Interim President Pro Tempore of the Senate Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) told his first news conference this week the new GOP Leadership team would be returning to Republican principles in its approach to issues next session, but did not outline a specific agenda.

Sen. Scarnati said he wanted the Leadership team to collaborate in new ways to set the Caucus agenda and work as a real team.

On reform, Sen. Scarnati (R-Jefferson) did make a point that when he ran his business he didn’t start to work at noon, but at 8:00 a.m., signaling an effort to avoid the late nights and long delays that had been the hallmark of Senate (and House) operations.

Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware), the new Majority Leader, said they would be looking very carefully at any issue that will increase taxes or increase the size of government.

The incoming Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Sen. Gib Armstrong (R- Lancaster), said his goal for the coming budget cycle is to keep the growth of the state budget to the rate of inflation.

Some of the first decisions facing the new Leadership team will be which senior staff to retain and to make committee chair assignments.

Although all but one of the Republican Leaders in the Senate are new to Leadership, Senate Democrats are returning with the same Leadership team--

Republicans

President Pro Tempore – Joseph Scarnati (Jefferson)

Majority Leader – Dominic Pileggi (Delaware)

(Need a new chair for Urban Affairs & Housing Committee)

Whip – Jane Orie (Allegheny)

(Need a new chair for Aging & Youth Committee)

Caucus Chair – Mike Waugh (York)

(Need a new chair for Agriculture Committee)

Caucus Secretary – Bob Robbins (Mercer) (only repeating member in Leadership)

Appropriations Chair – Gib Armstrong (Lancaster)

(Need a new chair for Banking & Insurance Committee)

Caucus Administrator – TBA

Policy Chair – TBA

Democrats

Minority Leader – Robert Mellow (Lackawanna)

Whip – Michael O’Pake (Berks)

Caucus Chair – Jay Costa (Allegheny)

Caucus Secretary – Gerald LaValle (Beaver)

Caucus Administrator – Constance Williams (Montgomery)

Appropriations Chair – Vincent Fumo (Philadelphia)

Policy Chair – Richard Kasunic (Somerset)

Session Schedule

The Senate and House passed resolutions adjourning the 2005-06 legislative session officially on November 28, but do not plan any further voting days. They will return for the new session on January.

PA Environment Digest Video Blog

· Dr. Crawford Talks About U.S.G.S. Study of Pharmaceuticals in PA Waters

· Sen. Waugh Talks About Helping Farmers Reduce Nutrient, Sediment Runoff

· Leader of State Brownfields Initiative Retires From Senate – Sen. Brightbill

· Farmland Protection, Chesapeake Bay Advocate Retires From Senate – Sen. Wenger

On the Hill

· Bills on Governor’s Desk

· Action on Senate/House Bills

Other News

· Warwick Twp., Lititz Run Watershed Alliance Receive Honors

· Pennsylvania Farm Sends National Christmas Tree to Washington

· 2007 National Wetlands Awards Nominations Due December 15

· New Online Watershed Course for Broadcast Meteorologists Available

· See & Hear: Watershed Academy Webcast on Drinking Water and Watersheds

· Atlas Identifies Nearly 247,000 Acres of Land Conservation Needs in PA Highlands

· Elk Habitat To Be Added to Sproul State Forest

· Professor Reintroduces River Otter to Pennsylvania

· Invasive Species Plan Circulated for Final Review

· Workshop to Teach Church Personnel How to Save Energy in Harrisburg

· LEED for Neighborhood Development

· Fall Edition of EPA’s Land Revitalization Newsletter Now Online

· Colleges, Universities Challenge Each Other in RecycleMania Competition

· Allegheny County Sponsoring Environmental Poster Contest

· Pennsylvania’s Firearms Deer Season Provides Suspense, Hunting Safety Tips

· Fishing Licenses Go On Sale December 1

Feature

· French Creek Watershed, One of PA’s Last Great Places

Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page

11/24/2006