March 22-28, 2019 WEEKLY TRANSPORTATION RECAP Contents Around the Rotunda Around the Rotunda . . . . . 1 Committee News ...... 1 No Around the Rotunda this week. Bullet .in .Points...... 5 Committee News Cosponsor Memos...... 5 Bill Actions ...... 6 House Appropriations Committee 3/27/19, 11:50 a.m., 140 Main Capitol Upcoming Events...... 13 By Jessica Richardson, Pennsylvania Legislative Services In the News...... 14 The committee met to consider legislation. SESSION STATUS At 12:22 p.m. on Wednesday, HB 30 Petrarca, Joseph - (PN 365) Amends Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries), March 27, 2019 the Senate in anatomical gifts, further providing for the Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ stands in recess until Monday, and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund contributions. The bill establishes that an April 8, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., applicant for a two-year vehicle registration may make a contribution of $6 to the Governor unless sooner recalled by the Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund on the President Pro Tempore. Department of Transportation’s publicly accessible Internet website. Effective in 60 days. - At 5:21 p.m. on Wednesday, The bill was unanimously reported as committed. March 27, 2019 the House stands adjourned until HB 351 Emrick, Joe - (PN 327) Amends the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Compact Monday, April 8, 2019 at 1:00 providing for veto power by the Governor over certain actions; further providing for audits; p.m., unless sooner recalled and providing the Governor of each state with power to ratify or veto certain actions taken by the Speaker. by commissioners. The bill reserves each state the right to provide by law for the exercise of a veto power by the Governor of that state over any action of any commissioner from UPCOMING SESSION DAYS that state. Further, the Auditor General of Pennsylvania and the State Auditor of New House Jersey shall jointly conduct annual financial and management audits of expenditures and April 8-10, 15,-17, 29, 30 operations of the commission and shall submit a report of those audits to the Governors May 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 22 and Legislatures of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, Effective immediately. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed. 18, 19, 20, 24-28 Budget hearings: Feb. 11 - HB 447 Miller, Brett - (PN 432) Amends the State Highway Law, in construction, Mar. 7 improvement, maintenance and repair of state highways, by requiring the department Senate to plant vegetation that is native to Pennsylvania and that will thrive in that plant April 8, 9, 10, 29, 30 hardiness zone and under the environmental conditions of the highway right-of-way. May 1, 6, 7, 8 If it is not feasible to plant native vegetation, the department may authorize the use of June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, nonnative vegetation, provided that the nonnative vegetation is not a federally-listed 18, 19, 24-28 invasive plant or a noxious weed or controlled plant. Effective immediately. - The bill was Budget hearings: Feb. 19 - unanimously reported as committed. Mar. 7 - 30 -

House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee 3/27/19, 8:30 a.m., G-50 Irvis Office Building By Jessica Richardson, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee held a hearing with Gregory Wrightstone, geologist and author, on climate change. Chairman Metcalfe stated that they will hear from Wrightstone on the climate change debate.

Wrightstone stated that “Climate change and the efforts to control the Earth’s temperature through reductions in carbon dioxide is not an abstract concept separate from the daily lives of Pennsylvanians. There are currently two proposals in the state that will significantly affect the state and its residents.”rightstone W noted that the first is a petition for rulemaking to the state Environmental Quality Board to set up a comprehensive Cap and Trade program for the state. He said the second proposal is the Transportation and Climate Initiative which is a multi-state collaboration designed to achieve substantial reductions in transportation sector emissions for participating states.

“Both of these proposals would have serious ramifications for the state and its citizens. Because of this, the Governor and this committee should make recommendations that are based on science and facts, not on a politically-driven and media- driven narrative of Earth spiraling into a man-made planetary doom,” Wrightstone said.

Wrightstone said there are some important issues concerning climate change that likely 97 percent of all scientists can agree to:  The atmosphere has warmed about 1.5 degrees over the last 150 years or so  CO2 has been increasing  Increasing CO2 is mainly from combustion of fossil fuels  Increasing CO2 is warming the atmosphere “Looking at the much longer history of CO2 levels throughout Earth’s history, we find that our current concentration is actually very low. It has been well documented that more CO2 directly benefits plant growth. In addition to enhanced plant growth from increases in this miracle molecule, the increase means that plants require less water which leads to an increasing soil moisture. We don’t have too much CO2, we don’t have enough.”

Wrightstone continued that, “acceptance of our current temperatures as unusual and unprecedented is a necessary requirement for the consensus theory, because if indeed, our recent temperature changes are unusual and unprecedented, then that would be strong evidence that the increase in greenhouse gases are the primary driver of temperature during that time frame.” He noted that it is vitally important to place the current temperature trend into an even longer-term geologic perspective by looking at detailed data from ice cores from Antarctica and Greenland. He said contrary to what is being told, warming trends such as the current one have always correlated to times of great prosperity and plenty. Wrightstone said it was the intervening cold periods that were horrific.

Wrightstone stated that the earth, and by extension human-kind, are prospering and thriving despite the list of consequences from rising temperatures. He added that increased drought and desertification are said to be increasing due to man’s influence, but according to experts the greening of the planet is mainly attributable to the increase in carbon dioxide which is fueling plant growth. Wrightstone also said that the link between decreasing fire and climate are most likely related to the same increasing soil moisture content that is helping to green the earth and decrease drought.

“The fact is that cold kills considerably more people than heat. It is, by far, the biggest weather-related killer worldwide,” Wrightstone said. He noted that Gov. Wolf makes the common mistake of viewing weather events, such as flooding, outside of their historical context and thinking there may be policy implications to consider. He said unless the climate does change significantly, the commonwealth is not well suited for solar generation. “There are currently over 1,300 megawatts of wind power generation installed in Pennsylvania on 27 wind farms. That is enough electricity to power only 7 percent of the households in the state and the proposals before the Governor are sure to greatly increase the need for electricity to power the clean electric vehicles needed to move away from diesel and gasoline.”

“This committee and the Governor need to decide if they want to impose additional economically crippling mandates on the state for the little to no change in the targeted goals of temperature reduction or to continue to allow the citizens to exercise their freedom of choice in making energy decisions for themselves and their families,” Wrightstone said.

Chairman Vitali stated that he respects everyone’s position and there is an obligation to listen but he wanted to read comments on other positions. He read comments from five Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) Republican 2 administrators, the United States Department of Defense, and the World Health Organization. The comments were discussing the negative effects of climate change. Chairman Vitali said that climate change is agreed upon by every academic scientific society in the world as well as 190 countries. He asked why the committee should take rightstone’sW truth over the other. Wrightstone replied that consensus is not science and science is not consensus. He said the scientific community will look back and be ashamed of the silencing of that that does not support this opinion.

Rep. Fritz asked if his theory has been challenged. Wrightstone noted that he has been challenged by some and that Apple took his smartphone application off the app store. He said there is censoring with lack of funding for those that have a contrary opinion.

Rep. Otten commented that Wrightstone has made remarks on topics such as meteorology, wildlife, renewable energy and weather patterns. She asked for his qualifications as while she appreciates the science behind geology, she does not go to a cardiologist or physical therapist when her son has a lung problem. Wrightstone replied that he does a lot of political writing on science related to climate change and looks at all aspects of climate change. He said he looks at information from the experts. Rep. Otten asked if he would then say he does not have the qualifications to comment on the economy or weather. Wrightstone stated that while he is not an economist he relies on information.

Chairman Metcalfe commented it is interesting coming from politicians that believe they are experts on so much when they are really experts on so little of it.

Rep. Zimmerman inquired what the difference is between climate and weather. Wrightstone responded that meteorology has a lot to do with current weather events but it needs to be put into a longer perspective. He said the last decade was the warmest but they need to look if it is unusual and unprecedented and look at it since the end of the last ice age.

Rep. Krueger questioned who published Wrightstone’s book. Wrightstone replied that his book is self-published. Rep. Krueger inquired if he has any peer-reviewed sources he can show the committee. Wrightstone stated that he has peer- reviewed studies and that his book has been widely received and shows clearly sourced and referenced data. Rep. Krueger commented that she is glad his self-published book is doing well in sales. She asked what kind of political writing he does. Wrightstone said he writes on climate change and climate science as that deals with political science. He said he did not set out to write a book, but set out to seek the truth.

Chairman Vitali inquired if Wrightstone has a company that does consulting work for natural gas in Pennsylvania. Wrightstone responded that he had a natural gas consulting company and offered those services but has transitioned away from that.

Rep. Rapp inquired if Wrightstone believes wind and solar energy can ever truly replace fossil fuels. Wrightstone replied that he personally does not. He said he is not an energy expert but relies on those that are. He said India is a great example as it devoted 55 percent of energy on renewable energy but two weeks ago released a study that it cannot get to 50 percent so it will change the goal to 30 percent but will probably not get to that. Rep. Rapp asked if it is true that the wind and solar energy take a lot of fossil fuels to manufacture and wind turbines take oil to run. Wrightstone replied that the economically damaging part of it is the rare earth minerals that have to be mined.

Rep. Fiedler stated that she thinks it is valuable to get Wrightstone’s beliefs on the record. She asked who funds the Heartland Institute, for which he is an advisory member. Wrightstone replied that he does not know and he does not get paid. He said he writes commentary and the group publishes them. Rep. Fielder stated that the institute is funded by Exon Mobile and the American Petroleum Institute and last November Frontline posted a story on Heartland Institute calling it a climate denialist. Wrightstone replied that he has never met a climate denier and that is a derogatory term. He said he has met climate skeptics.

Chairman Metcalfe stated that he himself does not deny climate as there are regular climate changes. He said no one denies climate. Wrightstone commented that there is not a denial that carbon dioxide has a warming effect on the atmosphere but disagrees on the severity of it.

3 Rep. O’Neal noted that he is relatively new to the position. He asked what advice Wrightstone would give to politicians new to the role that is examining this issue. Wrightstone responded that they should not rely on the 97 percent consensus. He said politicians should keep an open mind and lean on experts for information. Wrightstone said there is a lot of bad information on climate change out there and people on both sides should keep an open mind. He commented that he is convinced that the scientific community will look back 20 years from now and be ashamed that it got away from the scientific process. - 30 -

House Finance Committee 03/27/2019, 9:00 a.m., Room B31, Main Capitol By Nicole Trayer, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider legislation.

HB 24 Lawrence, John - (PN 341) Amends the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital facilities, further providing for bonds, issue of bonds and notes, maturity and interest. Requires the principal for new issuances of state debt to be repaid in equal amounts over the term of the bond. Provides the legislation shall apply to bonds, including funding bonds, issued on or after July 1, 2019. Effective immediately. - The bill was reported as committed with Chairman Wheatley, Rep. Daley, Rep. Margo Davidson (D-Delaware), Rep. Kristine Howard (D-Chester), Rep. Sims and Rep. Webster voting in the negative.

Rep. Daley said having the bill take effect immediately would potentially have a negative impact on this year’s budget and suggested the bill take effect after the budget is passed so that there is more time to plan for it.

Rep. Davidson commented that all debt service is interest frontloaded and that there are times that interest must be deferred. She said requiring Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration to frontload the principle does not allow the state to meet its obligations. She asked how this proposal would work in the overall deficit position that the GeneralAssembly is currently in. Rep. John Lawrence (R-Chester), prime sponsor of the bill, said the state is currently ahead of anticipated revenues and that he disagrees that all payment plans have the interest frontloaded. He added that having this legislation in effect would have made the overall total payments out of the General Fund for general obligation debt of the commonwealth almost $1 billion less. Rep. Davison responded that most loans and financing frontload the interest and require the resources necessary to pay the additional principle.

Rep. Sims asked where the savings would be realized. Rep. Lawrence said it has to do with the terms of the bonds and that he could provide additional information. Rep. Sims recommended also exploring this idea in regards to student debt.

Rep. Webster commented that this would not affect the state’s ability to sell bonds. Rep. Lawrence said it would not impact it one way or another.

Rep. Rabb asked what the Wolf administration’s concerns are related to a lack of flexibility. Rep. Lawrence said the concern was that this might prevent flexibility as it relates to refinancing or funding bonds. - 30 -

Senate Transportation Committee 3/27/19, 9:30 a.m., 461 Main Capitol

The committee met to consider bills.

SB 109 Yaw, Gene - (PN 81) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in accidents and accident reports, adding penalties for failure to give information and render aid. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

4 SB 338 Langerholc, Wayne - (PN 325) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in size, weight and load, increasing the maximum width of vehicles of 18 feet (from 16 feet). Effective in 60 days. -The bill was unanimously reported as amended.

A00392, by Langerholc, provides for additional safety provisions. The amendment was unanimously adopted.

Sen. Wayne Langerholc (R-Cambria) indicated the amendment is necessary to address the larger sized farming equipment.

Chairman Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) expressed his gratitude that the amendment addressed some of the safety concerns he had with the larger vehicles.

SB 397 Stefano, Patrick - (PN 379) Act designating the interchange of the Mon-Fayette Expressway, Pennsylvania Route 43 and U.S. Route 119 in North Union Township, Fayette County, as the Senator Richard A. Kasunic Interchange. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Fayette) praised former Sen. Richard Kasunic, which was echoed by Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna).

SB 441 Phillips-Hill, Kristin (F) - (PN 439) Act designating the bridge carrying State Route 2087 over the East Branch Codorus Creek in York County as the Sgt. Christopher M. Wrinkle and Tosca Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed. - 30 -

House Appropriations Committee 3/26/19, 11:31 a.m., Appropriations Committee Conference Room By Jessica Richardson, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider legislation.

HB 692 Gillespie, Keith - (PN 718) Act designating a bridge carrying State Route 4009 in York County over the Conewago Creek as the Staff Sergeant Gary Crone Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. The- bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 756 Irvin, Rich - (PN 806) Act designating a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 453 over the Little Juniata River, Tyrone Township, Blair County, as the Robert E. Gensimore Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed. - 30 -

Bullet.in.Points

No Bullet.in.Points this week.

Cosponsor Memos

HCO1613 DeLuca, Anthony(D) Lowers all mileage reimbursement rates to the constitutional reimbursement rate of .38 per mile. HCO1632 White, Martina(R) Stipulates that no train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight may be operated unless it has a crew consisting of at least 2 people.

5 HCO1648 Dush, Cris(R) Designates a portion of State Route 3033 over Redbank Creek in Brookville Borough, Jefferson County, as the CPL James Slagle 2nd Ranger Battalion Army Ranger WWI Memorial Bridge. HCO1649 Culver, Lynda(R) Repeals Act 333 of 1943, known as "An act establishing as state highways, certain county highways and requiring their construction, repair and maintenance as such". HCO1660 Peifer, Michael(R) Repeals Act 149 of 1941, which is a part of a package of bills that PennDOT has reviewed and considers to be outdated and obsolete. Act 149 of 1941 does not serve a legitimate purpose since it has been superseded. HCO1662 Comitta, Carolyn(D) Prohibits individuals from carrying loaded firearms in their vehicles. HCO1670 Jozwiak, Barry(R) Creates a two-in-one sticker for license plates for registration and inspection. SCO 748 Hughes, Vincent(D) Establishes that no loaded firearm shall be carried in a vehicle. SCO 749 Ward, Kim(R) Gives counties more flexibility to support public transportation in their communities. Bill Actions

HB 24 Lawrence, John(R) (PN 341) Amends the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital facilities, further providing for bonds, issue of bonds and notes, maturity and interest. Requires the principal for new issuances of state debt to be repaid in equal amounts over the term of the bond. Provides the legislation shall apply to bonds, including funding bonds, issued on or after July 1, 2019. Effective immediately. Bill History: 03-27-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Finance 03-27-19 H Reported as committed from House Finance 03-27-19 H First consideration 03-27-19 H Laid on the table 04-08-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 30 Petrarca, Joseph(D) (PN 365) Amends Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries), in anatomical gifts, further providing for the Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund contributions. The bill establishes that an applicant for a two-year vehicle registration may make a contribution of $6 to the Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund on the Department of Transportation's publicly accessible Internet website. Effective in 60 days.

6 Bill History: 03-27-19 H Meeting set for Off the Floor, Room 140, Main Capitol, House Appropriations -- House Appropriations 03-27-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations 03-27-19 H Set on the House Calendar 03-27-19 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 04-08-19 H Set on the House Calendar HB 279 Boback, Karen(R) (PN 247) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in particular rights and immunities, providing for rescue from motor vehicle. No person shall be liable for damage to a motor vehicle or the contents thereof caused by entry into the motor vehicle for the purpose of removing an individual from the motor vehicle, if the person: (1) has a good-faith, reasonable belief that the individual is in imminent danger of suffering harm if not immediately removed from the motor vehicle; (2) determines that the individual is unable to exit the motor vehicle without assistance; (3) makes a reasonable effort to locate the driver of the motor vehicle and to contact law enforcement, a fire department or other emergency responder prior to entry; (4) uses no more force than necessary under the circumstances to enter the motor vehicle; (5) makes a good-faith effort to leave notice on or in the motor vehicle stating the reason the entry was made, the location of the individual who was removed from the motor vehicle and, if possible, identifying the police or fire department or other emergency responder that is expected to respond; and (6) remains with the individual in a safe location until law enforcement or emergency responders arrive. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-12-19 H First consideration 03-12-19 H Laid on the table 03-27-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 03-27-19 H Removed from the table 04-08-19 H Set on the House Calendar

7 HB 351 Emrick, Joe(R) (PN 327) Amends the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Compact providing for veto power by the Governor over certain actions; further providing for audits; and providing the Governor of each state with power to ratify or veto certain actions taken by commissioners. The bill reserves each state the right to provide by law for the exercise of a veto power by the Governor of that state over any action of any commissioner from that state. Further, the Auditor General of Pennsylvania and the State Auditor of New Jersey shall jointly conduct annual financial and management audits of expenditures and operations of the commission and shall submit a report of those audits to the Governors and Legislatures of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. Effective immediately. Bill History: 03-27-19 H Set on the House Calendar 03-27-19 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 03-27-19 Laid out for discussion 3:38pm 03-27-19 Third consideration 3:38pm 03-27-19 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:175/N: 16) HB 447 Miller, Brett(R) (PN 432) Amends the State Highway Law, in construction, improvement, maintenance and repair of state highways, by requiring the department to plant vegetation that is native to Pennsylvania and that will thrive in that plant hardiness zone and under the environmental conditions of the highway right- of-way. If it is not feasible to plant native vegetation, the department may authorize the use of nonnative vegetation, provided that the nonnative vegetation is not a federally-listed invasive plant or a noxious weed or controlled plant. Effective immediately. Bill History: 03-27-19 H Set on the House Calendar 03-27-19 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 03-27-19 Laid out for discussion 3:40pm 03-27-19 Third consideration 3:40pm 03-27-19 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:191/N: 0) HB 529 Jozwiak, Barry(R) (PN 522) Amends Titles 51 (Military Affairs) and 74 (Transportation), in Title 51 in Department of Military Affairs, adding that the department shall be a liaison and provide administrative support for the Civil Air Patrol; and, in Title 74 in authority of Department of Transportation, repealing provisions providing for authority of department. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-26-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 03-26-19 H Removed from the table 03-27-19 H Set on the House Calendar 03-27-19 Second consideration 3:05pm 03-27-19 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

8 HB 692 Gillespie, Keith(R) (PN 718) Act designating a bridge carrying State Route 4009 in York County over the Conewago Creek as the Staff Sergeant Gary Crone Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-26-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations 03-26-19 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 03-26-19 Laid out for discussion 11:45am 03-26-19 Third consideration 11:45am 03-26-19 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:196/N: 0) HB 756 Irvin, Rich(R) (PN 806) Act designating a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 453 over the Little Juniata River, Tyrone Township, Blair County, as the Robert E. Gensimore Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-26-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations 03-26-19 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 03-26-19 Laid out for discussion 11:46am 03-26-19 Third consideration 11:46am 03-26-19 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:196/N: 0) HB 937 Goodman, Neal(D) (PN 1068) Act designating the bridge, identified as Bridge Key 52896, on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 924 over the Shenandoah Creek in the Borough of Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, as the Edward Kleha Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-21-19 H Filed 03-25-19 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation HB 971 Longietti, Mark(D) (PN 1101) Amends the Rail Freight Preservation and Improvement Act further providing for the Rail Freight Advisory Committee by increasing its membership to 29 members. The areas from which the additional five members will be drawn are laid out in the bill. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-25-19 H Filed 03-26-19 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation HB 972 Longietti, Mark(D) (PN 1102) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in registration of vehicles, waiving the Department of Transportation fee to acquire a Purple Heart Award Recipient license plate for eligible new applicants. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-25-19 H Filed 03-26-19 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation HB 997 Donatucci, Maria(D) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in other required equipment, further providing for restraint systems.

9 Bill History: 03-27-19 H Filed HB 1023 Kortz, Bill(D) Amends Title 4 (Amusements), providing for defs., in PGCB, for board minutes & records, regulatory authority & number of slot machines; & in licensees, for providers & for slot machines in qualified airports. Bill History: 03-28-19 H Filed HB 1035 Sappey, Christina (F)(D) Amends an act authorizing political subdivisions, municipality authorities and transportation authorities to enter into contracts, further providing for title of the act; adding a short title; and providing for contracts for services. Bill History: 03-28-19 H Filed SB 43 Ward, Kim(R) (PN 20) Act designating a portion of US Route 30 in Hempfield Township, Southwest Greensburg Borough, the city of Greensburg, and South Greensburg Borough, as the J. Edward "Hutch" Hutchinson Memorial Bypass. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-19-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar 03-19-19 Laid out for discussion 3:06pm 03-19-19 Third consideration 3:06pm 03-19-19 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 45/N: 0) 03-25-19 H Received in the House and referred to House Transportation SB 49 Killion, Thomas(R) (PN 95) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in particular rights and immunities, providing for civil immunity of person rescuing minor from motor vehicle. A person who removes or attempts to remove a minor from a motor vehicle shall be immune from civil liability for any damage to the motor vehicle or property contained in the motor vehicle resulting from the removal or attempt if the person: (1) determines that the motor vehicle is locked or no reasonable method exists for the minor to exit the motor vehicle; (2) has a reasonable and good faith belief that forcible entry into the motor vehicle is necessary because the minor is in imminent danger of suffering harm if not immediately removed from the motor vehicle; (3) contacts emergency responders before the removal or attempt occurs, if practicable, or as soon as possible after the removal or attempt occurs; (4) remains with the minor at a safe location near the motor vehicle until a law enforcement officer arrives; and (5) uses no more force than necessary for the removal or attempt. Effective in 60 days.

10 Bill History: 03-25-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar 03-25-19 Laid out for discussion 3:05pm 03-25-19 Third consideration 3:05pm 03-25-19 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 45/N: 0) 03-26-19 H Received in the House and referred to House Judiciary SB 62 Ward, Judy (F)(R) (PN 194) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in registration of vehicles, further providing for veteran plates and placard. The bill establishes that a veteran whose service-connected disability is certified at 70 percent or greater, previously 100 percent, shall be issued a special registration plate designating the vehicle as belonging to a severely disabled veteran. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 34) Bill History: 02-05-19 S Voted favorably from committee as amended Senate Transportation 02-05-19 S Reported as amended Senate Transportation 02-05-19 S First consideration 03-27-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar 03-27-19 S Laid on the table SB 109 Yaw, Gene(R) (PN 81) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in accidents and accident reports, adding penalties for failure to give information and render aid. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-27-19 S Meeting set for 9:30 a.m., Room 461, Main Capitol, Senate Transportation -- Senate Transportation 03-27-19 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate Transportation 03-27-19 S Reported as committed from Senate Transportation 03-27-19 S First consideration 04-08-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 117 Langerholc, Wayne(R) (PN 85) Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 3016 (Bedford Street) over Solomon Run in the City of Johnstown, Cambria County, as the Seaman Apprentice Kenneth D. Scaife Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-19-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar 03-19-19 Laid out for discussion 3:07pm 03-19-19 Third consideration 3:07pm 03-19-19 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 45/N: 0) 03-25-19 H Received in the House and referred to House Transportation SB 338 Langerholc, Wayne(R) (PN 325) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in size, weight and load, increasing the maximum width of vehicles of 18 feet (from 16 feet). Effective in 60 days.

11 Bill History: 03-27-19 S Meeting set for 9:30 a.m., Room 461, Main Capitol, Senate Transportation -- Senate Transportation 03-27-19 S Voted favorably from committee as amended Senate Transportation 03-27-19 S Reported as amended Senate Transportation 03-27-19 S First consideration 04-08-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 397 Stefano, Patrick(R) (PN 379) Act designating the interchange of the Mon- Fayette Expressway, Pennsylvania Route 43 and U.S. Route 119 in North Union Township, Fayette County, as the Senator Richard A. Kasunic Interchange. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-27-19 S Meeting set for 9:30 a.m., Room 461, Main Capitol, Senate Transportation -- Senate Transportation 03-27-19 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate Transportation 03-27-19 S Reported as committed from Senate Transportation 03-27-19 S First consideration 04-08-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 441 Phillips-Hill, Kristin (F)(R) (PN 439) Act designating the bridge carrying State Route 2087 over the East Branch Codorus Creek in York County as the Sgt. Christopher M. Wrinkle and Tosca Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-27-19 S Meeting set for 9:30 a.m., Room 461, Main Capitol, Senate Transportation -- Senate Transportation 03-27-19 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate Transportation 03-27-19 S Reported as committed from Senate Transportation 03-27-19 S First consideration 04-08-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 475 Folmer, Mike(R) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in commercial drivers, providing for defs.; and, in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, providing for driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance and for authorized use not a defense. Bill History: 03-28-19 S Filed 03-28-19 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary SB 482 Brewster, Jim(D) Amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally), in employees, for the Municipal Police Recruitment & Retention Program & Fund; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, providing for law enforcement enhancement surcharge.

12 Bill History: 03-28-19 S Filed 03-28-19 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Law and Justice SB 489 Stefano, Patrick(R) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in fees, providing for reduced fee for veterans. Bill History: 03-28-19 S Filed 03-28-19 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

Upcoming Events

MONDAY - 4/1/19 House Democratic Policy Committee 2:00 p.m., Bucks County Community College, Rollins Center, Gallagher Room, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown Public hearing with Rep. Perry Warren on transportation Hearing Agenda

PA Turnpike Commission April 2, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., Turnpike Admin. Bldg, Large Board Room, 700 S. Eisenhower Blvd., 3rd Fl., Middletown Commission Meeting. For additional information: (717) 831-7333

State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons April 2, 2019 - 9:30 a.m., 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg Board Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1697

Delaware River Port Authority/PATCO April 3, 2019 - 9:00 a.m., 2 Riverside Drive, Camden NJ Finance Committee Meeting. For additional information: (856) 968-2253

THURSDAY - 4/4/19 House Democratic Policy Committee 10:00 a.m., Radnor Township Municipal Building, 301 Iven Avenue, Wayne Public hearing with Rep. Jennifer O’Mara on infrastructure

FRIDAY - 4/5/19 Senate Democratic Policy Committee 10:30 a.m., Campus Center, Holy Family University, Room 115, 9801 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia Policy hearing on pedestrian safety

WEDNESDAY - 4/10/19 House Agriculture and Rural Affairs 9:00 a.m., Room 60, East Wing Informational meeting on milk hauling and: HB 915 Causer, Martin Amends Title 75 re milk hauling

WEDNESDAY - 4/10/19 House Human Services 9:00 a.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building Joint public hearing with the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee on the challenges for people with a disability who are traveling

WEDNESDAY - 4/10/19 House Tourism and Recreational Development 9:00 a.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building Joint public hearing with the House Human Services Committee on the challenges for people with a disability who are traveling

13 PA State Transportation Advisory Committee April 11, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Room 8N1, 400 North Street, Harrisburg Committee Meeting. For additional information: (717) 787-2913

PA Public Utility Commission April 11, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North St., Harrisburg Public Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

THURSDAY - 4/11/19 House Democratic Policy Committee 10:00 a.m., Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Stager Conference Room 3, Ground Floor, 555 North Duke Street, Lancaster Public hearing with Chairman Mike Sturla on adverse childhood experiences

PA Turnpike Commission April 16, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., Turnpike Admin. Bldg, Large Board Room, 700 S. Eisenhower Blvd., 3rd Fl., Middletown Commission Meeting. For additional information: (717) 831-7333

Delaware River Port Authority/PATCO April 17, 2019 - 9:00 a.m., One Port Center, 11th Floor, 2 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ Board Meeting. For additional information: (856) 968-2253

THURSDAY - 4/18/19 House Transportation 10:00 a.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building Public hearing on: HB 631 Rothman, Greg Amends Title 75 re electric low-speed scooters

WEDNESDAY - 5/15/19 House Human Services 9:00 a.m., Room 60, East Wing Joint Public Hearing with the House Tourism & Recreational Development Committee to learn about the challenges of traveling for people who have a disability

WEDNESDAY - 5/15/19 House Tourism and Recreational Development 9:00 a.m., Room 60, East Wing Joint Public Hearing with the House Human Services Committee to learn about the challenges of traveling for people who have a disability

In the News

03-28-2019 Davis appointed to Port Authority of Allegheny County's board of directors (Press Release)

03-28-2019 PA Farm Bill: Creating Innovative Processing Opportunities for PA Agriculture (Press Release)

03-28-2019 AG DePasquale Calls for State-Level Action on Climate Change to Save Lives... (Press Release)

03-28-2019 PUC Approves First-Ever Review on Uber's Driver Background Check Process in... (Press Release)

03-28-2019 Wolf Administration Outlines Spring Flooding Outlook, Shares Important... (Press Release)

14 03-28-2019 Hershey Introduces a Bill to Delay Implementation of Costly State Program (Press Release)

03-28-2019 Fatal DUIs increase in Pennsylvania’s rural counties and fall closer to cities In Pennsylvania, the farther you live from a major city, the more likely you are to die in a DUI-related crash. Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, and Allegheny Counties all experienced decreases in DUI fatalities from 2012 to 2017, a consumer research firm found, while other, more rural counties, such as Monroe, Lackawanna, and... - Philadelphia Inquirer

03-28-2019 These New Jersey used car dealers will repo and resell your car if you miss a payment When Ashley McAdams bought a used car at Pine Valley Motors, she was offered a used baby car seat as part of the deal. The dealership had recently repossessed the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, and the car was still filled with the previous owner’s belongings, McAdams... - Philadelphia Inquirer

03-28-2019 County to display plans for Latrobe Brewery Bridge replacement PennDOT and Westmoreland County officials on April 4 will present plans for replacing the county-owned Ligonier Street bridge over the Loyalhanna Creek in Latrobe. An open house meeting for the public, including a display of project plans and a detour for southbound traffic, is set for 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the city... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

03-28-2019 Obstacles fail to derail construction of thruway The Susquehanna Valley Thruway project has been re-estimated to cost $865 million, according to PennDOT officials, who also provided an update on the northern section construction to Sun-Gazette editorial staff. The project, said Sandra Tosca, District 3-0 executive for PennDOT, was... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

03-28-2019 Allentown to offer free street parking around PPL Center on non-event nights Street parking around Allentown’s PPL Center will become free on non-event nights beginning in May, city officials announced Tuesday. The change, which was authorized by the Allentown Parking Authority, means drivers will be able to park at no cost after 5 p.m. as long as an event is... - Allentown Morning Call

03-28-2019 Leadership, driver safety training for county employees County employees will continue to have leadership and other skills, and driver safety training available to them. - Gettysburg Times

03-28-2019 Scranton School Board won’t shoot straight It’s not surprising that the Scranton School Board has had to install a revolving door, in effect, as elected and appointed directors continue to flee the district’s financial disaster and the board appoints replacement. Unfortunately, the board’s mishandling of appointments itself has... - Scranton Times

03-28-2019 Our View: DUI remains major issue in county In response to Mark Guydish’s article on Dallas students work zone competition, I have this to say. PennDOT’s competition to get ideas for work zone safety is a noble concept, but the story got hijacked. Many problems I see in work zones are caused by the engineers designing... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

15 03-28-2019 Letter: Worst-governed state where corruption reigns The Pennsylvania Turnpike has a debt of $11.8 billion, thanks to our legislators passing Act 44 in 2007. This act required the Turnpike Commission to pay $450 million annually to PennDOT. The Legislature hoped to make Interstate 80 a toll road, but was not permitted to do so.... - Beaver County Times

03-28-2019 State grants awarded for road projects in Greene, Allegheny Several state grants were awarded Tuesday through the state Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund Program. for projects in Greene and Allegheny counties. A $400,000 state grant has been awarded to assist with Phase II of the South Park R&D main access road project in South Park Township, state Rep.... - Washington Observer-Reporter

03-28-2019 PennDOT names short list of potential Chalfont wetland bank developers A 140-acre property in Chalfont is planned to become a “wetland mitigation banking site” to offset environmental impacts from land development in eight counties in the Central Delaware subbasin. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has narrowed down the... - Levittown Bucks County Courier Times

03-28-2019 East Lycoming School District’s new three-wheeled bicycles Pure joy is when you have never ridden a bicycle and suddenly you have the opportunity to experience that freedom. For three students at the East Lycoming School District that joy was evident as they entered the turf room at the high school where bikes are stored and spied three bicycles specially for them.... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

03-28-2019 Towamencin approves overnight parking ban on local roads TOWAMENCIN — If you've been parking a camper or commercial truck on Bustard Road or any other road in Towamencin, consider this your next-to-last warning. The township supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve an overnight parking ban on RVs and commercial vehicles from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.... - Lansdale Reporter

03-28-2019 Chester County transportation projects get $725,000 in funding WEST CHESTER — State funding in the amount of $725,000 was approved for three major multimodal transportation projects in Chester County. “Transportation is both how we move and how we keep our economy moving forward,” said state Sen. Andrew Dinniman. “These funds will... - West Chester Daily Local News

03-28-2019 House Democratic Policy Committee to convene public hearing on transportation in Newtown NEWTOWN >> State Rep. Perry Warren, D-31, will host a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on transportation beginning at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 1 at the Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road. The public is invited to attend. Warren requested the hearing to examine how investing in transportation... - Bucks Local News

03-28-2019 House Committee Advances Boback Vehicle Entry Bill The House Judiciary Committee has unanimously passed legislation authored by state Rep. Karen Boback that would provide civil immunity for damages resulting from forcibly entering a motor vehicle to rescue an individual. HBX - Wyalusing Rocket-Courier

16 03-28-2019 Boeing Faces Capitol’s Glare as It Presses to Fix the 737 Max Boeing on Wednesday made its most overt acknowledgment that new software in its jets could have played a role in two deadly crashes as it tries to convince pilots, airlines and regulators around the world that a coming fix will solve the problem. Before a meeting with more than 200 pilots and airline executives at its... - New York Times

03-28-2019 Boeing sees ‘no reason to overhaul’ its airplane development process as aviation industry converges on Renton, Wash. Boeing executives on Wednesday defended the safety of the company’s 737 Max commercial jetliner as it met with representatives from a broad swath of the global aviation industry. In its most detailed briefing yet, Boeing executives took a conciliatory tone about the loss of life from two deadly crashes involving the 737 Max.... - Washington Post

03-28-2019 FAA and Boeing defend oversight of 737 Max Under grilling Wednesday about two deadly crashes involving the Boeing 737 Max 8 jet, federal transportation officials promised renewed oversight, and Boeing detailed software upgrades and increased training for pilots. But both also defended the system that certified the aircraft, and Boeing... - Washington Post

03-28-2019 The Boeing crashes are a cautionary tale about automation A SECOND fatal airplane accident involving a Boeing 737 Max 8 may have been a case of man vs. machine. The fact that the machine was designed to protect passengers points to a need for rethinking safeguards in an age of increasing automation. Investigators are probing whether the Ethiopian Airlines flight that killed... - Washington Post

03-28-2019 Committee deciding gas-tax hike breaks down when Senate Republicans walk out The joint conference committee to work out House and Senate differences on the state transportation budget — including a proposed gas-tax hike — stalled Wednesday night before it started. Signaling a rough negotiating process, Senate Republicans and their top... - Columbus Dispatch

03-28-2019 WOW Air ceases operation, cancels all flights An airline that had offered flights from Pittsburgh to Iceland has shut down. WOW Air announced Thursday that it has ceased operation and that all of its flights have been cancelled. In a travel alert, the airline was telling passengers to check available flights with other airlines to reach their destinations.... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

03-28-2019 Mumps outbreak at Temple: What to know about the contagious disease The number of mumps cases has grown to dozens at Temple University over the past month. While health officials believe the spread is confined to the school and don’t expect the contagious disease caused by a virus to make its way into the wider community, the outbreak has sparked concern and... - Philadelphia Inquirer

17 03-28-2019 Boeing crashes confirm FAA should not leave safety of planes in the hands of their makers | Editorial Boeing Co. expects to soon have a software fix to the problem believed to have caused two of its 737 Max planes to plunge into deadly nose-down crashes in the past five months. But beyond solving the software glitch, troubling questions remain about the Federal Aviation Administration’s ability to regulate safety of the... - Philadelphia Inquirer

03-28-2019 PennDOT to install adaptive traffic signals in Harmar, Route 8 and Route 88 By the end of summer, motorists should have an easier time moving through three major corridors. That’s because the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is installing adaptive traffic lights on sections of Route 8 from Etna to Richland, Freeport Road and Route 910 in Harmar and Route 88 from Route 51... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

03-28-2019 Pittsburgh receives $1 million for improvements to Oakland, South Side Flats Pittsburgh received $1 million in grants from the state this week to make various improvements in its Oakland and South Side Flats neighborhoods. Improvements in Oakland, which will occur along Bigelow Boulevard between Fifth and Forbes avenues, include new sidewalks, bike lanes, a new and... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

03-28-2019 Council passes lead in buildings bill, supports Restore Pennsylvania Philadelphia City Council passed a bill creating new standards for lead in public building renovations Thursday. They also passed a resolution supporting Governor Tom Wolf (D) and his Restore Pennsylvania plan. The lead bill came out of recent committee hearings calling for more... - Pennsylvania Legislative Services

03-27-2019 Gov. Tom Wolf, First Lady Frances Wolf Join Commission for Women to honor... (Press Release)

03-27-2019 Warren to host Policy Committee hearing on transportation Monday in Newtown (Press Release)

03-27-2019 Ward Bill Will Give Counties More Flexibility to Support Public Transportation (Press Release)

03-27-2019 Stateline Daily: As Farmers Retire, Their Families Face Difficult Choices (Press Release)

03-27-2019 Legislative package would help incarcerated women, parents in Pa. (Press Release)

03-27-2019 Burns urges Turnpike Commission to consider Cambria County in Hyperloop... (Press Release)

03-27-2019 AG DePasquale Releases Audits for School Entities in Four Counties (Press Release)

03-27-2019 Senate committee approves measure honoring fallen Marine from York County (Press Release)

18 03-27-2019 Gov. Wolf Expands Clean and Renewable Energy Through $12 Million in State... (Press Release)

03-27-2019 DCED Announces More Than $53 Million in New Investments to Attract Businesses... (Press Release)

03-27-2019 Coalition Releases Report, Launches Campaign for Greater Father Involvement (Press Release)

03-27-2019 Pa. Turnpike swept clean after dish soap spill makes soapy, slippery mess PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A tractor trailer crash led to a soapy mess during Tuesday's morning rush hour, including the closure of a section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo says a tractor trailer going east hit an overpass between Downingtown and Valley Forge around 3 a.m.... - KYW News Radio 1060

03-27-2019 Geotechnical engineers at Philly convention check out Hyperloop passenger pods PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The chairman of a Hyperloop company already developing transportation projects overseas was the keynote speaker at a conference of geotechnical engineers at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Hyperloop Transportation Technologies co-founder Bibop Gresta says his team... - KYW News Radio 1060

03-27-2019 Delmont residents form ‘vision committee’ to consider heritage-trail spur When AnnaMarie Stackiewicz of Delmont and her husband are on bike trails in the region, one of their favorite parts is when a trail brings them into a town where they can look around or find a bite to eat. They are hoping to bring about something similar when the Westmoreland... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

03-27-2019 Transportation officials outline plans for coming year, budget PennDOT District 3-0 officials recently met with Sun-Gazette editorial staff to review budget expenditures and major projects in the area, including the routes 220 and 405 intersection, Route 220 safety corridor in Woodward and Piatt townships, and The Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

03-27-2019 Millcreek supervisors take no action on EMTA funding Millcreek Township supervisors took no action to revise the township contribution to the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority at their meeting at the township municipal building Tuesday. EMTA Executive Director Jeremy Peterson, several residents who use the service and EMTA Board member Ben Wilson attended the meeting to ask... - Erie Times-News

03-27-2019 Reading Parking Authority blames bad contracts for lawsuit by Royals The Reading Royals have sued the Reading Parking Authority, claiming the authority refused to honor its contracts with the Royals and to pay money it owed the ECHL hockey franchise. The Royals' ownership group, SA Hockey Associates LLC, filed the suit late Friday afternoon, claiming the parking authority violated a 2014 agreement... - Reading Eagle

19 03-27-2019 Scranton takes next step toward making downtown more walkable SCRANTON — The city’s downtown is one step closer to becoming more walkable. City officials seek a firm to help devise an improvement plan to make Scranton more pedestrian-friendly. The initiative stems from a lecture in December at the University of Scranton by urban design expert Jeff Speck on how to improve the... - Scranton Times

03-27-2019 Yudichak announces $3.25M for local infrastructure projects NANTICOKE — State Sen. John Yudichak has announced that eight projects in the 14th Senatorial District received $3.25 million in state funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multi-modal Transportation Fund program.... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

03-27-2019 As opioid epidemic rages, DA Salavantis tells council DUI still major problem While battling opioids is still a major focus, Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis said she wants to emphasize about one-third of cases processed by her office last year were for drunken driving. “We still have a major issue with alcoholism in Luzerne County,”... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

03-27-2019 Monaca awarded $1 million for streetscape project Monaca has received a $1 million grant that will help pay for a streetscape improvement project, while Midland and Geneva College received large grants also. Monaca has received a $1 million grant that will help pay for a streetscape improvement project, while Midland and Geneva College received large grants... - Beaver County Times

03-27-2019 Editorial: Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission on a highway to helplessness When the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in the fall 1940, motorists only expected to pay a toll until the state settled the bonds that funded its construction. Once that happened after a decade or so, the highway was supposed to be free to use. Fast- forward to last week, when Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene... - Levittown Bucks County Courier Times

03-27-2019 South Middleton to receive $500K grant for sidewalk project South Middleton Township will receive a $500,000 grant for its project to install a sidewalk and crosswalk system in Boiling Springs, state Rep. Torren Ecker and state Sen. Mike Regan announced Tuesday. The grant will come from the Multimodal Transportation Fund. The township... - Carlisle Sentinel

03-27-2019 Grant money for new Coleman Memorial Park pavilion to be matched by trustees, if received City council gave approval for a grant application to be filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for funds to build a new pavilion at Coleman Memorial Park. Mayor Sherry Capello told council the $164,348.19 grant, if received, would be matched by the... - Lebanon Daily News

03-27-2019 JCSD students advance in state PennDOT competition MIFFLINTOWN — A team of Juniata County School District students was selected as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 2-0 winner for its Innovations Challenge. The team, made up of Juniata High School seniors Carl Fowler and Trevor Kinsloe, and mentored by Raina Haubert, will present at the state... - Lewistown Sentinel

20 03-27-2019 Safety urged in work zones Though it’s just starting to turn warmer, people need to be on the lookout for construction projects in the county, as construction season is already beginning in some areas. - Huntingdon Daily News

03-27-2019 PennDOT to Increase Speed Limit on I-99 in Centre County Drivers will soon see a speed limit increase on an 18-mile stretch of Interstate 99 in Centre County. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation plans to increase the speed limit from 55 to 65 miles per hour between the Gray's Woods exit at mile marker 68 to the end of the expressway at mile marker 84 in Bellefonte,... - State College News

03-27-2019 Ashland to receive $500,000 grant for safety improvements along Route 61 ASHLAND – State Rep. Neal Goodman (D-123) and state Sen. David G. Argall (R-29) announced Tuesday that the borough will receive a $500,000 state grant for safety improvements along Centre Street (Route 61) in the central business district. - Shamokin News-Item

03-27-2019 PennDOT holding public meeting about Route 219 corridor The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is planning a public meeting in Salisbury to gather input about the existing two-lane Route 219 between the Meyersdale Bypass and Maryland state line. - Somerset Daily

03-27-2019 Guest column: Address infrastructure reform from top to bottom Almost no single issue better personifies Washington gridlock than the sorry state of America’s failing infrastructure. Our roads, bridges, ports, airports, water treatment plants, waste disposal systems and electricity grids are individually and collectively crumbling. There’s... - Phoenixville News

03-27-2019 Westtown School seeks green light to illuminate turf fields WESTTOWN — The impact of traffic, parking and athletics on the neighborhood – if Westtown School gets the go ahead to light two artificial turf sport fields – was considered, at Monday’s continued conditional use hearing. The Quaker boarding school wants to rent two yet-to-be-built turf fields... - West Chester Daily Local News

03-27-2019 Hankin Group discusses plans for the new Downingtown train station DOWNINGTOWN — Out with the old, in with the new. Neil Fisher, vice president of development for The Hankin Group, updated borough council members recently regarding the plans for residential units, commercial space, an extension of two public trails, and the location for... - West Chester Daily Local News

03-27-2019 Is Gig Work a Job? Uber and Others Are Maneuvering to Shape the Answer It was a potentially sweeping proposal from a Texas regulator: Companies that use a “digital network” to dispatch workers the way Uber does could label them contractors rather than employees. The proposal, made in December, was a turning point in a campaign that has... - New York Times

03-27-2019 After Boeing Crashes, Sharp Questions About Industry Regulating Itself Seven years ago, an internal government watchdog took a hard look at the part of the Federal Aviation Administration responsible for certifying new Boeing jetliners. The watchdog’s investigation came to some alarming conclusions. F.A.A. employees viewed their management, the inquiry by the Transportation... - New York Times

21 03-27-2019 As Boeing Confronted a Swelling Crisis, It Had Little to Say As much as any company in corporate America, Boeing would appear to be well prepared to deal with a public-relations crisis. A major exporter and military contractor, Boeing has deep ties in Washington and spends lavishly on lobbying. Dennis A. Muilenburg, the chief executive, is on the board of the Business... - New York Times

03-27-2019 Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max makes emergency landing in Orlando A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 on its way to storage was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after departing Orlando on Tuesday afternoon. Southwest Flight 8701 took off from Orlando International Airport at 2:50 p.m. and returned to the airport just before 3 p.m. after pilots reported... - Washington Post

03-27-2019 Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max makes emergency landing in Orlando A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 on its way to storage was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after departing Orlando on Tuesday afternoon. Southwest Flight 8701 took off from Orlando International Airport at 2:50 p.m. and returned to the airport just before 3 p.m. after pilots reported... - Washington Post

03-27-2019 The Technology 202: States seek to curb chaos unleashed by electric scooter boom Winter is over and temperatures are climbing, which means much of the country will flock outside in the coming weeks, resuming outdoor activities. For the fledgling electric scooter industry, which is just over a year old, that means ridership is expected to rise as well.... - Washington Post

03-27-2019 6 cents? 10.7 cents? 18 cents? Where will Ohio's gas tax hike finally land? When it comes to increasing Ohio’s gas tax and the need for more highway funding, state lawmakers aren’t buying what Gov. Mike DeWine is trying to sell. And they have only a few days to work out their differences. The additional annual price to be paid by an Ohio motorist whose vehicle... - Columbus Dispatch

03-27-2019 Program helps Ohioans with disabilities train for jobs, get experience Amid stacks of seasonal women’s shoes, Gov. Mike DeWine and participants in a job-facilitation program met Tuesday to discuss employment opportunities for disabled Ohioans. At the East Side DSW Distribution Center, adult participants in Project SEARCH, an international program that partners with businesses to train... - Columbus Dispatch

03-27-2019 OC mayor: 'You take care of your community' Oil City Mayor Bill Moon, now in his fourth year as the city's top guy and aiming for another full term in office, follows a simple rule in serving his community. "This is what it's about - you take care of your community," Moon said as a guest speaker at the South Side Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday.... - Oil City Derrick

03-27-2019 Co-sponsor expects slow going for scooter bill in Pa. House HARRISBURG, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The sponsors of a bill to legalize electric scooters in Pennsylvania were on hand as folks were offered free scooter test rides behind the state Capitol building Tuesday. The scooters don’t move too fast and apparently, neither will the bill that would OK... - KYW News Radio 1060

22 03-27-2019 Here's what the Lancaster parking study says about downtown On a typical weekday, a little under two-thirds of Lancaster's downtown off- street parking is occupied, according to Michael Connor of consulting firm Kimley-Horn. Consultant: Lancaster parking study aims to put underutilized locations in play That, he said, is the "baseline condition" his team found when it counted... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

03-27-2019 Closed door parking committee meetings raise concerns about Sunshine Law in Easton A group of Easton residents has raised questions about a parking committee that has been meeting behind closed doors to review proposals for a new city parking deck. The committee of eight includes Mayor Sal Panto Jr., Councilwoman Sandra Vulcano, along with a group of city administrators, a Lafayette Ambassador... - Allentown Morning Call

03-27-2019 Too much to ignore — British Airways takes a chance on a resurgent Pittsburgh The last time a British Airways flight touched down in Pittsburgh, it did so at a far different airport and under far different circumstances than it will when the airline returns Tuesday after a 20-year hiatus. On Halloween in 1999 — when the airline ended its flight —... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

03-27-2019 Fatal DUIs increase in Pennsylvania’s rural counties and fall closer to cities In Pennsylvania, the farther you live from a major city, the more likely you are to die in a DUI-related crash. Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, and Allegheny Counties all experienced decreases in DUI fatalities from 2012 to 2017, a consumer research firm found, while other, more rural counties, such as Monroe, Lackawanna, and... - Philadelphia Inquirer

03-27-2019 Pittsburgh, McKees Rocks among municipalities to receive state transportation funding The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved Tuesday $54.7 million in state grant funding for 106 multimodal transportation projects in 40 counties, Gov. Tom Wolf’s office said. Allegheny County will receive more than $6.8 million of the allocation, which will fund an array of projects ranging in scope from $390,000 for... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

03-27-2019 House Appropriations 3/27/19, 11:50 a.m., 140 Main Capitol By Jessica Richardson, Pennsylvania Legislative Services The committee met to consider legislation. HB 30 (PN 365) Amends Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries), in anatomical gifts, further providing for the Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund contributions. The bill establishes that an applicant for a two-year vehicle registration may make a contribution of $6 to the Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund on the Department of Transportation's publicly accessible Internet website. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

03-26-2019 Senate Session Notes for Tuesday, March 26, 2019 (Press Release)

23 03-26-2019 Highmark Health sustains financial growth; Achieves record revenues for... (Press Release)

03-26-2019 Governor Wolf Approves New Funding to Support Pennsylvania's Farmers (Press Release)

03-26-2019 Pennsylvania Infrastructure Receives Infusion of $54.7 Million in State Funding (Press Release)

03-26-2019 Stateline Daily: Trump Greenlights Major Medicaid Changes (Press Release)

03-26-2019 DOH Reminds Pennsylvanians of Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease (Press Release)

03-26-2019 County council candidate who tackled drug suspect faces drunken-driving charge WILKES-BARRE — A Luzerne County Council candidate was arrested Sunday morning for allegedly driving drunk and crashing a car, authorities say. Martin Dartoe, 30, is believed to have fled the scene after crashing a vehicle on Academy Street at 2:27 a.m., according to a post on the... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

03-26-2019 W-B police arrest county council candidate Wilkes-Barre police arrested Luzerne County Council candidate Martin Dartoe on suspicion of drunken driving after a crash on Academy Street, according to information posted Monday on the city police Facebook page. The incident was at 2:27 a.m. Sunday, police said. Dartoe insisted he was... - Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice

03-26-2019 PennDOT bridge project meeting set HOLLIDAYSBURG — The Pennsylvania Depart­ment of Transportation will conduct an open house and plans display to inform the public of the proposed bridge replacement project along Route 1016 — Chalybeate Road — in Bedford Township, Bedford County. The meeting will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Bedford... - Altoona Mirror

03-26-2019 Fayfield developed in Springettsbury on site of first York Airport Fayfield was developed in Springettsbury Township on the site of the first commercial airport in York County. In 1930 the York Airport was located along Haines Road, where scheduled passenger service provided flights to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia or New York. The first York Airport operated from 1930 to 1937 on turf landing fields... - York Daily

03-26-2019 Route 220 safety project is finally near work stage After decades of talking, planning, discussing and strategizing, the Route 220 safety corridor project is about to become real. The $37.6 million project is expected to be bid this summer and actual work is expected to begin in earnest in October. Following some initial work in the fall and the annual shutdown for winter,... - Williamsport Sun- Gazette

24 03-26-2019 Senate OKs Killion bill aimed at preventing child heatstroke deaths in vehicles WEST CHESTER—The State Senate Monday unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senator Tom Killion (R-9) that is intended to save lives by providing immunity to individuals who attempt to rescue children who have been left unattended in hot cars. Killion said SB49 is named in memory of the 49 children who died... - Pottstown Mercury

03-26-2019 Lowman S. Henry: Pennsylvania taxpayers will lose in the end Governments, both state and national, have a primal urge to tinker in our formerly free market economy. Sometimes governments are moved to such intervention out of ideology, such as the currently in vogue strain of socialism coursing through the Democrat Party. Intervention is also born of... - Phoenixville News

03-26-2019 Congestion Pricing in Manhattan, First Such Plan in U.S., Is Close to Approval After years of hesitation, New York is poised to become the first city in the United States to introduce congestion pricing, which would put new electronic tolls in place for drivers entering the busiest stretches of Manhattan. Though state leaders have not ironed out details, they had reached... - New York Times

03-26-2019 Flight cancellations mount as FAA keeps Boeing 737 Max planes grounded No plane. No game. It has been 12 days since the Federal Aviation Administration grounded the Boeing 737 MAX 8, and airlines are warning of more flight cancellations to come. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are offering customers a cushion for how long they can cancel or rebook their flights. And though... - Washington Post

03-26-2019 Transportation Secretary Chao adds panel review to Boeing investigations Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Monday added to the host of inquiries touched off by two crashes of Boeing 737 Max jets, saying she is creating an “expert special committee” to review certification procedures for the company’s planes and other aircraft.... - Washington Post

03-26-2019 No more snow days? Legislation would allow schools to replace snow days with 'flexible instructional days' A bill working its way through the state Senate could spell the end of traditional snow days at some Pennsylvania schools. The legislation, which is cosponsored by Lancaster County Republican Sens. Scott Martin and Ryan Aument, would allow public schools to replace up to... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

03-26-2019 Will van for Lancaster city residents solve manpower woes for High Concrete, Four Seasons Produce? High Concrete Group and Four Seasons Produce are large employers in northern Lancaster County that have trouble recruiting entry-level workers for late-night and early-morning shifts. About 20 miles to the south, meanwhile, are Lancaster city residents who might be interested in working for one of the companies.... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

03-26-2019 California bill curbing use of contractors would not exempt Uber, Lyft, other tech firms California is moving to codify a sweeping court decision curbing employers’ use of independent contractors, and the new law is unlikely to exempt Uber, Lyft and other app-based technology companies. The two ride-hailing giants are on the verge of going public with initial... - Los Angeles Times

25 03-26-2019 Pitcairn, White Oak receive state grants for road repairs, safety improvements State funding was approved Tuesday to help improve safety and quality of roads in Allegheny County — Pitcairn can expect road slide repairs with the grant and White Oak will see progress in its streetscape project, state Sen. Jim Brewster, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland, said in a press release.... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

03-26-2019 SEPTA keeps bleeding bus riders. It may take years to stanch the losses. Bus riders continued bailing on SEPTA in 2018, bringing it to its worst ridership numbers in nearly 20 years. SEPTA has lost riders for four straight years — almost entirely from buses, the most recent data from the Federal Transit Administration showed. The transit agency lost 14 million bus trips from 2017 to 2018, the data... - Philadelphia Inquirer

03-26-2019 PennDOT seeking input on Route 28 sound barriers Residents impacted by the impending Highland Park Interchange Reconstruction Project still have time to vote on sound barriers to be installed along portions of Route 28. A postal gaffe was discovered after surveys were returned to PennDOT undelivered to residents in Aspinwall and O’Hara, spokesman Steve Cowan... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

03-26-2019 Norwin student project picked in PennDOT worker safety contest An idea to keep highway construction workers safer through the use of laser technology led to two Norwin High School students being rewarded by PennDOT. Emily Jumba and Hannah Jackson, mentored by math teacher Thomas Harskowitch, won the recent Innovations Challenge sponsored by PennDOT... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

03-25-2019 Senate Session Notes for Monday, March 25, 2019 (Press Release)

03-25-2019 Governor Wolf: Restore Pennsylvania Will Help North East's 130-Year Old Flood... (Press Release)

03-25-2019 PennDOT Announces Next Steps in Public-Private Partnership Targeting... (Press Release)

03-25-2019 Governor Wolf: Restore Pennsylvania Will Help Carbon County Battle Blight (Press Release)

03-25-2019 Jackhammers at work in Scranton parking garages SCRANTON — Repairs of crumbling concrete are underway in two of the oldest parking garages downtown. The din of jackhammers inside the Linden garage in the 300 block of North Washington Avenue echoes out to nearby streets. Similar sounds have been emanating from the Electric City Parking Garage in the 100 block of Penn... - Scranton Times

03-25-2019 New Luzerne County union contract up for council adoption Luzerne County Council is set to vote Tuesday on a new union contract with county probation and domestic relations officers. Represented by their own Court Appointed Professional Employees Association, these employees have been working under an agreement that... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

26 03-25-2019 Agencies wait for toll lawsuit, keep servicesthe same Services provided by Hazleton Public Transit will not change as transportation agencies wait for a federal judge to rule on a lawsuit over how turnpike toll collections are distributed, a local official said. The state Department of Transportation’s decision to keep operating... - Hazleton Standard-Speaker

03-25-2019 Transit facility takes shape near airport A new maintenance and storage facility that the state will build for Hazleton Public Transit is beginning to take shape on roughly 4 acres across from Hazleton Regional Airport. When completed, the storage facility will help Mayor Jeff Cusat achieve one of his goals for the airport, which will serve as a hub of sorts for... - Hazleton Standard-Speaker

03-25-2019 PennDOT urges motorists to be alert for and during upcoming roadway projects A spokesman for the state Department of Transportation’s local district said the start of orange cone season is just around the corner. Jay Ofsanik, safety press officer for PennDOT District 12, said motorists should expect to see the start of road work and construction in the next... - Uniontown Herald-Standard

03-25-2019 PennDOT plans projects in Southcentral region HOLLIDAYSBURG — More than 87 road improvement projects will take place across the six-county District 9 region during the 2019 construction season, according to the Pennsyl­vania Depart­ment of Transportation. “I am pleased to announce the many improvements — especially on... - Altoona Mirror

03-25-2019 Editorial: Train project holds great promise for region The Issue: Ground is broken on a facility that will serve the Colebrookdale Railroad. Our Opinion: This is a great opportunity to boost the fortunes of Pottstown and Boyertown. The Colebrookdale Railroad's tourist train has been shuttling passengers from Boyertown to Pottstown and back since 2014. The line already has... - Reading Eagle

03-25-2019 Funding questions raise worry at Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority Federal, state funding issues pose predicament for busing system. The region’s public busing service faces an uncertain funding future from the state and federal governments as three sources of money are at risk. The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority could lose $2.1 million for its... - Erie Times-News

03-25-2019 EMTA, Millcreek work to resolve funding dispute Transit authority officials say they’re committed to coming up with a funding formula that’s fair for all municipalities. Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority and Millcreek Township officials are trying to resolve their disagreement about how much Millcreek should... - Erie Times-News

03-25-2019 Uber ride in a snowstorm triggers community campaign in Bucks County An off-duty sheriff’s deputy and a man in recovery have a unique friendship that stemmed from a short drive in a winter storm. The passenger shared his story and the deputy launched a community-wide effort to help people in recovery get rides to treatment. The roads were slick and snow covered, but Bucks County Deputy Sheriff Gary... - Levittown Bucks County Courier Times

27 03-25-2019 Liquid fuels money earmarked for road paving, salt, maintenance Local municipalities throughout Mercer County will soon receive state funds to help keep residents on the move, from buying salt to paving streets. Under PennDOT’s Municipal Liquid Fuels Program, Pennsylvania counties and municipalities receive shares of the proceeds from the state’s... - Sharon Herald

03-25-2019 State audit calls for Union County to reimburse $79k LEWISBURG — A filing error for two Union County bridge projects funded with state dollars could cost county taxpayers $79,330.40, according to a state audit. Two final reports confirming the bridge work was completed hadn’t been filed by Union County administration, according to the Department of the... - Sunbury Daily Item

03-25-2019 Work on New Flemington Traffic Light Begins Monday FLEMINGTON – PennDOT has announced that work to replace the traffic signal at Flemington’s High and Houston Streets intersection will begin on Monday. With related improvements, the project is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 13. M & B, LLC of Clarion is the contractor on the $600,000 project.... - Lock Haven Record

03-25-2019 Rep. Ciresi to host REAL ID information event LIMERICK — State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-146th., will hold an informational event April 3 to help community members get the information they need on REAL ID. Ciresi has teamed up with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the event, which will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Limerick Township... - Norristown Times Herald

03-25-2019 Auditor General DePasquale Says PA Turnpike Facing a Road to Ruin HARRISBURG – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today said his latest audit shows the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is facing “a road to ruin” if it continues to rely on unfair and unsustainable toll increases to pay off $11.8 billion in debt. “It is clear now that the projections in my 2016 audit regarding the... - Hawley News Eagle

03-25-2019 Will van for Lancaster city residents solve manpower woes for High Concrete, Four Seasons Produce? High Concrete Group and Four Seasons Produce are large employers in northern Lancaster County that have trouble recruiting entry-level workers for late-night and early-morning shifts. About 20 miles to the south, meanwhile, are Lancaster city residents who might be interested in working for one of the companies.... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

03-25-2019 Turnpike buys flooded properties near Southern Beltway construction on Cecil- McDonald border Bill Stewart wasn’t planning on moving out of the longtime family house he has called home for four decades until after he retires in about four years. But after his house along Route 980 just outside McDonald flooded more than a half-dozen times in 18 months as part of the construction of the new... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

03-25-2019 Scanlon looks to rally support for Boeing in Congress U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon is circulating a letter among her colleagues in Washington, D.C., to support continuing the previously planned upgrades to CH-47 Chinook helicopters at the Boeing Company’s Ridley plant. “Securing this contract is important to our national security and... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

28 03-25-2019 5 questions Congress will have for Boeing, FAA this week The relationship between Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration, which has set the global standard in aviation safety for decades, will come under unprecedented scrutiny this week after two deadly airline crashes.../ - AP

03-25-2019 Pittsburgh gas prices hold steady as rises seen in all states Drivers in the Pittsburgh area got a break from rising gas prices, but that wasn’t the case across the state and nation. Average gas prices in Pittsburgh did not change over the past week, remaining at $2.76 per gallon, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 731 stations.... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

03-25-2019 Mumps outbreak at Temple: What to know about the contagious disease The number of mumps cases has grown to dozens at Temple University over the past month. While health officials believe the spread is confined to the school and don’t expect the contagious disease caused by a virus to make its way into the wider community, the outbreak has sparked concern and... - Philadelphia Inquirer

03-24-2019 Editorial: Act 44 taking its toll on turnpike On Thursday, state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale released an audit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The results were conclusive. Where some states build bridges to nowhere or roads without a destination, Pennsylvania knows exactly where things for the toll road are headed. Down... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

03-24-2019 COLTS hires experienced human resources director After giving up on sharing a county employee with limited experience, Lackawanna County’s public bus system chose a human resources director with a lengthy resume in the field. The County of Lackawanna Transit System hired Karla Ortiz of Chandler, Arizona, after a nationwide search led by COLTS’ auditing firm, RKL... - Scranton Times

03-24-2019 Capitol Roundup: Study shows Pa. seniors account for negative economic impact A new study shows Pennsylvania ranks 12th when it comes to seniors having a negative impact on the state’s economy. SeniorLiving.org recently released a study on the economic impact of seniors by state using the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau.... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

03-24-2019 Pennsylvania Turnpike approves hyperloop study; potential 30-minute route from Philly to Pittsburgh possible Imagine hurtling across the entire 360-mile Pennsylvania Turnpike in about 30 minutes. Engineers have already imagined it, named it the hyperloop and are testing the futuristic travel mode: a pod zipping through a vacuum-sealed tube at 670 miles per hour. This month the Pennsylvania Turnpike awarded a four-year contract of no... - Reading Eagle

03-24-2019 Ohiopyle is open for business, but closed because of construction Ohiopyle business owners ramping up for spring tourists are thwarted by closed roads, traffic cones and construction materials piled high in parking lots. A massive Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) rehabilitation project is slated to break between Memorial Day and Labor... - Uniontown Herald-Standard

29 03-24-2019 Funding questions raise worry at Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority Federal, state funding issues pose predicament for busing system. The region’s public busing service faces an uncertain funding future from the state and federal governments as three sources of money are at risk. The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority could lose $2.1 million for its... - Erie Times-News

03-24-2019 EMTA, Millcreek work to resolve funding dispute Transit authority officials say they’re committed to coming up with a funding formula that’s fair for all municipalities. Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority and Millcreek Township officials are trying to resolve their disagreement about how much Millcreek should... - Erie Times-News

03-24-2019 Road Warrior: Turnpike commuters are still out of luck, new audit finds Back in January, I wrote about why tolls go up every year on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Thanks to a poorly thought out 2007 law, the Legislature stuck the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission with a $23.65 billion bill without giving it a realistic way to pay off the debt. Now the... - Allentown Morning Call

03-24-2019 3 PennDOT projects slated for busy routes in northeastern Lancaster County open for bids soon Three major Pennsylvania Department of Transportation projects could simultaneously impact traffic in a section of northeastern Lancaster County. The projects — with a total cost estimate of close to $20 million — focus on three main through-roads: Routes 272, 222 and 23.... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

03-24-2019 Forget Self-Driving Cars. Bring Back the Stick Shift. I was backing my wife’s car out of our driveway when I realized I wasn’t watching the backup camera, nor was I looking out of the rear window. I was only listening for those “audible proximity alerts” — the high-pitched beeps that my car emits as I approach an object... - New York Times

03-24-2019 Boeing Was ‘Go, Go, Go’ to Beat Airbus With the 737 Max Boeing faced an unthinkable defection in the spring of 2011. American Airlines, an exclusive Boeing customer for more than a decade, was ready to place an order for hundreds of new, fuel-efficient jets from the world’s other major aircraft manufacturer, Airbus.... - New York Times

03-24-2019 GM stages $1.4 billion U.S. investment announcement to appease Trump General Motors announced a substantial new investment at a Michigan factory Friday that the automaker says underscores its commitment to building vehicles and creating jobs in the United States. President Trump berated GM all week for closing a big plant in Lordstown,... - Washington Post

03-24-2019 With its ties in Washington, Boeing has taken over more and more of the FAA’s job Four weeks before a Lion Air jet plunged into the Java Sea in October, Congress passed little noticed provisions that gave the plane’s maker, Boeing, even more power to oversee itself, demonstrating the company’s sway in Washington. It was another win in Boeing’s long-running, highly effective campaign... - Washington Post

03-22-2019 AG Shapiro: Four Arrested in Takedown of Prostitution, Human Trafficking Ring... (Press Release)

30 03-22-2019 REVISED: L&I: Pennsylvania's Unemployment Rate Dropped to 4 Percent in February (Press Release)

03-22-2019 House Sends Workforce Package to Senate (Press Release)

03-22-2019 Rep. Brett Miller - Weekly Roundup for March 22, 2019 (Press Release)

03-22-2019 Schmitt Named to Committee Leadership Position (Press Release)

03-22-2019 Agency planning first supervised drug injection site in U.S. is offered lease in Kensington The Pennsylvania Turnpike is headed down the “Road to Ruin,” state officials warn. Turnpike Commission CEO Mark Compton stood stony-faced Thursday next to Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, said the cross-state toll road is “on the path to bankruptcy” absent legislative action.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

03-22-2019 Lawmakers urged to fix Pennsylvania turnpike's fiscal plight Pennsylvania’s elected fiscal watchdog is urging state lawmakers to rescue a Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission that is deep in debt from payments it must make to the state, despite annual toll increases going back 11 straight years... - AP

03-22-2019 Pa. Turnpike is on ‘road to ruin’, auditor general says; toll hikes driving people away Fares on the Pennsylvania Turnpike rose this year for the 11th consecutive year and will continue to do so for years to come because of the financial bind it finds itself in due to a 2007 state law. But at what point, will motorists quit using the toll road, opting for a... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

03-22-2019 Auditor general says debt-laden Pa. Turnpike Commission at 'critical juncture' HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, saddled with debt, is at “perhaps its most critical juncture ever” and must work with lawmakers to make changes to avoid financial collapse, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said Thursday. The auditor general, a Democrat, called on the Republican-controlled state... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

03-22-2019 Freshman Focus: Rep. Steven Malagari Meet Rep. Steven Malagari (D-Montgomery). While in office he wants to focus on transportation issues and the trucking industry, trying to curb the rising prices of property taxes, and making sure that his constituents have a cost conscious health care program that they can afford.... - Pennsylvania Legislative Services

03-22-2019 Auditor general paints grim financial picture of the Pennsylvania urnpikeT Commission Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale released results Thursday of his recent audit into the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), painting a harrowing picture of the agency’s financial state and the uphill battle the commission faces in sustaining the turnpike while also keeping... - Pennsylvania Legislative Services

31 03-22-2019 Swissvale police investigate pedestrian struck by vehicle Swissvale police are investigating a traffic crash involving a pedestrian Thursday evening. Allegheny County dispatchers received a call about a man struck by a vehicle along the 2600 block of South Braddock Avenue around 7:50 p.m. The man was not transported to a hospital. county spokeswoman Amie Downs... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

03-22-2019 Settlement reached in tax appeal of Electric City Parking Garage in Scranton SCRANTON — The tax bill on the Electric City Parking Garage downtown will drop nearly $71,000 this year, or 55 percent, under a court settlement reached Thursday in a tax-appeal lawsuit. But parking garage owner John Basalyga will pay taxes on the garage for... - Scranton Times

03-22-2019 Auditor General DePasquale says Pa. Turnpike facing ‘road to ruin’ WILKES-BARRE — Auditor General Eugene DePasquale on Thursday said the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is facing “a road to ruin,” calling “constant” toll increases unfair and unsustainable. DePasquale has also called on the Wolf Administration and the General... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

03-22-2019 PennDOT funds improvements Municipalities in counties across the region have received about $23 mil­lion from the Pennsylvania De­partment of Transporta­tion’s liquid fuels payments to help their municipalities maintain roads and bridges. “Pennsylvania has the fifth-largest state-maintained road system in the... - Altoona Mirror

03-22-2019 Restore Pennsylvania initiative would fight blight across the state, governor says Gov. Tom Wolf visited the area this week to tout his proposed Restore Pennsylvania initiative, designed to help combat blight across the state. Standing in front of the abandoned Manna Pro grain elevator outside the York Fairgrounds near the intersection of West Market Street and Richland... - York Daily

03-22-2019 Carvana offers next-day delivery in Berks, continues Pa. expansion The car-buying experience is getting a bit more interesting in the Reading-area, and maybe a little bit easier. Carvana, the e-commerce used car dealer best-known for its Car Vending Machine, continues its expansion in Pennsylvania. On Thursday, the company launched two more markets — Reading, Berks... - Lansdale Reporter

03-22-2019 Bridging the gap: Mercer County needs millions annually for repairs PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP — The Mercer County map on Brad Elder’s office wall has 247 pins — each one representing a county-owned bridge. “It’s quite an inventory that we’ve got,” said Elder, the county’s bridge engineer. That inventory is turning into quite an expense. Mercer County... - Sharon Herald

03-22-2019 Rail trail transfer pending state approval, may miss April 1 closing LEWISBURG — Closing on the transfer of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail could be stalled but not derailed due to a delay in the receipt of necessary documents needed for state approval. The Union County Trail Authority voted last month to ratify an agreement to... - Sunbury Daily Item

32 03-22-2019 Minor snow shuts down I-83 on a regular basis. How would it handle a mass evacuation? Julie Kerchner looked at the snow-covered highway in front of her and felt thankful for the all-wheel drive SUV she had recently purchased. But her white, 2018 Hyundai Tucson didn’t get her home any easier on Nov. 15, when 7 inches of snow blanketed southcentral Pennsylvania.... - York Daily

03-22-2019 Pa. auditor general says turnpike commission on 'road to ruin' The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is nearly $12 billion in debt, and the state’s auditor general on Thursday said the idea that drivers can pay back that amount through tolls is “literally delusional.” The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is nearly $12 billion in debt, and the... - Beaver County Times

03-22-2019 County prepares for new voting machine mandate LEWISTOWN–The Mifflin County Commissioners are reluctantly preparing for a state mandate requiring all 67 Pennsylvania counties to purchase new voting equipment that will enable a “paper trail” to be in place to combat fraud prior to the May 2020 primary election.... - Lewistown Sentinel

03-22-2019 Corman speaks to Rotary PORT ROYAL– State Senator Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte) visited the Tyson Hill OIP Thursday, to speak to the Mifflintown Rotary Club about the progress of intergovernmental relations between Pennsylvania legislative and executive departments, describe initiatives by the legislature to... - Lewistown Sentinel

03-22-2019 Philly residents' tax burden heavier than most big-city peers, Pew finds Philadelphians fork over more money per capita in taxes than residents of all but four major U.S. cities, according to a new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Philadelphia Research Initiative. The analysis, called “The Cost of Local Government in Philadelphia,” explored the variety and amount of taxes Philadelphians... - Philadelphia Tribune

03-22-2019 Academy Park students create winning idea for PennDOT challenge SHARON HILL — Two Academy Park students steered a challenge from PennDOT into the winner's circle at a recent competition. Senior Samhir Blackwell and junior Cheyenne Phillips were the PennDOT District 6 winners in the department’s second Innovations Challenge, a... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

03-22-2019 Doomed Boeing Jets Lacked 2 Safety Features That Company Sold Only as Extras As the pilots of the doomed Boeing jets in Ethiopia and Indonesia fought to control their planes, they lacked two notable safety features in their cockpits. One reason: Boeing charged extra for them. For Boeing and other aircraft manufacturers, the practice of charging to... - New York Times

03-22-2019 Overhaul the FAA: After Max 8 bungles, the agency lacks public trust As the international investigation into two fatal airline crashes continues, the Federal Aviation Administration is looking less like a regulatory agency than a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co. Most countries moved quickly to ground Boeing’s 737 Max 8 after it... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

33 03-22-2019 Baltimore Mayor Pugh's inaugural committee failed to file required disclosures with the IRS The committee that organized a day of festivities to celebrate Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh’s inauguration in 2016 hasn’t filed the financial disclosures the IRS requires of nonprofits. Jon Laria, an attorney and one of Pugh’s inaugural committee directors,... - Baltimore Sun

03-22-2019 Tainted Philly police officers get re-assigned to the ‘last place’ they should be, critics say Two years ago, when then-Philadelphia homicide detective Philip Nordo was accused of making secret cash payments to an imprisoned informer, Police Commissioner Richard Ross faced a dilemma: what to do with the officer while the investigation played out. His solution: assign him to monitor security cameras in a unit which... - Philadelphia Inquirer

03-22-2019 Aspinwall eyes $100,000 in summer paving Aspinwall council is eyeing two prominent streets for summer paving and will target up to four alleys if the budget allows. Council approved $100,000 for the annual road improvement program, making it somewhat easier to compile the list compared to 2018 when the budget was... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

03-22-2019 New turn restrictions in effect near Riverview High School, Oakmont Bakery Oakmont police and Riverview School District officials said new turning restrictions along Hulton Road by the high school are making a positive impact on traffic. “It’s been much better,” police Chief Michael Ford said Tuesday. “The school is happy with all enforcement efforts.”... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

34 Transportation Recap is a weekly report on legislative and executive actions on transportation related legislation and is compiled and edited by PLS .

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