New healthcare reform mandate issued by Rendell’s advisory committee
Under Gov. Rendell blueprints for healthcare reform were drafted. With the change in office, it is uncertain if these recommendations will be used by Corbett.
Lawmakers Challenged to Stay in Harrisburg until Budget is Passed
Gov. Rendell challenged state lawmakers to stay in Harrisburg until the budget is passed, to create a sense of urgency.
Gov. Rendell and PA House Democrats’ Consider plans to use Tobacco Fund to Balance State Budget
Gov. Rendell and the House Democrats’ are considering using $340 million of tobacco settlement funds to lessen the deficit. These settlement funds are normally used for programs to stop or prevent smoking.
Gov. Rendell orders PA Insurance Department to Investigate Recent Rate Increases
Gov. Rendell wants an investigation into recent increases in health care premiums, stating that insurers are hiking up rates before the federal healthcare reform goes into effect.
PA Legislators Fear Potential Loss in Federal Medicaid Aid
Gov. Rendell and other members of congress are concerned about the potential loss of $850 million in federal funding for medicaid, which would increase the state’s deficit.
Lawmakers Debate Budget Issues with Few Realistic Options to Reduce Deficit
Gov. Rendell met with state lawmakers to began negotiations on the budget, but with fewer realistic options to reduce the deficit, agreeing on a budget may be difficult.
Rendell Warns of State Job Cuts if Congress fails to Approve Legislation on Medicaid
Gov. Rendell said that thousands of jobs would be eliminated of congress doesn’t pass legislation that includes approximately a billion dollars in federal Medicaid funding.
PA Legislators Attempt to Avoid Another Budget Impasse
Gov. Rendell and key legislators are attempting to find a method to pass the budget on time, despite a struggling economy and an astronomical deficit.
Rendell Creates a Task Force to Deal with Health Reform
On Wednesday, Gov. Rendell created a health care task force to create a high-risk pool for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Stateworks Won’t Be Furloughed if Budget Doesn’t Pass
Gov. Rendell said that state workers won’t be furloughed if the budget does not pass on time this year.