Senate Republican News Home

Reforming Government

Senate votes, debates, consolidated statues and live video of floor activity can be accessed online, part of the ongoing commitment to make state government more open and accountable to citizens.  

The general public can read bills and amendments, review text of floor debates, and see how senators voted. Information is available for votes in committee and the full Senate.

Citizens can also track who is lobbying, who individual lobbyists are representing, and how they are spending their money.  They can also see the number of clients each lobbyist has and what each one is spending per client.

Links to all of this useful information can be found at the Citizen Access Page.

One of the state Senate’s first official acts of the 2007-08 legislative session was to adopt seven reform proposals designed to make the legislative process more open and accessible to the public. 

The rules changes were developed with bipartisan input and are a good first step in the push for greater transparency in the Senate.

• All roll call votes are posted on the Internet no later than 24 hours after a vote and committee votes on bills are posted within 48 hours of the vote. This allows citizens to read the bills that are being voted on, and see how senators are voting.
• To give the public insight on why certain votes were case, the Senate’s Legislative Journal – which includes the full text of all floor debates – are posted on the Internet upon Senate approval of the Journal or within 45 days, whichever is earlier.
• To prevent late-night votes, session is now limited to the hours between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• The Senate is now required to wait at least six hours before voting on an amended bill or a conference committee report, and amendments are posted to the Internet before being offered on the Senate floor. This allows legislators and the public time to understand changes in a bill before it comes up for vote.
• An updated fiscal note is now prepared if a bill is amended after consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee and if the amendment is expected to have a financial impact.

The Senate passed landmark legislation requiring lobbyists to file regular reports detailing who is lobbying the Legislature and the Governor’s Office and on which issues they are supporting.

Act 134 of 2006 (House Bill 700), as amended by the Senate, states that every lobbyist, lobbying firm and the groups that hired them are required to register and disclose their spending each quarter. The reports must include a list of funds spent on communication, gifts, hospitality, transportation and lodging.  These reports must then be filed with the Department of State, which will provide a directory to the public of all registered lobbyists by May 1 of each odd-numbered year. Random audits will be conducted on the registrations every two years.

Lobbyists who violate the law will be subject to civil fines of up to $2,000 and the possibility of being prohibited from paid lobbying for up to five years. Groups that retain lobbyists and intentionally violate the law could receive a fine of up to $25,000.  

Citizens are now able see online who is lobbying, who individual lobbyists are representing, and how they are spending their money.  They will be able to also see the number of clients each lobbyist has and what each one is spending per client. The lobbyist disclosure reports can be found under “Topics of Special Interest” at www.pasen.gov.

Senate Approves Browne's Taxpayer Transparency Act
The Senate approved a measure introduced by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) to expand the public’s access to state spending records.
(full story)

Senate Approves Brubaker Stimulus Oversight Bill 
The Senate unanimously approved legislation that would provide transparency and oversight of all federal stimulus dollars spent in Pennsylvania, according to the bill's sponsor Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36). 
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Senator Lloyd Smucker: Floor Remarks – Sunshine Penalties Bill (SB 101) 
Although many Pennsylvanians are understandably focused on economic difficulties, and tax and spending matters, they still want to see action on reform.
(full story)

Senator Lloyd Smucker: Floor Remarks – Aircraft Log Requirements (SB 110) 
This reform bill puts into law the sort of accountability measure that taxpayers believe should be standard across state government.
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Senate Bill 1 Would Bring Transparency to Budget Process
A landmark bill drafted by Senator Pat Browne (R-16) would fundamentally reform Pennsylvania's budgeting process to expedite the procedure while increasing transparency and accountability in state government.
(full story)

Orie Sponsors Bill to Reinstate Ban on Gaming Contributions 
As part of her continued effort to reform Pennsylvania's gaming laws, Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) has introduced legislation to reinstate the state's ban on political contributions by gaming interests.
(full story)

Senate Panel Endorses Brubaker Stimulus Oversight Bill 
The Senate State Government Committee approved legislation yesterday that would provide transparency and oversight of all federal stimulus dollars spent in Pennsylvania, according to the bill's sponsor Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36)
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Auditor General's Letter on Stimulus Oversight Demonstrates Need For Accountability, Transparency
Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) issued the following statement today in response to Auditor General Jack Wagner’s recent letter to the federal government urging stronger oversight and transparency measures for stimulus dollars.
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Senators Unveil Gaming Reform Package to Provide Stricter Oversight, Greater Accountability
Stressing that Pennsylvania needs to take the lead now to more tightly regulate the gaming industry and provide greater accountability and transparency, a bipartisan group of Senators today unveiled a wide-ranging package of reform bills.
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Appropriations Committee Approves Government Disclosure Bills
The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved a bill increasing public access to state spending records. The Committee also approved a legislative package intended to increase disclosure and reporting requirements for environmental protection programs, according to Appropriations Committee Chairman Senator Jake Corman (R-34).
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Senate Passes Erickson Bill to Ensure State Regulations are Based on Reliable Data
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) to help ensure that state regulations are based on reliable data and sound science was unanimously approved by the state Senate this week.
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Baker Unveils Juvenile Justice Reforms and Remedies
Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) today unveiled a package of reform measures to address corruption in the Luzerne County Courthouse affecting several thousand juveniles and their families.
(full story)

Senator Orie and Senator Eichelberger to Sponsor Legislation to Tighten State Laws Involving Government Contracts
Seeking to strengthen state laws involving government contracts, Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) and Sen. John H. Eichelberger Jr. (R-Blair) are introducing legislation that would prohibit the spouse and children of public officials and government employees from entering into contracts with the agencies that their spouse or parents are a member of or employed by.
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Brubaker Responds To Executive Order Creating Governor's Stimulus Oversight Commission
Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) issued the following statement today in response to the governor's Executive Order creating the Pennsylvania Stimulus Oversight Commission
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Senator Orie Re-Introduces Legislation to Provide Stricter Oversight Over State Grants
The recent scandals involving the misuse of state economic development grants in Beaver County has prompted Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) to renew her efforts to provide stricter oversight over state grants used for job creation and retention
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Senators Pileggi, Vogel to Introduce Senate Rule Addressing Potential Abuse of Non-Profits
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senator Elder Vogel (R-47) announced their intention to introduce a new Senate rule designed to address the potential abuse of non-profit organizations highlighted in this week's grand jury presentment.
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Senators Pileggi, Mellow Announce RSS Feeds, Providing Easier Access to Senate Activity
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senate Democratic Leader Robert Mellow (D-22) announced the creation of seven new RSS feeds to give the public easier access to Senate activity.
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Orie and Vereb Question Gaming Control Board's Travel Decisions While Requesting a 6 Percent Budget Increase
Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny/Butler) and Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) led a group of lawmakers today in demanding answers from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regarding its travel expenses, namely trips to Italy and Las Vegas, after the governor imposed an out-of-state travel ban. Both legislators will introduce legislation to create a searchable database for all state travel.
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Senator Orie Introduces Legislation to Protect Against Voter Fraud
Seeking to reduce cases of voter fraud and abuse, Senator Jane Orie (R-40) has introduced legislation to require voters to show photo identification before they cast their ballots.
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Senator Brubaker Introducing Bill to Ensure Transparency, Accountability of Stimulus Funds
Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) announced that he will introduce legislation to ensure transparency and accountability as Pennsylvania receives and spends many billions of dollars under the federal stimulus package.
 (full story)

Senator Orie Introducing Legislation to Reform "Pay-to-Play" Procurement Process
Senate Majority Whip Jane Clare Orie (R-40) today announced that she will introduce legislation to deal with the practice of "pay-to-play" in the area of contract procurement.
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Senate Budget Hearings Available Live on the Internet
Senate hearings on the Governor’s proposed budget begin Monday February 23 and for the first time will be available for viewing live on the Internet this year, according to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte) and Democratic Chairman Jay Costa (D-Allegheny).
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Senator Yaw Introduces Bill to Stop "Revolving Door" Between Government Work and Lobbying 
Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) announced that he will introduce legislation designed to help stop the revolving door of state government, which allows employees to move between industry jobs and government jobs which influence that industry.
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Senators Pileggi, Mellow Applaud Senate Adoption of Rule Prohibiting Robo-Call Funding
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senate Democratic Leader Robert Mellow (D-22) today applauded the Senate's unanimous adoption of a rule to prohibit Senate funds from being used for robo-calls.
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Senate Republicans Comment on State Vehicle Report from Auditor General Jack Wagner
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25), Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), and Senator Mike Folmer (R-48) today commented on the release of Auditor General Jack Wagner's Special Report on the administration's use and management of state vehicles.
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Senate Republicans Introduce 10-Bill Reform Package to Change Culture of State Government
Members of the Senate Republican Caucus today announced the introduction of a 10-bill package of government reforms intended to continue changing the culture of state government by increasing accountability and transparency.
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Senate Republican Leaders to Return COLA
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25), Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), Majority Whip Jane Orie (R-40), Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman (R-34), Caucus Chairman Mike Waugh (R-28), and Caucus Secretary Bob Robbins (R-50) today announced that they would not accept the annual COLA, instead returning the money to the state Treasury.
 (full story)
- Senator Scarnati

Senate Republicans Call for House Action on Reform Measures
Senate Republicans today called on the House of Representatives to pass and send to the governor seven pieces of reform legislation which passed the Senate unanimously earlier this year. 
 (full story)
- Sen. Scarnati
- Sen. Pileggi
- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Eichelberger
- Sen. Folmer
- News Conference

Piccola, Marsico Introduce Legislation Establishing Timeline for Future Budgets
Sen. Jeff Piccola (R-15) and Rep. Ron Marsico (R-105) have introduced proposals to establish a more definitive timeline for all future state budgets and are hopeful they will be fast-tracked through committee to give lawmakers the ability to enact this much-needed legislation during the fall session.
 (full story)

Regola Wants Expanded Tax Break for Disabled Vets
Senator Bob Regola (R-39) is introducing legislation calling for a state constitutional amendment to expand the Property Tax Exemption Program for Disabled Veterans. 
 (full story)

Senate Passes Folmer Bill Cracking Down on Abuse of State Vehicle Usage
The State Senate today unanimously approved Sen. Mike Folmer’s (R-Lebanon) legislation bringing accountability to the use of state vehicles.
(full story)

Folmer's Reform Agenda Advances
HARRISBURG – Two key pieces of Sen. Mike Folmer's (R-Lebanon) reform agenda advanced through the legislative process today.
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Piccola & Marsico to Unveil Legislation Establishing Timeline for Future Budgets
Senator Jeff Piccola (R-15) and Representative Ron Marsico (R-105) announced plans to introduce legislation establishing a timeline for all future state budgets, by proposing sanctions to be embedded in the Pennsylvania Constitution and Administrative Code.
(full story)

Folmer Bill Cracks Down on Abuse of State Vehicle Usage
Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) announced he will be introducing legislation to bring accountability to the use of state vehicles.
(full story)

Senate Republicans: No Lame Duck Session in 2008
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) announced that the Senate will not convene for a regular lame duck session in 2008.
(full story)

Senate Journals Dating Back to 1993 Now Online
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25), Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), and Senate Democratic Leader Bob Mellow (D-22) announced today that the Senate's complete Legislative Journals from 1993 to 2004 are now available online at www.pasen.gov.
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Committee Approves Browne Bill to Open Spending Records
The Senate Finance Committee today approved Senate Bill 1350, the Taxpayer Transparency Act, according to Senator Pat Browne, committee chairman and prime sponsor of the measure.
(full story)

Senate Approves Earll Bill Consolidating Collection of Earned Income Taxes at County Level
The state Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Jane Earll (R-49) that would update the Local Tax Enabling Act of 1965 to consolidate the collection of earned income taxes at the county-wide level.  
(full story)
 

Senate Approves Sen. Pileggi's Legislation to Create a Do-Not-Call List for Political Robo-Calls
Legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) which would allow Pennsylvanians to stop receiving political robo-calls was approved today by the full Senate, 48 to 1. 
(full story)

Sen. Browne Bill Would Open Spending Records to Public
Pennsylvania taxpayers ultimately pay the Commonwealth's bills; therefore, they should have a basic right to easily monitor how state government spends its money, according to Senator Pat Browne (R-16).
(full story)

Piccola to Unveil Legislation Banning Lobbyist-Paid Gifts & Hospitality
In an effort to strengthen citizens’ trust in Pennsylvania state government and prevent the appearance of impropriety, Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) is unveiling legislation that bans gifts, hospitality, travel, and lodging from registered lobbyists to members of the General Assembly, their staff, the governor, and the executive branch.
(full story)

Corman's Constitutional Change That Alters Lieutenant Governor Succession Rule Clears Senate
The State Senate passed legislation written by Sen. Jake Corman (R-34) that would amend the state constitution to change the Lieutenant Governor succession rule.
(full story)

Rafferty Introduces Bills to Reform Nominating Process For Various State Boards and Commissions
As part of his efforts to make government more open and accountable, Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) has introduced legislation to reform the process for nominating individuals to various state boards and commissions.
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Senator Pileggi: State Should Report Personal Information Breaches Within One Week
State agencies would be required to report data breaches involving personal information within one week under legislation being introduced by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9). 
(full story)

Statement of Senator Bob Regola Urging Passage of Lame Duck Session Amendment
The following are the remarks delivered by Senator Bob Regola (R-39) at a March 18 press conference in the State Capitol urging the House State Government Committee to move Senate Bill 468 – legislation introduced by Senator Regola providing for a constitutional amendment banning lame duck legislative session.
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Sen. Pileggi's Open Records Bill Sent to Governor
Senate Bill 1, legislation to rewrite and strengthen Pennsylvania's Open Records Law sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), has been sent to the governor for his signature.
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Piccola to Unveil Package Addressing Major Gaming Law Revisions
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) announced today his plans to introduce a legislative package highlighting key revisions to Pennsylvania's Gaming Law and implementing the recommendations made by the Fourth Dauphin County Grand Jury in their investigation of casino owner Louis DeNaples.
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Senator Pileggi's Open Records Bill Approved by Senate; Returns to House for Concurrence
Senate Bill 1, legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s Open Records Law sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), was approved unanimously by the Senate.
(full story)
- Senator Pileggi
- Senator Brubaker
- Senator Eichelberger

Senator Pileggi's Legislation to Add Political Robo-Calls to Do-Not-Call List Approved by Committee
Legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) to give Pennsylvanians the ability to eliminate political robo-calls from their homes was approved by the Senate State Government Committee.
(full story)
- Senator Pileggi
- Senator Brubaker

Senator Pileggi Comments on Status of Senate Bill 1
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) commented after the House amended Senate Bill 1 on Monday: "The House adopted 19 separate amendments to Senate Bill 1. Under House rules, the earliest that the bill can be sent to the Senate is late Tuesday night. The Senate approved this legislation, 48 to 1, on November 28. It is unfortunate that the leadership of the House of Representatives chose to delay substantive action for 12 days.
(full story)

Senator Pileggi's Open Records Bill Approved by Senate; SB 1 Moves to House for Consideration
Senate Bill 1, legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania's Open Records Law sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), was approved by the Senate. 
(full story)
Floor Remarks
Sen. Pileggi
Sen. Armstrong
Sen. Brubaker
Sen. Baker
Sen. Erickson
Sen. Folmer
Sen. Vance 

Op-Ed by Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola: Paving the Way for Reform
Over the past year, the Senate State Government Committee has taken several key steps to reform Pennsylvania state government.
(full story)

Open Records Bill Approved by Senate; SB 1 Moves to House for Consideration
Senate Bill 1, legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania's Open Records Law sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), was approved by the Senate. 
(full story)

Senator Pileggi’s Open Records Bill Unanimously Approved by Senate Appropriations Committee
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi’s (R-9) legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s Open Records Law was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. 
(full story)

Senator Robbins Proposes E-notices for Local Governments
Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) wants to give Pennsylvania local governments the opportunity to use the information superhighway to better inform citizens about meetings and spending, while saving taxpayers more than $20 million each year.
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Sen. Browne: PA Must Change State Employee Pension System
Too often, government tends to be reactive instead of proactive. Government often shies away from making major changes unless a crisis is already at hand. However, when it comes to the state's pension program, a true and severe financial disaster is looming on the horizon and it is essential that we act now.
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Orie Announces Legislation to Improve Monitoring, Accountability of DCED Grants and Loans
State Sen. Jane Orie (R-40) announced legislation to improve accountability, monitoring, and reporting of business grant and loan programs administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
(full story)

Senator Pileggi's Open Records Bill Advances
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi's (R-9) legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania's Open Records Law was approved by the Senate's State Government Committee.
(full story)

Senator Rafferty's Oversight Legislation Moves Out of Committee
The Senate State Government Committee approved Senator John Rafferty's legislation that will require Senate confirmation, by the majority of the Senate, for individuals appointed to the following positions with respect to board, agencies and commissions with the following titles:
(full story)

Senate Floor Activity Now Broadcast On Internet
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25), Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), and Democrat Leader Robert Mellow (D-22)  announced that a video feed of the Senate's floor action is now available live via the Internet. 
(full story)

Piccola Issues Statement Addressing Pennsylvania's Lobbying Disclosure Law
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) issued the following statement regarding the Lobbying Disclosure Law: "The recent actions of a few lobbyists and a California-based film company, who successfully lobbied the Governor and General Assembly for a $75 million tax credit program for the film industry, have exposed several weaknesses in the newly enacted Lobbying Disclosure Law.
(full story)

Senator Pileggi: Right-to-Know Law is Top Fall Priority
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) said that improving Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law is his top priority for the fall session.
"We have made great progress this year by implementing many important government reforms," Sen. Pileggi said. "But the cornerstone of reform is strengthening our Right-to-Know Law."
(full story)

Piccola Amendment De-Linking Judicial Salaries Adopted by House
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) applauded the House of Representatives for approving House Bill 10, legislation amended to include his language that eliminates the tie-in between federal judicial salaries and Commonwealth judicial salaries – a connection that was established in the inexcusable pay raise.
(full story)

Corman Announces Senate Action To Make More Government Records Open to Public
As part of its effort to make state government more transparent, the Senate changed its rules to require the placement of the acts and statutes of the Pennsylvania state legislature on the Internet, according to Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), the Senate's Majority Policy Chairman.
(full story)

New Statute Extends Sunshine Law Coverage to Panel Overseeing Medicaid Drugs
Legislation that extends Sunshine Law coverage to the committee overseeing drugs for Medical Assistance recipients has been signed into law, announced Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware), Chairman of the Senate Public Health & Welfare Committee.
(full story)

Senate Approves Senator Regola's Reform Measure

Taking a major step toward true legislative reform in Pennsylvania, the Senate State approved a measure introduced by Senator Bob Regola (R-39) calling for a Constitutional Amendment to eliminate "lame duck" voting sessions -- voting that occurs after a general election and before the start of a new legislative session.
(full story)

Corman Bill Would Require Online Posting of State Government Contracts

Stressing that taxpayers should have access to records on state government spending, Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre) has introduced legislation to require the State Treasury Department to post contracts, or detailed summaries, on the internet for public review.
(full story)

Sen. Pileggi's "Salary Information Act" Passes Senate Unanimously, Moves to State House
Legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) which would require the posting of governmental salary information on the Internet passed the Senate unanimously. Senate Bill 729 now moves to the state House for consideration.
(full story)

Pippy Bill to Reduce Size of Legislature Approved by Committee
Legislation sponsored by state Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to reduce the size and cost of the Pennsylvania General Assembly was approved by a Senate committee.
(full story)

Senate Approves Stiffer Penalties For Sunshine Law Violations
The reform agenda for Pennsylvania received a significant boost, with the state Senate unanimously approving a bill increasing the fines for Sunshine Law violations, according to state Senator Gib Armstrong.
(full story)

Senate GOP Pushes Cut in Legislative Surplus; Excess Funds Directed to Property Tax Relief
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) announced a plan to slash legislative reserves by at least $75 million.
(full story)

Sen. Pileggi Announces "State Salary Information Act"
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) announced legislation requiring the state Treasurer to post salary information for all state employees on an official web site.
(full story)

Reforming PHEAA: Legislation to Tighten PHEAA Board Practices
State Senator John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) and State Senator Jane C. Orie (R-Allegheny) unveiled their legislative plan to restructure the current appointment, reporting, and accounting procedures of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Board.
(full story)

Pippy Bill to Reduce Size of Legislature Approved by Committee
Legislation sponsored by state Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to reduce the size and cost of the Pennsylvania General Assembly was approved by a Senate committee.
(full story)
 

Committee Approves Senator Regola's Reform Measure
The Senate State Government Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 468, a Constitutional Amendment introduced by Senator Bob Regola (R-39) which would eliminate "lame duck" voting sessions -- voting that occurs after a general election and before the start of a new legislative session.
(full story)