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Archive of Pennsylvania on Tuesday May 13, 2008
Taxpayer bill in Pa.'s Bonusgate grows
First, taxpayers footed large, secretive government bonuses to legislative staffers. Now, more than a year into a criminal probe known as Bonusgate, the General Assembly's cost to tighten ethical standards and cope with the scandal has topped the $1 million mark and is growing. Read More
Rendell vows veto if state bill preempts Philadelphia smoking ban
Gov. Rendell yesterday said he would veto any legislation to ban smoking in public places statewide if it would weaken Philadelphia's existing law. Read More
Last, best turnpike offers solicited
Pennsylvania received multiple bids from companies wanting to lease its turnpike but has given at least some bidders until the end of this week to produce a final offer, Gov. Ed Rendell said Monday. Read More
Florida administrator chosen as chancellor of Pa. university system
The new chancellor of the 110,000-student Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, John Cavanaugh, will be moving from the presidency at the 10,400-student University of West Florida. Read More
Bills to improve conditions in puppy mills to be introduced today
A western Pennsylvania legislator today will introduce long-awaited revisions to Pennsylvania's dog law pushed by Gov. Ed Rendell, the biggest step forward in a tortuous, two-year-long process geared toward improving the lot of thousands of dogs in puppy mills. Read More
'Operation Safe Surf' warns of Web dangers
Teenagers don't know everything, but they know more than their parents when it comes to computers and technology. And that puts them at risk, state Attorney General Tom Corbett said Monday. Read More
Fumo appeals new assessment on his Phila. home
State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo has filed an appeal of the property-tax hike on his Spring Garden mansion, contending that the city illegally singled him out for a 281 percent increase. Read More
Rendell says he'll veto weakened ban on smoking
A House-Senate panel had been expected to adopt a compromise bill yesterday outlining which workplaces had to be smoke-free, but Gov. Ed Rendell changed things with just a few words at a news conference. Read More
Gas prices may fuel vacation reroutes
OCEAN CITY, Md. - Mid-Atlantic resorts are hoping gas prices spiraling toward $4 a gallon and a cooling economy won't keep vacationers at home this summer - but they're bracing for shorter stays and less spending on restaurants and entertainment while people holiday. Read More
Protecting Michigan's water wonderland
State lawmakers are carefully maneuvering Michigan toward joining a historic international compact reserving Great Lakes water for the states and Canadian provinces around them. Read More
States, locals swamp immigration program
Sudden demand by state and local police to join the federal 287(g) initiative, which lets local police start deportation proceedings for suspects and criminals who are illegal immigrants, is overwhelming the federal government. That means long waits and alternative programs offered to police departments that want to join. Read More
In school sports, who makes the call?
A shot at the buzzer of a high school championship game — was it in time or not? — led the South Carolina Legislature to consider a bill to require referees to watch video replays. It was hardly the first example of armchair quarterbacking by lawmakers.
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Neutral govs to remain on sidelines
 In the homestretch of an unprecedented presidential primary season, spinning with competing sound-bites and endless rhetoric, voters still heading to the polls in four states can’t look to their governors for any pre-election advice. These governors plan to wait until after their states vote to make their own endorsements.
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WORTH NOTING: Illinois treasurer shows his knowledge of charges
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) endures a bruising charge from Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D). A new Utah law stirs Salt Lake City bartenders to create a new drink. And Louisiana prison guards get outside help to prevent escapes. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in. Read More
At-risk gubernatorial seats increase
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Silver Alert helps rescue lost seniors
(Updated 9:30 a.m EST, May 8, 2008) When an elderly person with dementia is lost, eight states can trigger an alert to let the community know. Proposals in Congress would expand the successful missing persons program to all 50 states. Read More
Will states fix 2012 primary process?
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Oh say, is that banner made in the U.S.A.?
Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state’s new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state. Read More
Fairness of death-penalty panels questioned
Death-penalty supporters are raising questions about the fairness of state commissions charged with studying how capital punishment is carried out in Maryland and Tennessee, claiming the panels will issue reports that ignore their views. Read More
WORTH NOTING: Voters' guide promotes phone sex
An Oregon voters’ guide lists a very wrong number. California’s governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in. Read More
Parents turn to states for autism help
(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs. Read More
With justices' OK, voter ID moves ahead
A decision Monday (April 28) by the U.S. Supreme Court to let Indiana demand photo identification from voters paves the way for other states to do the same during November’s presidential election, experts say. Read More
Will Democrats grow legislative edge in '08?
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'Purple' states turn a little more 'blue'
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WORTH NOTING: Illinois gov runs up travel tab
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s commuting costs start to add up. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds settles a dispute with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a cranky game warden. Read More |
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