The much watched seat of former Republican House member E.Z. Taylor in Chester County is now apparently in the hands of Democratic candidate Barbara McIlvaine Smith by 23 votes, giving not only that district to the Democrats, but the House as well.

This is the first time the Democrats have controlled the House in 12 years, if further Republican challenges are unsuccessful and if Speaker John Perzel (R-Philadelphia) hints about getting one or more Democratic members to switch do not materialize.

Democratic control of the House means, of course, changes in committee chairs and potentially House Democratic and Republican Leadership as leaders move up or down a rung to elect a new Speaker.

The new Speaker-Apparent Bill DeWeese (D-Greene) said his top priority for the new session would be providing additional property tax relief saying he might favor a plan that increases sales tax by half or a full point. He noted Gov. Rendell was looking at the same plan.

“The House Democratic majority looks forward to working with Gov. Ed Rendell on reducing property taxes for every homeowner,” said Rep. DeWeese. “Thus far, our collaborative efforts have put into motion a billion dollars in property tax cuts mostly for seniors, increased the minimum wage, invested billions of dollars in economic stimulus, protected our environment and made strides toward energy independence.”

Interim President Pro Tempore of the Senate Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) said this week he would like to do more to provide property tax relief noting seniors were grateful for the relief the General Assembly gave them, but middle class taxpayers saw little or no benefits.

With the formal end of the two-year legislative session this week, committees officially cease to exist and all legislation dies until the General Assembly returns to session January 2 when new committees are named and legislation is reintroduced to start over in the process.

Stay tuned for more….Session Schedule

The Senate and House return for the new session on January 2, but officially don’t begin work until January 22.

PA Environment Digest Video Blog

· Partnership Key to MaryD Mine Reclamation Project

On the Hill

· Bills on Governor’s Desk

· Senate, House to Resume Review of Controversial Mercury Rule Next Year

· November Environmental Synopsis Newsletter Now Online

Other News

· Partners Celebrate MaryD Mine Reclamation Multi-Use Project

· Quaker Run Stream Restoration Completed by Wildlife for Everyone Foundation

· DEP Awards $27 Million in Watershed, Mine Reclamation Grants

· Congress Still Has A Chance to Fund Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program

· Reminder: Watershed Mini Grants from Dominion, WPC Due December 15

· Reminder: Coldwater Heritage Partnership Invites Grant Applications Due Dec. 15

· Stormwater Conference Set for February 15-16 in State College

· Royal Green Corp Becomes Greener By Reducing Waste

· Shades of Green Award Nominations Now Being Accepted Through January 31

· Green$ense 2007 Smart Way to Build Profits Conference Set for March 15

· Nominations Sought for Karl Mason Award from PAEP

· Rachel Carson to Be Celebrated at PA Environmental Professionals Conference

· Duquesne Light 16.2% Rate Increase Includes Energy Dev. Authority Contribution

· PUC Releases Autumn Edition of the Keystone Connection Report

· State Planning Board Unveils Report and Recommendations on Infrastructure

Opinion

· New Tools Needed to Keep Our Farms Green and Our Streams Clean, By Matthew Ehrhart, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page

12/1/2006