DOCSLIB.ORG

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Legislative

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Legislative COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1991 SESSION OF 1991 175TH OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY No. 3 SENATE mercy. May You grant to each a full measure of wisdom and TUESDAY, January 15, 1991. an even fuller measure of courage to stand against the wiles of The Senate met at 10:15 a.m., Eastern Standard Time. temptation and evil. For the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor we pray, be with them as they assume these special The PRESIDENT pro tempore (Robert C. Jubelirer) in the tasks a second time. Grant them Your blessings, that in the Chair. exercise of their continued duties, they may be a light to the The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Let me first clarify the path of others. Be with us all as each faithfully discharges the program. I am the President pro tempore of the Senate, responsibilities of government, and insured with this sacred Senator Robert Jubelirer of Blair County who will be presid­ trust, help each to pass on to the next generation a vital Com­ ing over this ceremony, and the Lieutenant Governor will not monwealth prepared to embrace them and their dreams. have to preside over his own swearing in, so I call that correc­ For the people of Pennsylvania and the confidence they tion to your attention. have placed in those chosen to lead, we also on this day lift Let me welcome each and every one of you to this cere­ our thanks, and it is not as an afterthought, but effective gov­ mony, and I am sure that it will be a most enjoyable day for ernment reflects a strong relationship between leaders and all of us. those they lead. And so it is for their many faces, their daily The Chair requests the Sergeant-at-Arms to direct the tasks and the wealth of life they represent that we are grateful standees in the rear of the Chamber to the gallery where there to You, our Creator. is standing room. This is necessary in order to keep these 0 God, our faithful God, 0 fountain of life and light ever doorways open to facilitate the coming and going of the offi­ flowing, without whom nothing exists, keep us calm, keep us cial parties participating in today's ceremony. faithful. Hold us in Your powerful hand and help us to love The Senate will come to order. and so find joy in its abundance, for it is in thankfulness that we pray to You, 0 God. Amen. PRAYER The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair thanks Reverend Chottiner who, of course, is the guest today of The Chaplain, Reverend LARRY CHOTTINER, Pastor Lieutenant Governor Singel, as well as Senator Stewart. of Westmont Presbyterian Church, Johnstown, offered the following prayer: JOURNAL APPROVED And let us pray. Almighty and Sovereign God, on this day we lift our The PRESIDENT pro tempore. A quorum of the Senate thanks for the grace and guidance that has borne us to this being present, the Clerk will read the Journal of the preceding moment. Our lives unfold under Your watchful care. Session of January 14, 1991. Enriched by Your masterful hand, we have been endowed The Clerk proceeded to read the Journal of the preceding with blessings beyond our imagination. Fashioned in the Session, when, on motion of Senator LOEPER, further mystery of Your love, we are the inheritors of a hope that reading was dispensed with, and the Journal was approved. remains undefiled and unfaded. We celebrate Your presence in the midst of this assembly and pray that what we do is to LEGISLATIVE LEAVES Your praise and to Your glory. 0 God of peace, our minds this day are filled with many Senator MELLOW. Mr. President, I request temporary issues. Even as You are present with us, so also You are Capitol leaves for Senator Fattah and Senator Porterfield. present with those that wage the struggle to. find peace in our The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Senator Mellow requests world. For our leaders, our diplomats, our soldiers, even for temporary Capitol leaves for Senator Fattah and Senator those that we call our enemies, may You give us cause on this Porterfield. The Chair hears no objection. The leaves will be day to beat our swords into plowshares and so avoid the granted. treachery of war. Hear us we pray. And as this Senate convenes today, may You lead each man and woman who serves here in the ways of justice and of 26 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL-SENATE JANUARY 15, LEAVES OF ABSENCE SENATE COMMITTEE APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SENATE CONCURRENT Senator FISHER asked and obtained leave of absence for RESOLUTION NO. 3 Senator PECORA, for today's Session, for personal reasons. Senator MELLOW asked and obtained leaves of absence The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Pursuant to Senate Con­ for Senator AFFLERBACH, Senator FUMO, Senator current Resolution No. 3, as President pro tempore of the LYNCH and Senator WILLIAMS, for today's Session, for Senate I have appointed the following Members of the Senate personal reasons. to represent the Senate of Pennsylvania as a committee partic­ ipating in the inaugural ceremonies for Robert P. Casey, Gov­ SENATE RESOLUTION ernor-elect of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: The gentleman from Delaware, Senator F. Joseph Loeper, COMMITI'EE TO WAIT UPON Chairman; the gentleman from Allegheny, Senator D. THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR-ELECT Michael Fisher; the gentleman from Lancaster, Senator Noah Senator LOEPER offered the following resolution, which W. Wenger; the gentleman from Philadelphia, Senator Frank was read as follows: A. Salvatore; the gentleman from Cumberland, Senator John D. Hopper; the gentleman from Bradford, Senator Roger A. In the Senate, January 15, 1990. Madigan; the gentleman from Chester, Senator Earl M. RESOLVED, That a committee of two Senators be appointed Baker; the gentleman from Mercer, Senator Robert D. to wait upon the Honorable Mark S. Singel, Lieutenant Gover­ Robbins; the lady from Allegheny, Senator Melissa A. Hart; nor-elect and escort him to the Senate Chamber to take the Oath the gentleman from Lackawanna, Senator Robert J. Mellow; of Office and assume the duties of the Office of Lieutenant Gov­ ernor and President of the Senate. the gentleman from Fayette, Senator J. William Lincoln; the gentleman from Allegheny, Senator Leonard J. Bodack; the Senator LOEPER asked and obtained unanimous consent gentleman from Berks, Senator Michael A. O'Pake; the gen­ for the immediate consideration of this resolution. tleman from Indiana, Senator Patrick J. Stapleton; the lady On the question, from Northampton, Senator Jeanette F. Reibman; and the Will the Senate adopt the resolution? gentleman from Beaver, Senator Gerald J. LaValle. SENATE RESOLUTION ADOPTED COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO WAIT UPON Senator LOEPER. Mr. President, I move that the Senate THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR-ELECT do adopt this resolution. On the question, The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The President pro ternpore Will the Senate agree to the motion? has appointed the following committee to escort Lieutenant Governor-elect Mark S. Singel and his official party to the The yeas and nays were required by Senator LOEPER and Senate Chamber: were as follows, viz: The gentleman from Delaware, Senator F. Joseph Loeper, YEAS---45 Chairman; and the gentleman from Lackawanna, Senator Robert J. Mellow. Andrezeski Greenleaf Lincoln Robbins Ann strong Greenwood Loeper Salvatore The committee will leave immediately and proceed to the Baker Hart Madigan Scanlon office of the Lieutenant Governor. Bel an Helfrick Mellow Schwartz At this time the Senate will be at ease. Bell Holl Musto Shaffer Bodack Hopper O'Pake Shumaker (The Senate was at ease.) Bortner Jones Peterson Stapleton Brightbill Jubelirer Porterfield Stewart Corman La Valle Punt Stout GOVERNOR AND MRS. ROBERT P. CASEY Dawida Lemmond Reibman Tilghman PRESENTED TO SENATE Fattah Lewis Rhoades Wenger Fisher The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Governor-elect of the NAYS-0 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Mrs. Casey are entering the Chamber. Would the Senate please rise and give them a A majority of the Senators having voted "aye," the ques­ round of applause. tion was determined in the affirmative and the resolution was (Applause.) adopted. REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO WAIT UPON IBE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR-ELECT The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-at-Arms. 1991 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL-SENATE 27 The SERGEANT-AT-ARMS. Mr. President, I have the With Your help, our Heavenly King, may he dispense his honor to present the committee which was appointed by you awesome duties with honor and distinction. In a day when the to wait upon the Lieutenant Governor-elect. cynical speak disparagingly of our political structure, may the The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Please bring the committee light of Mark Singel's integrity shine brightly. anctguests forward. We also pray for his wife and family, that they stand by his (Applause.) side fully understanding the high purposes of his office. 0 The SERGEANT-AT-ARMS. Mr. President, I have the God, please accept these petitions we offer You this day. honor to present the Chairman of the committee, Senator Amen. Loeper. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Thank you, Your Excel­ Senator.LOEPER. Mr. President, the committee appointed lency, for your beautiful prayer. by you to wait upon and escort the Lieutenant Governor-elect and his party to the Senate Chamber has performed its duty. REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE The Lieutenant Governor-elect Mark S. Singel is present and The PRESIDENT pro tempore. This is an announcement prepared to take the oath of office. to those of you who wish to take photographs. Before pro­ The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair thanks the com­ ceeding to the administration of the oath of office to Lieuten­ mittee for performing its duty and asks the committee to ant Governor-elect Mark S.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Radioactive Waste Facility
    Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections http://archives.dickinson.edu/ Three Mile Island Resources Title: Three Mile Island Alert Newsletters, 1994 Date: 1994 Location: TMI-TMIA Contact: Archives & Special Collections Waidner-Spahr Library Dickinson College P.O. Box 1773 Carlisle, PA 17013 717-245-1399 [email protected] THREE MILE ISLAND June 1994 315 Peffer Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102-1834 Telephone: 717/233-3072 200+ Attend 15th Anniversary Conference More than 200 safe-energy activists from 20 states, several Indian nations, and five countries gathered here in late March to observe the 15th anniversary of the beginning of the accident at TMI. The event was organized by TMIA with assistance from several national safe-energy groups including NIRS, Public Citizen, Safe Energy Communications Council, Friends of the Earth, and Greenpeace. Over March 26 and 27 workshops were held dealing with nuclear waste issues, reactor decommis­ sioning, radiation monitoring, health effects, alternatives to nuclear power, the national nuclear policy, the proposed DOE energy budget (see below), reactor license renewal and safety deregula­ tion, the continuing TMI clean-up, and others designed to provide radioactivists with the skills neces­ sary to carry on the crusade for safe energy. Keynote speaker Ed Smeloff, the director of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), ex­ plained how SMUD closed the problem-plagued Rancho Seco reactor and how they now plan to make up for the power loss through aggressive energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable en­ ergy programs. Harrisburg's own Jane Perkins, now president of the Friends of the Earth, called for more grassroots activity across America with a focus on Washington, including a national safe-energy lobby day in Congress once or twice each year.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 MEETING, Held in the Tulsa Convention Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, On
    COpy 1 1 1 2 3 4 THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION 5 1993 ANNUAL MEETING 6 7 8 9 10 TRANSCRIPT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 11 MEETING, held in the Tulsa Convention Center, Tulsa, 12 Oklahoma, on Sunday, August 15, 1993, and reported by 13 Karla E. Barrow, certified Shorthand Reporter in and 14 for the state of Oklahoma. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 HICKERSON & ASSOCIATES CERTIFIED SHORTHAND REPORTERS 24 616 SOUTH MAIN, SUITE 204 TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74119 • 25 2 1 GOVERNOR ROMER: Fellow Governors, ladies 2 and gentlemen, guests, this is the Executive committee 3 of the National Governors' Association, and I would 4 estimate that we have more attendees at this Executive 5 committee meeting than we have ever had. We have a 6 very busy agenda. At 12:30 the Vice President of the 7 united states, Al Gore, will join us, and we have a 8 good bit of work to do before, and also some work 9 after. 10 Let me just state a welcome and a very brief 11 overview. As you all know, our agenda this year is 12 deficit reduction, health care reform, continuing our 13 education reform, reinventing government, welfare 14 reform. These are very important and challenging 15 issues which we will address some this morning in the 16 Executive committee, some during our task group and 17 committee sessions, and in our Plenary sessions. 18 I would like to expedite our process this 19 morning by asking for a motion and a second to approve 20 the minutes of May 17th Executive committee meeting.
    [Show full text]
  • Pennsylvania House of Representatives Bipartisan Management Committee
    PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BIPARTISAN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ORAL HISTORY PROJECT INTERVIEW WITH: The Honorable David Sweet (D) 48th District Washington County 1977-1988 INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY: Jesse Teitelbaum, Research Analyst July 19, 2011 Transcribed by: Erin Miller © Copyright, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Office of the Chief Clerk 1 Jesse Teitelbaum (JT): Good morning. The Honorable David Sweet (DS): Hello, Jesse. How are you? JT: I‟m well, thank you. DS: Good. JT: I‟m sitting here with David Sweet, who represented the 48th District, a Democrat from Washington County, from 1977 to 1988. Thank you for being with me. DS: Well, thank you for having me. It‟s great to be able to memorialize some of the memories and the things that happened over the years while I was in the Legislature, and I‟m not sure, like many things, I‟m not sure anyone will ever view this or read it, but it‟s probably good to have it all on the record. It‟s great. JT: Absolutely, absolutely. What I‟d like to do is start out just by asking you some questions about your early life. DS: Sure. JT: Tell me about your childhood, where you grew up, your family, and some of your early education. 2 DS: Well, I grew up in Washington, Pennsylvania, which is a little town. It was about 20 thousand then – it‟s probably not much more than 12 or 13 thousand now –25 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. JT: Okay. DS: And Washington – Little Washington to some people because people would drive through – Route 40 was the old national pike, and the interstate was actually built when I was a very small child that went around Washington, Pennsylvania, but many people knew of Washington, Pennsylvania, because they had to slog right through the main street of the town, as you did many towns before the interstate highway system, and it was Little Washington, but it was a good little town.
    [Show full text]
  • Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Legislative Journal
    COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1994 SESSION OF 1994 178TH OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY No.1 SENATE Session as President pro tempore. One year ago, almost to the lUESDAY, JanuaIY 4, 1994 day, we convened a new Session with the election of Bob Mellow as President pro tempore of the Senate. It was my This being the day and hour fixed by the Constitution for honor then, as it is today, to place his name in nomination for the convening of the 178th Regular Session of the General this important Senate post. And I remain as convinced today Assembly, the Senate will come to order. as I was a year ago that Bob Mellow' is a person uniquely The PRESIDENT (Lieutenant Governor Mark S. Singel) suited to lead this body. Yes, Mr. President, it has been a year called the Senate to order at 12:00 m. Eastern Standard Time. of acrimony, of bitter and sometimes below-the-belt debate. Just recall the headlines or the lead stories on the 11 o'clock PRAYER news during the past year and you will be reminded of some of our fights. But it has also been a year of unparalleled ac­ complishments. They may not have received the same sensa­ The following prayer was offered by the Secretary of the tional headlines, but they did occur and have been recorded. Senate, Hon. MARK R CORRIGAN: And it is a tribute to the leadership of Bob Mellow that this Today, Heavenly Father, we pray for all in our great land body has had great legislative successes despite all the adversi­ whom You have called to positions of leadership and responsi­ ty.
    [Show full text]
  • Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Friday
    COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5,2001 SESSION OF 2001 185TH OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY No. 47 SENATE MEMBER OF THE ERIE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER AUTHORITY FRIDAY, October 5, 2001 The Senate met at 1 p.m., Eastern Daylight Saving Time. October 2, 200I The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mary Jo White) in the Chair. To the Honorable, the Senate ofthe Commonwealth ofPennsylvania: PRAYER In confonnity with law, I have the honor hereby to nominate for the advice and consent ofthe Senate, Roger W. Richards, 969 Dutch Road, The Chaplain, The Most Reverend JOSEPH V. ADAMEC, Fairview 16415, Erie County, Forty-ninth Senatorial District, for ap­ Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona and pointment as a member ofthe Erie County Convention Center Author­ Johnstown, offered the following prayer: ity, to serve for a tenn offour years and until his successor is appointed and qualified, newly created pursuant to section 2399.4 ofthe Third Blessed are You, Lord, God ofall creation, whose goodness Class County Convention Center Authority Act. fills our hearts with joy. In You all things have their beginning, THOMAS 1. RIDGE continuation, and end. Grace us with Your saving presence. You Governor have brought us together this day to witness the inauguration of new leadership for this Commonwealth ofPennsylvania. We pray MEMBER OF THE ERIE COUNTY that what is begun this day with Your inspiration, may continue CONVENTION CENTER AUTHORITY with Your help. Strengthen Your servant Robert with Your grace and wisdom, October 2, 200I that he might always work toward harmony, justice, and peace for Your people.
    [Show full text]
  • Presidential Documents
    Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Monday, September 29, 1997 Volume 33ÐNumber 39 Pages 1371±1429 1 VerDate 22-AUG-97 07:53 Oct 01, 1997 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 1249 Sfmt 1249 W:\DISC\P39SE4.000 p39se4 Contents Addresses and Remarks Communications to CongressÐContinued See also Meetings With Foreign Leaders Future free trade area negotiations, letter Arkansas, Little Rock transmitting reportÐ1423 Congressional Medal of Honor Society India-U.S. extradition treaty and receptionÐ1419 documentation, message transmittingÐ1401 40th anniversary of the desegregation of Iraq, letter reportingÐ1397 Central High SchoolÐ1416 Ireland-U.S. taxation convention and protocol, California message transmittingÐ1414 San Carlos, roundtable discussion at the UNITA, message transmitting noticeÐ1414 San Carlos Charter Learning CenterÐ 1372 Communications to Federal Agencies San Francisco Contributions to the International Fund for Democratic National Committee Ireland, memorandumÐ1396 dinnerÐ1382 Funding for the African Crisis Response Democratic National Committee luncheonÐ1376 Initiative, memorandumÐ1397 Saxophone Club receptionÐ1378 Interviews With the News Media New York City, United Nations Exchange with reporters at the United LuncheonÐ1395 Nations in New York CityÐ1395 52d Session of the General AssemblyÐ1386 Interview on the Tom Joyner Morning Show Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh in Little RockÐ1423 AFL±CIO conventionÐ1401 Democratic National Committee luncheonÐ1408 Letters and Messages Radio addressÐ1371 50th anniversary of the National Security Council, messageÐ1396 Communications to Congress Meetings With Foreign Leaders Angola, message reportingÐ1414 Russia, Foreign Minister PrimakovÐ1395 Canada-U.S. taxation convention protocol, message transmittingÐ1400 Notices Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty and Continuation of Emergency With Respect to documentation, message transmittingÐ1390 UNITAÐ1413 (Continued on the inside of the back cover.) Editor's Note: The President was in Little Rock, AR, on September 26, the closing date of this issue.
    [Show full text]
  • Mines, Mills and Malls: Regional Development in the Steel Valley
    MINES, MILLS AND MALLS: REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE STEEL VALLEY by Allen J Dieterich-Ward A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (History) in The University of Michigan 2006 Doctoral Committee: Associate Professor Matthew D Lassiter, Chair Professor J Mills Thornton III Associate Professor Matthew J Countryman Assistant Professor Scott D Campbell In memory of Kenneth Ward and James Lowry Witherow. In honor of Helen Ward and Dolores Witherow. ii Acknowledgements I would like to thank the History Department and the Horace H. Rackham Graduate School at the University of Michigan for generous financial support while researching and writing this dissertation. I began work on this project as part of my Senior Independent Study at the College of Wooster, which was supported in part by the Henry J. Copeland Fund. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Scholar-in-Residence program greatly facilitated my research at the Pennsylvania State Archives. During the final year of writing, I also received a timely and deeply appreciated fellowship from the Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society. I owe a great debt to the many Steel Valley residents who generously agreed to be interviewed for this project, especially Don Myers, James Weaver, and Charles Steele. Being allowed entry into their present lives and their past memories was a wonderful gift and I have tried to explain their actions and those of their contemporaries in a balanced and meaningful way. The staff of the Ohio Historical Society, Pennsylvania State Archives, Archives of Industrial Society, Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania and the Bethany College Library provided generous assistance during my visits.
    [Show full text]
  • HISTORY of PENNSYLVANIA's STATE PARKS 1984 to 2015
    i HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA'S STATE PARKS 1984 to 2015 By William C. Forrey Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Office of Parks and Forestry Bureau of State Parks Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Copyright © 2017 – 1st edition ii iii Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... vi INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. vii CHAPTER I: The History of Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks… 1980s ............................................................ 1 CHAPTER II: 1990s - State Parks 2000, 100th Anniversary, and Key 93 ............................................................. 13 CHAPTER III: 21st CENTURY - Growing Greener and State Park Improvements ............................................... 27 About the Author .............................................................................................................................................. 58 APPENDIX .......................................................................................................................................................... 60 TABLE 1: Pennsylvania State Parks Directors ................................................................................................ 61 TABLE 2: Department Leadership .................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Birds of a Feather….You Have Chosen Your Associates And, Although You
    Birds of a Feather….You have chosen your associates and, although you are, clearly, intelligent, well-informed and very experienced, you have chosen to associate with obstinate, self-serving, incompetent blockheads who do not hear the anger and anguish of the grassroots, the Forgotten Taxpayers, and the middle class working people who are being exploited by ever escalating size and cost of government and are selling out the loyal and credulous Republican voter. Pennsylvania Republican Party Leadership (sometimes called The Establishment, or, as a rude child of nature might say “the bad guys”) To learn more about the leadership of the state party, click the links below. Chairman Rob Gleason Vice Chairman Joyce Haas National Committeewoman Christine J. Toretti National Committeeman Robert Asher Finance Chairman Chris Gleason Deputy Chairman Renee Amoore Treasurer Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh Assistant Treasurer Dick Stewart Secretary John McNally Assistant Secretary Peg Ferraro General Counsel Lawrence Tabas Caucus Chairmen Caucus Chairmen Don Yost Northeast Caucus Chairman Bill Darr Southwest Caucus Chairman Blake Marles Northeast Central Caucus Chairman Michael Meehan Southeast Caucus Chairman Donna Reinaker Central Caucus Co-Chairman Dick Stewart Central Caucus Co-Chairman Robyn Sye Northwest Caucus Chairman You may think it “guilt by association” but when you associate with the guilty, what is any common sense person to think: “birds of a feather flock together”. And here are some of the people you are ‘guilty’ of associating with: BETRAYED and Financially ABUSED 1) LeRoy Zimmerman profited from his position at Hershey Trust ( a charity for disadvantaged children or Republican slush fund) "When Leroy S. Zimmerman was named in late 2002 to the board of the small state- chartered Pennsylvania bank that managed the assets of the Hershey charity for disadvantaged youth, the post paid about $35,000 a year and came with restrictions.
    [Show full text]
  • The Demise of Clemency for Lifers in Pennsylvania
    State Historical Clemency Project ★ The Demise of Clemency for Lifers in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania law automatically imposes life imprisonment for first- and second-degree murder, including felony murder, which requires no intent to kill. It is also one of only five states that categorically excludes lifers from parole consideration; the only way for a lifer to be released is by clemency. For a time, the State’s harsh sentencing policies were tempered by a practice of commuting several dozen life sentences each year. That changed around 1980, when commutations in Pennsylvania fell off dramatically. With few exceptions, clemency in the Keystone State remains in a state of a disuse. Commutation, a form of executive clemency,1 is the act of violent crimes, which evoked nightmares of Willie Horton shortening a custodial sentence imposed by a court. This from the 1988 presidential election. McFadden would be report examines the historical and structural reasons for viewed as evidence that supporting clemency could exact clemency’s decline in Pennsylvania. Like many other states, grave political costs. As one former Pennsylvania Attorney Pennsylvania has a Board of Pardons that vets clemency General admitted, “[n]obody wants to have that against them petitions and submits recommendations to the Governor, in their political careers.”2 who makes the final decision. The Board thus acts as “gate- keeper;” its approval is necessary but not sufficient for Pennsylvania’s clemency system is hampered by the Board’s clemency to be granted. institutional design. In 1997, following the McFadden deba- cle, legislators amended the state constitution to require Two political events set the stage for clemency’s demise in that lifers seeking commutation receive unanimous Board Pennsylvania.
    [Show full text]
  • The Demise of Clemency for Lifers in Pennsylvania
    State Historical Clemency Project ★ The Demise of Clemency for Lifers in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania law automatically imposes life imprisonment for first- and second-degree murder, including felony murder, which requires no intent to kill. It is also one of only five states that categorically excludes lifers from parole consideration; the only way for a lifer to be released is by clemency. For a time, the State’s harsh sentencing policies were tempered by a practice of commuting several dozen life sentences each year. That changed around 1980, when commutations in Pennsylvania fell off dramatically. With few exceptions, clemency in the Keystone State remains in a state of a disuse. Commutation, a form of executive clemency,1 is the act of violent crimes, which evoked nightmares of Willie Horton shortening a custodial sentence imposed by a court. This from the 1988 presidential election. McFadden would be report examines the historical and structural reasons for viewed as evidence that supporting clemency could exact clemency’s decline in Pennsylvania. Like many other states, grave political costs. As one former Pennsylvania Attorney Pennsylvania has a Board of Pardons that vets clemency General admitted, “[n]obody wants to have that against them petitions and submits recommendations to the Governor, in their political careers.”2 who makes the final decision. The Board thus acts as “gate- keeper;” its approval is necessary but not sufficient for Pennsylvania’s clemency system is hampered by the Board’s clemency to be granted. institutional design. In 1997, following the McFadden deba- cle, legislators amended the state constitution to require Two political events set the stage for clemency’s demise in that lifers seeking commutation receive unanimous Board Pennsylvania.
    [Show full text]
  • Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Legislative
    COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2003 SESSION OF 2003 187TH OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY No. 1 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Indeed, as we leave this historic event this afternoon, may we The House convened at 12 m., e.s.t. always have faith in You, O Lord. Be proud of our great country, be more loyal to this Commonwealth, be more friendly toward one another, and be more indebted to our common God, THE CHIEF CLERK (TED MAZIA) who is number one in heaven as all Pennsylvanians are always PRESIDING number one on earth. Amen. Shalom. God bless. That is it. CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The CHIEF CLERK. This being the day and the hour appointed by Article II, section 4, of the Constitution of (The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by members-elect and Pennsylvania for the meeting of the General Assembly, the visitors.) House of Representatives will now come to order. The Sergeants at Arms will close the doors of the House. The CHIEF CLERK. The Sergeants at Arms will open the doors of the House. Members and guests, please be seated. MOMENT OF SILENCE ELECTION RETURNS PRESENTED The CHIEF CLERK. As many of you know, one of our members, Leroy Zimmerman, died December 6 of 2002. Prior The CHIEF CLERK. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant at to the prayer being offered by Rev. Dr. George F. Riley, Arms of the House. assistant to the president of Villanova University, members and The SERGEANT AT ARMS. Mr. Chief Clerk, the guests will please rise for a moment of silence in remembrance Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth, Mr.
    [Show full text]