"As long as this risky business is part of Pennsylvania, it must be better regulated.  We need to have a structure in place that is accountable for its actions and protected from criminal activity."

-- Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin) unveiling legislation Monday that would strengthen Pennsylvania’s gaming law by implementing the recommendations of a grand jury investigating the crime ties of a Pennsylvania casino owner.
 

COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE HEALTH CARE CENTERS AND THE UNINSURED

Providing health care to uninsured Pennsylvanians will be the topic of a Wednesday public hearing by the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware).

Specifically, the committee will hear testimony regarding community health care centers and their role in providing care for low-income and uninsured Pennsylvanians.

NATURAL GAS LEASING PLAN REVIEWED BY COMMITTEE

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), held an informational briefing Tuesday on drilling for natural gas in state forests.

The committee took testimony from Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis regarding the department’s plan to issue natural gas leases for state forest land.

The secretary said DCNR plans to accept competitive bids in late summer for a lease of up to 75,000 acres of state forest lands for gas extraction to respond to increased interest in the Marcellus Shale formation. 

COMMITTEE VOTES TO ADD OFFICERS GROUP TO STATE VETERANS COMMISSION

The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, chaired by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), voted Tuesday to add a representative of an organization representing thousands of Pennsylvania veterans to the State Veterans Commission.

Senate Bill 1033, sponsored by Sen. Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland), would add the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) to the commission, which is comprised of major veterans organizations and provides advice to the state Adjutant General on issues important to veterans.

Organized in 1929, MOAA represents members of the uniformed services (officer and enlisted) active duty, former and retired, National Guard and Reserve -- and their families and survivors.  There are more than 9,000 current members of MOAA in the 16 chapters spread throughout the commonwealth.

Senator Regola said: "MOAA is extremely active in its support of veterans and those serving today. In particular, the Disabled American Veterans Transportation Program is very important to them and they have raised thousands of dollars to buy phone cards for deployed and wounded servicemen and their families."