Department of State Budget Hearing
Senator Baker questions Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro Cortes about "no excuse" absentee voting, the replacement of aging voting machines and online campaign finance reports. [Read More]
Senator Baker questions Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro Cortes about "no excuse" absentee voting, the replacement of aging voting machines and online campaign finance reports. [Read More]
Senator Baker asked the members of the PA Liquor Control Board how the Governor's proposed sales tax increase would impact sales in the state-owned wine and spirits stores, the proposal to allow 24-hour alcohol sales in casinos, and asked for details on their consulting contracts. [Read More]
Senator Baker questioned Acting DEP Secretary John Quigley about the Governor's proposed severance tax for Marcellus Shale gas wells and its potential impact on landowners, the Delaware River Basin Commission and the drafting of new riparian buffer regulations. [Read More]
Senator Baker questions the presidents of the State-Related Universities (Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Lincoln) about their tuition rates and the impact the Governor's proposed sales tax increase and expansion to things like tuition would have on students. [Read More]
Senator Baker questions Acting Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne about the lottery fund, how the Governor's proposed sales tax increase and expansion to things such as nursing home care would impact older Pennsylvanians, and the PACE and PACENET programs. [Read More]
Senator Baker asked the Acting Health Secretary and Physician General about the challenges that Emergency Medical Services are having with respect to funding and their importance in providing access in rural areas. [Read More]
Senator Baker questioned representatives of the two State Employment Retirement Systems about the impact of Obama care on their operations and the ratio of retirees versus active members. [Read More]
Senator Baker questioned Public Utility Commissioners on their role with pipeline safety oversight, concerns about the gathering line system in Pennsylvania, and the status of capturing shallow gas lines through the PA One Call System. [Read More]
Senator Baker asked representatives of the Community Colleges about the status of local sponsorship, customized job training and apprenticeship opportunities for students and the role that community colleges play in educating and training firefighters. [Read More]