October 31, 2006

2006 HOUSE Fall Session Schedule

 September 25, 26, 27 October 2 (non-voting), 3, 4, 5 (non-voting), 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 November 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27 (non-voting)

2006 SENATE Fall Session Schedule

September 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 October 3, 4, 16, 17, 18 November 20, 21

Legislative Update

• Twenty-eight House members and three Senators have retired • Fifteen House members lost their seats in the primary election
• Two Senators: Bob Jubelirer and David “ Chip” Brightbill, lost their positions as President Pro Temp and Majority Leader
• This is a volatile election year and many people believe that Democrats have a chance to take over the majority

Election Day - November 7

November is the end of the legislative cycle. Any bills not signed into law by end of November die, and new session begins in January. For this reason, the calendar is very limited and focuses only on bills of high importance.

Gaming Reform

Gaming reform was one of the most popular topics of discussion this summer and will continue to be a major issue this fall. Mario Civera, chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee has announced hearings to examine the oversight of gaming in Pennsylvania before slots parlors begin operation. Gaming reform will address issues such as zoning, alcohol regulations, distribution of slot machines and compulsive gambling treatment funding.

Minimum Wage

The state’s minimum wage will increase to $7.15 per hour for most workers by 2007 and all workers by 2008. This legislation made Pennsylvania the 21st state nationwide to increase the minimum wage above the current federal level. Wages will increase to $6.15 per hour by January 2007 and up to $7.15 by July 2007 for all workers in businesses with 11 or more employees. Companies with 10 or fewer employees will be able to delay implementing the wage increase until July 2008.

Agriculture Update

Twelve million dollars has been invested to preserve an additional 42 farms and 3,665 acres through the farmland preservation program. Since the start of this program, Pennsylvania has preserved 2,925 farms and 332,020 acres, which has made the state a national leader in preservation efforts. This year, Pennsylvania has invested a record-setting $150 million for farmland preservation.