LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm located near the State Capitol.  It contains news on the legislative and regulatory scene in Pennsylvania that may be of interest to the Insurance and Business Communities.  It is a free member benefit for those who are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU) or Manufacturers Association of South Central PA (MASCPA).  Subscription information may be obtained by contacting PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES at 717/728-1217 FAX 717/728-1164 or e-mail to xenobun@aol.com.  Please email jtrout2792@aol.com supplying both your name and e-mail address if you wish to be removed from this list.

BUDGET ACCORD? … ALMOST

Last week the Governor and legislative leaders appeared to reach a spending agreement of $27.65 billion for FY 2012-13.  Details are still being hammered out regarding specific programs but most expect that the Budget will be passed by the constitutional deadline of June 30, 2012.

FLOOD OF BILLS SEE ACTION

Bills have seen significant legislative action as the General Assembly prepares to recess for the summer.

Senate Actions

• The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee reported out House Bill 2135 (Quinn-R-Bucks).  This legislation creates a limited power for unlicensed retail clerks to sell property insurance for portable electronic devices such as cell phones.  It already passed the House so that the only thing standing in its way to becoming law is a full Senate vote.
• The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee also reported out House Bill 532 (Saylor-R-York).  It mandates group and individual health insurance policies to cover general anesthesia and associated costs for children seven or younger and for those developmentally disabled.

House Actions

• The full House voted for Senate Bill 1464 (D. White-R-Indiana). SB 1464 brings PA into alignment with the NAIC model law creating a new classification of “certified” reinsurers. It also provides for Department group-wide supervision of internationally active multi-jurisdictional insurance groups.  Earlier, it gained language from SB 1524.  SB 1464 goes to the Governor for his signature.
• The House Health Committee reported out Senate Bill 8 (Folmer-R-Lebanon).  It creates a new entity called the PA eHealth Partnership to govern over the establishment and maintenance of an electronic data base containing medical and test results so that doctors might be less inclined to provide their own testing when the patient may have had the same test performed recently by another health care provider.  A full House vote would put the bill in the Governor’s hands.
• RE Senate Bill 1144 (Ward-R-Westmoreland), LEG REG Review received an email from an agent suggesting that SB 1144 would be harmful to consumers because it would allow dentists to abrogate their contracts with insurers allowing for discounted pricing on non-covered services and on additional visits not covered by the policy.  In this view, consumers would use fewer non-covered dental services and not go for the extra visits (a dental health issue).  Advocates say that it is wrong for insurers to force dentists to work with discounted conditions when there is no actual coverage.  It passed the Senate 46-0 and the House Insurance Committee 21-0.  It still needs House approval.

Governor’s Office

• Governor Corbett signed Senate Bill 388 (Vance-R-Cumberland) into law as Act 65 of 2012.  The law requires dentists to carry medical malpractice insurance just as doctors and hospitals are required to do.  That also means that they come under the purview of the MCARE program administered by the Insurance Department.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY CLEARS REGULATORY OVERSIGHT BILL

• The full House concurred with Senate amendments to pass House Bill 1349 (Pickett-R-Bradford).  This is a piece of legislation requiring that the state’s regulatory agencies under the Governor’s oversight such as Agriculture, DEP, Insurance, L&I etc. to analyze proposed rules for their impact on small businesses.  Among other things, the analysis would:
• Identify the industries affected
• Financial, economic and social impacts of the regulation on individuals, small businesses and business & labor communities
• Estimate numbers of businesses affected and costs connected with the regulation and record keeping

Signed in the House June 22, it is going to the Governor for his signature. Because of its importance to the regulatory business community, a link appears below.

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2011&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=1349&pn=3773

DEBATE SCHEDULED ON NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE

The United States Senate has scheduled debate on major reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) this coming week.  Debated will be S. 1940.  Previously, the US House of Representatives passed HR 1309 but the Senate had not yet taken up NFIP except for another short-term extension of the program through July 2012.  Text of the legislation may be accessed through www.thomas.gov.

Pennsylvania Note:  On June 21, NFIP gave notice to West Pittston, Luzerne County that it will be in probation as of October 1 unless it meets minimum floodplain management requirements.  A consequence will be a $50 surcharge on premiums for policies written or renewed after that date.

FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE UPDATE

On June 21, the US Senate voted 64-38 to pass  S. 3240 the Farm Bill.  Among its many provisions dealing with everything from SNAP (food stamps) to conservation practices are provisions affecting the Crop Insurance Program.  Senator Casey voted yes while Senator Toomey voted no on final passage.  S. 3240 now goes to the House where a timetable is uncertain.  Adopted were the following amendments:

-          Requiring Risk Management Administration (RMA) to use plain language to make Crop Insurance more understandable and accessible.  (voice vote)

-          Limit Crop Insurance subsidy to persons or legal entities with adjusted gross income under $750,000 but require that a study be done first (Casey and Toomey both voted yes).

-          Require that organic crops be treated by Crop Insurance under similar terms and conditions as other crops with Casey voted yes and Toomey no.

The most important amendment was one defeated in the Senate.  Failing 33-66 was an amendment called the Gillibrand Amendment after its sponsor Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) to limit Crop Insurance support to insurers and divert the funding to nutrition programs.  Crop Insurance support absorbs administrative and marketing costs including agent commissions that the Crop Insurance carriers would otherwise have to pay.  Senator Casey voted yes and Senator Toomey voted no.

Also, a Casey amendment passed requiring more frequent dairy reporting; to study feasibility of having two classes of milk and a manufacturing class to replace the current four class system re Milk Marketing Orders.  (Casey yes, Toomey no)

CE NOTES

PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES is planning two summer CE blitzes: a compliance blitz with lobbyist Vince Phillips and former Insurance Department Counsel Christopher Knight, now with the law firm of Hawke, McKeon, & Sniscak LLP to discuss Insurance Department compliance issues for insurers and producers.  Second will be a blitz across the state to help insurance producers better understand the upcoming US Supreme Court’s decision on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act.  Details will be announced for both.

Tags: 2012, 20th Issue June 25, GPAHU, LEG REG REVIEW 2012, Legislative Review, NAHU, PAHU, Phillips Associates, Vince Phillips

LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm located near the State Capitol.  It contains news on the legislative and regulatory scene in Pennsylvania that may be of interest to the Insurance and Business Communities.  It is a free member benefit for those who are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU) or Manufacturers Association of South Central PA (MASCPA).  Subscription information may be obtained by contacting PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES at 717/728-1217 FAX 717/728-1164 or e-mail to xenobun@aol.com.  Please email jtrout2792@aol.com supplying both your name and e-mail address if you wish to be removed from this list.

REINSURANCE BILLS MOVE THROUGH COMMITTEE

The House Insurance Committee considered two company reinsurance bills June 12, Senate Bill 1464 (D. White-R-Indiana) and House Bill 2437 (Micozzie-R-Delaware).  SB 1464 was amended in the Senate to include the language from SB 1524.  SB 1464 brings PA into alignment with the NAIC model law creating a new classification of “certified” reinsurers. It also provides for Department group-wide supervision of internationally active multi-jurisdictional insurance groups.

eHEALTH BILL MOVES TO HOUSE

Senate Bill 8 (Folmer-R-Lebanon) passed the Senate June 12.  It creates a new entity called the PA eHealth Partnership to govern over the establishment and maintenance of an electronic data base containing medical and test results so that doctors might be less inclined to provide their own testing when the patient may have had the same test performed recently by another health care provider.  The idea received impetus from Washington with the passage of the Stimulus Package (ARRA) but got bagged down in the Rendell Administration because of future solvency after the ARRA money ran out.  SB 8 funding would come from user and transaction fees as well as Federal money.

There is already another piece of legislation (HB 863) sponsored by Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne) seeking to do something similar.  Pahinski bill HB 2106 from the 2009-2010 session had passed the House.  The Corbett Administration version of this concept is called eHealth Collaborative. SB 8 does include a health insurance carrier representative on the governing body of the eHealth Partnership.

AGING COMMITTEES TO HEAR STATE PLAN on AGING

On June 20 the House Older Adult Services Committee and the Senate Aging & Youth Committee to discuss Pennsylvania’s Draft Plan on Aging mandated by the Federal Government for departments of aging to demonstrate their approaches and strategies in meeting seniors’ needs.  Testifying will be Secretary of Aging Brian Duke.  The state must update its State Plan on Aging every four years.

In addition to this informational meeting in Harrisburg, the Department of Aging plans for two more public hearings on the Draft Plan.  They will be June 25 at the University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Research Building and June 28 at the University of Pittsburgh William Pitt Union.  Insurance agents and PAHU may be advocating greater inclusion of agents specializing in the senior products market in the APPRISE program and other consumer outreach activities sponsored by the Aging Department.  Details on testifying are available from Brittany Bendigo 717/425-5719.  Written comments should be addressed to David Gingerich, Acting Deputy Secretary of Aging, 555 Walnut St., 5^th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.  Comments must be received by June 29.  To read the Draft Plan, go to http://www.aging.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/department_of_aging_home/18206

CORBETT SIGNS UC BILL INTO LAW

Governor Corbett signed Senate Bill 1310 (Gordner-R-Columbia) into law as act 60 of 2012. The law refinances a debt to the Federal Government of $3.87 billion so as to save over $170 million in interest that would have been added to the tab if the original obligation to the Feds had continued.  The bond is to be paid off by 2019.

DENTAL WORK

Three bills relevant to dentists and dental insurance saw legislative action. 

• House Bill 532 (Saylor-R-York) passed the House. It mandates group and individual health insurance policies to cover general anesthesia and associated costs for children seven or younger and for those developmentally disabled.
• Senate Bill 1144 (Ward-R-Westmoreland)) was reported out of the House Insurance Committee.  It would prohibit insurers from setting fee schedules for non-covered services such as teeth-whitening.  Dental insurers consider this bill as one which reduces the amount of non-covered dental services people would utilize.  The bill is on the House calendar. Its companion is HB 1537 (Murt-R-Montgomery)
• A bill requiring dentists to carry medical malpractice insurance passed the House and was sent to Governor Corbett for his signature.  Senate Bill 388 is sponsored by Senator Pat Vance (R-Cumberland).  PA Dental Association supported the legislation.

POLITICAL NOTE…Republican Representative Randy Vulakovich (R-Westmoreland) was selected by Republican Committee officials as their nominee to finish the term of Jane Orie who had to resign her seat because of her conviction on misusing taxpayer dollars to fund political activities.   He will face off against Democratic nominee Sharon Brown in the August 7 special election.

OTHER LEGISLATIVE NEWS

• The Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee approved House Bill 1908 (Micozzie-R-Delaware) towing reform legislation.
• Tax reform House Bill 1776 (Cox-R-Berks) was tabled in the House Finance Committee June 11. Earlier, on June 4, the House Finance Committee convened a hearing on HB 1776.  It would eliminate many exemptions from the state’s sales and use tax in order to fund an elimination of the school property tax.  The legislation would also increase the sales tax from six to seven percent.  PAHU submitted written comments opposing the bill’s sales tax reach to insurance agent fees.  The vote to table was 13 to 11 with 9 Republicans voting to table and five opposed.  Four Democrats voted to table and six were opposed.
• The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee that had been scheduled for June 13 was cancelled.

CE NOTES

PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES is planning two summer CE blitzes.  First is a compliance blitz where lobbyist Vince Phillips will join with former Insurance Department Counsel Christopher Knight, now with the law firm of Hawke, McKeon, & Sniscak LLP to discuss Insurance Department compliance issues for insurers and producers.  Second will be a blitz across the state to help insurance producers better understand the upcoming US Supreme Court’s decision on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act.  Details will be announced for both.

Tags: 19th Issue June 18, 2012, GPAHU, LEG REG REVIEW 2012, Legislative Review, NAHU, PAHU, Phillips Associates, Vince Phillips

LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm located near the State Capitol.  It contains news on the legislative and regulatory scene in Pennsylvania that may be of interest to the Insurance and Business Communities.  It is a free member benefit for those who are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU) or Manufacturers Association of South Central PA (MASCPA).  Subscription information may be obtained by contacting PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES at 717/728-1217 FAX 717/728-1164 or e-mail to xenobun@aol.com.  Please email jtrout2792@aol.com supplying both your name and e-mail address if you wish to be removed from this list.

BUDGET NEWS (Are We There Yet?)

Legislative leaders and Governor Corbett are in sustained negotiations on budget particulars regarding spending priorities…Stay tuned.  This week should be pivotal even as the earlier June 13 estimated completion date now seems implausible.

The PA Senate started the Budget Gauntlet by passing Senate Bill 1466 in May, a measure that restored $500 million in education cuts proposed by the Governor in February.  It went to the House where some interests clamored for more restorations given the better than expected revenues versus others who maintained that the state is still in a deep budgetary hole and that more budget-cutting must take place.  The House Appropriations Committee reported out SB 1466 intact, readying it for a House gauntlet which has already meant changes.

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2011&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=1466&pn=2246

With a proposed general operations budget of $17.947 million, the Insurance Department appears not to have been changed by SB 1466.  PA must have a balanced budget passed by the General Assembly by June 30 per the Constitution.

NOTE:  Understand in the Budget Process that the House makes changes that the Governor’s Office and the Senate cannot accept.  The Senate non-concurs and then it goes to a Conference Committee where leadership negotiate the differences.  As examples, note these budget changes to HB 1466 and ask yourself if they would be acceptable:

• Governor’s Office cut from $6.179 million to $1.5 million
• Lt. Governor’s Office cut from $802,000 to $250,000

REVENUES LESS THAN ANTICIPATED IN MAY

Pennsylvania collected more than anticipated in revenue projections in April 2012 but those numbers fell off for May 2012.  $1.9 billion came in for the General Fund in May or $43.8 (2.3%) million less than anticipated.  The YTD collections show that the state is $332.9 million below estimate for this fiscal year worsening from April’s $288.4 million revenue below estimates.  This news has a definite impact on the Budget since legislative reversal of some Corbett cutbacks were fueled by the earlier more optimistic revenue numbers.

TAX BILL DRAWS STRONG REACTIONS

The House Finance Committee convened a hearing June 4 on House Bill 1776 (Cox-R-Berks)  HB 1776 would eliminate many exemptions from the state’s sales and use tax in order to fund an elimination of the school property tax.  The legislation would also increase the sales tax from six to seven percent.  Opinion was strong by both advocates and detractors.  One supporter of the bill was the PA Farm Bureau.  Some of the opposition came from the PA Retailers Association and the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB).  PAHU was the only insurance organization to present comments via a chapter President.  PAHU weighed in against expanding the sales tax to include broker fees.  The Finance Committee may vote on the bill this week.

SENATE BANKING & INSURANCE COMMITTEE DID NOT MEET

The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee canceled its June 5 meeting which would have considered three bills, all of which are sponsored by committee chair Don White (R-Indiana).

-          SB 1524 amends the Reinsurance Credits Law to allow for reduced collateral for reinsurers that are financially solvent and licensed in the Commonwealth (absorbed into SB 1464 by amendment)

-          SB 1538 amends the MCARE Act by requiring that the Insurance Commissioner conduct a study of the amount of punitive damages paid for by health care providers for claims resolved under the Medicare Care and Reduction of Errors Fund.

-          SB 1545 establishes the Banking-Securities Commission Act.  This takes the now free-standing Securities Commission and moves it into the Banking Department.  It stems from a reorganization recommendation from the Corbett Administration that surfaced during Budget hearings.  Both Banking and Securities are self-sustaining from industry fees, not from the General Fund.

A new meeting date to consider SB 1538 has been set for June 13.

MORE LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

• Placed on Governor Corbett’s desk June 7 was Senate Bill 1310 (Gordner –R-Columbia) regarding the state’s unemployment compensation insurance system.  The measure would help the Commonwealth’s UC Trust Fund remain solvent and pay off a $3.87 billion Federal loan to PA for UC benefits.  Paying off the Federal debt through a bond means state indebtedness but the payback would be less because of lower interest charges.  The bond would be paid off by 2019.
• The House Insurance Committee plans an off the floor meeting to consider two company reinsurance bills, Senate Bill 1464 (D. White-R-Indiana) and House Bill 2437 (Micozzie-R-Delaware).  SB 1464 was amended in the Senate to include the language from SB 1524.

LICENSING BILL CLEARS HOUSE

By a unanimous vote, the House approved House Bill 2135 (Quinn-R-Bucks) to create a new limited line of authority governing property insurance sales by unlicensed retail clerks for portable electronic products such as cell phones.

REGULATORY NOTES

• The PA Insurance Department is convening a seminar June 13 for public adjusters to become familiar with new requirements, licensing terms/timelines, consumer protections and disclosures.  Details: Adriane Force at ra-in-producer@pa.gov.
• AIG will pay $16.8 million fine in fines and assessments to PA in a settlement regarding AIG’s Workers’ Compensation program.  The PA Insurance Department took the lead in this multi-state agreement where AIG had understated its liabilities to the departments.  The settlement breaks down to $8.6 million in fines, $3.6 million to the WC Security Fund, and $4.6 million in premium taxes and assessments.  The total AIG will pay to the states amounts to $100 million.

CE NOTES

PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES is planning two summer CE blitzes.  First is a compliance blitz where lobbyist Vince Phillips will join with former Insurance Department Counsel Christopher Knight, now with the law firm of Hawke, McKeon, & Sniscak LLP to discuss Insurance Department compliance issues for insurers and producers.  Second will be a blitz across the state to help insurance producers better understand the upcoming US Supreme Court’s decision on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act.  Details will be announced for both.

A second CE note is that the SPARKS Club Clinic for 2012 has been approved for four credits in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.  Details: www.sparksclub.com

Tags: 18th Issue June 11, 2012, GPAHU, LEG REG REVIEW 2012, Legislative Review, NAHU, PAHU, Phillips Associates, Vince Phillips

LEG REG REVIEW is a periodic newsletter produced by PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES, a professional lobbying and consultant firm located near the State Capitol.  It contains news on the legislative and regulatory scene in Pennsylvania that may be of interest to the Insurance and Business Communities.  It is a free member benefit for those who are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Health Underwriters (PAHU) or Manufacturers Association of South Central PA (MASCPA).  Subscription information may be obtained by contacting PHILLIPS ASSOCIATES at 717/728-1217 FAX 717/728-1164 or e-mail to xenobun@aol.com.  Please email jtrout2792@aol.com supplying both your name and e-mail address if you wish to be removed from this list.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY’S JUNE DOMINATED BY BUDGET

With the June 30 budget deadline looming, the FY 2012-13 Budget for the Commonwealth is expected to take most of the oxygen out of the room for many non-Budget issues even though there is passion for liquor store privatization (House Republicans) and reforming state worker pensions into something that is more of a defined contribution instead of a defined benefit plan (Senate Republicans).  Issues will take a back seat to restoration of budget cuts, especially to those made in education and social services.

The PA Senate took the lead May 9 on the FY 2012-13 Budget with a 39-8 vote to send it to the House.  In SB 1466, Printer’s Number 2165 www.legis.state.pa.us), the Senate restored $500 million in education funding and monies for some agriculture programs which the Corbett Budget had zeroed out.  On May 22, the House Appropriations Committee reported the bill out for consideration by the full House.  The budget outlook for the next fiscal year will depend on revenues.  Next year’s (starting July 1^st) depends on economic recovery and the increasing fiscal revenue impact from Marcellus Shale economic activity.  The Senate did not restore the Crop Insurance Premium Subsidy Program which the Corbett Administration chose not to re-fund.

Senate restoration for certain agency budgets and program restorations is part of a larger saga dealing with foreseeable revenues. Revenues have started picking up in this fiscal year thanks to a sluggish but recovering Pennsylvania economy.  Through April 30, 2012, the Commonwealth took in $3.4 billion in revenue which was $98.9 million or three-percent more than expected.  For the year to date, PA is still behind expected revenues by $288 million.  Still, that is a far cry from an earlier $700 shortfall for the current fiscal year and gave rise to the Senate’s budget optimism.  May’s numbers will have a big impact on the final Budget.

Following is a summary of PA Insurance Department budget numbers in SB 1466.  (NOTE: Numbers below are a snapshot in time as of June 4 and may not reflect final numbers.  Estimated ETA for Budget passage is June 13, other things equal).

SESSION DAYS are June 4,5,6,11,12,13,18,19,20,25,26,27,28,29 for both House and Senate.  The House will be in session June 21 and 22.

FLOOD PROGRAM EXTENDED

Just in time to celebrate the advent of the 2012 Hurricane Season on June 1, the US Congress gave the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) a sixty-day reprieve.  That means that NFIP policies may still be written.  The new sunset date is July 30, 2012.  On May 31, President Obama signed HR 5740 into law.  There was one amendment grafted on to the bill by Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) ending premium subsidies on vacation and second homes.  Even if NFIP is not reauthorized past July 30, the Coburn amendment will stay as a permanent change to NFIP.  For text of the bill, please use www.thomas.gov as a resource.

PA SPECIAL ELECTION SET

Lt. Governor James Cawley set August 7 as the date to fill the Allegheny County Senate seat vacated by Jane Orie who had to resign because of her conviction on charges of misusing taxpayer dollars for political purposes.  Before then, a special primary contest will take place June 16.  So far, seven Republicans (including former congresswoman and former PA State Senator Melissa Hart) and one Democrat have expressed interest in the contest.

IRS PROVIDES LEEWAY ON FSA RULE

The Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2012-40 on May 30 to make allowances for Flexible Spending accounts (FSAs) rules limiting contributions to $2,500 set to take place January 1, 2013.  NAHU and other benefit organizations argued that the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (PPACA) imposition of this limit hurts those FSA plans not operating on a calendar year system.  Notice 2012-40 addressed this by defining “taxable year” in the PPACA law refers to the plan year of the cafeteria plan as this is the period for which salary reduction elections are made.  It also allowed for a grace period for contributions exceeding $2,500 that “are due to a reasonable mistake and not willful neglect and that are corrected by the employer.”  NAHU strongly supports repeal of the PPACA FSA limit and advocates passage of H.R. 5923/S.3673).  Details: www.irs.gov for Notice 2012-40 and www.thomas.gov to read text of the repeal legislation.

SENATE BANKING & INSURANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET

The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee will meet June 5 to consider three bills, all of which are sponsored by committee chair Don White (R-Indiana).

-          SB 1524 amends the Reinsurance Credits Law to allow for reduced collateral for reinsurers that are financially solvent and licensed in the Commonwealth

-          SB 1538 amends the MCARE Act by requiring that the Insurance Commissioner conduct a study of the amount of punitive damages paid for by health care providers for claims resolved  under the Medicare Care and Reduction of Errors Fund.

-          SB 1545 establishes the Banking-Securities Commission Act.  This takes the now free-standing Securities Commission and moves it into the Banking Department.  It stems from a reorganization recommendation from the Corbett Administration that surfaced during Budget hearings.  Both Banking and Securities are self-sustaining from industry fees, not from the General Fund.

COMING UP

• On June 7, the House Commerce Committee will hear Banking Secretary Glenn Moyer and a representative of the PA Bankers Association discuss how regulation of the industry might be streamlined in Pennsylvania.
• Patient Safety Authority is meeting June 5 in Harrisburg.  Details: 717/346-0469

OBIT NOTE:  Former Luzerne County Senator Charles Lemmond passed away at age 82 on May 30.  Personal note from Vince Phillips:  “I have the greatest respect for the Senator.  His tenure in the General Assembly was marked with tolerance, integrity and humility.  He was a really decent man.”

Tags: 17th Issue June 4, 2012, GPAHU, LEG REG REVIEW 2012, Legislative Review, NAHU, PAHU, Phillips Associates, Vince Phillips