Legislative Update
By Andy Goodman
Remaining Session Days
March has been an action packed month in Harrisburg. Our office expects April, May and June to be energized too. The House Democrats have begun the process of moving the 2010 budget to the Senate. It is our educated opinion that the legislature will try its best to finish the budget on time. Because of elections, a late budget will most likely be avoided. Between now and June 1st, the legislature is scheduled to be in session 15 days. Those 15 session days are crucial.
Whether we are being proactive or defensive on legislation, the remaining days will give us clear results and direction we’ll follow into the summer and fall.
The House and Senate will not return for “lame duck” (the period after the general election). It is probable that they will only be in fall session for approximately 15 more days. Knowing the legislative schedule will help you with issue management, grassroots and political action committee development. The fall session schedule will be released in the near future.
Sales Tax Expansion and Rate Decrease
Back in February, Governor Rendell announced his plan to expand the number of goods and services that would have to pay the Commonwealth’s sales tax and lower the rate from 6% to 4%. Although that plan sounds, “sort of ok,” when you look at the planned expansion – it’s scary. In today’s difficult financial times, charging sales tax on nearly every item or service would exacerbate the expenses incurred by businesses and consumers. Moreover, a 4% tax on some of the
“big ticket” items listed would carry a large price tag. The legislation that would enact the plan has not yet been introduced; however a preliminary list has been released. The list is attached. After you read it, you will understand why expanding the sales tax would hard-hit everyone’s bottom line. A Harrisburg based coalition continues to organize to fight the Governor’s plan. Staying involved on issues like this is very important. The groups that don’t are the first to get
taxed! Our office is continually developing strategy on the issue and will be involved on behalf of our clients.
Retirements and Elections
Members of the House and Senate have announced their intentions for 2011. Below is a list of known members who will not be here for the 2011-12 legislative session.
| House Retirements Keith McCall - D Russ Fairchild - R Merle Phillips - R Tony Melio- D Kathy Manderino - D Will Gabig - R Frank Oliver - D Barbara McIlvaine Smith - D Richard Grucela - D Katie True - R Bob Belfanti - D |
Currently Vacant House Seats 20th District – Don Walko (Now a Judge) 138th District – Craig Dally (Now a Judge) 147th District – Bob Mensch (Now a Senator) Senate Retirements Bob Mellow – D Raphael Musto – D Barry Stout – D Leaving House to run for other office Jim Wansacz – D (Running for Senate) John Yudichak – D (Running for Senate) Tim Solobay – D (Running for Senate) Sam Rohrer – R (Running for Governor) Brian Lentz – D (Running for Congress) Mario Civera – R (Delaware County Council) |
74 Sales Tax Exemptions to be Repealed - Governor's 2010-11 Budget
| Accounting, auditing and bookkeeping services Administrative services Advertising, public relations & related services Air transportation Airline Catering All other professional and technical services Amusement & recreation industries Architectural, engineering, & related services Bad Debts Basic television Call Center Credit Candy and Gum Caskets and Burial Vaults Catalogs and Direct Mail Advertising Charges for Returnable Containers Coal Coin Operated Food and Beverage Vending Machines Commercial Vessels (Construction & Repair) Commercial Vessels (Equipment, Maintenance) Common Carriers Construction of Memorials Consulting (scientific, environmental, & technical) Custom programming, design & data processing Dry-cleaning & laundry services Electric - Residential Electrical, plumbing, heating & AC service fees Financial Institutions Fees Firewood Fish Feed Flags Fuel Oil/Gas - Residential Funeral parlors, crematories & death care services Gratuities Helicopters Horses Sold To Out of State Purchasers Hotel-Permanent Resident Information services |
Investment Metal Bullion & Investment Coins Legal Liquor or Malt Beverage Purchased From Retail Dispenser Magazines Mfg. Exemption (Public Utility) Motor Vehicles (Out-of-State Purchases) Museums, historical sites, zoos, & parks For- Profit Newspapers Non-Prescription Drugs Other transportation Other: personal services Parking lots & garages Personal care services Personal Hygiene Products Rail Transportation Equipment Recreational parks, camps & campgrounds Rental of Films for Commercial Exhibition School Buses Scientific research & development services Services to Buildings and Dwellings Specialized design Spectator sports admissions (excludes schools) Stair Lift Devices Telephone - Residential Temporary Usage Textbooks Theater, dance, music & performing arts admissions For-Profit Tourist Promotion Agencies Transit & ground transportation Trout Truck transportation Uniform Commercial Code Filing Fees Veterinary fees Warehouse Storage Waste management and remediation services Water and Sewage Services Wrapping and Packing Supplies |
