December 14, 2015

TO:

All Republican Senators

FROM:

Joe Scarnati, President Pro Tempore

Jake Corman, Majority Leader

RE:

Budget & Session Update

As you know, the House returned to session yesterday to begin consideration of the bipartisan
budget package the Senate sent to them last week. In an effort to keep you informed, we
would like to provide you with an update regarding the actions taken by the House relative to
consideration of all budget-related bills.
Yesterday, the House amended both the Welfare Code (HB 1322) and the Administrative Code
(HB 941) in the Rules Committee. Below is a description of each amendment.
Changes to the Welfare Code:

Changed "general assistance" to "assistance" in the section requiring the disclosure of

residency, which DHS claims has federal implications. DHS believes that the changes are
unnecessary.
Added language regarding the abrogation of regulations for child care homes. DHS
believes the language is unnecessary, but if added, it should be broader to include
application and inspection provisions.
DHS and our caucus is recommending that the House revert to prior printers number
and send to the Governor.

Changes to the Administrative Code:

Technical amendments and tweaks to the Horse Racing Industry provisions. Changes
are agreed to by all parties.
Removed Senate passed language regarding Transportation Network Companies
(TNCs), i.e. UBER and Lyft, for temporary operation in the City of Philadelphia. Earlier
this session, the Senate passed SB 984 (Bartolotta) to provide for statewide regulation
of TNCs. This bill remains stalled in the House.
Amended bill to include language to provide for a study of fantasy sports leagues.

The House Rules Committee also adopted a temporary rule to allow them to expedite the
consideration of a General Appropriations Bill (SB 1073). Two items that we believe the House
intends to address in the GA bill are:

Additional increases in various PHEAA related line items.

Increased appropriations to targeted school districts.

As a general update, the Senate has largely been kept out of the process concerning the
changes the House is making to all budget-related bills. Staff was available throughout the
weekend for discussions and gave feedback when asked. We remain here in Harrisburg and
hope to work with the House to get this budget package across the finish line.
For scheduling purposes, the Senate will not return to session tomorrow. As the House
continues to work through their process, we will keep you informed as to the Session schedule
for the remainder of the week.