Just do it
Many people have complained about the Pennsylvania Legislature’s failure to deal with pressing problems facing residents across the commonwealth.
However, lawmakers sprung into action this past week, passing numerous bills of significance by last Thursday, the final day of the 2013-14 session.
One of the those bills was proposed by state Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, who represents all of Greene County and parts of Fayette and Washington counties.
The bill, which was passed by the House last July, will require both the House and Senate to sign off on the Environmental Protection Agency’s pending rules related to cutting carbon emissions.
Snyder said she was worried that efforts to cut carbon emissions would include shutting down coal-generated electricity plants, resulting in layoffs at local coal mines. Under her legislation, the DEP will hold at least four public hearings to garner input on technologies and energy efficiency programs.
Snyder said she realizes that Pennsylvania has no choice but to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent by 2030, but her legislation will give residents a voice in the process.
“Pennsylvania will have a plan to reduce greenhouse gasses, but my bill aims to ensure it is one that protects our interests, our citizens and our wallets.” said Snyder.
Other legislation passed by the Senate included measures to:
n Broaden the definition of who can challenge local gun-control ordinances in court. Backed by the National Rifle Association, the bill would allow “membership organizations” to stand in for any Pennsylvania member who is “adversely affected” by an illegal local gun-control ordinance.
n Create a prescription drug-dispensing database. The measure would apply to prescriptions for drugs from morphine to cough syrup. Under it, dispensers and pharmacists must submit the name, date of birth, gender and address for the person seeking the drug, plus other information. They must check the database each time a person comes to them for the first time seeking a prescription, or if they believe someone may be abusing or diverting the drugs. The state attorney general’s office would have access to the database.
n Overhaul the state’s program for distressed cities to ensure that municipalities spend no more than eight years in it, even if the state takes it over or disincorporates it.
n Prevent the eviction of renters who contact police about domestic violence. Supporters say some municipal ordinances allow landlords to evict tenants who call the police a certain number of times.
n Allow prosecutors or victims of a personal injury crime to seek an injunction or other court-ordered relief when an offender’s conduct “causes a temporary or permanent state of mental anguish.” The bill was prompted by convicted killer Mumia Abu-Jamal’s pre-recorded commencement address to graduates of Goddard College in Vermont earlier this month.
While it was good to see the Senate actually passing legislation instead of just talking endlessly, it has to be noted that the chamber did nothing about such important issues as tax reform, alcohol privatization and medical marijuana. Let’s hope they vote on these issues next year, when the legislature reconvenes in January.
Still, the flurry of activity shows that the Senate can take action, even if it only comes when members are faced with a deadline. Who knows how much more legislation the Senate could pass if it met for more than the 58 days it was in session this year.
If they met more often, legislators might be able to pass bills on a more consistent basis, rather than frantically approving them at the last minute.