This Week in Harrisburg

This week, the House of Representatives approved legislation that will generate an additional $2.3 billion a year for Pennsylvania’s transportation system through increased gasoline taxes, fees and fines. Approximately $1.65 billion will be dedicated to roads and bridges and more than $485 million will go toward mass transit. The governor will sign House Bill 1060 into law in the coming days. 

I am incredibly disappointed the House voted for what could amount to a 28 cent per gallon gas tax increase. I could not in good conscience support that type of increase on my constituents in these tough economic times. While I believe transportation is a core function of state government, this bill is completely inadequate for the hard-working taxpayers of Pennsylvania. 

There is no doubt that we need to make more of an investment in the Commonwealth’s aging transportation infrastructure. Alternative sources of revenue are available, including the sale of the state’s liquor stores, but none of those proposals was given serious consideration.

Continuing the effort to support Pennsylvania’s clubs and organizations, the House made a number of updates to the Small Games of Chance Act. Among other things, House Bill 290 allows additional games (Race Night, Chinese auctions and pools); increases prize limits; and lessens restrictions on record keeping for smaller organizations. 
 
House Bill 1098 allows taverns to conduct small games of chance, with 60 percent of the revenue benefitting the state’s General Fund. These games will allow many taverns, which are often small businesses, to compete on a level playing field with larger establishments, such as casinos. 

Our goal with any law that regulates small games of chance is to make sure it is reasonable and accountable. Both bills, which I supported, were sent to the governor for his signature.