Revised autism bill headed to the governor
After a yearlong battle between the state Senate and House, a bill requiring insurance coverage of autism treatments for children will finally be sent to the governor for his approval.
Health insurance too expensive for small businesses
According to an article appearing in Sunday’s Erie Times-News, the rising cost of insurance has made it difficult for smaller employers to offer health insurance to their employees.
A budget deal by Monday? It just might happen say Gov./lawmakers.
Today the Allentown Morning Call reported that legislators and Governor Rendell are reaching a “framework” for the final budget plan, and are “cautiously optimistic” they can have the final plan by early next week.
Lawmakers: shame on Rendell for using state employees as budget leverage
Yesterday, Sen. Jeff Piccola (R-Dauphin), joined by about 20 midstate lawmakers, held a press conference, saying it’s unnacceptable for Governor Rendell to be using state employees as “pawns” in the budget negotiations.
Slow economy has state revenue numbers lagging
The PA Dept. of Revenue collected $1.8 billion for the General Fund in May — $142.2 million less than expected. Revenue numbers have come in below estimates twice before, but never to the severe degree they have for May.
Nursing homes oppose state proposal
Governor Rendell’s proposal to freeze Medicaid reimbursements to nursing homes has drawn criticism from nursing home directors and advocacy groups across the state, reports The Morning Call.
Health-Care reform takes center stage
State lawmakers have faced rising pressure this summer to assist Pennsylvania’s uninsured. With half of the 50-member Senate and all 203 members of the House up for re-election in November, election year politics have made health-care a top priority.
Rendell says state could face large fines if workers not furloughed, GOP disagrees
Administration Secretary Naomi Wyatt announced Friday that Gov. Rendell is going to furlough all non-essential state employees by July 1st if the budget isn’t passed, reports the Patriot News. He says that according to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the federal government could fine Pennsylvania $3.5 million a day, plus other costs, for letting employees work that have not yet had budget money allocated to them for salaries.
Rendell: state worker furlough begins July 1st if budget not finalized
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Republicans are angry with Gov. Rendell’s recent announcement that he will furlough all “non-essential” state employees by July 1st if the budget has not been passed. The GOP maintains that this is not absolutely necessary and that Rendell is again using the tactic as leverage to get what he wants in negotations.
Groups rally, wanting more funding for nursing homes and in-home care
Yesterday, nursing home advocates led by the Pennsylvania Healthcare Association, rallied at the capitol for more state funding for nursing homes, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Stuart Shapiro, President of the PHA, says to adaquetely fund these homes lawmakers must include an additional $69 million in the budget for this coming year.