Senate Sends Scaled Down Budget Back to House

Ok's bills to help veteran-owned businesses, crack down on sales to minors

During the Session Week of June 18, the state Senate approved several budget bills as well as legislation to benefit veteran-owned businesses and to continue an enforcement program targeting those who sell alcohol to minors, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50).

Highlighting the week's activities was passage by a 49-1 vote of House Bill 1286, a general fund budget for fiscal year 2007-08 that slices $344 million in spending requested by the Governor, while restoring $105.7 million in funding that he reduced or eliminated for vital community, agricultural and human services programs.

The $27 billion budget detailed in House Bill 1286 includes a modest 2.69 percent increase ($709 million) in spending over the current fiscal year without the seven new or increased taxes proposed by the Governor.

HB 1286 meets four objectives set by Senate Republicans for the budget: that it consider spending over a two-year period; that it keeps spending within limits; that it includes no new or increased taxes; and, that it be passed on time.

"This is a fiscally responsible budget that received strong bipartisan support in the Senate. It provides for the services and programs essential for the operations and services provided by the Commonwealth while living within our means and without increasing the burden on Pennsylvania taxpayers," Senator Robbins said.

HB 1286 was returned to the House for concurrence. The Senate also gave final approval to 30 non-preferred appropriations bills, which provide state funding to colleges, hospitals, healthcare agencies and museums across the state. The non-preferred appropriations are typically considered as part of the process of reviewing the general fund budget. However, unlike general fund appropriations, non-preferred appropriations must be approved by the General Assembly by a two-thirds vote.

On Wednesday, the Senate approved Senate Bill 87, legislation co-sponsored by Senator Robbins to encourage state agencies to contract with veteran-owned businesses. The bill would require the Department of General Services to head the effort, and would set an annual contracting goal of not less than 5 percent for businesses owned by veterans. Under the bill, the Department of General Services would provide staff and training to help veteran-owned businesses learn how to apply for state contracts. The Department would also compile and make available lists of veteran-owned businesses to encourage procurement.

"I am always pleased to support efforts to help Pennsylvania's active duty service members and our veterans," said Senator Robbins. "Senate Bill 87 will help veteran-owned businesses and it stresses the importance of training and hiring veterans who are returning home from active duty service."

On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 737, which would extend the use of underage enforcement officers in the Bureau of Liquor Control in the Pennsylvania State Police to crack down on those who sell alcohol to minors. Act 141 of 2002 permits the use of underage enforcement, but the provision is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2007. Senate Bill 737 removes the sunset date.

Senate Bills 87 and 737 are headed to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Committee roundup

The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee this week approved House Bill 13, a measure that would protect property owners who allow their land to be used for hunting.

"Many property owners are supportive of letting hunters use their open space for hunting, but they are concerned about the liability issues and the potential cost of a lawsuit related to hunters using their land," said Senator Robbins. "I support efforts that encourage property owners to keep their land open for public use whenever and wherever possible."

HB 13 would amend state law to ensure that landowners who open their property -- and do not charge a fee -- will not be held liable for accidents involving others while engaged in hunting. The Bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

Senator Robbins is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 497, legislation that would amend state law to ensure that landowners who open their property for public recreational use -- and do not charge a fee -- will not be held liable for accidents that occurred to others while engaged in their recreational pursuits.

On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Resolution 135, a measure cosponsored by Senator Robbins directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish a task force and advisory committee to study the distribution and use of methadone, including the diversion of methadone from its proper and legal uses, and to make a report to the Senate on the distribution and use of methadone, including recommendations for changes in State law and regulations.

The resolution is now headed to the full Senate for adoption.

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322