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Week Ending Aug. 26, 2016
In this issue of Legislative Update: Fall 2016 Pa. Legislative Session Schedule; Pennsylvania Lawmaker Wants to Standardize Overtime Rules; Wolf Nominates Bruce Beemer for Pa. Attorney General; and more.
by PICPA Government Relations
Aug 26, 2016, 11:08 AM
- Fall 2016 Pa. Legislative Session Schedule
- State Lawmaker Wants to Standardize Overtime Rules
- Wolf Nominates Bruce Beemer for Attorney General
- Finance Committee Holds Hearing on Distressed Neighborhoods
- IFO Issues Two New Reports on State Revenues
- State Lawmaker to Introduce Bill to Reform Tax Structure
- Wolf Administration Establishes New Division of Charter Schools
- Quinn Sworn in as State Representative
Fall 2016 Pa. Legislative Session Schedule
Pennsylvania’s fall 2016 legislative calendar is set. The state constitution mandates a Nov. 30 end to the two-year session that began Jan. 1, 2015, but typically lawmakers will wrap-up legislation by the end of October and return to Harrisburg for a day or two in November to vote on leadership positions for the new session.
This fall the PICPA government relations team will push to get its two legislative priorities through the General Assembly and on Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk. Senate Bill 1018, which amends the CPA Law, and House Bill 245, legislation reforming Act 32 of 2008, are pending in committees in the House and Senate.
To learn more about the upcoming session, what legislation lawmakers might take up, and PICPA’s legislative agenda, join us for PICPA’s Legislative Update Webinar on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 9:00 a.m.
Below are the fall session dates for the state Senate and House:
| 2016 Fall Senate Sessions | |
| September | 26, 27, 28 |
| October | 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 |
| November | 16 |
| 2016 Fall House Sessions | |
| September | 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 |
| October | 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 |
| November | 14, 15 |
PICPA’s Legislative Update will publish its next edition next month.
State Lawmaker Wants to Standardize Overtime Rules
State Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Wayne, Wyoming) plans to introduce legislation to update, modernize, and simplify the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act of 1968 (PMWA) by eliminating confusing and unnecessary differences between state and federal law.
Baker’s bill does not seek to change the provisions of the new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules regarding overtime and an increase in the amount of wages that an employee must make to be “exempt” from the payment of overtime, which take effect Dec. 1, 2016. The bill simply aligns the provisions of the PMWA with the FLSA.
More specifically, it proposes that state law related to overtime would be interpreted in accordance with federal law and the regulations and interpretations contained in the Department of Labor’s Field Operations Handbook. However, the state legislature would retain the right to determine if a different approach should apply.
Pennsylvania would be joining several other states making similar revisions, including the surrounding states of Maryland, New Jersey, and Ohio. The others are Alaska, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia.
Wolf Nominates Bruce Beemer for Attorney General
Gov. Tom Wolf nominated Pennsylvania Inspector General Bruce Beemer to serve as attorney general. If confirmed by the state Senate, Beemer will replace Kathleen Kane, who resigned after her conviction on perjury and other charges.
Beemer currently serves as Pennsylvania’s inspector general. Prior to that he served as first deputy in the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the criminal, civil, and public protection divisions, as well as being responsible for the management of almost 800 employees. He previously served as a deputy district attorney in the Allegheny County district attorney’s office.
He will resume his role as inspector general upon completion of his service as attorney general.
The Senate has scheduled a session on Tuesday, Aug. 30, to consider Beemer’s nomination.
Finance Committee Holds Hearing on Distressed Neighborhoods
The Pennsylvania House Finance Committee, chaired by Rep. Bernie O’Neill (R-Bucks), held a public hearing Aug. 25 in Pittsburgh on House Bill 2213, which would increase funding for the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program (NAP).
Created in 1967, NAP serves as a resource for nonprofits, businesses, and distressed neighborhoods. The goal of the program is to improve the lives of low-income people in distressed neighborhoods by fostering an effective partnership between community-based organizations and the business community.
House Bill 2213 is sponsored by Rep. Mark Mustio (R-Allegheny). Business and community testimony included representatives from Tri State Capital, Highmark Health, UPMC Health Plan, Operation Better Block, Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation, City of Connellsville Redevelopment Authority, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, and a NAP community business owner.
IFO Issues Two New Reports on State Revenues
The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) recently released two reports that examine state revenues: FY 2016-17 Quarterly Revenue Estimates and Revenue Estimate Performance - Fiscal Years 2012-13 to 2015-16.
The Quarterly Revenue Estimates report provides estimates for the General Fund and related funds. The quarterly estimates are based on fiscal year 2016-2017 projections contained in the Official Revenue Estimate published by the IFO on June 15, 2016, and adjustments that reflect the impact of statutory changes enacted with the 2016-2017 state budget.
The second report – Revenue Estimate Performance - Fiscal Years 2012-13 to 2015-16 – examines the performance of the General Fund revenue estimates made by IFO since September 2011 through June 2016, which is four complete budgets. For each fiscal year, the report compares IFO’s revenue estimates to actual collections for three different estimates that are made at specific times during the fiscal year.
State Lawmaker to Introduce Bill to Reform Tax Structure
State Rep. Nick Kotik (D-Allegheny) says he is introducing legislation designed to address the way state and local taxes are collected in Pennsylvania.
Kotik's bill would establish a Tax Reform Commission to study the way in which taxes are levied and collected throughout the commonwealth. The seven-member commission would be composed of four members of the General Assembly and three members appointed by the governor.
"The goal of this commission would be to use the information from the study to offer recommendations on how to better consolidate and modify our current tax structure," Kotik said.
In addition, the commission would be required to provide a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly.
Wolf Administration Establishes New Division of Charter Schools
Gov. Wolf announced the creation of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Division of Charter Schools, an effort to improve quality and accountability of charter schools in Pennsylvania.
“Charter schools play an important role in our education system, but that role must be accompanied by sufficient oversight,” Wolf said. “Establishing this new division within the Department of Education will allow us to maximize our resources to not only ensure charters are being properly supported, but that they are being held accountable to taxpayers.”
Through technical support and guidance, the office will assist charter school educators and leaders in setting goals to advance student achievement, increase parent and community involvement, and ensure academic and financial responsibility.
Accountability functions will include comprehensive fiscal and education programming reviews and focused attention on the reauthorization processes of cyber charter schools, which are chartered by the Department of Education.
Quinn Sworn in as State Representative
Chris Quinn took the oath of office on Aug. 18 as state representative of the 168th Legislative District in Delaware County. Quinn was elected in a July special election to fill a House seat recently vacated by Tom Killion, who now represents the 9th District in the state Senate.
Quinn graduated from the University of South Florida, where he earned a degree in economics. He worked in the global electronics manufacturing industry for more than 10 years. In 2002, he opened an independent insurance agency.
The 168th Legislative District includes Media and Chester Heights boroughs as well as Middletown, Edgemont, Newtown, Upper Providence, and Thornbury townships, and part of Marple Township.
Quinn will face Democrat Diane Cornman-Levy, whom he defeated in the special election, in the November general election.
Week Ending Aug. 26, 2016
In this issue of Legislative Update: Fall 2016 Pa. Legislative Session Schedule; Pennsylvania Lawmaker Wants to Standardize Overtime Rules; Wolf Nominates Bruce Beemer for Pa. Attorney General; and more.
by PICPA Government Relations
Aug 26, 2016, 11:08 AM
- Fall 2016 Pa. Legislative Session Schedule
- State Lawmaker Wants to Standardize Overtime Rules
- Wolf Nominates Bruce Beemer for Attorney General
- Finance Committee Holds Hearing on Distressed Neighborhoods
- IFO Issues Two New Reports on State Revenues
- State Lawmaker to Introduce Bill to Reform Tax Structure
- Wolf Administration Establishes New Division of Charter Schools
- Quinn Sworn in as State Representative
Fall 2016 Pa. Legislative Session Schedule
Pennsylvania’s fall 2016 legislative calendar is set. The state constitution mandates a Nov. 30 end to the two-year session that began Jan. 1, 2015, but typically lawmakers will wrap-up legislation by the end of October and return to Harrisburg for a day or two in November to vote on leadership positions for the new session.
This fall the PICPA government relations team will push to get its two legislative priorities through the General Assembly and on Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk. Senate Bill 1018, which amends the CPA Law, and House Bill 245, legislation reforming Act 32 of 2008, are pending in committees in the House and Senate.
To learn more about the upcoming session, what legislation lawmakers might take up, and PICPA’s legislative agenda, join us for PICPA’s Legislative Update Webinar on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 9:00 a.m.
Below are the fall session dates for the state Senate and House:
| 2016 Fall Senate Sessions | |
| September | 26, 27, 28 |
| October | 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 |
| November | 16 |
| 2016 Fall House Sessions | |
| September | 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 |
| October | 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 |
| November | 14, 15 |
PICPA’s Legislative Update will publish its next edition next month.
State Lawmaker Wants to Standardize Overtime Rules
State Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Wayne, Wyoming) plans to introduce legislation to update, modernize, and simplify the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act of 1968 (PMWA) by eliminating confusing and unnecessary differences between state and federal law.
Baker’s bill does not seek to change the provisions of the new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules regarding overtime and an increase in the amount of wages that an employee must make to be “exempt” from the payment of overtime, which take effect Dec. 1, 2016. The bill simply aligns the provisions of the PMWA with the FLSA.
More specifically, it proposes that state law related to overtime would be interpreted in accordance with federal law and the regulations and interpretations contained in the Department of Labor’s Field Operations Handbook. However, the state legislature would retain the right to determine if a different approach should apply.
Pennsylvania would be joining several other states making similar revisions, including the surrounding states of Maryland, New Jersey, and Ohio. The others are Alaska, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia.
Wolf Nominates Bruce Beemer for Attorney General
Gov. Tom Wolf nominated Pennsylvania Inspector General Bruce Beemer to serve as attorney general. If confirmed by the state Senate, Beemer will replace Kathleen Kane, who resigned after her conviction on perjury and other charges.
Beemer currently serves as Pennsylvania’s inspector general. Prior to that he served as first deputy in the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the criminal, civil, and public protection divisions, as well as being responsible for the management of almost 800 employees. He previously served as a deputy district attorney in the Allegheny County district attorney’s office.
He will resume his role as inspector general upon completion of his service as attorney general.
The Senate has scheduled a session on Tuesday, Aug. 30, to consider Beemer’s nomination.
Finance Committee Holds Hearing on Distressed Neighborhoods
The Pennsylvania House Finance Committee, chaired by Rep. Bernie O’Neill (R-Bucks), held a public hearing Aug. 25 in Pittsburgh on House Bill 2213, which would increase funding for the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program (NAP).
Created in 1967, NAP serves as a resource for nonprofits, businesses, and distressed neighborhoods. The goal of the program is to improve the lives of low-income people in distressed neighborhoods by fostering an effective partnership between community-based organizations and the business community.
House Bill 2213 is sponsored by Rep. Mark Mustio (R-Allegheny). Business and community testimony included representatives from Tri State Capital, Highmark Health, UPMC Health Plan, Operation Better Block, Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation, City of Connellsville Redevelopment Authority, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, and a NAP community business owner.
IFO Issues Two New Reports on State Revenues
The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) recently released two reports that examine state revenues: FY 2016-17 Quarterly Revenue Estimates and Revenue Estimate Performance - Fiscal Years 2012-13 to 2015-16.
The Quarterly Revenue Estimates report provides estimates for the General Fund and related funds. The quarterly estimates are based on fiscal year 2016-2017 projections contained in the Official Revenue Estimate published by the IFO on June 15, 2016, and adjustments that reflect the impact of statutory changes enacted with the 2016-2017 state budget.
The second report – Revenue Estimate Performance - Fiscal Years 2012-13 to 2015-16 – examines the performance of the General Fund revenue estimates made by IFO since September 2011 through June 2016, which is four complete budgets. For each fiscal year, the report compares IFO’s revenue estimates to actual collections for three different estimates that are made at specific times during the fiscal year.
State Lawmaker to Introduce Bill to Reform Tax Structure
State Rep. Nick Kotik (D-Allegheny) says he is introducing legislation designed to address the way state and local taxes are collected in Pennsylvania.
Kotik's bill would establish a Tax Reform Commission to study the way in which taxes are levied and collected throughout the commonwealth. The seven-member commission would be composed of four members of the General Assembly and three members appointed by the governor.
"The goal of this commission would be to use the information from the study to offer recommendations on how to better consolidate and modify our current tax structure," Kotik said.
In addition, the commission would be required to provide a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly.
Wolf Administration Establishes New Division of Charter Schools
Gov. Wolf announced the creation of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Division of Charter Schools, an effort to improve quality and accountability of charter schools in Pennsylvania.
“Charter schools play an important role in our education system, but that role must be accompanied by sufficient oversight,” Wolf said. “Establishing this new division within the Department of Education will allow us to maximize our resources to not only ensure charters are being properly supported, but that they are being held accountable to taxpayers.”
Through technical support and guidance, the office will assist charter school educators and leaders in setting goals to advance student achievement, increase parent and community involvement, and ensure academic and financial responsibility.
Accountability functions will include comprehensive fiscal and education programming reviews and focused attention on the reauthorization processes of cyber charter schools, which are chartered by the Department of Education.
Quinn Sworn in as State Representative
Chris Quinn took the oath of office on Aug. 18 as state representative of the 168th Legislative District in Delaware County. Quinn was elected in a July special election to fill a House seat recently vacated by Tom Killion, who now represents the 9th District in the state Senate.
Quinn graduated from the University of South Florida, where he earned a degree in economics. He worked in the global electronics manufacturing industry for more than 10 years. In 2002, he opened an independent insurance agency.
The 168th Legislative District includes Media and Chester Heights boroughs as well as Middletown, Edgemont, Newtown, Upper Providence, and Thornbury townships, and part of Marple Township.
Quinn will face Democrat Diane Cornman-Levy, whom he defeated in the special election, in the November general election.
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