause reductions in reaction time, visual acuity and information processing.

Senator Eichelberger said: "Pennsylvania's law has not kept pace with the changes in the prescription of methadone---and too frequently with deadly consequences. Methadone is a drug with its own unique properties. One pill or one dose can kill a non- or low-opiate-tolerant person."

Senator Ward said: "The state methadone program is spending tax dollars for open-ended treatment with no accountability or oversight. It's incredible that with so many lives – and tax dollars – at stake, no state agency has bothered to do an audit. I want to know what the state is spending and what it can do better."