State House Gives Final Approval to Voter ID Bill

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On a 104 to 88 vote, the state house has concurred with senate changes to the Voter ID bill and sent the measure to the Governor’s desk.  Governor Corbett was scheduled to sign it this evening.

The vote came after debate over three session days.  HB934 will require voters to show an approved photo identification when voting, starting with the November General election.  The new procedure is expected to get a dry run in next month’s primary.

Opponents call it a solution in search of a problem, arguing there’s little evidence of widespread voter fraud.  Democrats in the state house voted against the bill and said it would suppress voting, especially among groups that do not already have an approved photo ID.

Supporters say it’s a way to help ensure “one person, one vote” and  deter voter fraud.

The measure is expected to face a court challenge.  The bill was opposed by civil liberties groups, the AARP and the NAACP.

Automakers Respond to Natural Gas Boom

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Pennsylvania was among the first states to sign a memorandum of understanding, which indicates their intent to start converting fleet vehicles to natural gas.  Only a matter of months after the agreement was first announced, Chrysler and GM are unveiling plans to produce natural gas-powered pickup trucks.  “We are going to try to convert our fleets – light duty trucks – over to natural gas, to give Detroit some impetus to do this,” Governor Tom Corbett said on Radio PA’s Ask the Governor program.  “I can’t say directly that’s what Chrysler looked at, but I think it certainly had an influence.”   

Corbett believes the natural gas boom is changing everything, and as a result the natural gas infrastructure will develop fairly quickly. 

House Republican Whip Stan Saylor (R-York) is adding legislative muscle to the conversation by introducing a bill that would incent companies to convert their commercial fleets to natural gas.  “By incentivizing these vehicles we will use natural gas, which will spur construction of the statewide refueling network that is needed to create and spread the use of natural gas vehicles here in Pennsylvania,” Saylor said at a capitol news conference. 

The network of refueling stations would then make it practical for consumers to drive natural gas cars.  Saylor believes it would both lower transportation costs and further expand Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry. 

Saylor’s bill would tap the state’s Clean Air Fund for $6-million dollars a year, over the next five years, to provide grants that help cover the costs of converting large trucks to natural gas.  “This is a perfect example of why that fund was created,” Saylor says, noting that natural gas vehicles reduce carbon emissions by 90%. 

Saylor says the natural gas equivalent of a gallon of gas only costs about $2-dollars, compared to gasoline prices which are approaching the $4-dollar mark.

Poll: Santorum has Big Lead in Pennsylvania

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Fresh off of primary victories in Alabama and Mississippi, a new poll shows former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum virtually running away with the Keystone State.  Today’s Quinnipiac Poll of Pennsylvania Republicans shows Santorum netting 36% support compared to Mitt Romney’s 22%.  In a head-to-head matchup, Santorum clobbers Romney in Pennsylvania 53 – 32%.  “Pennsylvania Republicans are turning to their native son, former Sen. Rick Santorum,” says pollster Tim Malloy.  But it’s in stark contrast to the December Quinnipiac Poll that showed Santorum with mere 9% support in PA. 

On the same day as the release of the Q-Poll, the Romney campaign announced that former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge is throwing his support behind the former Massachusetts governor. 

Pennsylvania’s current Republican governor, however, remains neutral in the race.  “I will certainly be active once we have the nominee at the convention and thereafter,” Gov. Tom Corbett explains.  “What role I play before the primary still remains to be seen.” 

Santorum has named longtime Corbett political adviser Brian Nutt as his Pennsylvania State Campaign Director.  “Do not read anything into that,” Corbett says. 

But Corbett does remind all Pennsylvanians to never underestimate Rick Santorum.  “I think if I polled you all, he has gone much further than anybody sitting on those chairs right there ever anticipated that he would go,” Corbett told reporters who were gathered in the Governor’s Reception Room for a briefing on an upcoming trade mission.

House Votes in Favor of Legislation to Reform Capital Spending Program

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The house has passed a bill to reform a high profile economic development grant program by a 184-9 vote.   The bill would lower the debt ceiling of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project program, add rules tied to economic activity and job creation and make the approval process more transparent.

Representative Bill Adolph (R-Del)  was among the supporters. He says outstanding debt has increased by 4.3 billion since 2003-2004.  He says the debt service requirements have increased by 50% over the same time period. Currently, the annual debt service for the program tops one billion dollars.

Representative Adolph says the reforms will focus funds on projects that will encourage economic development and create jobs in Pennsylvania, “truly a win-win situation.”

Representative Dwight Evans (D-Phila) argued that the bill really doesn’t do anything.  He said it’s not needed, because the legislature only has to vote against raising the cap on borrowing for the program in the future.

Representative Mike Hanna (D-Centre)  supported the legislation but questioned whether it would hamper the ability to improve the economy by cutting back on capital investments across the state. He says we should be doing everything we can to create jobs.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), says the bill will reduce the credit limit immediately. Supporters of HB 2175 say the program has gotten out of hand. 

The bill heads to the Senate.

Corbett Would Waste No Time Signing Voter ID Bill

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Citing 87% public support, Governor Tom Corbett says he would sign Voter ID legislation as soon as it gets to his desk.  “I look at it this way, it ensures one man, one vote,” Corbett says.  The bill being so hotly debated in the House would require all voters to show an approved form of photo ID every time they go to the polls. 

The January poll from Terry Madonna Opinion Research indicates that 47.2% of statewide voters “strongly favor” requirements that voters show a drivers license or other state issued identification before they can vote.  39.6% “somewhat favor” the concept. 

Governor Tom Corbett

Gov. Corbett addressed the media on Tuesday.

Next months’ primary would be a dry run, and the Voter ID bill would be enforced for the first time this November.  While critics balk that it’s too fast of an implementation, Corbett disagrees.  “This has been the subject of discussion for a number of years.  We have an election coming up.  Let’s get it done,” Corbett says.  “Quite honestly you could ask the question in reverse, Why not get it done?”

The governor’s budget plan sets aside $1-million to provide funds to issue non-drivers license identification cards to any voter who declares it necessary for voting purposes.  Democrats, however, argue that the actual cost of implementation would be $11-million. 

As of the time of this post, the House was still debating the bill.  If it concurs in Senate amendments, the House would send the bill directly to Corbett’s desk.

Fighter Jet Program has Economic Impact in PA

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Lockheed Martin has begun limited production of the F-35 Lighting II, a fifth generation fighter jet.  Three versions are being produced to meet the specific needs of the US Air Force, Marines and Navy.  The average age of America’s fighter jets is 22-years, according to Lockheed Martin’s Daniel Conroy, a retired Air Force Colonel.  “I flew the generation of fighters that this is replacing; it gives me a little bit of motivation to see the new aircraft get out there.”

The F-35 costs $65-million dollars to build and has more than 1,000 suppliers in 47-states.  Pennsylvania is home to 47-different suppliers, which officials say are already responsible for $65-million in economic impact and 1,000 jobs.  “Those numbers will only increase as the program ramps up,” Conroy says. 

Jim Cawley, F-35

Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley concentrates on "flying" the F-35 demonstrator.

Lockheed Martin’s F-35 simulator was stationed in the state capitol this week, where Lt. Governor Jim Cawley took it for spin.  “My hats off to those who fly the real ones, because everything they do in there has consequence,” Cawley said, as marveled at the sensitivity of the equipment. 

This reporter experienced the sensitive equipment first hand, being the first “pilot” of the day to run the simulator off the runway. 

State Rep. Frank Farry (D-Bucks) has introduced a resolution that would urge Congress to fully fund the F-35 program.  It notes that the F-35 is the most advanced fighter aircraft ever built.  HR 510 was unanimously voted out of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.  It now awaits a full House vote.

Pennsylvania Lottery Turns 40

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The Pennsylvania Lottery is the only lottery in the nation that designates all of its proceeds to help senior citizens.  That’s what state officials are highlighting as they celebrate the Pennsylvania Lottery’s 40th anniversary.  “Since then we’ve been able to generate $21.5-billion dollars to fund programs for our older Pennsylvanians, and that’s something we’re very proud of,” says lottery executive director Todd Rucci. 

Some of the programs funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery include the Property Tax / Rent Rebate Program, PACE & PACENET and the 52 area agencies on aging.   “It’s very important to Pennsylvanians because the lottery supports older Pennsylvanians,” says Secretary of Aging Brian Duke.  He joined Todd Rucci to mark the anniversary at a Dauphin County senior center this week. 

During recent appropriations hearings officials told state lawmakers the lottery’s new strategic plan seeks to broaden the player base, in part by better explaining where the proceeds go. 

The new plan also means the retirement of ‘Gus,’ Pennsylvania’s 2nd most famous groundhog, and a longtime lottery spokes-animal.  “The robotic nature of Gus… added about $140,000 dollars to the production costs of a commercial,” Revenue Secretary Dan Meuser explained to the House Appropriations Committee.  “So we thought we’d save a little bit of money and put him out to pasture for a little while.”   

The Legislative Budget & Finance Committee recently took a comprehensive look at the Pennsylvania Lottery.  It noted a looming spike in the state’s senior citizen population compared to the modest growth that’s being projected for state lottery revenues.

Mild Winter Could Lead to More Active Wildfire Season

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The mild winter we’ve been having could bring a higher risk for wildfires, depending on whether we have a soggy or dry spring.   We’ve already had a forest fire and some brush fires in parts of the state and it’s a reminder the lack of  a deep snow pack this winter can raise the risk.

Levi Gelnett, a wildfire prevention specialist for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, says a snow pack would have compressed the leaf litter, making it longer to dry out. But he says this year, the leaf litter is light and fluffy, allowing air to circulate, making it more flammable.

Gelnett says even a spark from a passing train or someone taking target practice can ignite a fire that can spread quickly. A big cause of wildfires in Pennsylvania is controlled burning that gets out of hand.  An unattended campfire apparently caused a recent forest fire north of Allentown. Carelessly tossed cigarettes can also lead to wildfires, but Gelnett says that’s a bigger problem in Western states.

Gelnett says a recent fire in Knox Township, Clearfield  County scorched 46 acres and was started by a person shooting targets.  He says the bullet created enough of a spark to ignite the fire. One person suffered burn injuries trying to put out the fire.

Gelnett says there are one hour fuels, like weeds, leaves and grass that can dry out quickly.  He says people should do controlled burns carefully on rainy days and make sure to rake any dry vegetation away from the burn barrel.  He recommends people  consider alternatives to burning debris. If a controlled burn gets out of hand, you should call 911.  The DCNR website has a list of burn restrictions across the state.

RadioPA Roundtable

Radio PA Roundtable 03.09.12

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Radio PA Roundtable is a 30-minute program featuring in-depth reporting on the top news stories of the week. Professionally produced and delivered every Friday, Roundtable includes commercial breaks for local sale and quarterly reports for affiliate files.

Click the audio player below to hear the full broadcast:

[audio:https://s3.amazonaws.com/witfaudio/radiopa/Roundtable03-09-12.mp3]

Pennsylvania Reports Record Bear Season

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Pennsylvania is coming off a record bear harvest. Hunters took more than 4300 bears last year. Final figures will be available once the Pennsylvania Game Commission reconciles records from a few field-checked bears.

At the same time, Carl Roe, Executive Director of the Game Commission, told the House Game and Fisheries Committee that bear conflicts seemed to escalate last year for some people in more populated areas.  He says they’re seeing bears expand their range, going to areas where we don’t want a large population.

Roe told the panel they’ve responded by opening bear seasons on a weekend to expand hunter opportunity and expanded bear seasons in problem units to increase the harvest.  The commission has also initiated a study to investigate the movements and habitat use of bears in suburban areas.

Roe says there are areas where they want to see the bear population remain stable and others where they would like to see it reduced.  He says the intent is to have a very viable bear population for hunting opportunities.

Roe says they’re not trying to bring the population down to a great degree; they want to keep it in balance with the habitat that’s available.

Roe told the committee that he doesn’t believe the state will ever reach its biological capacity for bears.  He says Pennsylvania has some of the greatest habitat that’s out there. But he says the state will reach its social capacity, and in many areas they have what people will tolerate.