Showing posts with label Ed Rendell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ed Rendell. Show all posts
Friday, October 29, 2010
Rendell is Getting Ready to go
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell finds out who his successor will be Tuesday but he says his administration is already working on a detailed transition plan. Rendell says every department has put together memos for the incoming, “Every department has prepared a transition memo for the governor-elect that will outline what’s been accomplished in the department, what the challenges are that still remain. Analysis of personnel and resources, and even recommendations of what personnel are dispensable, etc.” The governor says he’ll also write a long private briefing for Pennsylvania’s next chief executive. He says he’ll consult with either Dan Onorato or Tom Corbett on major decisions he needs to make between Election Day and Inauguration Day, “I don’t say that I will necessarily follow his opinion, but I will certainly listen to it. Particularly if those decisions have far-reaching effects. But understand that under the constitution, there still is only one governor until January 18th, and then there will be one governor after January 18th.” Rendell told reporters he didn’t want to comment on how helpful outgoing Governor Mark Schweiker had been when the Democrat was preparing to take office in 2002. In the final days before the election, Rendell says he’ll be busy campaigning for Democrats Dan Onorato and Joe Sestak in the Philadelphia area and Lehigh Valley.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
News of Shale Tax May Be Premature
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell has issued an executive order banning any further leasing of state forest land for natural gas drilling and at the same time has opened the door to more talks on a Marcellus Shale severance tax. Last week Rendell declared the severance tax dead for 2010 but in a news conference today Rendell said that he is willing to talk if the legislature wants to return in a lame duck session. The move comes as five Republican state senators announced that they are asking their caucus leadership to continue negotiations over the tax. Ed Rendell blamed their party for killing the talks. The five southeastern Pennsylvania lawmakers wrote to Senate President Joe Scarnati late last week urging him to work toward enacting a tax before the end of the legislative session. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter, sent by Sens. Ted Erickson, Stewart Greenleaf, Chuck McIlhinney, Bob Mensch and Robert Tomlinson. The senators say they disagree with the governor's claim that Republicans haven't negotiated in good faith. Scarnati says talks among legislative caucuses are continuing. Rendell has called on the Senate to return November 8th to work out a deal.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Rendell: Severance Tax "Clearly Dead" This Year
Governor Ed Rendell has given up hope a natural gas severance tax will be passed into law while he’s still in office.
Rendell says the tax on natural gas extraction from the Marcellus Shale formation in Pennsylvania is “clearly dead” in 2010, since Senate and House leaders have failed to make any headway in negotiations.
Press Secretary Gary Tuma faults Senate Republican leaders for sticking to a tax rate of 1.5 percent, which would eventually increase to five percent after five years.
Tuma says the Republicans’ rate is unacceptable.
"They simply came back and reiterated their same position. They did not budge from that position at all. So that makes it clear that they are not negotiating in good faith. They are not negotiating at all. They are simply saying it’s our way or the highway."
Senate Republicans are also insisting the House re-pass a severance tax bill before the election – an action House Democratic leaders have ruled out.
Erik Arneson, a spokeman for Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati says they didn't expect this announcement...
"It took us by surprise, and we hope he will reconsider it. We are certainly willing to negotiate Marcellus Shale issues, and thought our letter made it clear the framework from which we wanted to do that."
If the bill doesn’t pass this year, the Rendell Administration will need to cut an additional 70 million dollars from the state budget.
Democrat Dan Onorato would support a severance tax next year if he becomes governor, but Republican Tom Corbett says the issue is off the table.
Rendell says the tax on natural gas extraction from the Marcellus Shale formation in Pennsylvania is “clearly dead” in 2010, since Senate and House leaders have failed to make any headway in negotiations.
Press Secretary Gary Tuma faults Senate Republican leaders for sticking to a tax rate of 1.5 percent, which would eventually increase to five percent after five years.
Tuma says the Republicans’ rate is unacceptable.
"They simply came back and reiterated their same position. They did not budge from that position at all. So that makes it clear that they are not negotiating in good faith. They are not negotiating at all. They are simply saying it’s our way or the highway."
Senate Republicans are also insisting the House re-pass a severance tax bill before the election – an action House Democratic leaders have ruled out.
Erik Arneson, a spokeman for Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati says they didn't expect this announcement...
"It took us by surprise, and we hope he will reconsider it. We are certainly willing to negotiate Marcellus Shale issues, and thought our letter made it clear the framework from which we wanted to do that."
If the bill doesn’t pass this year, the Rendell Administration will need to cut an additional 70 million dollars from the state budget.
Democrat Dan Onorato would support a severance tax next year if he becomes governor, but Republican Tom Corbett says the issue is off the table.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Rendell: Thousands of Layoffs Without FMAP
Pennsylvannia Governor Ed Rendell is urging Congress to pass a bill expanding federal medical benefits as quickly as possible.
Rendell’s budget counts on 850 million dollars from the anticipated FMAP expansion.
He says if Congress doesn’t pass the bill, he’ll have to cut that money out of the state’s spending plan...
"To lay off 20-thousand people – they would be teachers, state workers, firemen, policemen, case workers. To lay off people like that would just have an incredibly breaking effect on the somewhat significant resurgence in the economy. It makes no sense at all."
Rendell says Pennsylvania isn’t alone, and that a majority of states are also banking on the federal aid.
"And last year 47 governors sent a letter to the Congress saying the FMAP extension is essential. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s tough to get 47 governors to agree that today is – what is today, Tuesday? That today is Tuesday."
The Senate could vote on the bill this week. Pennsylvania's junior Senator Bob Casey supports the bill…
"This is a jobs issue, a fiscal issue, and an issue of whether or not we’re going to protect very vulnerable people."
Pennsylvania is already facing a 1.2 billion dollar revenue gap, and the next fiscal year begins in less than three weeks.
Several Senate Republicans are hesitant to endorse the bill, though, saying federal spending is already way too high.
Rendell’s budget counts on 850 million dollars from the anticipated FMAP expansion.
He says if Congress doesn’t pass the bill, he’ll have to cut that money out of the state’s spending plan...
"To lay off 20-thousand people – they would be teachers, state workers, firemen, policemen, case workers. To lay off people like that would just have an incredibly breaking effect on the somewhat significant resurgence in the economy. It makes no sense at all."
Rendell says Pennsylvania isn’t alone, and that a majority of states are also banking on the federal aid.
"And last year 47 governors sent a letter to the Congress saying the FMAP extension is essential. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s tough to get 47 governors to agree that today is – what is today, Tuesday? That today is Tuesday."
The Senate could vote on the bill this week. Pennsylvania's junior Senator Bob Casey supports the bill…
"This is a jobs issue, a fiscal issue, and an issue of whether or not we’re going to protect very vulnerable people."
Pennsylvania is already facing a 1.2 billion dollar revenue gap, and the next fiscal year begins in less than three weeks.
Several Senate Republicans are hesitant to endorse the bill, though, saying federal spending is already way too high.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Gov. Addresses Concerns for Gas Well Safety
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell says an overall ban on new Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling isn’t necessary. Rendell made the comments in response to the Marcellus Shale gas well blowout Thursday night in Clearfield County. Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection has launched an investigation into the incident at the Lawrence Township well that shot natural gas 75 feet into the air for 16 hours.
DEP Secretary John Hanger says the investigation will look into the well’s entire history. EOG is barred from drilling or fracking at its more than 70 Pennsylvania wells until the investigation is complete. But the governor says drilling by others can continue....
“Given the degree of monitoring that we have and the checks and balances we have, we can go on and do this,” says Rendell. “Even for EOG, we’re not stopping them from extracting gas. We’re stopping them from any new drilling. They’ve got plenty of wells that are working right now, extracting gas.”
Rendell says current regulations have prevented major disasters for decades of oil and gas drilling, but he says they should be strengthened to minimize the potential for accidents.
He says two sets of bills that would make regulations stricter will soon be voted on by the state’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission. One of those packages would control the disposal of wastewater. The other would try to increase safety in well construction.
DEP Secretary John Hanger says the investigation will look into the well’s entire history. EOG is barred from drilling or fracking at its more than 70 Pennsylvania wells until the investigation is complete. But the governor says drilling by others can continue....
“Given the degree of monitoring that we have and the checks and balances we have, we can go on and do this,” says Rendell. “Even for EOG, we’re not stopping them from extracting gas. We’re stopping them from any new drilling. They’ve got plenty of wells that are working right now, extracting gas.”
Rendell says current regulations have prevented major disasters for decades of oil and gas drilling, but he says they should be strengthened to minimize the potential for accidents.
He says two sets of bills that would make regulations stricter will soon be voted on by the state’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission. One of those packages would control the disposal of wastewater. The other would try to increase safety in well construction.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Rendell: New Funding Sources Needed for Transportation
Governor Ed Rendell says Pennsylvania needs new revenue sources to overcome a shortfall in transportation funding.
The governor says the idea that raising revenue in an election year will hurt legislators’ chances for reelection is “overrated.” Rendell pointed to the fact that he was reelected after raising taxes during his first term.
Rendell says one way to replace income expected from tolling Interstate 80 is to raise vehicle licensing fees. He says these rates haven’t been raised since 2002 and if they are adjusted to the level of inflation, the fees would generate $320 million more each year.
He says that would replace about two-thirds of the anticipated revenue when the federal government rejected Pennsylvania's application to toll I-80.
The governor says the idea that raising revenue in an election year will hurt legislators’ chances for reelection is “overrated.” Rendell pointed to the fact that he was reelected after raising taxes during his first term.
Rendell says one way to replace income expected from tolling Interstate 80 is to raise vehicle licensing fees. He says these rates haven’t been raised since 2002 and if they are adjusted to the level of inflation, the fees would generate $320 million more each year.
He says that would replace about two-thirds of the anticipated revenue when the federal government rejected Pennsylvania's application to toll I-80.
Law Enforcement: Don't Trim Early Education $
Governor Ed Rendell is pushing for another increase in basic education funding in Pennsylvania in this year’s budget.
But his spending plan calls for slight reductions in early education line items. A group of law enforcement officials wants lawmakers to change that.
Rendell’s budget would lower Pre-K Counts spending from 86.4 to 85.9 million dollars, and drop the Head Start supplemental line item from 39.5 to 38.7 million.
64 district attorneys, police chiefs and sheriffs have sent a letter to House Speaker Keith McCall asking for level funding of those line items.
Cumberland County DA David Freed says the research results are simple – more spending on early childhood education means less of those kids will grow up and run into trouble with the law.
"I certainly won’t stand here and ask my legislators to vote for any sort of increase. But what we need is for this funding to remain at status quo. Because this is the point of all these programs. It works. The research shows that it works."
Freed and the others say a bit more early childhood spending can lead to reductions in the corrections budget. He points out the commonwealth spends about 35-thousand dollars on every person in the state prison system. Rendell wants to increase corrections spending to 1.7 billion dollars this year.
But his spending plan calls for slight reductions in early education line items. A group of law enforcement officials wants lawmakers to change that.
Rendell’s budget would lower Pre-K Counts spending from 86.4 to 85.9 million dollars, and drop the Head Start supplemental line item from 39.5 to 38.7 million.
64 district attorneys, police chiefs and sheriffs have sent a letter to House Speaker Keith McCall asking for level funding of those line items.
Cumberland County DA David Freed says the research results are simple – more spending on early childhood education means less of those kids will grow up and run into trouble with the law.
"I certainly won’t stand here and ask my legislators to vote for any sort of increase. But what we need is for this funding to remain at status quo. Because this is the point of all these programs. It works. The research shows that it works."
Freed and the others say a bit more early childhood spending can lead to reductions in the corrections budget. He points out the commonwealth spends about 35-thousand dollars on every person in the state prison system. Rendell wants to increase corrections spending to 1.7 billion dollars this year.
PR Consultant Paid with Taxpayer Money
Governor Rendell is backtracking on an administration plan to pay for a budget-related PR campaign with state dollars.
The move comes days after the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on the effort to use up to 30,000 tax dollars to pay PR consultant Kevin Feeley to coordinate the efforts to lobby for budget line items.
Rendell says he didn't know about the contract.
"At a time when we have made more than two and a half billion dollars in cuts -- and will have to make some additional cuts at the budget negotiations this year -- to spend even one dollar of taxpayers' money like that, like this, is inappropriate," says Rendell. "Therefore Mr. Feeley is returning the taxpayer money, and I will pay him out of the campaign."
Feeley was billing the state $5000 a month and has done two months of work.
Rendell says the PR effort itself is appropriate, and told reporters he's helped coordinate similar efforts in the past -- but that they were paid for with Democratic State Committee money, instead of tax dollars.
The move comes days after the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on the effort to use up to 30,000 tax dollars to pay PR consultant Kevin Feeley to coordinate the efforts to lobby for budget line items.
Rendell says he didn't know about the contract.
"At a time when we have made more than two and a half billion dollars in cuts -- and will have to make some additional cuts at the budget negotiations this year -- to spend even one dollar of taxpayers' money like that, like this, is inappropriate," says Rendell. "Therefore Mr. Feeley is returning the taxpayer money, and I will pay him out of the campaign."
Feeley was billing the state $5000 a month and has done two months of work.
Rendell says the PR effort itself is appropriate, and told reporters he's helped coordinate similar efforts in the past -- but that they were paid for with Democratic State Committee money, instead of tax dollars.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Education $ Could Be Budget Sticking Point
Lawmakers have 27 days to go before this year’s state spending plan is due.
Following budget negotiations at Governor Rendell’s official residence, Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi said he sensed a “willingness” on Rendell’s part to get the budget passed by the June 30th deadline.
"It would require a degree of compromise by him and the administration towards the position of the General Assembly. We didn’t see that flexibility in June or July, or even August last year. That started to come in October."
But a few hours later, Rendell told reporters he wants to see another increase in basic education spending, and he’s happy to drag negotiations into mid-summer to make sure that happens.
"There’s room for compromise, but let me say, there’s nothing more important to the commonwealth’s future. Nothing. And you know how much I’ve devoted myself to education, and seeing that our schools have the resources that our kids can have the full potential. And guys, I’m ready. I’m ready for 101 days, if necessary."
Rendell is asking for a 354 million dollar basic education increase this year, but hinted he’s willing to settle for less. Pileggi and other Republican leaders say this year’s 1.2 billion dollar budget shortfall means Rendell’s education request is unrealistic.
Rendell acknowledged the final budget will likely be lower than the 29 billion dollar spending plan he submitted in February.
Following budget negotiations at Governor Rendell’s official residence, Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi said he sensed a “willingness” on Rendell’s part to get the budget passed by the June 30th deadline.
"It would require a degree of compromise by him and the administration towards the position of the General Assembly. We didn’t see that flexibility in June or July, or even August last year. That started to come in October."
But a few hours later, Rendell told reporters he wants to see another increase in basic education spending, and he’s happy to drag negotiations into mid-summer to make sure that happens.
"There’s room for compromise, but let me say, there’s nothing more important to the commonwealth’s future. Nothing. And you know how much I’ve devoted myself to education, and seeing that our schools have the resources that our kids can have the full potential. And guys, I’m ready. I’m ready for 101 days, if necessary."
Rendell is asking for a 354 million dollar basic education increase this year, but hinted he’s willing to settle for less. Pileggi and other Republican leaders say this year’s 1.2 billion dollar budget shortfall means Rendell’s education request is unrealistic.
Rendell acknowledged the final budget will likely be lower than the 29 billion dollar spending plan he submitted in February.
"Job Offer" Controversy Lingers
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell says he had multiple conversations with the White House about keeping Congressman Joe Sestak out of the Democratic Senate primary but that he didn’t know the administration offered Sestak an unpaid position.
Rendell says he talked “three or four times” with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel about how to persuade Sestak to back out of challenging Arlen Specter.
Rendell says he knows Democrats would have retained Sestak’s Congressional seat if he ran for re-election, but says he’s now worried Republicans could take it over this fall.
"So I was very interested in that. And Chief of Staff Emmanuel and I discussed that. No question about it. And that’s why I know the White House didn’t offer him a full-time job. Because the White House’s main emphasis was getting him to stay in the Congress and run for reelection as a congressman. So I’m certain there was no full-time job offer."
Rendell, President Obama and Senator Robert Casey supported Senator Arlen Specter's bid for a 6th term in office.
Rendell calls the continued focus on the White House offer “much ado about nothing,” and says Republicans calling for a special investigation into the matter are just playing politics and wasting time.
President Obama says the administration did “nothing improper” in using former President Bill Clinton to offer Sestak an advisory position.
Rendell says he talked “three or four times” with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel about how to persuade Sestak to back out of challenging Arlen Specter.
Rendell says he knows Democrats would have retained Sestak’s Congressional seat if he ran for re-election, but says he’s now worried Republicans could take it over this fall.
"So I was very interested in that. And Chief of Staff Emmanuel and I discussed that. No question about it. And that’s why I know the White House didn’t offer him a full-time job. Because the White House’s main emphasis was getting him to stay in the Congress and run for reelection as a congressman. So I’m certain there was no full-time job offer."
Rendell, President Obama and Senator Robert Casey supported Senator Arlen Specter's bid for a 6th term in office.
Rendell calls the continued focus on the White House offer “much ado about nothing,” and says Republicans calling for a special investigation into the matter are just playing politics and wasting time.
President Obama says the administration did “nothing improper” in using former President Bill Clinton to offer Sestak an advisory position.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
GOP Senate Budget Leader Still Hopeful of On Time Spending Plan
Governor Ed Rendell will sit down with legislative leaders this morning to discuss Pennsylvania's budget.
Republican leaders are taking issue with Rendell's assumption Congress will approve increased funding for Pennsylvania and other states.
Rendell’s budget counts on 850 million dollars in increased federal aid.
The only problem is, Congress has yet to pass a bill authorizing the medical assistance payment(FMAP).
House Republican spokesman Steve Miskin says the assumption is indicative of the administration’s approach to finances.
"You should not budget based on hope, and that’s what this budget seems to be based on. Hope that the Feds come through. Hope that tax revenues come through this year. Hope that everything falls into the right place. And it’s just not realistic."
Rendell’s spokesman Gary Tuma defends the decision to keep the FMAP money in the budget.
"If it does not come through and if we do not get the money on time, or do not get the money at all, then, as the governor has said, we will deal with the problem. You have to be flexible. You have to deal with situations as they arise. We still have a month to go to deal with our budget."
Tuma says both the House and Senate have approved the FMAP money in different bills, so he argues it’s only a matter of time before Congress sends the funding increase to the president’s desk.
Rendell submitted a 29 billion dollar spending plan in February, but the state faces a 1.2 billion dollar revenue shortfall, so GOP leaders say the state can only afford a 27.5 billion dollar budget.
Still, Senate Appropriations Chairman Jake Corman says he’s hopeful negotiations can wrap up before the June 30th deadline.
Republican leaders are taking issue with Rendell's assumption Congress will approve increased funding for Pennsylvania and other states.
Rendell’s budget counts on 850 million dollars in increased federal aid.
The only problem is, Congress has yet to pass a bill authorizing the medical assistance payment(FMAP).
House Republican spokesman Steve Miskin says the assumption is indicative of the administration’s approach to finances.
"You should not budget based on hope, and that’s what this budget seems to be based on. Hope that the Feds come through. Hope that tax revenues come through this year. Hope that everything falls into the right place. And it’s just not realistic."
Rendell’s spokesman Gary Tuma defends the decision to keep the FMAP money in the budget.
"If it does not come through and if we do not get the money on time, or do not get the money at all, then, as the governor has said, we will deal with the problem. You have to be flexible. You have to deal with situations as they arise. We still have a month to go to deal with our budget."
Tuma says both the House and Senate have approved the FMAP money in different bills, so he argues it’s only a matter of time before Congress sends the funding increase to the president’s desk.
Rendell submitted a 29 billion dollar spending plan in February, but the state faces a 1.2 billion dollar revenue shortfall, so GOP leaders say the state can only afford a 27.5 billion dollar budget.
Still, Senate Appropriations Chairman Jake Corman says he’s hopeful negotiations can wrap up before the June 30th deadline.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Budget to Trim Attorney General's Office
Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett says he’ll be forced to lay off 32 employees, if Governor Ed Rendell’s proposed budget for his department goes into effect.
Rendell’s budget would trim the Office of the Attorney General’s state spending by one percent, to 85 million dollars.
That’s nine million dollars below the department’s 08-09 budget. Nearly every line item, including the Child Predator Interception Unit, the Joint Local-State Firearm Task Force and Tobacco Law Enforcement, would see a slight reduction.
Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee to discuss the budget, Attorney General Tom Corbett argued his department is far from a money drain, when it comes to state revenue.
"We basically pay for ourselves with the money we bring in through consumer protection, the money we save in the civil lawsuits that we defend on behalf of the state of Pennsylvania, the money we get in from the antitrust actions and the multi-state actions. We bring in as much as we cost you."
Corbett says his department has 55 fewer staffers than when he became Attorney General.
Corbett is hoping to set next year’s budget himself – he’s the frontrunner in the Republican gubernatorial primary.
Rendell’s budget would trim the Office of the Attorney General’s state spending by one percent, to 85 million dollars.
That’s nine million dollars below the department’s 08-09 budget. Nearly every line item, including the Child Predator Interception Unit, the Joint Local-State Firearm Task Force and Tobacco Law Enforcement, would see a slight reduction.
Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee to discuss the budget, Attorney General Tom Corbett argued his department is far from a money drain, when it comes to state revenue.
"We basically pay for ourselves with the money we bring in through consumer protection, the money we save in the civil lawsuits that we defend on behalf of the state of Pennsylvania, the money we get in from the antitrust actions and the multi-state actions. We bring in as much as we cost you."
Corbett says his department has 55 fewer staffers than when he became Attorney General.
Corbett is hoping to set next year’s budget himself – he’s the frontrunner in the Republican gubernatorial primary.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
PA Welfare Secretary Joins Obama Administration
Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare Secretary is stepping down and headed to Washington, where she’ll take a job in the Obama Administration.
Estelle Richman will be the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s chief operating officer.
Governor Rendell heaped praise on Richman during a Capitol press conference, speaking for more than fifteen minutes about her accomplishments at DPW.
"It’s just the tip of the iceberg. In the interest of time, I didn’t read you all of the accomplishments DPW has made under this great woman. I believe that Estelle Richman has been, and I think the record will show, the most effective secretary of the Department of Public Welfare in the history of the commonwealth."
However, Richman has come under constant fire from House Republicans in recent months.
They’ve pointed to a report issued by Auditor General Jack Wagner’s office that found wasted dollars “and the potential for fraud” in DPW initiatives.
Rendell says critics are “wrong,” and that Richman turned the department around and increased efficiency during her tenure.
Richman says Secretary Shaun Donovan has asked her to coordinate efforts among HUD’s various departments.
"In the past, each of the what he calls ‘the Os’ –chief financial officer, chief procurement officer, chief policy officer, chief IT officer – have all pointed individually to the office of the secretary. And there hasn’t been a very integrated way that group works with the programmatic deputies to give HUD a single focusing mission."
Rendell is nominating Deputy Secretary Harriet Dichter to take over the department.
Estelle Richman will be the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s chief operating officer.
Governor Rendell heaped praise on Richman during a Capitol press conference, speaking for more than fifteen minutes about her accomplishments at DPW.
"It’s just the tip of the iceberg. In the interest of time, I didn’t read you all of the accomplishments DPW has made under this great woman. I believe that Estelle Richman has been, and I think the record will show, the most effective secretary of the Department of Public Welfare in the history of the commonwealth."
However, Richman has come under constant fire from House Republicans in recent months.
They’ve pointed to a report issued by Auditor General Jack Wagner’s office that found wasted dollars “and the potential for fraud” in DPW initiatives.
Rendell says critics are “wrong,” and that Richman turned the department around and increased efficiency during her tenure.
Richman says Secretary Shaun Donovan has asked her to coordinate efforts among HUD’s various departments.
"In the past, each of the what he calls ‘the Os’ –chief financial officer, chief procurement officer, chief policy officer, chief IT officer – have all pointed individually to the office of the secretary. And there hasn’t been a very integrated way that group works with the programmatic deputies to give HUD a single focusing mission."
Rendell is nominating Deputy Secretary Harriet Dichter to take over the department.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
PA Christmas Tree Lit
10 year old Becky Boucher, a 5th grader at Upper Moreland Intermediate School, who is battling bone cancer, joined Governor Ed Rendell today in lighting the Capitol Christmas tree in Harrisburg.
Governor Rendell called Christmas a season of hope..."a time when all of us dream dreams, not just the children, we think of a world we would like to see, a hope for better times."
Rendell gave special recognition to the men and women in the military whose duties will separate them from their families during the holidays. He noted that 233 Pennsylvanians have been killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan including 46 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard.....that's the highest total of any state's guard contingent.
Rendell asked for those who are doing well to reach out to others who are not: 156 thousand Pennsylvanians have lost their homes to foreclosure over the last 3 to 4 years and another 155,00 are in danger of doing so. He noted that 560,000 state residents are unemployed and 883,000 are without health care. The governor expressed hope that Congress would pass an extension to jobless benefits and approve a health care overhaul to extend coverage to more Americans.
The 21 foot Douglas Fir tree was donated by the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association and is decorated with 700 energy-saving C-7 LED lights and more than 300 handmade ornaments donated by more than 50 senior centers.
Friday, December 4, 2009
PA AG Investigation Expands
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell is confirming Revenue Secretary Steve Stetler has been invited to testify before a Harrisburg grand jury investigating the misuse of taxpayer dollars for campaign purposes. When Attorney General Tom Corbett announced the last round of legislative corruption charges in November, he said the investigation was ongoing and now there are indications the case is moving into a new phase. Revenue Secretary Steve Stetler, a former York County lawmaker who once chaired the House Democratic Campaign Committee, has been invited to testify before the grand jury, according to Governor Rendell. He says, “It was a letter asking him to come testify before the grand jury, and he’s going to do that.” Rendell says he maintains full confidence in Stetler, and insists he’s doing a “great job.” “Obviously if something happens we’ll deal with that at the appropriate time,” says Rendell. Grand jury testimony leaked to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette this summer indicates Stetler may have rejected proposals to fund opposition research efforts with campaign dollars, instead of caucus money. The Attorney General’s office hasn’t returned calls for comment as of this posting.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Rendell Again Urges Lawmakers to Pass Table Games Bill
Governor Rendell says legislative leaders have all but agreed on a 16 percent tax on table games in Pennsylvania casinos. He’s urging the General Assembly to send a bill to his desk in the coming weeks. Rendell says the tax would include a share for counties and municipalities hosting casinos.
Spokesmen for House Democratic leaders say negotiations are “in the ballpark” of the sixteen percent rate, but that details might change as talks continue. Under one plan being discussed, municipalities would receive one percent of casino’s table games profits, and counties would also get a one percent levy.
Rendell says he’s talked to legislative leaders about whether or not the bill would increase the number of slot machines allowed at “resort casinos,” or whether the state would issue more category three licenses.
"I said if they wanted to expand, I would sign the bill. That’s not a deal breaker for me. That’s up to them, but they have to get this done. They have to get this done when they return on the seventh of December. They simply have to get this done."
However, a month ago the governor said he wanted the bill on his desk November 9th when the legislature returned from an election recess, and lawmakers ignored that date.
Rendell has refused to sign a bill authorizing funding to state-related universities until table games legislation passes. This year’s budget relies on 200 million dollars from the
Spokesmen for House Democratic leaders say negotiations are “in the ballpark” of the sixteen percent rate, but that details might change as talks continue. Under one plan being discussed, municipalities would receive one percent of casino’s table games profits, and counties would also get a one percent levy.
Rendell says he’s talked to legislative leaders about whether or not the bill would increase the number of slot machines allowed at “resort casinos,” or whether the state would issue more category three licenses.
"I said if they wanted to expand, I would sign the bill. That’s not a deal breaker for me. That’s up to them, but they have to get this done. They have to get this done when they return on the seventh of December. They simply have to get this done."
However, a month ago the governor said he wanted the bill on his desk November 9th when the legislature returned from an election recess, and lawmakers ignored that date.
Rendell has refused to sign a bill authorizing funding to state-related universities until table games legislation passes. This year’s budget relies on 200 million dollars from the
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Rendell Angry Over Delay In Hearing from TMI
Governor Rendell says he’s angry it took more than five hours for Exelon Nuclear to notify Pennsylvania officials about a minor radiation leak at Three Mile Island this weekend.
Low levels of radiation—the equivalent of a few X-rays—were detected inside Three Mile Island’s Unit One reactor on Saturday afternoon, around four.
Governor Rendell says he’s irked state officials didn’t find out about the incident until after nine PM.
He says his frustration is compounded by the fact Exelon officials didn’t tell authorities about a series of false alarms on Monday night until the next morning.
"Pick up the phone and call PEMA. And say, look, we think this is a false alarm. We’re going to monitor the level to see if there’s any unusual radiation. We’ll get back to you as soon as we know that. There’s no reason we shouldn’t be notified. And probably the Dauphin County EMA folks should be notified, as well, and the NRC should be notified."
Saturday’s radiation levels were below the legal requirement for notification, but Exelon spokeswoman Beth Archer says the company “appreciates” Rendell’s concern.
"While this wasn’t an emergency at Three Mile Island, we fully support the governor’s goal of timely notification. We certainly appreciate the governor’s concern. And that is exactly why we’re going to sit down with state, local and federal officials to do a lessons learned meeting."
Rendell says Exelon should have notified state and federal officials of the incident right away, noting he would have had to mobilize the National Guard in the event of a serious emergency.
Low levels of radiation—the equivalent of a few X-rays—were detected inside Three Mile Island’s Unit One reactor on Saturday afternoon, around four.
Governor Rendell says he’s irked state officials didn’t find out about the incident until after nine PM.
He says his frustration is compounded by the fact Exelon officials didn’t tell authorities about a series of false alarms on Monday night until the next morning.
"Pick up the phone and call PEMA. And say, look, we think this is a false alarm. We’re going to monitor the level to see if there’s any unusual radiation. We’ll get back to you as soon as we know that. There’s no reason we shouldn’t be notified. And probably the Dauphin County EMA folks should be notified, as well, and the NRC should be notified."
Saturday’s radiation levels were below the legal requirement for notification, but Exelon spokeswoman Beth Archer says the company “appreciates” Rendell’s concern.
"While this wasn’t an emergency at Three Mile Island, we fully support the governor’s goal of timely notification. We certainly appreciate the governor’s concern. And that is exactly why we’re going to sit down with state, local and federal officials to do a lessons learned meeting."
Rendell says Exelon should have notified state and federal officials of the incident right away, noting he would have had to mobilize the National Guard in the event of a serious emergency.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Pennsylvania Autism Census Released
Governor Edward Rendell released The Pennsylvania Autism Census today. According to the report, Pennsylvania will see a rise in the number of people with autism.
Prior to the report, the state had no accurate means to determine how many people were in need of services. They now have an idea of how many people there are and where they live.
The state will face a crisis as the number increases and those that are under 18 become adults.
In 2005 about 20,000 people in the state were living with autism. The number will be 25,000 by next year.
In 2005, more than 1,400 adults were living with autism in the state. That number will increase by 179% to more than 3,800 in 2010 and more than 10,000 by 2015.
Rendell says this report is a good tool in determining where services are needed and what they should be.
Prior to the report, the state had no accurate means to determine how many people were in need of services. They now have an idea of how many people there are and where they live.
The state will face a crisis as the number increases and those that are under 18 become adults.
In 2005 about 20,000 people in the state were living with autism. The number will be 25,000 by next year.
In 2005, more than 1,400 adults were living with autism in the state. That number will increase by 179% to more than 3,800 in 2010 and more than 10,000 by 2015.
Rendell says this report is a good tool in determining where services are needed and what they should be.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Pace and PaceNet Could be Expanded says Governor
Governor Rendell is asking lawmakers to OK a series of changes to the PACE and PACENET programs he says would help 30-thousand more seniors access prescription drug benefits, while saving the commonwealth millions of dollars. Rendell says tweaking the way Pennsylvania's prescription drug benefit programs buy drugs would let the commonwealth expand income eligibility caps to $30,000 for individuals, and $40,000 for couples. Right now, those limits are $23,500 and $31,500, respectively. Rendell says that can happen by requiring pharmacies to sell drugs to the commonwealth for the amount they purchased them at, instead of the manufacturers' suggested price. He says, “We'll pay pharmacists based on the cost they actually paid for the medication. Fair to them and fair to us.” Rendell's proposal would also make drug manufacturers give Pennsylvania the same drug discount they provide to the federal government for Medicaid. He says those changes, plus a series of other adjustments, would let Pennsylvania expand coverage to 30,000 more people, while saving more than 60 million dollars. He says this is a "slam-dunk" because it will not cost taxpayers a dime.
Rendell: Cuts Needed But Not So Deep
Governor Ed Rendell says he's preparing to announce an additional "400 to 500 million dollars" worth of cuts to the budget he proposed earlier this year. As May turned to June and the budget deadline has started creeping closer, members of both parties have amped up the rhetoric on how to address a likely 3.2 billion dollar revenue gap. While speaking to reporters this week Rendell offered a conciliatory note. He says despite his misgivings about the budget recently passed by Senate Republicans, GOP lawmakers are doing the right thing in looking for ways to cut spending. “They're absolutely right about that. I think they obviously went overboard and cut some of the wrong things and made some of the cuts a bit too severe. But they're absolutely right. We've got to cut first before we look at anything else. So that process is what we're working on right now,” says Rendell. The Governor says he'll trim up to a half billion dollars off the 29 billion dollar spending plan he put forward earlier this year. He says he's still viewing any sort of broad-based tax increase as a "last resort," and that lawmakers will have a better idea what the final budget will look like by the third or fourth week in June.
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