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Monthly Archives: June 2013

Budget Clock Ticking; IFO Releases Encouraging Numbers

Last week the House approved its budget for FY 2013-14 (HB 1437) by a party-line vote of 108-92. This week the Senate began its formal work on the bill, while Republican legislative and Administration leaders began actual negotiations on a final product and related policy issues.

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DCNR Chief Resigns, Ferretti Becomes Acting Secretary

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Rick Allan resigned from that cabinet post last week. Governor Corbett has named Ellen Ferretti as acting secretary of the agency.

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House Rejects Five-Year Farm Bill

The House Farm Bill was defeated Thursday by a margin of 234-195 as Democrats who rejected work requirements and cuts to food stamp spending programs and Republicans who thought the bill was excessive spending failed to support the final package, which would have gone to the Senate and a conference committee.

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House Republicans Unveil Budget

Last week House Republicans unveiled HB 1437, the vehicle for the 2013-14 state budget and laid the groundwork for a month-long debate over revenue realities and spending priorities.

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Senate Expands, Moves Forward on Transportation Bill

The Senate expanded and passed a comprehensive transportation package this week, answering calls from House GOP leadership to receive a transportation bill “three weeks of more” before the June 30 budget deadline so the lower chamber would have time to vet and volley.

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US Senate to Vote on Farm Bill Monday

The Senate agreed Thursday morning to end debate on the farm bill and proceed to a final vote – invoking cloture on a vote of 75 to 22. In remarks ahead of the vote – Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow noted that the bill includes 38 amendments approved by the Senate last year and 14 added in debate this year. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced the vote on final passage of the farm bill will be held Monday at 5:30 Eastern time. The Senate version of the five year plan includes many of the energy related programs and an energy title.

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