The Pennsylvania House of Representatives returns to business tomorrow, January 14. The State Senate will resume its business on the 22.
Many issues of interest to Pennsylvania's working families are likely to come up in this session. Some unfinished business from the last session, but also new attacks from corporation and thier allies. A Michigan, and likley ALEC, inspired 'Right to Work' law may be considered, as well as; efforts to privatize the state's liquor stores, attacks on public pensions, transportation funding, and workers compensation.
One effort to privatize an agency, the State's Lottery system, is already underway. On Friday, January 11, Governor Corbett announced a notice of intention to allow a British-based firm to take over managment of the system. He rejected a plan proposed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. The plan faces obstacles such a lawsuit filed by AFSCME, and questions from both sides of the aisle. A hearing is scheduled for January 14, in Hearing Room 1 of Harrisburg's North Office building, at 10AM to discuss this plan and the expansion of the lottery to include Keno and internet-based games.
The deadline to reserve rooms for the February 11-12 Legislative Conference has been extended again. You now have until January 18 to reserve blocks of rooms.
Labor lost a key ally in the White House when Hilda Solis announced her resignation as Secretary of Labor.
“Labor Secretary Hilda Solis brought much needed improvements to the U.S. Department of Labor, putting the U.S. government firmly on the side of working families. Under her leadership the Labor Department became a place of safety and support for working families. She also supported working families by protecting and improving job training which is helping millions of unemployed workers find new jobs,” State AFL-CIO President Bloomingdale said.
She made efforts to help workers in Pennsylvania through the creation of a new apprenticeship program in conjunction with Carnegie Mellon University.
“We hope that her successor will continue to be a powerful voice both within the Obama Administration and across the country for all of America’s workers,” President Bloomingdale said.
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