The Senate moved House Bill 2, the legislation containing the ballot question for the $800 million Green PA Plan proposed by House Republicans, into, out of and then back to the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee without changes this week.

These actions put the bill into final position for a quick vote when the Senate returns to session on April 4, assuming an agreement is reached with the Rendell Administration and the House on the size of the bond issue and the wording of the ballot question.

Gov. Rendell is in full support of House Bill 2 as written and said this week he thought if the General Assembly acted by April 17 (a month before the Primary Election) that would be OK.

Senate Republicans have offered the Administration ballot question language that included a $400 million bond issue, with 75 percent of the funds set aside for counties to distribute for Growing Greener-type purposes, and language saying the bond issue would be paid for by new or existing taxes.

House Bill 3, that holds the language on how the funds would be spent, will remain in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee until voters approve the ballot question.

NewsClip:

GOP Wants County Control Over Environmental Bond Money

Editorial: PA Environmental Initiative- Be Nimble, Be Quick

3/18/2005