COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2003

SESSION OF 2003 187TH OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY No. 27

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Save us all from the freedom of mere independence, and The House convened at 11 a.m., e.d.t. enable us to employ responsibility in our every decision. In a time when some still surrender easily, give us the convictions worthy of the courage we profess. Make us able to bear rule, to THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE wear the name “Representative” not as a cloak of power but as a (PATRICIA H. VANCE) PRESIDING seamless robe of integrity, knowing that while all fail, yet it remains so that our first call is to our own selves that we be true. PRAYER We would ask that we may dare to challenge injustice, to champion unpopular causes, and to buck the status quo. REV. JULIANN V. WHIPPLE, Chaplain of the House of For this day, this place, our life, strength, and health, we Representatives, offered the following prayer: praise You, O God. For good fellowship and honest disagreement in freedom and for those who make it possible, we Let us pray: give You thanks. Praise be to You, O God, now and forever. God of all worlds and lands, Lord of every nation and Amen. people, before we forget You, we pause to remember. Creator God, for this beautiful spring day, we lift our thanks. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE It is a powerful reminder that after every dark and cold winter comes the warmth of Your sun and the renewed beauty of Your (The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by members and creation, coming alive with bursts of colors and scents for visitors.) which we have been waiting with eager anticipation. May our hearts be renewed as well, for on this day we begin again our journey, here, in this Commonwealth. JOURNAL APPROVAL POSTPONED This body will be under new leadership, and we pray that each of us will be patient as John Perzel finds his way. Flowers The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the approval do not just appear but take time to bud and grow and be all that of the Journal of Monday, April 14, 2003, will be postponed You intended them to be, and this is true for each of us. Some of until printed. The Chair hears no objection. us may still be underground, having lost our way; others have taken root and are steadily climbing toward the sun; and others HOUSE BILLS have already burst forth in glorious beauty, only to be returned INTRODUCED AND REFERRED back to the earth to replenish the soil. We pray for our new Speaker that he seek Your counsel in No. 1134 By Representatives SAYLOR, BASTIAN, this honorable undertaking. May he realize that each of us is CREIGHTON, GILLESPIE, METCALFE, STEIL, TURZAI, gifted by our creator and he only needs to continue to be the ADOLPH, BAKER, CLYMER, CRAHALLA, FLEAGLE, person You have called him to be. He need not live up to HARRIS, HERSHEY, LEH, MACKERETH, R. MILLER, anyone’s ideals but Yours, O God, for You long to make each S. MILLER, O’NEILL, REICHLEY, RUBLEY, B. SMITH, of us the best we can be. E. Z. TAYLOR and YOUNGBLOOD Grant us wider horizons than our daily duties, nobler ends than our selfish advantage, stronger foundations than our An Act amending the act of December 5, 1936 (2nd Sp.Sess., 1937 P.L.2897, No.1), known as the Unemployment Compensation Law, budgets and balances. Prod us to understand that if we are not further providing for definitions, for determination of contribution rate bigger than our jobs, we are too small for them. Bestow upon us and experience rating, for qualifications required to secure sufficient faith in Your providence to let the universe sometimes compensation, for ineligibility for compensation, for eligibility of proceed without our guidance. officers of a corporation deemed to be self-employed persons, for rate and amount of compensation, for determination of compensatory Powerful God, we give hearty thanks for our nation, our appeals and for rules of procedure. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and for all that in State and nation which has been good. We are humbly grateful for those Referred to Committee on LABOR RELATIONS, April 11, who have unselfishly given their lives, their skills, their 2003. devotion, both recently and in the past, to the causes of freedom, justice, liberty, and security for all. For those families who have No. 1135 By Representatives HANNA, PETRARCA, recently lost loved ones in our latest military actions, we offer PRESTON, SCRIMENTI, SHANER and WASHINGTON our prayers.

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An Act amending the act of December 19, 1988 (P.L.1262, Referred to Committee on PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, No.156), known as the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, further providing for definitions and eligible organizations. April 11, 2003.

Referred to Committee on FINANCE, April 11, 2003. No. 1141 By Representatives HANNA, CREIGHTON, FREEMAN, JAMES, MANDERINO, MUNDY, PRESTON, No. 1136 By Representatives HANNA, CURRY, SCRIMENTI, SHANER, SOLOBAY, STABACK, THOMAS FREEMAN, GRUCELA, MUNDY, PRESTON, SCRIMENTI, and WANSACZ SHANER, THOMAS, TIGUE and YOUNGBLOOD An Act amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, further providing An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), for physician assistants. known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, further providing for the bonding time period to secure structural integrity. Referred to Committee on PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, Referred to Committee on LOCAL GOVERNMENT, April 11, 2003. April 11, 2003. No. 1142 By Representatives HANNA, CREIGHTON, No. 1137 By Representatives HANNA, BELARDI, FREEMAN, JAMES, MANDERINO, MUNDY, PRESTON, CREIGHTON, DeWEESE, FREEMAN, GRUCELA, SCRIMENTI, SHANER, SOLOBAY, STABACK, THOMAS, McCALL, MUNDY, PISTELLA, PRESTON, SCRIMENTI, WANSACZ and YOUNGBLOOD SHANER, SOLOBAY, STABACK, THOMAS, TIGUE, An Act amending the act of October 5, 1978 (P.L.1109, No.261), WANSACZ, WASHINGTON and YOUNGBLOOD known as the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act, further providing for physician assistants. An Act providing for reimbursement to certain emergency services providers of the cost of responding to a request for emergency services on certain State-owned lands. Referred to Committee on PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, April 11, 2003. Referred to Committee on VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, April 11, 2003. No. 1143 By Representatives HABAY, ARGALL, BAKER, BEBKO-JONES, CAPPELLI, CLYMER, COSTA, No. 1138 By Representatives HANNA, BELARDI, CREIGHTON, DALEY, DeWEESE, DiGIROLAMO, BUXTON, CREIGHTON, CURRY, DeWEESE, FREEMAN, FABRIZIO, FICHTER, FLEAGLE, FLICK, FRANKEL, GRUCELA, JAMES, MANDERINO, S. MILLER, MUNDY, FREEMAN, GEIST, GERGELY, GRUCELA, HARHAI, PISTELLA, PRESTON, SCRIMENTI, SHANER, STABACK, HARPER, HERMAN, HERSHEY, HUTCHINSON, JAMES, STERN, THOMAS, WASHINGTON and YOUNGBLOOD JOSEPHS, KELLER, KENNEY, KOTIK, LAUGHLIN, LEDERER, LEH, MANDERINO, MARKOSEK, An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known McILHATTAN, METCALFE, S. MILLER, PAYNE, as the Public Welfare Code, providing for personal needs allowance PETRARCA, PHILLIPS, PISTELLA, READSHAW, deduction for medical assistance eligible persons in nursing facilities. REICHLEY, RUBLEY, SANTONI, SATHER, SAYLOR, SCAVELLO, SCHRODER, SHANER, B. SMITH, Referred to Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN R. STEVENSON, SURRA, E. Z. TAYLOR, TRUE, VEON, SERVICES, April 11, 2003. WALKO, WASHINGTON, WATSON, YOUNGBLOOD, YUDICHAK, LEWIS and MELIO No. 1139 By Representatives HANNA, BELARDI, BROWNE, CURRY, DeWEESE, GRUCELA, JAMES, An Act redesignating the bridge known as the Highland Park MANDERINO, MUNDY, PRESTON, SCRIMENTI, Bridge, over the Allegheny River, between the City of Pittsburgh and O’Hara Township, Allegheny County, as the Fred Rogers SHANER, STERN, TIGUE, WASHINGTON and Memorial Bridge. YOUNGBLOOD Referred to Committee on TRANSPORTATION, April 11, An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code, further providing for the administration of 2003. assistance; and abrogating a regulation. No. 1144 By Representatives GEORGE, BELFANTI, Referred to Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SURRA, COY, CURRY, DeLUCA, FLEAGLE, GOODMAN, SERVICES, April 11, 2003. HARHAI, HORSEY, JAMES, JOSEPHS, KELLER, LAUGHLIN, LEACH, LEVDANSKY, McILHATTAN, No. 1140 By Representatives HANNA, BEBKO-JONES, MUNDY, ROBERTS, RUBLEY, SHANER, STABACK, BELFANTI, BUNT, CREIGHTON, DALEY, DeLUCA, THOMAS, TIGUE, WALKO, WANSACZ, WASHINGTON GILLESPIE, GODSHALL, GRUCELA, HARHAI, HERSHEY, and YOUNGBLOOD JAMES, PISTELLA, REICHLEY, SCRIMENTI, SHANER, WASHINGTON, WHEATLEY and YOUNGBLOOD An Act authorizing municipalities and the Department of Environmental Protection to conduct sewage sludge testing on certain lands; and providing for reports to the General Assembly. An Act amending the act of June 19, 1931 (P.L.589, No.202), referred to as the Barbers’ License Law, further providing for licensure. 2003 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE 471

Referred to Committee on ENVIRONMENTAL Referred to Committee on STATE GOVERNMENT, RESOURCES AND ENERGY, April 11, 2003. April 11, 2003.

No. 1145 By Representatives LEWIS, CREIGHTON, No. 1148 By Representatives NICKOL, BROWNE, SCAVELLO, COLEMAN, ARMSTRONG, BIRMELIN, CAPPELLI, CIVERA, DALLY, FRANKEL, GEIST, CAPPELLI, CIVERA, DALLY, GABIG, HARRIS, GILLESPIE, HARPER, HERMAN, LEH, LEWIS, HERSHEY, JAMES, LaGROTTA, LEH, McCALL, MAITLAND, McILHATTAN, R. MILLER, PRESTON, ROSS, ROBERTS, WATSON and HABAY RUBLEY, SATHER, SCHRODER, SOLOBAY, STEIL, TIGUE, WILT and YOUNGBLOOD An Act providing for reduction of real property taxes; establishing the School Property Tax Reduction Fund; providing for distributions An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the from the fund; imposing an additional sales and use tax; and requiring Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for definitions, the Joint State Government Commission to make certain for exclusion of other self-liquidating debt, for limitations on stated recommendations to the General Assembly. maturity dates and for number of interest rates.

Referred to Committee on FINANCE, April 11, 2003. Referred to Committee on LOCAL GOVERNMENT, April 11, 2003. No. 1146 By Representatives NAILOR, RUBLEY, FLEAGLE, COY, ALLEN, ARMSTRONG, BAKER, No. 1149 By Representatives LEH, ARMSTRONG, BAKER, BALDWIN, BARD, BARRAR, BASTIAN, BEBKO-JONES, BALDWIN, BASTIAN, BENNINGHOFF, BUNT, BELARDI, BELFANTI, BUNT, CAPPELLI, CAUSER, CREIGHTON, EGOLF, FAIRCHILD, FLEAGLE, FORCIER, CIVERA, CLYMER, CORRIGAN, COSTA, CRAHALLA, GILLESPIE, HARPER, HARRIS, HERMAN, HERSHEY, CRUZ, CURRY, DALEY, DeLUCA, DeWEESE, EGOLF, HICKERNELL, LEWIS, MACKERETH, MARSICO, FABRIZIO, FEESE, FREEMAN, GABIG, GEIST, GEORGE, McNAUGHTON, METCALFE, R. MILLER, S. MILLER, GERGELY, GOODMAN, GRUCELA, HALUSKA, HARRIS, NICKOL, REICHLEY, ROHRER, ROSS, SATHER, HASAY, HENNESSEY, HERMAN, HESS, HICKERNELL, SAYLOR, SCHRODER, STEIL, R. STEVENSON, HORSEY, HUTCHINSON, JAMES, KENNEY, LAUGHLIN, T. STEVENSON, E. Z. TAYLOR, THOMAS, TRUE, LEACH, LEVDANSKY, LEWIS, MARSICO, McCALL, TURZAI, VANCE and WILT MELIO, METCALFE, R. MILLER, S. MILLER, MUNDY, O’NEILL, PALLONE, PETRARCA, PHILLIPS, PICKETT, An Act providing for open contracting by the Commonwealth and READSHAW, REICHLEY, ROBERTS, ROSS, RUFFING, its political subdivisions and their agencies and authorities. SAINATO, SAMUELSON, SATHER, SAYLOR, SCAVELLO, SCHRODER, SCRIMENTI, SHANER, Referred to Committee on LABOR RELATIONS, April 11, B. SMITH, SOLOBAY, STABACK, R. STEVENSON, 2003. SURRA, E. Z. TAYLOR, TIGUE, TURZAI, VANCE, WASHINGTON, WATSON, WILT, WOJNAROSKI, No. 1150 By Representatives DAILEY, BEBKO-JONES, YOUNGBLOOD, ZUG and HARPER BROWNE, CAWLEY, CRAHALLA, CREIGHTON, DALEY, DeWEESE, EGOLF, FRANKEL, FREEMAN, GEIST, An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania GILLESPIE, GRUCELA, HARHAI, HENNESSEY, Consolidated Statutes, further providing for services provided to HERMAN, LAUGHLIN, LEACH, McGEEHAN, McGILL, certain organizations. PERZEL, PETRARCA, PHILLIPS, REICHLEY, SCHRODER, SOLOBAY, E. Z. TAYLOR, TIGUE, WASHINGTON, Referred to Committee on CONSUMER AFFAIRS, WATSON, WEBER, WOJNAROSKI and YOUNGBLOOD April 11, 2003.

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the No. 1147 By Representatives NAILOR, FAIRCHILD, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for sentence JOSEPHS, B. SMITH, BAKER, BARRAR, BEBKO-JONES, enhancements for domestic violence in the presence of a child. BELFANTI, BISHOP, BROWNE, CAWLEY, CREIGHTON, CURRY, FLEAGLE, FLICK, FRANKEL, FREEMAN, Referred to Committee on JUDICIARY, April 11, 2003. GABIG, GEIST, GINGRICH, GRUCELA, HARHAI, HENNESSEY, HERMAN, HERSHEY, HICKERNELL, No. 1151 By Representatives COY, DALEY, CREIGHTON, HORSEY, JAMES, LAUGHLIN, LEACH, LEDERER, DeWEESE, GEORGE, GRUCELA, HARHAI, HERMAN, LYNCH, MACKERETH, MANDERINO, MARSICO, LaGROTTA, LAUGHLIN, McCALL, McILHATTAN, McGEEHAN, McILHATTAN, R. MILLER, S. MILLER, PALLONE, REICHLEY, SHANER, SOLOBAY, SURRA and NICKOL, READSHAW, REICHLEY, RUBLEY, SANTONI, TANGRETTI SCRIMENTI, SEMMEL, SOLOBAY, STABACK, E. Z. TAYLOR, TIGUE, VANCE, WANSACZ, An Act amending the act of June 26, 1992 (P.L.322, No.64), known as the Agriculture Education Loan Forgiveness Act, amending WASHINGTON and YOUNGBLOOD the title; adding the definition of “agriculture-related industry”; and further providing for the definitions of “family farm,” “family farm An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), corporation,” “immediate family member” and “qualified applicant” known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, further providing for date of and for the Agriculture Education Loan Forgiveness Program. application for absentee ballot, for delivery or mailing of ballots and for voting by absentee electors. 472 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE APRIL 15

Referred to Committee on AGRICULTURE AND RURAL No. 1156 By Representatives SOLOBAY, ARMSTRONG, AFFAIRS, April 14, 2003. BARRAR, BEBKO-JONES, BELFANTI, CAPPELLI, CAWLEY, DeWEESE, FRANKEL, FREEMAN, GRUCELA, No. 1152 By Representatives T. STEVENSON, BAKER, KOTIK, LaGROTTA, LAUGHLIN, LEACH, MANN, BARRAR, BEBKO-JONES, BISHOP, BROWNE, BUNT, McGEEHAN, MELIO, PAYNE, REICHLEY, SATHER, CAPPELLI, CAWLEY, CURRY, DALLY, DERMODY, SAYLOR, SHANER, THOMAS, WALKO, WANSACZ, GEIST, GEORGE, GILLESPIE, GRUCELA, HENNESSEY, WASHINGTON, WOJNAROSKI and WRIGHT HERSHEY, HUTCHINSON, JAMES, LAUGHLIN, LEDERER, MARKOSEK, McILHATTAN, R. MILLER, An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for the definition of NAILOR, PHILLIPS, PISTELLA, READSHAW, REICHLEY, “emergency vehicle.” RUBLEY, SATHER, SAYLOR, SCHRODER, SHANER, SOLOBAY, E. Z. TAYLOR, THOMAS, TIGUE, WALKO, Referred to Committee on TRANSPORTATION, April 14, WASHINGTON, WATSON, WEBER, WHEATLEY, 2003. WOJNAROSKI, WRIGHT, YOUNGBLOOD, FRANKEL and

ROSS No. 1157 By Representatives MARSICO, BEBKO-JONES,

An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known BROWNE, COY, CRAHALLA, GEIST, GILLESPIE, as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for contributions for GRUCELA, PHILLIPS, SCHRODER, SHANER, juvenile diabetes cure research. R. STEVENSON, E. Z. TAYLOR, LEWIS and WASHINGTON Referred to Committee on FINANCE, April 14, 2003. An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, prohibiting cutting instruments in No. 1153 By Representatives CRAHALLA, MARSICO, airports. ARGALL, BAKER, BELFANTI, BUNT, CAPPELLI, CLYMER, DALLY, FABRIZIO, FEESE, FICHTER, GEIST, Referred to Committee on JUDICIARY, April 14, 2003. KELLER, LEACH, PAYNE, RUBLEY, SCHRODER,

B. SMITH, TIGUE, WANSACZ, WATSON, SATHER and No. 1158 By Representatives PALLONE, BAKER, WEBER BEBKO-JONES, BISHOP, BROWNE, CIVERA, COY,

An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and DALEY, DeWEESE, EACHUS, FRANKEL, GEORGE, 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated GOODMAN, GRUCELA, HALUSKA, HARHAI, HARPER, Statutes, providing for the offenses of soliciting or providing support HENNESSEY, HORSEY, JOSEPHS, KOTIK, LAUGHLIN, for an act of terrorism and hindering prosecution for an act of MELIO, S. MILLER, MYERS, PETRONE, PISTELLA, terrorism; establishing a civil action to recover damages caused by terrorism; and providing for sentencing for terrorism and for penalties. REICHLEY, ROSS, SAINATO, SCHRODER, SCRIMENTI, SHANER, SOLOBAY, STABACK, TANGRETTI, TRAVAGLIO, WALKO, WANSACZ, WASHINGTON, Referred to Committee on JUDICIARY, April 14, 2003. WOJNAROSKI, YOUNGBLOOD and MUNDY

No. 1154 By Representatives DALLY, CAPPELLI, A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of CREIGHTON, DeLUCA, GEIST, GRUCELA, JAMES, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for exemptions LAUGHLIN, LEACH, McILHATTAN, MELIO, REICHLEY, and special provisions for taxation. SEMMEL, SOLOBAY, E. Z. TAYLOR, WASHINGTON, WILT and YOUNGBLOOD Referred to Committee on FINANCE, April 14, 2003.

An Act amending the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682, No.284), No. 1159 By Representatives PALLONE, BAKER, known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921, providing for medical nutrition therapy coverage requirements for health insurance policies. BEBKO-JONES, BISHOP, BROWNE, CIVERA, COY, DALEY, DeWEESE, EACHUS, FRANKEL, GEORGE, GOODMAN, GRUCELA, HALUSKA, HARHAI, HARPER, Referred to Committee on INSURANCE, April 14, 2003. HENNESSEY, HORSEY, JOSEPHS, KOTIK, LAUGHLIN,

MELIO, S. MILLER, MYERS, PETRONE, PISTELLA, No. 1155 By Representatives SOLOBAY, BELFANTI, REICHLEY, ROSS, SAINATO, SCHRODER, SCRIMENTI, COY, DeWEESE, GRUCELA, JAMES, LAUGHLIN, LEACH, SHANER, SOLOBAY, STABACK, TANGRETTI, MELIO, PAYNE, REICHLEY, SATHER, SAYLOR, TRAVAGLIO, WALKO, WANSACZ, WASHINGTON, SHANER, WALKO, WANSACZ and WASHINGTON WOJNAROSKI, YOUNGBLOOD and MUNDY

An Act amending the act of December 5, 1936 (2nd Sp.Sess., 1937 P.L.2897, No.1), known as the Unemployment Compensation Law, An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known further providing for benefits based on service for educational as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for exemption for qualified institutions. disability trusts.

Referred to Committee on LABOR RELATIONS, April 14, Referred to Committee on FINANCE, April 14, 2003. 2003.

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No. 1160 By Representatives GANNON, BROWNE, BUNT, An Act placing a moratorium on licensure or certification on DALLY, GABIG and MAITLAND certain health care facilities by the Department of Health.

An Act prohibiting price gouging; and imposing penalties. Referred to Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, April 15, 2003. Referred to Committee on JUDICIARY, April 14, 2003. No. 1168 By Representatives BEBKO-JONES, BELARDI, No. 1161 By Representatives BEBKO-JONES, HARHAI, BELFANTI, BISHOP, BROWNE, CAPPELLI, CAWLEY, LEACH, LAUGHLIN, SATHER, THOMAS and CREIGHTON, CRUZ, CURRY, DeWEESE, GEORGE, YOUNGBLOOD GRUCELA, HARHAI, HENNESSEY, JAMES, LEDERER, LEVDANSKY, MANDERINO, PALLONE, THOMAS, An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of TIGUE, WASHINGTON and YOUNGBLOOD the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for the course of instruction and examination required for certain minor An Act amending the act of July 6, 1995 (P.L.255, No.34), known judiciary. as the Dual Party Relay Service and Telecommunication Device Distribution Program Act, expanding the scope of the act; defining Referred to Committee on JUDICIARY, April 15, 2003. “Print Media Access System” and “persons who are blind or print disabled”; providing for establishment of a Print Media Access System Program; and further providing for establishment of dual party relay No. 1162 By Representatives BEBKO-JONES, BROWNE, service. HARHAI, JAMES, LEDERER and LAUGHLIN Referred to Committee on CONSUMER AFFAIRS, An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further regulating insurance fraud warning April 15, 2003. notice. No. 1169 By Representatives BEBKO-JONES, BELFANTI, Referred to Committee on INSURANCE, April 15, 2003. CAWLEY, CRUZ, CURRY, HARHAI, JAMES, JOSEPHS, LEVDANSKY, PALLONE, WASHINGTON and No. 1163 By Representatives BEBKO-JONES, BELFANTI, YOUNGBLOOD CAWLEY, CRUZ, LEDERER, TANGRETTI and THOMAS An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, providing for absence from An Act amending the act of May 23, 1945 (P.L.903, No.362), employment to vote. entitled “An act authorizing cities of the third class to establish an optional retirement system for officers and employes independently of any pension system or systems existing in such cities,” further Referred to Committee on STATE GOVERNMENT, providing for certain increases in compensation. April 15, 2003.

Referred to Committee on URBAN AFFAIRS, April 15, No. 1170 By Representatives BEBKO-JONES, BARD, 2003. BELARDI, BELFANTI, BROWNE, CAPPELLI, CAWLEY, CIVERA, CRUZ, DeWEESE, EGOLF, FLICK, FREEMAN, No. 1164 By Representatives BEBKO-JONES, HARHAI and GEORGE, GRUCELA, HARHAI, HORSEY, JAMES, JAMES JOSEPHS, LEDERER, LEVDANSKY, LAUGHLIN, MANN, McGEEHAN, MELIO, PALLONE, PAYNE, PETRARCA, An Act authorizing the Department of Health to award grants for READSHAW, ROONEY, SHANER, SURRA, TANGRETTI, the purchase of automated external defibrillators; and making an appropriation. TIGUE, TRUE, WASHINGTON and YOUNGBLOOD

An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of Referred to Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for no SERVICES, April 15, 2003. limitation applicable and for other offenses.

No. 1165 By Representatives BEBKO-JONES, BELARDI, Referred to Committee on JUDICIARY, April 15, 2003. BISHOP, BROWNE, DeWEESE, HARHAI, JAMES, LEDERER, LAUGHLIN, THOMAS, TIGUE, WASHINGTON No. 1172 By Representatives BEBKO-JONES, BELFANTI, and YOUNGBLOOD BROWNE, COY, FLICK, FREEMAN, GEIST, HARHAI, HARHART, JAMES, JOSEPHS, LEACH, MANDERINO, An Act amending the act of July 22, 1974 (P.L.589, No.205), MANN, S. MILLER, PALLONE, SOLOBAY, STABACK, known as the Unfair Insurance Practices Act, further providing for definitions, for unfair competition and practices and for administration. SURRA, THOMAS, WASHINGTON and YOUNGBLOOD

An Act providing for an adoption registry, for confidential Referred to Committee on INSURANCE, April 15, 2003. registration and for duties of the Department of Health; and making a repeal. No. 1166 By Representatives BEBKO-JONES, CAWLEY, HARHAI, JAMES, TANGRETTI, THOMAS, WASHINGTON Referred to Committee on CHILDREN AND YOUTH, and YOUNGBLOOD April 15, 2003.

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No. 1173 By Representatives STERN, FAIRCHILD, An Act amending the act of December 5, 1936 (2nd Sp.Sess., 1937 PHILLIPS, DeWEESE, ARMSTRONG, GEIST, LAUGHLIN, P.L.2897, No.1), known as the Unemployment Compensation Law, further providing for the determination of the contribution rate. HERMAN, McILHATTAN, GABIG, CAWLEY,

WASHINGTON, JAMES, CREIGHTON, HESS, Referred to Committee on LABOR RELATIONS, April 15, HENNESSEY, SCHRODER, SATHER, GODSHALL, 2003. R. STEVENSON, MARKOSEK, FRANKEL, CURRY, READSHAW, CAPPELLI, BAKER, SAINATO, HARHAI, YOUNGBLOOD, SCRIMENTI, E. Z. TAYLOR, SAYLOR, No. 1177 By Representatives GRUCELA, ALLEN, RAYMOND, FREEMAN, TURZAI, ROSS, CIVERA, BEBKO-JONES, BELARDI, BELFANTI, CORRIGAN, BROWNE, DeLUCA, HERSHEY and MELIO COSTA, COY, DALEY, DeWEESE, FAIRCHILD, FREEMAN, GEIST, GEORGE, JAMES, LAUGHLIN, An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known MANDERINO, MANN, MARKOSEK, McCALL, as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, further defining “poverty income” for McNAUGHTON, S. MILLER, PETRARCA, PISTELLA, purposes of personal income tax. READSHAW, REICHLEY, SCRIMENTI, SHANER, SOLOBAY, SURRA, TURZAI, WANSACZ, WASHINGTON, Referred to Committee on FINANCE, April 15, 2003. WOJNAROSKI, YOUNGBLOOD, YUDICHAK, MELIO, BROWNE, McGEEHAN, FRANKEL, HORSEY, HARHAI, No. 1174 By Representatives STAIRS, BROWNE, GABIG, SAINATO and JOSEPHS CREIGHTON, FLEAGLE, HERMAN, McILHATTAN, R. MILLER, GRUCELA, MUNDY, SHANER, SURRA, An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known ARGALL, BAKER, BELFANTI, BUNT, CAWLEY, CIVERA, as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, further providing for a limited exclusion from certain classes of income. DALEY, DeWEESE, FAIRCHILD, GEIST, GEORGE,

HARHAI, JAMES, LAUGHLIN, LEVDANSKY, MELIO, Referred to Committee on FINANCE, April 15, 2003. S. MILLER, PISTELLA, RAYMOND, RUBLEY, SAINATO, SATHER, SEMMEL, B. SMITH, SOLOBAY, R. STEVENSON, E. Z. TAYLOR, TIGUE, WALKO, No. 1178 By Representatives GRUCELA, BEBKO-JONES, WASHINGTON and YOUNGBLOOD BELFANTI, CAPPELLI, CAWLEY, DALLY, FRANKEL, FREEMAN, GEIST, HARHAI, JAMES, JOSEPHS, KELLER, An Act establishing the Office of Community, Business and KOTIK, LAUGHLIN, LEACH, LEDERER, McCALL, Education Partnerships and its powers and duties. REICHLEY, ROONEY, SHANER, SOLOBAY, TANGRETTI, TIGUE, WALKO, WASHINGTON, YOUNGBLOOD, Referred to Committee on EDUCATION, April 15, 2003. WOJNAROSKI, MELIO, BROWNE and HORSEY

No. 1175 By Representatives BOYES, CLYMER, An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for assessment and CORRIGAN, ADOLPH, BAKER, BELFANTI, BROWNE, counseling of chronic runaways. BUNT, CAPPELLI, CAUSER, CAWLEY, COY, CREIGHTON, CURRY, DAILEY, J. EVANS, FABRIZIO, Referred to Committee on JUDICIARY, April 15, 2003. FAIRCHILD, FLICK, FORCIER, GEORGE, GOODMAN, HARHAI, HARRIS, HENNESSEY, HERSHEY, No. 1179 By Representatives GRUCELA, BARRAR, HUTCHINSON, LEVDANSKY, LEWIS, LYNCH, DALLY, FREEMAN, HERSHEY, JOSEPHS, LaGROTTA, MACKERETH, McILHATTAN, S. MILLER, NAILOR, LEACH, McILHINNEY, WASHINGTON, WATSON and PAYNE, RAYMOND, ROSS, RUBLEY, SAINATO, HARPER SANTONI, SATHER, SAYLOR, SCHRODER, SCRIMENTI, SEMMEL, SHANER, SOLOBAY, STERN, R. STEVENSON, An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), E. Z. TAYLOR, TIGUE, WASHINGTON, WATSON, WILT known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, providing and YUDICHAK for educational impact fee and assessment.

An Act amending Title 24 (Education) of the Pennsylvania Referred to Committee on EDUCATION, April 15, 2003. Consolidated Statutes, defining “median employer contribution rate” and “school district”; and further providing for administrative duties of board and for duties of employers. No. 1180 By Representatives BENNINGHOFF, ARGALL, BAKER, BROWNE, BUNT, CAPPELLI, COLEMAN, Referred to Committee on EDUCATION, April 15, 2003. CRAHALLA, DeWEESE, FICHTER, GOODMAN, GRUCELA, HARHAI, HARRIS, HUTCHINSON, No. 1176 By Representatives TURZAI, ARMSTRONG, MARKOSEK, S. MILLER, O’NEILL, PHILLIPS, SAINATO, CAPPELLI, CLYMER, COLEMAN, CREIGHTON, SAYLOR, SOLOBAY, E. Z. TAYLOR, VEON, WANSACZ, FAIRCHILD, HENNESSEY, HUTCHINSON, LEWIS, WASHINGTON, WILT, YOUNGBLOOD and YUDICHAK R. MILLER, NICKOL, O’NEILL, REICHLEY, SAYLOR, An Act amending Title 71 (State Government) of the Pennsylvania R. STEVENSON, T. STEVENSON, E. Z. TAYLOR, Consolidated Statutes, further providing for credited State service. WASHINGTON and YOUNGBLOOD Referred to Committee on STATE GOVERNMENT, April 15, 2003. 2003 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE 475

HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HB 501, PN 595 By Rep. HERSHEY INTRODUCED AND REFERRED An Act amending Title 27 (Environmental Resources) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for adjustments No. 194 By Representatives GEORGE, BEBKO-JONES, from the Environmental Stewardship Fund. CAWLEY, COY, DALEY, DeLUCA, FABRIZIO, FREEMAN, GOODMAN, GRUCELA, GRUITZA, HARHAI, JAMES, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY. JOSEPHS, LEACH, MANDERINO, MELIO, MUNDY,

PETRARCA, PISTELLA, ROEBUCK, STABACK, THOMAS, HB 537, PN 631 By Rep. HERSHEY TIGUE and YOUNGBLOOD

An Act amending the act of March 1, 1988 (P.L.82, No.16), A Resolution memorializing the Congress of the United States to known as the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Act, refuse to reorganize the Head Start program. establishing the Tapping Fee-Property Lateral Funding Program; making an appropriation; and making editorial changes. Referred to Committee on INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS, April 14, 2003. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY.

No. 200 By Representatives BEBKO-JONES, BELARDI, HB 564, PN 666 By Rep. STAIRS BELFANTI, BISHOP, CAPPELLI, CAWLEY, COY, CREIGHTON, CURRY, DALEY, DeLUCA, DeWEESE, An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), FRANKEL, FREEMAN, GOODMAN, GRUCELA, HARHAI, known as the Public School Code of 1949, further providing for community college financial programs and reimbursements; HERSHEY, HORSEY, JAMES, JOSEPHS, LAUGHLIN, establishing the Community College Nonmandated Capital Fund; and LEACH, LEDERER, MAITLAND, McGEEHAN, MELIO, abrogating a regulation. PALLONE, PISTELLA, PRESTON, READSHAW, ROBERTS, ROONEY, SAINATO, SATHER, SCHRODER, EDUCATION. STABACK, TANGRETTI, E. Z. TAYLOR, THOMAS, TRUE, WOJNAROSKI and YOUNGBLOOD HB 895, PN 1059 By Rep. HERSHEY

A Resolution recognizing youth mental illness and suicide as a An Act designating the Fish Dam Wild Area in Clinton County as State public health crisis and encouraging evidence-based initiatives to the Russell P. Letterman Wild Area. screen children and adolescents for mental disorders in order to identify illness and prevent suicide among youth. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY. Referred to Committee on RULES, April 15, 2003. BILLS REPORTED AND REREFERRED TO BILLS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEES, COMMITTEE ON CONSIDERED FIRST TIME, AND TABLED AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

HB 37, PN 42 By Rep. HERSHEY HB 385, PN 449 By Rep. HERSHEY

An Act authorizing the Department of Conservation and Natural An Act amending the act of May 20, 1993 (P.L.12, No.6), known Resources on behalf of the Commonwealth to agree to hold and save as the Nutrient Management Act, further providing for declaration of the United States Army Corps of Engineers free from certain damages legislative purpose; defining “commercial poultry producer”; and arising from certain construction projects. providing for a manure transportation pilot project.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY.

HB 418, PN 482 By Rep. STAIRS HB 668, PN 783 By Rep. HERSHEY

An Act providing for procedures for students expelled from school An Act amending Title 27 (Environmental Resources) of the and for powers and duties of boards of school directors. Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for the Environmental Stewardship Fund.

EDUCATION. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY.

HB 497, PN 591 By Rep. STAIRS BILL REPORTED AND REREFERRED TO An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT known as the Public School Code of 1949, further providing for high school certificates. HB 606, PN 708 By Rep. HERSHEY

EDUCATION. An Act enabling counties and municipalities to develop watershed-based storm water plans and to regulate storm water within designated watershed boundaries; imposing duties and conferring powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, on the

476 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE APRIL 15

Environmental Quality Board, on counties and on municipalities; PRESENT–198 providing for financing; and making an appropriation. Adolph Evans, D. Levdansky Rubley ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY. Allen Evans, J. Lewis Ruffing Argall Fabrizio Lynch Sainato Armstrong Fairchild Mackereth Samuelson BILL REPORTED AND REREFERRED TO Baker Feese Maher Santoni Baldwin Fichter Maitland Sather COMMITTEE ON LABOR RELATIONS Bard Fleagle Major Saylor Barrar Flick Manderino Scavello HB 652, PN 758 By Rep. HERSHEY Bastian Forcier Mann Schroder Bebko-Jones Frankel Markosek Scrimenti An Act amending the act of July 2, 1984 (P.L.561, No.112), Belardi Freeman Marsico Semmel known as the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps Act, further providing Belfanti Gabig McCall Shaner for supervisors. Benninghoff Gannon McGeehan Smith, B. Biancucci Geist McGill Smith, S. H. Birmelin George McIlhattan Solobay ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY. Bishop Gergely McIlhinney Staback Blaum Gillespie McNaughton Stairs Boyd Gingrich Melio Steil GUESTS INTRODUCED Browne Godshall Metcalfe Stern Butkovitz Goodman Micozzie Stetler The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair is pleased to Buxton Gordner Miller, R. Stevenson, R. welcome to the hall of the House, as the guests of Caltagirone Grucela Miller, S. Stevenson, T. Cappelli Gruitza Mundy Sturla Representative Russ Fairchild, Matthew Cunningham and his Casorio Habay Myers Tangretti father, Jeffrey Cunningham. Matthew is an eighth grade student Causer Haluska Nailor Taylor, E. Z. at Lewisburg Middle School, and he is shadowing Cawley Hanna Nickol Taylor, J. Representative Fairchild for the day. Would Matthew and his Civera Harhai O’Brien Thomas Clymer Harhart Oliver Tigue father please rise. Cohen Harper O’Neill Travaglio The Chair is also pleased to welcome to the hall of the Coleman Harris Pallone True House Cassandra Paley, who is the guest of Representative Cornell Hasay Payne Turzai Bev Mackereth, and she is serving as a guest page today. Corrigan Hennessey Perzel Vance Costa Herman Petrarca Veon Would Cassandra please rise. Coy Hershey Petri Vitali The Chair is also pleased to welcome to the hall of the Crahalla Hess Petrone Walko House, as the guests of Representative Dan Surra, his guest Creighton Hickernell Phillips Wansacz pages, who are Allison and Julie Cappel. They are from the Cruz Horsey Pickett Washington Curry Hutchinson Pistella Waters DuBois area. Would they please rise. Dailey James Preston Watson The Chair is also pleased to welcome to the hall of the House Daley Josephs Raymond Weber Rachel Moore, who is a guest of Representative Tim Solobay. Dally Keller Readshaw Wheatley Rachel is a junior at Cumberland Valley School District. DeLuca Kenney Reed Williams, J. Denlinger Kirkland Reichley Wilt Rachel is shadowing Representative Solobay for her high school Dermody Kotik Rieger Wojnaroski graduation program. She is seated to the left of the Speaker. DeWeese LaGrotta Roberts Wright Would she please rise. DiGirolamo Laughlin Roebuck Yewcic Diven Leach Rohrer Youngblood Donatucci Lederer Rooney Yudichak LEAVES OF ABSENCE Eachus Leh Ross Zug Egolf Lescovitz The SPEAKER pro tempore. Are there requests for leaves of absence? NAYS–0 The Chair recognizes the majority whip, who requests a leave for the gentleman from Montgomery County, Mr. BUNT, NOT VOTING–0 and the gentleman from Erie County, Mr. BOYES, for today. Without objection, the leaves of absence are granted. EXCUSED–3

The Chair recognizes the minority whip, who requests a Boyes Bunt Surra leave of absence for the day for the gentleman from Elk County, Mr. SURRA. Without objection, the leave of absence is granted. MOUNT CARMEL AREA HIGH SCHOOL MASTER ROLL CALL FOOTBALL TEAM PRESENTED

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair is about to take the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the master roll call. Members will proceed to vote. gentleman from Northumberland, Mr. Belfanti, for the purpose of a citation presentation. The following roll call was recorded: Mr. BELFANTI. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, if I could have your attention just for a minute or two, I would like to welcome and introduce the Mount Carmel Area Red Tornadoes football team. 2003 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE 477

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Would the gentleman cease for Representative John Gordner and Representative Phillips, to just one moment, please. introduce the coaches and the captains that are here with us. Could we please have some quiet in the hall of the House. Mr. GORDNER. Thank you, Madam Speaker. The gentleman is trying to make a presentation. It is very Behind me I have coach Jim Roth. Also, cocaptains of the difficult to hear what he is saying. Would members please take team, we have Bob Kerris, Drew Hampton, Mark Wojtowics, their seats. and Matt Murdock. The gentleman may proceed. And we are very proud. I believe that they have the record Mr. BELFANTI. Thank you, Madam Speaker. for the number of appearances in the State championship with Mount Carmel is my alma mater, and I am very proud to eight, I believe, Coach, as far as teams playing in the State have with us the team that is the most winning football team in championship game. They have done an outstanding job, and the State of Pennsylvania and I believe is third in the nation we are proud of the young men, proud of the coaching staff and as far as winning football games at the high school level. the winning tradition that they have with the Southern Columbia Along with me today are Steve Matzura, Dave Shinskie, Tigers. Randy Swank, cocaptains, along with coach Mike Brennan. Mr. PHILLIPS. Again, it is an honor for me to join with I would like to point out that since the PIAA began the State Bob and John, and what is amazing to me, these two school playoffs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania back in 1988, districts are within not too many miles of each other, and to Mount Carmel Area has taken five titles, winning every have two State championship teams come out of this particular even-numbered year since the State championship program has area is quite an accomplishment. begun. And at this time I would like the Southern Columbia Area Along with me at the podium, I have my colleague from football team to stand. They are up to the right. Northumberland County, Representative Merle Phillips. I do not know if Merle has a comment or two, but I would like DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS to congratulate the Mount Carmel Area Red Tornadoes for their fifth State championship since the playoff series by the PIAA The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the lady, began. Ms. Mundy, for the purpose of a caucus announcement. Merle. Ms. MUNDY. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr. PHILLIPS. It is certainly an honor for me to be asked to The House Democrats will meet in caucus upon recess. join with Bob as he recognizes this great football team from Thank you. Mount Carmel and the outstanding record, if you heard, that The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair thanks the lady. they have had through the years, and I just would like to be part of this ceremony and congratulate them on a fine season that Are there any other announcements? they have just completed. For what purpose does the gentleman, Mr. Markosek, rise? Thank you very much. Mr. MARKOSEK. Madam Chair, do you have any Mr. BELFANTI. Thank you. information on the Professional Licensure Committee meeting And would the Red Tornadoes in the rear of the chamber, off the floor? Not at this time? Red Tornadoes football team, please stand up. Thank you. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Not at this time, sir. And at this time I would like to present the citation to Mr. MARKOSEK. Thank you very much. Coach Brennan. RECESS SOUTHERN COLUMBIA AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM PRESENTED The SPEAKER pro tempore. The House will reconvene at 12 noon for the purpose of voting for the Speaker. We now The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the stand in recess until that time. gentleman from Northumberland, Mr. Belfanti, for the purpose of a presentation. Mr. BELFANTI. Thank you, Madam Speaker. AFTER RECESS This is truly a big day for myself, Representative The time of recess having expired, the House was called to Merle Phillips, and if Representative John Gordner would join order. us, we have a second coal region football team from the Southern Columbia Area, which up until the reapportionment, the school district was shared by the three Representatives here THE CHIEF CLERK (TED MAZIA) at the podium. As Mount Carmel Area has been the AA State PRESIDING champ many times, so indeed has another regional team which adjoins the Mount Carmel region, and that is the CALL TO ORDER Southern Columbia Area High School football team. They have captured first place again this year for the 2002 PIAA single-A The CHIEF CLERK. The House will come to order. State championship. This is the second time that Members and guests will please take their seats. The Sergeants Southern Columbia Area has joined the Mount Carmel at Arms will close the doors of the House. Red Tornadoes on winning during the same years. I would like to congratulate the Southern Columbia Area High School football team and ask my colleagues, 478 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE APRIL 15

INVOCATION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

REV. LOUISE WILLIAMS BISHOP, member of the House (The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by members and of Representatives, offered the following invocation: visitors.)

Eternal Father in heaven, all-wise and everlasting God, The CHIEF CLERK. The Sergeants at Arms will open the we ask Your blessings today upon this Assembly. doors of the House. Members and guests may be seated. John Perzel, as he embarks on a new journey in his legislative career, may he be blessed with insight and wisdom as REMARKS BY MS. WASHINGTON he makes steadfast choices for the betterment of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a man who knows how to The CHIEF CLERK. The Chair recognizes the lady from work hard, a man who knows how to build bridges, and a man Philadelphia, Ms. Washington, for opening remarks. who knows how to form the right partnerships and relationships Ms. WASHINGTON. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. to get the job done. Good morning. To all of our guests here today, on behalf of the House of Today I have the special pleasure of welcoming to this Representatives, we welcome you. chamber the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. Today we will be electing the 136th Speaker of the House. Fellow Philadelphian John Perzel will today become the Today is a day still filled with sadness, sadness in our heart that 136th Speaker of the oldest elected body in this country. I salute our former Speaker, Matt Ryan, is no longer with us, but we you, John. I respect the role that you are about to play in the know that in spirit he still remains with us. So it is with heavy history of Pennsylvania. and humble hearts that we move on, but it is what Matt Ryan Yesterday we said goodbye to our predecessor. We heard would want us to do, and so we must move forward. about the rich history of this body and the Speaker’s Office We are blessed by part of this legislative body that serves as from Benjamin Franklin to Matthew J. Ryan. I am confident a model which our nation was molded. Since 1682, a little more that you will use your considerable abilities to continue that than a month after William Penn arrived here, the members of tradition. I have confidence that you will lead this body with a this institution have represented the people of the bipartisan interest and effort. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and while hundreds have There is no doubt you are devoted to this body. On a served in this chamber, only a few have had the honor personal note, I know that you have listened to what I have had and the distinction of serving as Speaker, including the late to say and have negotiated with fairness. We have not always Matthew J. Ryan, K. Leroy Irvis, the late James J. Manderino, agreed on priorities or even methodology, but I know you are Bill DeWeese, and now the Honorable John Perzel. It is a merit sincere in your efforts on behalf of your constituents. filled with honor, with principle and respect, and John will look Speaker Matthew Ryan left pretty big shoes to fill. I know on each of us to guide him, to advise him on issues pertinent to you will work hard to live up to his examples of leadership and our districts. fairness. John, I wish you good luck and God’s blessings. And let me be the first to say congratulations to John Perzel Thank you. as he is about to become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. Let us ask You, God, to guide him in his ways of truth and justice. I pray that You will anoint him and give RESOLUTION ADOPTED him the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of ELECTION OF SPEAKER Samson, and the heart of David, for we know with strength, with wisdom, with patience and the right heart that he will be Mrs. MILLER offered the following resolution, which was able to lead the House of Representatives with harmony and read, considered, and adopted: with peace.

I want to thank You for the work that You have done in In the House of Representatives Philadelphia, John. As a lifelong resident, God has helped to April 15, 2003 make him one of the top politicians on the scale earning the respect, the admiration of many leaders. RESOLVED, That because of the death of the Speaker of the House I ask, God, as we focus on John and on his help and on what a vacancy exists and that in accordance with the provisions of he has done for the children of Pennsylvania and the families Article II, section 9, of the Constitution of Pennsylvania, the House do and the neighborhoods by making them safer and transforming now proceed to the election of a Speaker. welfare so that people can now serve with dignity, I ask, God, that You give him the gift of responsibility, a gift that can be NOMINATIONS FOR SPEAKER handled with the greatest of care and devotion. Lastly, let Your blessings be upon the House of The CHIEF CLERK. Nominations are now in order for the Representatives and all of the people who will serve with him. office of Speaker. Bless us collectively, bless our families, and bless each of us The Chair recognizes the lady from Northampton County, individually in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania so that we Mrs. Harhart. might get the job done for the people of this Commonwealth. Mrs. HARHART. Thank you, Mr. Chief Clerk. We say amen, God, and thank You. I rise on behalf of my colleague, Representative Karl Boyes, to deliver the words he has prepared for the nomination of his friend, John Perzel, for office of the Speaker of the House. 2003 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE 479

It is a privilege and honor to nominate John M. Perzel for the The CHIEF CLERK. The lady from Northampton County, office of Speaker. No other person is better suited to assume the Mrs. Harhart, places in nomination for the office of Speaker the responsibilities of the office and carry out the vision of gentleman from Philadelphia, the Honorable John M. Perzel. Matthew Ryan, our late Speaker. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Delaware County, The duties of our Speaker are unlike those of any other Mr. Gannon. position in the House, with both ceremonial and leadership Mr. GANNON. Thank you, Mr. Chief Clerk. components requiring a broad, encompassing point of view. I come here today to place the name of John Perzel in In one sense there is no prior experience that can fully prepare a nomination for Speaker with some mixed emotions. I stood at person for the duties of the office. However, knowing John’s this very same podium a little over 90 days ago and offered into legislative experience, his vision, his leadership ability, and his nomination the name of Matthew J. Ryan. At that time, little did concern for people, I believe he has the necessary ingredients to I expect that within about 3 months I would be at the podium be an outstanding Speaker. again offering another nomination for Speaker. I did not realize For the last 8 years, as House majority leader, John has run it would be my honor and privilege to offer the name of one of the day-to-day workings of the House. Matt Ryan once said that my best friends, both in the House and out of the House. his term as majority leader convinced him that it is the toughest John and I first met each other in about 1979 when we came job on the Hill. He went on to say that John has been able to do to the General Assembly as freshmen. In fact, it was John, amazing things with such a narrow majority. myself, and Len Gruppo who traveled around together. I saw John is poised to reach the peak of any House member’s Len is here today, and I was very happy to see that he was career, but his success does not surprise those of us who have invited to this occasion. But in the course of that friendship known him for years. John has a habit of tackling the tough job developing, I saw that John was a true politician and someone even when everybody else says it cannot be done. He accepts who really understands the art of politics, which is the art of the challenge and calculates how to get it done the right way, persuasion, and that he was a warrior, that he was willing to even if his first try is not successful. Like his first run for the fight for those things that he believed in and willing to do State House or his first run for a leadership office, he remains whatever he could to bring them to fruition, and he was also a focused and determined and keeps working to reach his statesman. objectives. John has taken a diverse Republican Caucus, found I stood by John through a number of series of leadership common ground, and molded it into an effective working elections. I supported him in every one – a loss, one was a tie majority. He has listened, sympathized, counseled, and cajoled and then ultimately became a very close victory – and I support to bring divergent points of views to a course of action that can him fully today in his nomination for Speaker of the House of gain broad acceptance. He will use those same skills as Speaker Representatives. to bring people together to solve problems regardless of their I remember when we were freshman legislators and it might political affiliation. have even been our first term, we went to a seminar for the While his legislative and leadership accomplishments are freshman legislators, and Speaker K. Leroy Irvis gave a little both impressive and numerous, they are not the most important talk, and one of the things that he said in that talk was that we reason for electing John Perzel as Speaker. The most important represented all the people of the Commonwealth. And after that reason is his genuine concern for people, which you experience conversation, after that talk, John and I had a bite to eat and we if you get the opportunity to spend time with him outside of the were talking about that, and we kind of joked around that, you day-to-day legislative battles. As we all can attest, whatever know, he really did not understand it; we only represented the your position, whatever your political affiliation, John will take people that elected us here, the people from our district; time to talk to you about your concerns. It is my hope that the they are the ones that we really represented. We figured that citizens of Pennsylvania will come to know this side of Speaker Irvis was looking for tax votes or something like that John Perzel, a side of him that I have known these past 23 years. and he was going to use that argument to try to persuade us to It is often difficult for the public to get to know a floor leader in come up with the “yes” votes that he needed. But actually, this way. Speaker Irvis was speaking from the knowledge that he had Guiding the legislative process requires perseverance and gained as experience, which we did not have, and the wisdom determination, qualities that John certainly possesses, but that comes with age, which we did not have at that time. John has always shown the ability to rise to the occasion to meet So I stand here today encouraging you to hand the torch to new responsibilities, and I know he will do it once again as John Perzel with the expectation that he will carry it brightly Speaker. and that it will be a beacon leading us and the people of As a freshman member, I recall John, himself only in his Pennsylvania to a brighter and better future and to say to second term, going out of his way to give me pointers that Representative Perzel that, yes, as Speaker of the House, he will helped me better represent my constituents. On numerous in fact represent every citizen of this Commonwealth of occasions over the years, I have seen the private side of the Pennsylvania and that in fact, in those remarks made, oh, so man. I have long believed in his ability to attain the office of long ago by Speaker Irvis, that he was absolutely correct, that Speaker, and having attained it, to serve with distinction. that is our responsibility and that is our job, and I know John From the earliest days of his career, John M. Perzel has will carry it out with confidence and that we will be proud of his demonstrated the qualities necessary to make him an service as Speaker of the House of Representatives. outstanding Speaker. It is for these reasons that I And with that, I ask every member of the House to cast their wholeheartedly nominate John M. Perzel to be the next Speaker vote in favor of John Perzel as the Speaker of the House of of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Representatives. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chief Clerk. 480 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE APRIL 15

The CHIEF CLERK. The gentleman from Delaware County, So I find myself not trying to get my hands on John Perzel Mr. Gannon, seconds the nomination of Mr. Perzel for the but constantly putting my hand out to thank him for the help he office of Speaker. has given me, the Port of Philadelphia, and I believe the people The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Philadelphia, of Pennsylvania. He is our friend, and I believe he will be a Mr. Keller. great Speaker of the House. Mr. KELLER. Thank you, Mr. Chief Clerk. On a personal note, Mr. Chief Clerk, I know it is a great day It is truly an honor and a privilege to stand here today and for John and his family, but I also know he has some sadness in place the name of John Perzel in nomination for Speaker, and it his heart, because he takes this office at the passing of Speaker is very unusual that I do that, and it is not because of my Ryan. We all know there were two things very important to party affiliation; it is because I believe I have traveled the Speaker Ryan, and that is this House and the Speakership, and I farthest in my opinion of John Perzel. My opinion has changed believe in a very short time Matt Ryan will be very proud that 180 degrees since the day I got here. those two things were left in John Perzel’s capable hands. Let me take you back to how this all came about. Thank you. Eleven years ago I was on the receiving end of a patented The CHIEF CLERK. The gentleman from Philadelphia, John Perzel targeted race, and those of us who have survived Mr. Keller, seconds the nomination of Mr. Perzel for the office those know that is not a very nice thing to be involved in. It was of Speaker. pretty nasty. As a matter of fact, I cannot think of one good The Chair recognizes the majority leader, Mr. Smith. thing that happened during that campaign. I won, and I lost Mr. S. SMITH. Thank you, Mr. Chief Clerk. 20 pounds, and usually when you lose a little weight, people I, too, am deeply honored to have this opportunity to second come up and say how good you look. In that race they said, boy, the nomination of John Perzel to the office of Speaker of the you look sick. I said, yeah, I am sick; Perzel is after me. House of Representatives. But we did win, and not to bring up a sore point, John, we won We have been talking a lot, obviously, in memory and tribute by 6,000 votes. to Matt Ryan, but I think that we also should look at this So we get up to Harrisburg and, you know, as every position in terms of the context of history, and one of the things freshman class does – and it is legendary that Matt Ryan, when that you will find about John Perzel, I think, when he is in the he was asked when he was a freshman, what do you want to be, Chair, I think you are going to find a deeper sense of history he said, I want to be Speaker of the House – in our freshman that he contains. He knows more dates and facts and figures class we went around the room and people said, you know, they about this place than most of us do. want to have groundbreaking legislation, you know, they want And like many of those folks that were Speaker before him, to help their district, become U.S. Senator, President, and they John comes from humble beginnings. Oftentimes he has stood finally get to me. Representative Keller, why did you come to up here and spoken about his family and his roots, and he did Harrisburg? I said, I came to get my hands on John Perzel. not come from a family of great means or with great political People used to see me hanging in the parking garage in the lineage. This was a guy who just started out as an average dark corners waiting for Perzel to come out. person, and he worked hard. He lost his first election, but he Well, let us fast-forward a couple years and John Perzel went on and did not take defeat. He went on from that and becomes majority leader of the House and I get that 20 pounds continued to work hard and pounded on the doors, and of muscle back. One of the first things we did, one of the first eventually, he was elected to the House of Representatives. crises that came about then was that the Philadelphia School Some have questioned, some of the media, I should say, or District was in crisis and they were going to close the schools some of the people outside of this building have questioned down, and a couple of us got together in a bipartisan way – John’s ability to transport himself from this position in the pit to myself, Representative Butkovitz, Representative Lederer, that position on the podium. I think that that question will be Representatives Taylor and Kenney – we approached John in a answered in a very short order. bipartisan way that we had some ideas we would like him to John is, in essence, in my mind, he is the American dream. consider for the Philadelphia School District, and he did, and he He is an example of the American dream. He is someone who worked very hard at it – I mean, as far as letting us come and started out with just an average education, an average get subpoenas from the House to work on the problems that we background, worked hard. Like the entrepreneur who starts his worked at – and I believe we did, with his help, we did get business and through hard work nurtures it and grows it into a groundbreaking legislation, with his help. thriving enterprise, John Perzel has done the same thing, and Also, I went to him; there was an RFP (request for proposal) I think that that is something that will be evident with John in from the Federal government for layberths, which is very the Speaker’s chair. He is the American dream through important to me, in the Port of Philadelphia, these large, hard work and persistence. medium-speed RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) ships. John Perzel Many have doubted him in some ways and they have helped with that. Also, the Federal government came out with questioned him in others, but I think when John Perzel is an RFP to make Philadelphia a strategic port. John Perzel not Speaker, you will see he can rise to that occasion and he will only helped, not once, twice, but numerous times, down to prove the doubters wrong. Washington talking to the Republican leadership in Washington Over the last many years I have heard John Perzel called a to help that happen. That not only helped Philadelphia, it helped lot of different things, some of them not so flattering. Today, Letterkenny Army Depot and all the bases around Pennsylvania. Mr. Chief Clerk, it is time we call John Perzel Mr. Speaker. That was very helpful, and it was for Pennsylvania. Thank you. The CHIEF CLERK. The majority leader, Mr. Smith, seconds the nomination of Mr. Perzel for the office of Speaker. 2003 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE 481

The Chair recognizes the Democratic leader, Mr. DeWeese. especially from a soldier who had been considered by many as Mr. DeWEESE. Do not foul, do not flinch; hit the line autocratic. I have high hopes for my friend, John Perzel. running. Those were the remarks of Teddy Roosevelt almost In closing, Mr. Chief Clerk, and we do have one heck of a exactly 100 years ago in the middle of one of his great Chief Clerk. “Great American” is a trite and happening phrase campaigns, and from my inaugural observations today, I would in some instances, but we have a great Chief Clerk, and I doff like to think that “do not foul, do not flinch; hit the line my hat figuratively to him because he is part of the institutional running” embodies the ethos of the man that will soon be integrity and dynamics that keeps this wonderful House catapulted to the State’s Speakership. functioning and allows Representative Perzel and the new Apropos of what my honorable colleague, Mr. Smith, just administration to move forward in their endeavors. said, there are pundits and politicians, and a few of them are But before I close, I would like to say something about the Democrats and a few of them are here with me today. In fact, it system, the system that we are experiencing here today. This is is a schizophrenic moment for me. I am trying to figure out not just an elevation of one of our friends and colleagues, whether I am one of them or not, but we all have high hopes for although that is preeminently and paramountly the reason we the next Speaker of the House. are here today, but for these youngsters in the front and for all The Honorable Louise Williams Bishop invoked scripture of the people in the audience today, it is a celebration of our and she talked about the strength of Samson. It is axiomatic that system, of our democracy, of the passing of the torch, of what John Perzel has the strength of Samson, but I was more attuned we have that they do not have in Mesopotamia and on the rim of to her admonitions about the heart of David, especially when Asia and in so many countries of the world, this wonderfully you are in the minority the way we are this afternoon. vibrant, exciting system. Where else could we bring people like I am here to second the nomination because I know when we have today? We have Sam Katz and John Street in the I am whipped. I did not realize that would be an applause line. same room. We have Senator Specter and Jerry Birmelin in the I should have. same room. We have Bob Asher and Bill George in the I have got a couple of quick examples and then I will second same room. We have got Johnny Doc and Frank Rizzo, Jr. the nomination and sit down, but I think it was in the Book of We have got Mike Veon and John Barley. We have the lovely Acts – Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecutest this way? Many Kathy McCormac. We have the lobbyists par excellence – Democrats have been thinking that about the majority leader I better not; I will get in trouble. Well, I can see Larry Light and over the past several years. He has organized a veritable Sam Marshall and Rocco. I can only see those who are in my juggernaut against us, and we have had an obviously visual purview. I hope I used that word correctly. If I did not, challenging time attempting to gainsay or countervail, and most I will hear about it. of the times we have not been successful. But Saul became But this is a great system, and John Perzel deserves to have a Paul, and the guy that roughed up a lot of people in Palestine great day, and therefore, Mr. Speaker, it is with esteem that went on to become a saint. I have high hopes for the next I relinquish the microphone with a seconding motion to honor a Speaker of the House. man who I believe will emulate Richard Nixon going to China. Two hundred years ago this year Thomas Jefferson, a strict Thank you. constructionist, tried to figure out a way to wiggle around The CHIEF CLERK. The Democratic leader seconds the buying Louisiana. There was nothing in the Constitution that nomination of Mr. Perzel for the office of Speaker. said you could buy Louisiana, but he was a great politician. We The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Blair County, have this gauzy, marbleized image of Jefferson as an idealist Mr. Geist. icon of the Revolutionary era, which indeed he was, but Mr. GEIST. Thank you very much, Mr. Chief Clerk. Jefferson was Perzelian in his political instincts and he became And this is really a pleasure for me. I have had the pleasure a rather loose constructionist of the Constitution. He bought of doing this for Matt Ryan, both as a leader and Speaker, Louisiana, and the U.S.A. has never been quite the same. I have and I think this is just a wonderful, historic day. high hopes for Speaker John Perzel. Teddy, a little advice. Spend some of our money, go buy a There are all kinds of transmogrifications and locking seatbelt, and put it on that chair up there, because when metamorphoses that can take place, and notwithstanding the the debate starts, you are going to have to tackle him to keep rough treatment I have experienced historically, this is a great him from coming down here to get on this microphone. day for all of us. Twenty-five years ago when we came in as freshmen, I will A final example. It is a little more poignant. Guys like tell you that my first meeting of John Perzel and Fran Weston, Joe Guilday and Arlen Specter will probably remember this. I needed an interpreter. John speaks so fast, so quickly, and with They were children at the time, of course, but when that accent, a guy from Altoona, I had a terrible time Douglas MacArthur arrived at Daichi Palace in Tokyo just after understanding him. So for 25 years I have been saying, what did the conclusion of that great concussion known as World War II, he say? I mean, if you are not quick and if you are not ready, he he came as a military man; he came as the highest decorated is gone. soldier in World War I, a guy that led patrols in the Philippines John has been battle tested. We have heard everybody else and a guy that had led our armadas and armies in the Far East to talk about his wonderful career, and it has been an amazing great victory, but when he came to Daichi Palace in Tokyo, career, but I will tell you that John has won it on the mat as well MacArthur became a democrat. Now, that is with a small “d.” as in the locker room. He is not afraid to get up and say what he I do not expect John to become a Democrat. But MacArthur’s thinks, and most of all, he is not afraid to get up and back a equanimity and vision and foresight and engagement and member who is in trouble. He will say what he thinks, he will sensitivity to the Japanese people, to Japanese women, to be tough as nails, and he will be right, and you cannot have a Japanese labor unions in their Constitution was unparalleled, better combination than that as a Speaker. He will protect this 482 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE APRIL 15

House and he will run this House and he will be fair, and with I first met John Perzel back in 1980 when I was running for that, Mr. Chief Clerk, I would like to move that these the State House in northeast Philadelphia as a young lawyer, nominations be closed. and you know most lawyers do not know much about The CHIEF CLERK. The gentleman from Blair, Mr. Geist, campaigns, and I was no different from most lawyers. Frankly, moves that the nominations now be closed. I had no idea what made up a successful campaign, and I was floundering. This, by the way, was before the era of the On the question, mass-mail carpet bombing, which figures so prominently in Will the House agree to the motion? contested legislative campaigns today. Motion was agreed to. I remember getting valuable and indispensable advice from three individuals – Representative Perzel, who was then just a The CHIEF CLERK. Those in favor of the Honorable freshman legislator; Representative Dennis O’Brien, then John M. Perzel from Philadelphia for the office of Speaker of completing his second term; and an obscure middle manager at the House will say “aye”; those opposed will say “no.” a place called Bell of Pennsylvania named Frank Buzydlowski, The “ayes” have it, and the Honorable John M. Perzel is who I think some of you also may be familiar with. Without unanimously elected Speaker of the House. their advice, I would not have won. And I should mention there Congratulations, Mr. Perzel. was a common theme throughout all the advice that was given to me by Representative Perzel, and it always involved a great COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO ESCORT deal of hard work, just hard work day after day. There were no shortcuts, and I remember taking his advice throughout the hot, SPEAKER-ELECT TO ROSTRUM humid nights of a hot summer in 1980, and when I got to this The CHIEF CLERK. The Chair appoints the majority leader, chamber, I, of course, had an excellent opportunity to observe Mr. Smith, and the Democratic leader, Mr. DeWeese, to escort John Perzel in action, witnessing the same work ethic, which Speaker-elect Perzel to the rostrum. was exemplified by his earlier advice. The committee to escort the Speaker-elect will proceed with John Perzel is not a graduate of an Ivy League college; he the performance of their duties. did not go to a prep school; he does not have a string of degrees after his name or a list of medals from the military. He did not The Chair recognizes the chairman of the committee, inherit great wealth or become an early success at a business. Mr. Smith. He got where he is today by working harder than anyone else, Mr. S. SMITH. Mr. Chief Clerk, I have the honor of by his unusual stamina and persistence and diligence that keeps presenting Speaker-elect John M. Perzel. him going when almost anyone else would have given up. Time after time throughout his career, there have been those who have underestimated him. I suspect there are very few who OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED would do that now. TO SPEAKER-ELECT PERZEL Now, the position of Speaker is the only nonparty office in the House. Its requirements are, of course, very different from The CHIEF CLERK. The Chair requests that the Honorable the caucus leadership positions in the House. We all miss Robert W. O’Donnell, former Speaker of the House, present the Matt Ryan. He was like a father and a brother to all of us in this Perzel family Bible for the purpose of taking the oath. chamber, but I have no doubt John Perzel will bring great credit The oath of office to the Speaker-elect will now be to the office he is about to assume, and that will be to the great administered by the Honorable Chris Wogan, judge, Court of benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Common Pleas, Philadelphia, and a former member of this Now, John, if you would place your hand on the Bible here House. and raise your right hand and repeat after me. JUDGE WOGAN. Thank you. Mr. PERZEL. I am ready. I will try to make this brief. I was a committee chairman. JUDGE WOGAN. I, John M. Perzel, do solemnly swear that I understand how important that is. I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the His Excellency, Governor Rendell; distinguished former United States and the Constitution of this Commonwealth, and Speakers Irvis, O’Donnell, DeWeese; friends and former that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity. colleagues: I once again appreciate the honor and privilege granted me of allowing me to administer an oath required by (Speaker-elect Perzel asserted oath.) our State Constitution, an oath to be taken shortly by Speaker-elect John M. Perzel of the 172d House District in JUDGE WOGAN. Congratulations, Speaker Perzel. northeast Philadelphia. I still stand in awe of this great institution and building, whose halls I first entered as a freshman House member after REMARKS BY the 1980 election. Although I wear a black robe at my present HON. EDWARD G. RENDELL job, this chamber will always be like a second home to me, and I know I am indeed fortunate to count so many of you sitting The CHIEF CLERK. The Chair now recognizes the here today and standing here today as among the best friends Governor, Ed Rendell, for remarks. that anyone could ever have, and not least among them is The GOVERNOR. Well, good afternoon, everyone, and it is Representative John Perzel, whom I had the privilege of serving a pleasure for me to be here and to offer my congratulations to with here for so many years. John.

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You know, I have sat and listened to some wonderful and when I walked out on the stage at the hotel in Philadelphia speeches, and so many of the things that were said were apt and and I looked into the camera as Governor-elect, an interesting very relevant. Our new majority leader said that John is a great feeling comes over you, and my guess is that John is feeling it example of the American dream, and he is. What a great inside himself today, and the feeling is, my gosh, I have been American success story John Perzel is, and he got there the hard invested with a tremendous responsibility. I now represent way – he earned it. He earned it himself by his own diligence, every man, woman, and child in the State of Pennsylvania, the his own hard work, his own energy, his own perseverance, and fifth largest State in the greatest country in the history of the his unwillingness to listen to people who told him what he could world, and I am not a partisan anymore. I am a partisan in the not do. sense that I will continue to fight strongly and aggressively for I get a chance, first as mayor and now as Governor, to speak the things I believe in, but they did not elect me to be the at a lot of graduations – middle school, high school, college Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania; they elected me to be graduations – and one of the things that I tell the students is that the Governor of Pennsylvania. I represent every single person, as you go through life, you will find that people are always every single person, and it is an awesome responsibility, and it telling you what you cannot do, and if all of us who are elected changes you. There is no way it does not. It changes your officials here today think about it, sometime during your life, at outlook; it changes your perspective; it changes your deep sense some juncture, people told you, well, you cannot do that; that is of responsibility, and if you assume the role and do it well, that above your skill; you are not going to be able to accomplish change will be a beneficial one and you will grow into that job, that, but almost everyone in this room said, no, I believe I can and for me that process has just begun, and I hope over the next get there and I am going to get there. 3 years and 9 months that I continue to grow and get better at John Street is here, the mayor of Philadelphia, and he was the job of representing all of Pennsylvania. told by a high school counselor that he was not college material, Well, today John represents all of Pennsylvania, not just the but he did not believe that and went on to graduate from a wonderful men and women who make up this chamber, but he wonderful university, went on to graduate from law school and represents every man, every woman, and every child in the become mayor of the nation’s fifth largest city, and John has State. And, John, you will find that that is a heavy and awesome had people all his life tell him what he could not do, but he responsibility, but I have no doubt that you are up to it. I have refused to accept that. He had the single most important no doubt that your great skills and great commitment and great attribute that any human being can have – belief in himself, work ethic will just grow stronger and better on behalf of all of belief that he could get there, belief that he could overcome any the citizens. hurdle and any challenge, and by gosh, he has. Now, of course today is a wonderful day for the Perzel John, I timed it. Your election took 56 minutes and did not family, who have been there almost every step of the way as cost you a dollar. My election took 2 years and cost me John has gone up the ladder of success. It is also a wonderful $42 million. So what a great success story, and I think it makes day for the people of Philadelphia, who can be extremely proud all of us happy and all of us proud. of what their native son has accomplished, but it is also a great Our great minority leader said one thing that was relevant – day for 12.4 million Pennsylvanians, who can be very, very I do not mean just one thing – when he said that proud of their new Speaker. Thomas Jefferson was in fact, despite all the lofty things that we think about him now and what a great leader who could write and talk better than anybody, express himself in ways that PRESENTATION OF GAVEL moved people to do great things, but in the end he was a great politician. The CHIEF CLERK. The Chair requests that the Honorable And I know there has been much written about John having K. Leroy Irvis, former Speaker of the House, take the Chair for to go from one job to another, the job of being a partisan leader the purpose of presenting the gavel to Speaker Perzel. to the job of being Speaker of the entire House of Mr. IRVIS. If my mother were here, she would know that Representatives, but as Matt Ryan would tell us if he were here I would not be silent. I have never been known to be silent, with us today, when you become Speaker, you do not put aside but I am particularly pleased that a member who served with your political skills. In fact, in many ways it is the time you me, Mr. Gannon, remembered something that I said and finally need them most, because you are building broad coalitions of came to agree with me. members of different parties, of members from diverse regions, I respect this position beyond that of any that I have ever of members from incredibly different backgrounds, and the fact held or been offered. I respect this great invention of democracy that John Perzel is as good a politician as almost any of us in where we come together to rule ourselves, not to be ruled by this room have ever seen will hold him in good stead in this job others, but to make our own decisions as to what we think is as Speaker. best for our people. And when you on the floor of this House But I think John is about to undergo a metamorphosis, elect a person to be Speaker, you elect one very carefully, if I can borrow from the lexicon of our minority leader, and it is because immediately upon taking that oath he is no longer a an interesting metamorphosis that a number of people who Democrat, he is no longer a Republican, he is the Speaker of the assume the mantle of leadership go through. I know that all whole House, and his job is to make sure that everyone here on during my campaign, I was a partisan. For 2 years I was a all sides of this room are treated fairly and that the people of partisan. I talked like a partisan; I acted like a partisan; my Pennsylvania’s best interests will be served. If I did not believe dreams were even partisan. But then something unusual that about John, those of you who know me know that I would happened. I got elected Governor of the State of Pennsylvania, not be here.

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So I am very proud to offer this gavel of authority to the new invited here because you are friends of mine, and every one of Speaker of the House of Representatives, whom I honor not you are, but I did single out a few people, and I just wanted very because he is the Speaker but because I know the man. quickly to go through them and why they hit this little book. Congratulations. I started working at 15 years of age at Moe’s Deli, and I give an enormous number of speeches during the course of the year THE SPEAKER (JOHN M. PERZEL) and I give interviews and I meet with all the press people, and it PRESIDING is difficult sometimes, in a 2-hour interview, to keep track of every single line that is said and everything that you say. But, you know, if I offended anyone with some of the recent ADDRESS BY SPEAKER comments, I would like to apologize, because when I started, I started at that Moe’s Delicatessen washing pots and washing The SPEAKER. I would be a fool to tell you that I thought dishes and scraping the gum off the floor when I was not busy I was always going to make it to here. washing the pots. So it just goes to show whether you are a To my left, the two Bibles that we have, the one is actually page on the floor of the House or you are a dishwasher at my wife’s family Bible. It goes back to 1840. But the red Bible Moe’s Delicatessen, you can make it, no matter when. underneath is the Bible of Benjamin Franklin, who was a It would not be fair not to mention Silvio Trentalange. Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. I know he could not make it today, but I am sure we will send There are a couple things that I would like to say, that first, him a tape, no matter what. But I went to work with Silvio, and Bill, out of respect for you as minority leader, I have hired an he was a real driver. He did not let you stop from early in the interpreter so that I can know what you are saying all the time. morning till late at night, and he hired every one of my brothers, I did have a bag here for the Governor, but I know that he every relative, every kid on the block. Even the new chairman has left. The members of my family last night stayed in a of the Parking Authority, Joey Ashdale, worked there. hotel room, and I took the pen, the paper, the shampoo, and Everybody in the whole neighborhood worked there, and in I took the soap. I hope that it helps. order to get that job, they had to go door to door with us as we I want to thank Judge Wogan very, very much for presiding went through the heat. That was part of the deal in order to be here today. Not only is he a friend and now he is a able to get a job at Pavio’s. So, Silvio, I do not know if you common pleas court judge, I represent most of his old district. knew I was using it as a patronage mill, but I was. Thank you. So thank you, Chris. John and Pat Logan allowed me – they are my aunt and I would like to thank Speaker Irvis, Speaker O’Donnell, uncle – they allowed me to live with them in Alabama, Speaker DeWeese, and the Governor for stopping and saying and I graduated from Enterprise State Junior College and some very, very nice things about me. Thank you very, very Troy State University, and because of them I have those much. degrees. So I wanted to thank them. But I would also like to thank the members of the The gentleman that got me into politics was John Fitzpatrick, General Assembly for probably one of the finest days of my and John Fitzpatrick was a very, very unique man – a very life. I could have never dreamed that I would have made it to be unique man. The first campaign I was involved in was a the Speaker of the House when I sat in the very back. First I did Democrat primary, Berle Schiller against Herb McGlinchey, not think I was going to win, and then I lost the first time, and Mr. Schiller lost, and that evening they had a party, and – and then I was defeated twice for leadership, and I was ah, you may as well get the truth – at the party I was the number beginning to wonder whether I should ever even try again, and one vote getter of all the precincts out there, and I worked – this then John Barley came by to see me and asked me, he said, why is 1972 – I got $100 for working the day, $100 for the best do you not try one more time, John, and I was elected into percentage, and $100 for the highest turnout, and Fitz said, leadership or I would not have probably run again. So I have to “What do you think about politics?” I said, “John, this is an thank John for that and for all the help that he gave me during amazing thing. I can’t believe this. This guy lost, and they had a the time that we were trying to win the majority. I do not mean party like this and they treat you like this.” I said, “What’s it to be partisan, Bill; I am just trying to thank John. like when they win?” He said, “Oh, it’s much better than this. Before I really go into, it is not going to be a very long talk Oh.” So I went down, about 5 or 6 weeks later I was taken down that I have, but I would like to introduce the most important to see Billy Meehan. We came out of the meeting and I said to person in my life, and I would like to, normally I do not ask her John Fitzpatrick, I said, “John, I thought we were Democrats.” to stand up. She has been my partner, my friend, and my lover, “Oh, no. We’re Republicans.” He said, “You got a Republican my wife, Sheryl. We were sweethearts in high school, then we street list; you’re a Republican leader now” – committeeman, got married, but not to each other, and then we finally ended up not leader in the sense of a leader. But John did that for me, and being with each other, and she has given me four lovely sons – Billy Meehan obviously gave me the opportunity to run. Andrew, David, John, and Sam. I would like to have them stand I ran in ’76, and at that time Norman Ackerman chose me to up. They were born in alphabetical order. be the candidate, and then in 1978 Alfred Recupido picked me In the well of the House here today I have my mother, Susan. to be the candidate, and if it were not for Freddy, I would not I would like to ask my mother to stand up for a moment. I also have had the chance to run; I would not have had the chance to have a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, and my brothers – be here. William, Thomas, and Michael. Could you just stand for a Senator Hank Salvatore was the caucus administrator. When moment. As I am sure you can plainly see, I was the youngest you are a freshman, you find out how important the caucus of the family. administrator really is. He decides how much literature you get I put in this book that you all received a couple of people, to print; he decides where your car is parked; he decides and you do not like to single anybody out, because you were all 2003 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE 485 everything, and I am sure you freshmen are finding that all out Pennsylvania – this is a common goal. Our job is to make life now. And Hank helped me; he took me under his wing. better for our families, our communities, and our future. I actually was sleeping in my van there for a while, because, As I take up my new role as Speaker today, let us grasp you know, that Pavio job paid a whole lot more money than a today as an opportunity, an opportunity for all of us to fulfill our legislator made. It was tax free, too. common goal. By working together, we will accomplish some And the last person that I have on that list is great things. Let us remain focused and not allow our Thomas McCormac. You cannot lead this place or watch what differences to divide us. Let us keep Pennsylvania moving in goes on without somebody that follows the minute details day in the right direction. and day out. That young man did that, and he was tragically As Speaker, as your Speaker, while I cannot tell you what killed two summers ago. He was a fine young man, probably style I will have, I can say to you that I am here for you, for one of the hardest workers I have ever met. Not to diminish each and every one of you. It is one of my personal goals to Brian Preski, who has done a fine job, but, I mean, that make your priorities mine as well. All of you know where young man really did a fine job, and I wanted to honor him and my office is; my telephone numbers are all listed, even my say thank you, Tommy, for all the work that you did. home number; I answer all my e-mails myself – that is why I do have a prepared speech, because I think what you heard I am a little backlogged right now – and feel free to use them. here today was that I am not standing in front of you today as a I would like to start the dialogue today. What we do is too Democrat or a Republican but as a new Speaker of the important not to talk or exchange the ideas. The issues that we Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the newest holder of face affect real people and truly make a difference in people’s the oldest elected position in the Commonwealth, and for that lives. matter, in the United States. As majority leader for the past several years, my door has The Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly, predecessor to the always been open, and it has been used by members of both Pennsylvania House of Representatives, elected its first Speaker sides. My reputation is for working with everyone, and I hope in 1682, which was said by Representative Bishop. In 1791 the that that will continue as I am Speaker of this House. I sincerely Assembly became the House of Representatives. That was, by am here to help you, and my door is open. the way, the same year they created the State Senate, which was I wanted to say that over the years it has been very a mistake we have tried to rectify since, but we have not been interesting. Until I became the leader, I really never worked able to do that. Anyway, the House continues to elect a Speaker with any of the members of the other side of the aisle – I mean, to preside over each session. There have been more than until I became, you know, the majority leader I never worked 130 distinguished Pennsylvanians, including, as was mentioned with the members of the other side – and to be honest with you, earlier, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Leroy Irvis, both sides of the aisle really want things to be better for all the Bob O’Donnell, James Manderino, Jack Seltzer, and of course, people of Pennsylvania. I have not found anybody here that Matthew J. Ryan, who presided over this Pennsylvania House. does not want it to be better. Now, some of us may not like each Matt Ryan, as you all know, was a great man. In fact, if you other because of political parties and they want to move up and look at the mural behind me called “The Apotheosis,” I think they want to move down or whatever it is, but the common goal you will be able to agree with me that Matt could be painted truly is for the common good of the Commonwealth. right in there with the other great Pennsylvanians. Matt would Ed Rendell was elected our Governor; he is Governor have been a definite tough act for anyone in this chamber to Ed Rendell. We have an obligation to try to help him with his follow, and I know that. budget, and we are going to be working together, both sides of I cannot stand here before you today and tell you what type the aisle, over the next couple weeks to see what priorities we of Speaker that I will be, what style I will have, because I just can put together to accomplish the goals of our Governor. That do not know that yet, and I do not think anyone here does either. is our job here in the House of Representatives. Gridlock is not Yet there have been a couple pundits and other people who our job, and we have not seen that and we will not allow that to want to sound as if they really do know by telling or writing happen. what type of Speaker I will be. The truth is, they are looking for I would love to individually recognize each and every one of attention, and they do not know either. As Speaker, it is my you; I truly would, but it would be a mistake, and I would miss hope to always be helpful to you, the members, to achieve your somebody and somebody would be angry. So from the bottom goals and your priorities in this General Assembly. of my heart, thank you very, very much for coming here today. Last week, a new member was sworn in. The crux of my This is probably the highest honor I have ever achieved in my comments to him was that Speaker Ryan was a wonderful role political life. I am honored by the fact that you all would come model for me as well as all the new members, but he might all this way from all parts of Pennsylvania to be here. choose from among any of the more than 200 members of the So with that, thank you very, very, very much. House as role models. Every member, each and every one of you, Republican and PRESENTATION OF Democrat, is here because you care. You care about your COMMEMORATIVE GAVEL communities, and you care about making Pennsylvania an even better place to live, work, and to play. You all have your own The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes the Chief Clerk. priorities and your own needs, but I think we do have a common The CHIEF CLERK. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to present goal and a common job – to make life better for people in you with a commemorative gavel and wish you the best in all Pennsylvania. Is that not really why each and every one of us your endeavors, my friend, Mr. Speaker, John Perzel. wanted to come here in the first place? To make life better for The SPEAKER. The Chair thanks the Chief Clerk. 486 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE APRIL 15

PARLIAMENTARIAN APPOINTED I will fear no evil, For Thou art with me; The SPEAKER. In compliance with the laws of the Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Commonwealth authorizing the Speaker to appoint a Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of Parliamentarian, the Chair appoints Clancy Myer as mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives. over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the BENEDICTION days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The SPEAKER. The benediction will be offered by the Reverend Reynolds D. Baldwin, Jr. Members and guests will May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep please rise. your hearts and minds in the knowledge and the love of God REVEREND BALDWIN. We have just participated in the and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; in the name of the Father exercise of a democratic republic by witnessing the swearing in and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. of State Representative John M. Perzel from the county of Philadelphia. Together we are coworkers, friends, and family of ANNOUNCEMENT OF the Speaker, but we are much more than that today. Gathered in MAJORITY LEADERSHIP the splendor of this hall with the lights dazzling off the crystal, illuminating the gold leaf, it adds splendor to this event. The SPEAKER. There is one piece of business that I did not But we are much more than coworkers, friends, and family. want to leave out. We are much more than that today. Mr. Speaker, Representative Sam Smith was elected the majority leader; majority leader Mr. Smith, minority leader Mr. DeWeese, Representative Brett Feese was elected the majority whip; members of the House of Representatives, you have the Elinor Taylor, Representative Elinor Taylor, was elected our responsibility to govern the 12 million people of the caucus chairman, chairwoman; and Mario Civera was elected Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and we ask much more than secretary of the Republican Caucus. that of you today. Today you, the representatives of the people, have an awesome responsibility, a responsibility not only to DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS govern us but also to help make us safe. I pray in this benediction that God grant His blessing on all The SPEAKER. Before we adjourn, I would like to of you. I pray to God to grant more than that today. I pray that recognize Representative Cohen. the giver and preserver of life will grant you wisdom beyond Mr. COHEN. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. your limitations. I pray to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob I am pleased on behalf of the caucus to congratulate you for more than that today. Today I pray to God to grant you all, upon your unanimous election as Speaker. each of you, courage, courage for each Representative. With I also would like to call a meeting of the Democratic Caucus this benediction I pray for you to humbly pray to your God, the to continue our discussions on the budget. omnipotent force, larger than each of you, to grant you courage, to search the depths of your souls, to explore honest and fair solutions to the problems of the Commonwealth for all the TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING people. I implore my God, my Savior, Jesus Christ, to grant you The SPEAKER. The majority moves— This is my first day courage, and more than that today I pray to God to grant you here. I am sorry. Representative Rick Geist would like to be courage to establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide recognized. for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and The Chair recognizes Representative Geist. secure the blessings of liberty for the citizens of the Mr. GEIST. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Commonwealth. I cannot ask more than that of you today. But At the adjournment there will be a meeting of the alas, we are all coworkers, friends, and family of the Speaker of Transportation Committee in the back of the House, and the House, the Honorable Mr. Perzel, and we all, you the congratulations. Representatives and you the people, the citizens of the The SPEAKER. The Transportation Committee will meet in Commonwealth, we all need courage and soul searching. the back of the House at the adjournment. To this end I ask that you join me in reciting the words that gave courage to a warrior and a leader of people, God’s servant VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY David, who prayed to God to bless him and give him courage PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING with the words of the 23d Psalm: The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes the gentleman, The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Mr. Semmel. He leadeth me beside the still waters. Mr. SEMMEL. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. He restoreth my soul; Just a reminder, the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Preparedness Committee will meet at 12:45 in the North Office name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the Building— 1:45; I am sorry. 1:45, North Office Building, shadow of death, hearing room 1. Thank you.

2003 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL—HOUSE 487

The SPEAKER. The Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee will meet at 1:45 in the North Office Building in hearing room 1.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE COMMITTEE MEETING

The SPEAKER. And the Chair recognizes Representative Civera. Mr. CIVERA. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Professional Licensure Committee will meet in the Matthew J. Ryan Building in room 205 at the adjournment of the House. Thank you. The SPEAKER. The Professional Licensure Committee will meet in the Ryan Building, room 205, at the adjournment.

BILLS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE, CONSIDERED FIRST TIME, AND TABLED

HB 514, PN 608 By Rep. B. SMITH

An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for the offense of littering.

GAME AND FISHERIES.

HB 656, PN 1397 (Amended) By Rep. B. SMITH

An Act amending Title 30 (Fish) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for exemptions from fishing license requirements.

GAME AND FISHERIES.

HB 659, PN 765 By Rep. B. SMITH

An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for lawful cooperation or assistance by unlicensed persons.

GAME AND FISHERIES.

ADJOURNMENT

The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes the majority leader. Mr. S. SMITH. Mr. Speaker, I move that this House do now adjourn until Monday, April 28, 2003, at 1 p.m., e.d.t., unless sooner recalled by the Speaker.

On the question, Will the House agree to the motion? Motion was agreed to, and at 1:35 p.m., e.d.t., the House adjourned.