DOCSLIB.ORG

Recovery Act Conference Agenda & Overview

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Recovery Act Conference Agenda & Overview Keystone Research Center ∙ 717.255.7181 ∙ www.keystoneresearch.org Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center ∙ 717.255.7156 ∙ www.pennbpc.org Recovery Act Conference Agenda & Overview Back From the Brink: The Recovery Act One Year Later WHEN: Friday, January 15, 2010, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM WHERE: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 23 S. Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 SPONSORS: The Keystone Research Center, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, The Pennsylvania Works! Campaign, and their partners (American Rivers, Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future [PennFuture], Community Legal Services, The Education Policy and Leadership Center, The Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, United Way of Pennsylvania, and 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania) are hosting a conference on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Goals of Recovery Act Conference On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed ARRA, which invests $787 billion over two years to bring the U.S. economy back from the brink of collapse. This conference will assess the impact of the Recovery Act to date on GDP, jobs, unemployment, and poverty in the United States and Pennsylvania. Speakers will also provide an overview of Recovery Act implementation in Pennsylvania and examine the ways in which Recovery Act funds have supported key Pennsylvania priorities, including smart growth, equity, and energy independence. Lastly, we will identify opportunities to retool implementation and reshape Recovery Act investments to maximize the benefits to Pennsylvania residents in the future. Conference Draft Agenda 8:00 – 9:00 AM Registration 9:00 – 9:15 AM Welcome: Stephen Herzenberg, Keystone Research Center 9:15 – 9:50 AM Plenary Session: The Impact of the Recovery Act on Jobs and the Economy Speakers: Ethan Pollack, Economic Policy Institute; Mark Price, KRC Economist The speakers will discuss the macroeconomic impact of the Recovery Act and what might have happened had it not been passed. 9:50 – 10:30 AM Plenary Session: Putting Federal Dollars to Work—An Overview of the Recovery Act in PA Speaker: James Creedon, Chief Implementation Officer, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania This session will give the audience a broad overview of how Recovery Act funds in Pennsylvania are being spent. 10:30 – 11:15 AM Recovery Act Keynote Speaker: U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. Introduction of Robert P. Casey, Jr., William M. George, President, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Senator Casey will reflect on the debates in Washington on the Recovery Act and the need and prospects for further action to boost job creation. The Recovery Act Conference Agenda Page | 2 11:15 AM – Breakout Groups: Progress to Date and Opportunities for Improvement 12:30 PM In three breakout sessions, Recovery Act implementation officials and issue-advocates will consider the following questions: How did we use Recovery Act dollars, what have they achieved, and what could we have been done better? Smart Growth, Transportation, and Infrastructure Moderator: Judy Schwank, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania Panelists: Paul Marchetti, Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority; James Ritzman, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation; Liz Garland, American Rivers; Kelly Lewis, Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania Transparency and Accountability Moderator: Tony Ross, United Way of Pennsylvania Panelists: Eileen McNulty, Pennsylvania Stimulus Oversight Commission; Greg LeRoy, Good Jobs First; Barry Kauffman, Common Cause/Pennsylvania Local Governments and Housing Moderator: Elizabeth Hersh, The Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania Panelists: George Klaus, USDA Rural Development; Lauren Giguere, City of Allentown 12:30 – 1:30 PM Lunch Panel: Is the Recovery Act Keeping People Out of Poverty? Speakers: Michael Leachman, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities; Kenneth Stephens, Legal Aid Society Speakers will discuss several aspects of the Recovery Act that combat poverty. 1:30 – 2:45 PM Afternoon Breakout Groups: Progress to Date and Opportunities for Improvement In three breakout sessions, Recovery Act implementation officials and issue-advocates will consider the following questions: How did we use Recovery Act dollars, what have they achieved, and what could we have been done better? Energy and Environment Moderator: Ed Boito, Citizens For Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) Panelists: John Hanger, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; E. Craig Heim, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; Russell McIntosh, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. Education and Workforce Moderator: Seth Green, Job Opportunity Investment Network Panelists: Teresa Colarusso, Pennsylvania Department of Education; Scott Sheely, Lancaster Workforce Investment Board; Carol Austin, Philadelphia Youth Network Community Impact and Regional Equity Moderator: Sharon Ward, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center Panelists: Peter Speaks, Deputy Secretary, Department of General Services; Della Clark, The Enterprise Center; Bernadette Turner, Regional Equity Monitoring Project; Greg LeRoy, Good Jobs First 2:45 – 3:00 PM Break 3:00 – 4:00 PM Wrap-Up and Final Roundtable: Next Steps for U.S. and Pennsylvania Jobs Moderator: Stephen Herzenberg, Keystone Research Center Panelists: William M. George, President, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; John Hanger, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Sharon Ward, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center Speakers will lead a roundtable discussion on the next steps needed to ensure a strong, equitable, and sustainable recovery in the United States and in Pennsylvania. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Budget Impact in September, Spring Twp
    2017 – 2018 COMMONWEALTH BUDGET These links may expire: January 19 Lawmakers hear state tax proposals HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania lawmakers should consider expanding the base of some state taxes and lowering tax rates in order to address long-standing fiscal issues, several economists told members of a House panel Thursday. That could include making more items subject to the state sales tax and... - Altoona Mirror January 17 All aboard plan to spruce up SEPTA's trolley lines SEPTA’s trolleys haven’t been replaced since the 1980s when Ronald Regan was president, yet they are wildly popular with their 100,000 riders who squeeze into them every day. Thankfully, the transit agency wants to replace them with bigger cars which can handle roughly twice as many... - Philadelphia Inquirer January 16 Legislators outline goals for new year Local legislators look forward to passing bills in the new year, and saying goodbye to the budget woes of 2017. Both Rep. Dan Moul (R-91) and Sen. Rich Alloway II (R-33) were unhappy with the decision to borrow money against future revenue in order to patch the... - Gettysburg Times January 14 Lowman Henry: Pa. budget follies set to resume The last time a Pennsylvania governor signed a full, complete state budget into law was July 10, 2014. Gov. Tom Corbett signed off on that state fiscal plan just days after it was approved by the Legislature, completing a four-year run of on-time state budgets.... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review January 12 Lawmakers react to governor's opioid state of emergency Local lawmakers said Gov.
    [Show full text]
  • Executive Calendar
    EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Senate of Pennsylvania HARRISBURG, PA SESSION OF 2015 Monday, April 20, 2015 Re- New Date Legislative Senate Name of Nominee appoint- appoint- Referred Day District ment ment ADJUTANT GENERAL, PENNSYLVANIA: 2-04-15 12 14 James Joseph, Hazleton X (vice, Hon. Wesley Craig, resigned) AGING, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 22 Teresa Osborne, Scranton X (vice, Hon. Brian Duke, resigned) AGRICULTURE, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 33 Russell Redding, Aspers X (vice, Hon. George Greig, resigned) BANKING AND SECURITIES, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 10 Robin Wiessmann, Newtown X (vice, Hon. Glenn Moyer, resigned) COMMONWEALTH, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 15 Pedro Cortes, Harrisburg X (vice, Hon. Carol Aichele, resigned) COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 37 Dennis Davin, Pittsburgh X (vice, Hon. C. Alan Walker, resigned) CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 31 Cynthia Dunn, Camp Hill X (vice, Hon. Ellen Ferretti, resigned) CORRECTIONS, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 31 John Wetzel, Mechanicsburg X DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAMS, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 15 Garold Tennis, Harrisburg X EDUCATION, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 13 Pedro Rivera, II, Lancaster X (vice, Hon. Carolyn Dumaresq, resigned) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 31 John Quigley, Camp Hill X (vice, Hon. E. Christopher Abruzzo, resigned) GENERAL SERVICES, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 Curtis Topper, Bethesda, MD X (vice, Hon. Sheri Phillips, resigned) HEALTH, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 22 Karen Murphy, Clarks Summit X (vice, Hon. Michael Wolf, resigned) 1 Re- New Date Legislative Senate Name of Nominee appoint- appoint- Referred Day District ment ment HUMAN SERVICES, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 12 1 Theodore Dallas, Philadelphia X (vice, Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • Executive Calendar
    EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Senate of Pennsylvania HARRISBURG, PA SESSION OF 2015 Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Re- New Date Legislative Senate Name of Nominee appoint- appoint- Referred Day District ment ment ADJUTANT GENERAL, PENNSYLVANIA: 2-04-15 1 14 James Joseph, Hazleton X (vice, Hon. Wesley Craig, resigned) AGING, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 1 22 Teresa Osborne, Scranton X (vice, Hon. Brian Duke, resigned) AGRICULTURE, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 1 33 Russell Redding, Aspers X (vice, Hon. George Greig, resigned) APPALACHIAN STATES LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE COMMISSION: 1-06-15 10 36 Bryan Troop, Elizabethtown X (vice, Hon. E. Christopher Abruzzo, resigned) ATHLETIC COMMISSION, STATE: 1-06-15 10 36 Bryan Troop, Elizabethtown (Recall) X (vice, Andrew A. DePaolo, deceased) 1-20-15 9 38 Richard Steigerwald, Wexford (Recall) X (vice, Andrew A. DePaolo, deceased) BANKING AND SECURITIES, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 1 10 Robin Wiessmann, Newtown X (vice, Hon. Glenn Moyer, resigned) CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY: 1-20-15 9 37 Sean Logue, Pittsburgh (Recall) (Tabled) X (vice, Hon. Peter Daley, term expired) 1-20-15 9 39 Rob Ritson, Greensburg (Recall) (Tabled) X (vice, R. Tyler Courtney, resigned) COMMONWEALTH, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 1 15 Pedro Cortes, Harrisburg X (vice, Hon. Carol Aichele, resigned) COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 1 37 Dennis Davin, Pittsburgh X (vice, Hon. C. Alan Walker, resigned) CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 1 31 Cynthia Dunn, Camp Hill X (vice, Hon. Ellen Ferretti, resigned) CORRECTIONS, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 1 31 John Wetzel, Mechanicsburg X DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAMS, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 1 15 Garold Tennis, Harrisburg X 1 Re- New Date Legislative Senate Name of Nominee appoint- appoint- Referred Day District ment ment EDUCATION, SECRETARY: 2-04-15 1 13 Pedro Rivera, II, Lancaster X (vice, Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • When Each Child Thrives...We All Thrive Annual Report 2016-2017 +
    When Each Child Thrives...We All Thrive Annual Report 2016-2017 + The lives of the 900,000 children in our five county region are better! + 539,000 students shielded + 10,500 more citizens from school budget cuts receiving regular updates on our work + 5,000 children enrolled in high quailty early learning + 170 media stories informing programs the 3.5 million residents in our region about the needs + 2,300 children connected to of children health care + 164 meetings with + 3,500 students inspired by lawmakers making the case the arts for children Making Great Kids Turning Research into Action the Common Mission for Our Region PCCY’s research got noticed with 34 media outlets reporting the alarming Five groundbreaking reports unearthed data and more than 500 citizens shocking data about the status of children in swelling the 10 forums held across Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and the region to discuss report. Montgomery counties. The reports detailed The data turned heads and attracted how the nearly 180,000 children in poverty new allies from across the region who has a devastating impact on every child in the now join PCCY in advocating for the region. essential solutions needed to protect PCCY’s reports on the status of children children, today, and in the future. helped to strategically build a regional This research mattered. In this bitterly groundswell behind the policies needed for partisan year, lawmakers on both sides kids to thrive. The PCCY policy priorities are of the aisle from our region put their now common language for our region and votes behind more funds for pre-K that’s causing lawmakers to increasingly put and schools, improved health care the needs of children first.
    [Show full text]
  • 2015 – 2016 Commonwealth Budget
    2015 – 2016 COMMONWEALTH BUDGET These links may expire: January 11 Pressure off, Pennsylvania's budget fight could be on ice HARRISBURG — For the first time since July, billions in electronic money transfers began rocketing out of the Pennsylvania Treasury to school districts, county governments and state vendors... - AP Governor, lawmakers to renew fray over Pa. gas tax Pennsylvania's natural gas industry and lawmakers in Harrisburg are preparing for another battle over a severance tax on production, even before the current state budget is settled. “It's going to return in a big way as the budget situation remains completely unresolved,” Muhlenberg College political scientist... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Pennsylvania at crossroads Today, Pennsylvania faces a crossroads. We all know our commonwealth has a massive structural deficit after years of Republican budgets built on gimmicks. It's time to face the facts and get our fiscal house in order. Instead of passing a fiscally sound budget and finishing the work they were... - Uniontown Herald-Standard State budget needs Pennsylvania needs a budget that invests in our children's future and creates a stable financial environment for our commonwealth so it can grow in the future. It's time to stop the games and gimmicks and get back to work. That's why Governor Wolf made the right decision to line item veto... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette Tally full cost of legislative malpractice After a series of credit downgrades for the state government and chaos for public school districts and social service agencies, Pennsylvania’s government still is without an actual budget as the state staggers into a legislative election year.
    [Show full text]
  • Independent Report on the Mid-February 2007 Winter Storm Response for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
    Independent Report on the Mid-February 2007 Winter Storm Response for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania March 27, 2007 Prepared by: James Lee Witt Associates, a part of GlobalOptions Group, Inc. Independent Report on the Mid-February 2007 Winter Storm Response for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania This report documents work by author, James Lee Witt Associates (JLWA), a part of GlobalOptions Group, Inc., that was contracted and/or requested by the Office of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The author’s opinions, findings, conclusions, and/or recommendations are provided solely for the use and benefit of the requesting party. Any warranties (expressed and/or implied) are specifically waived. Any statements, allegations, and/or recommendations in this report should not be construed as a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania position, policy, or decision, unless so designated by other documentation. The report was based on the most accurate data available to the author at the time of publication, and therefore is subject to change without notice. Table of Contents Acknowledgements and Note on Methodology 1 Executive Summary 2 Background on Emergency Management and Relevant Events Prior to the Winter Storm 7 Summary of Events 12 Findings and Recommendations by Agency 25 Conclusion 34 Appendix A: Interviews Conducted 36 Appendix B: National Weather Service – State College Report on Valentine’s Day Storm 38 Appendix C: JLWA Project Team 46 Appendix D: Acronyms and Abbreviations 50 Acknowledgements and Note on Methodology At the outset, we want to emphasize our recognition of the extraordinary efforts of the thousands of Commonwealth employees from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania National Guard, municipal, borough, township and county governments as well as citizens who volunteered.
    [Show full text]
  • Legislative Journal
    COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA Legislative Journal WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 SESSION OF 2015 199TH OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY No. 10 SENATE In conformity with law, I have the honor hereby to nominate for the advice and consent of the Senate, James Joseph, 103 West 20th Street, WEDNESDAY, February 4, 2015 Hazleton 18201, Luzerne County, Fourteenth Senatorial District, for appointment as Adjutant General of Military and Veterans Affairs, to The Senate met at 11 a.m., Eastern Standard Time. serve until the third Tuesday of January 2019, and until his successor is appointed and qualified, vice The Honorable Wesley Craig, resigned. The PRESIDENT (Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack) in the TOM WOLF Chair. Governor PRAYER SECRETARY OF AGING The Chaplain, Reverend DR. PAUL D. GEHRIS, retired pas- February 4, 2015 tor of American Baptist Churches - U.S.A., Shermans Dale, of- To the Honorable, the Senate fered the following prayer: of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: Let us pray. In conformity with law, I have the honor hereby to nominate for the Almighty and everlasting God, You who are called by differ- advice and consent of the Senate, Teresa Osborne, 1224 Prospect Ave- nue, Scranton 18505, Lackawanna County, Twenty-second Senatorial ent names and approached in different ways, accept our gratitude District, for appointment as Secretary of Aging, to serve until the third for this day, its privileges and responsibilities. We offer thanks Tuesday of January 2019, and until her successor is appointed and qual- for our beloved Commonwealth, its founders, its sustainers, ser- ified, vice The Honorable Brian Duke, Washington Crossing, resigned. vants, and all who are committed to the principles of the com- TOM WOLF mon weal.
    [Show full text]
  • 26991 Electoral College Booklet V3.Indd
    Journal of the Proceedings of the 58th Pennsylvania Electoral College Held in the Chamber of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Monday, December 19, 2016 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Tom Wolf Governor Pedro A. Cortés Secretary of the Commonwealth Donald J. Trump Michael R. Pence President Vice President of the of the United States of America United States of America Hillary Rodham Clinton Timothy Michael Kane Democratic Nominee for Democratic Nominee for President Vice President of the of the United States of America United States of America 2 Tom Wolf Mike Stack Governor Lieutenant Governor Pedro A. Cortés Secretary of the Commonwealth Robert A. Gleason, Jr. Joyce C. Haas President of the Vice President of the Electoral College Electoral College 3 Introductions EXECUTIVE DEPUTY SECRETARY ROBERT TORRES Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I am Robert Torres, Executive Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth. It is my honor to welcome you to the 58th Electoral College of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Please turn off cell phones and all other electronic communication devices. At this time, would you all please rise? I would like to present to you the Honorable Pedro A. Cortés, Secretary of the Commonwealth; the Honorable Robert Ghormoz, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of the Commonwealth; the Reverend Canon David W. Lovelace; the Honorable Thomas G. Saylor, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsyl- vania; and the Temporary Officers and Members of the 58th Electoral College of Pennsylvania. Proceedings MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016 The Electoral College of Pennsylvania convened at 12 o’clock noon, Monday, December 19, 2016, in the chamber of the House of Representatives, State Capitol Building, Harrisburg, agreeable to the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
    [Show full text]
  • LEG REG REVIEW 2015, 13Th Issue *** April 27, 2015
    LEG REG REVIEW 2015, 13th Issue *** April 27, 2015 LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm located near the State Capitol. It contains news on the legislative and regulatory scene in Pennsylvania that may be of interest to the Insurance and Business Communities. It is a free member benefit for those who are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU). Subscription information may be obtained by contacting PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES at 717/728-1217 FAX 717/232-7005 or e-mail to [email protected]. Please email [email protected] supplying both your name and e-mail address if you wish to be removed from or added to this list. LEGISLATIVE CHANGES Two members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are leaving April 30 and a third Representative may depart in May. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) is a member of the House Insurance Committee and was elected in 2004. His other committees include Appropriations, Judiciary, and Gaming Oversight. He is the incoming Executive Director of the Public School Employee Retirement System. Joe Hackett (R-Delaware) was elected in 2010 and serves on the House Human Services, Professional Licensure, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committees. He stated that he is returning to law enforcement. John Sabatina (D-Phila.) was elected in 2006 and now serves as the Democratic Chair of the House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee. He is running in a special election to fill the unexpired term of former Senator and now Lt. Governor Mike Stack. His Republican opponent is teacher Tim Dailey.
    [Show full text]
  • General Contractors Association of Pennsylvania
    MCA Summary of Legislation December 2014 House and Senate Convene to Open New Session; Speaker-elect Turzai Announces House Committee Chairs for the 2015-16 Session On January 6, the newly elected and returning members of the PA state House and Senate took the oath of office and kicked off the 2015-16 session, one that will have the interesting dynamic of both chambers of the General Assembly overwhelmingly controlled by Republicans, a Democrat Governor, and a Supreme Court with three vacancies to fill. Not to mention an Attorney General who may be facing criminal charges, and several sitting legislators under indictments as well. 203 Representatives and 50 Senators were sworn in, including 28 new House members and 5 new Senators. As was reported last month, new leaders were elected on the Republican side in both the House and Senate, as Dave Reed will fill the House Majority Leader spot held by Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) last session. Turzai was elected Speaker on January 6. Sen. Jake Corman unseated Delaware County Sen. Dominic Pileggi as Senate Majority Leader. It is rumored that Pileggi will seek a county judgeship this year. Newly elected House Speaker Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) announced the appointments of both Republican and Democratic committee chairmen for the 2015-16 Legislative Session, which began with the taking of the oath of office on January 6. House committees study each bill and determine which proposals will go to the full House. They conduct public hearings on key issues, allowing citizens and interested groups to have a say in the legislative process, and they serve as a resource for members and others.
    [Show full text]
  • A Special Investigation of the Sale of the Pittsburgh State Office Building
    August 27, 2009 The Honorable Edward G. Rendell Governor COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA 225 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120 Dear Governor Rendell: This report contains the results of the Department of the Auditor General’s special investigation into the sale of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Pittsburgh State Office Building (“Building”). The investigation commenced in March 2009 and concluded in July 2009. Despite a lack of cooperation with the investigation by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (“DGS”) and other Commonwealth agencies, we found: The Commonwealth will incur $54 million in unnecessary costs by selling the Pittsburgh State Office Building and moving 22 Commonwealth agencies into leased space throughout Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. DGS understated the full amount of rent to be paid by the Commonwealth when it reported that the average base rent for the three main leases is $11.16 per square foot. When additional charges to cover operational costs are included, the average cost to the Commonwealth is $25.75 per square foot over the terms of the three main leases. The Commonwealth sold the Pittsburgh State Office Building for only $4.6 million, roughly half of its appraised value, and the proceeds were reduced by over 67% to a net amount of less than $1.5 million. DGS limited the opportunity for input from Commonwealth officials, the public, and other interested parties by holding no public hearings on the sale of the Pittsburgh State Office Building. Although an informational meeting was held by a legislative committee, the meeting was held in Harrisburg on the day before the passage of the bill authorizing the sale of the Building and eleven other state properties.
    [Show full text]
  • Governor Elect Tom Wolf Cabinet Appointments
    GOVERNOR ELECT TOM WOLF CABINET APPOINTMENTS OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Katie McGinty – Chief of Staff Katie McGinty has more than twenty-five years of experience in public service. Since 2008, McGinty has been a leader in the clean energy and environmental engineering space. She has led a global business cleaning up and redeveloping contaminated properties and developing renewable energy, and she has served on the Boards of Directors of publicly traded and privately held corporations. McGinty began her career in the office of then-Senator Al Gore, where she worked on initiatives to strengthen patent protections, encourage manufacturing, and support science education. McGinty also contributed to the reauthorization of the landmark Clean Air Act. McGinty served President Bill Clinton as his Deputy Assistant and then as Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality -- the first woman to head the office. In 2003, McGinty was nominated by Governor Edward G. Rendell to become the first woman to lead the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, where she worked on clean water and mercury reduction initiatives and encouraged job growth in the energy sector, including solar and wind jobs. John Hanger - Secretary of Planning and Policy Born in Nairobi, Kenya, John Hanger came to America in 1970 as an immigrant from Ireland. After graduating from Duke University in 1979, where he majored in Public Policy and History, John attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Law and then became a legal services attorney at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia. John was appointed as the Public Advocate for customers of Philadelphia's municipal utilities prior to being nominated by Governor Casey as a commissioner of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
    [Show full text]