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5/14/08 - Sen. Lisa Baker co-chaired a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees on proposed legislation to restructure Pennsylvania's emergency management agency and statewide response system.

5/6/08 - Senator Bob Robbins (R-50), a longtime supporter of Science in Motion, speaks in support of the program that promotes science and mathematics education during a press conference at the State Capitol.

5/5/08 - Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) pays tribute to Pennsylvania police officers who died in the line of duty during a Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Ceremony held at the State Capitol.

5/5/08 - Speaking at a press conference at the State Capitol, Senator Pat Browne (R-16) supported efforts to curb youth violence.

4/30/08 - Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, joins Pennsylvania Adjutant General Jessica Wright in signing the National Guard Family Covenant. The covenant honors the sacrifices that military families make every day.

4/29/08 - Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Gibson Armstrong raises a question during a Senate public hearing on legislation that would amend the state Constitution to define marriage.

4/29/08 - Sen. Pat Vance, Sen. Rob Wonderling and the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson, held a public hearing on the state Department of Public Welfare’s proposal to carve pharmaceutical services out of its managed care programs.

4/15/08 - As part of the ongoing effort to make quality health care more accessible in Pennsylvania, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson, held a second public hearing, in Upland, on the role that health centers play in providing care for low-income and uninsured Pennsylvanians.

4/10/08 - Senators John Eichelberger, Bob Regola and John Pippy (l to r) received testimony concerning Multi-Municipal Planning and Shared Services from local officials during a joint public hearing of the Senate Local Government and Urban Affairs and Housing Committees.

4/9/08 - Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Ted Erickson, right, Sen. Mary Jo White and Sen. Rob Wonderling take part in a public hearing examining the vital role that health centers play in providing care for low-income and uninsured Pennsylvanians.

3/31/08 - Sen. Jeffrey Piccola announced legislation to close loopholes that continue to exist in Pennsylvania’s gaming law in an effort to keep organized crime out of slots operations and make structural and procedural reforms to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. More

3/18/08 - Sen. John Eichelberger unveils the Child Rapist and Sexual Predator Detection Act, legislation to strengthen reporting requirements for health care providers who discover evidence of sexual abuse, sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy in children age 12 or younger. More

3/18/08 - Sen. Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland), joined by Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair), left, and Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon), calls on the House to pass his legislation to end "lame duck" sessions of the General Assembly.

3/17/08 - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (R-12) chairs the public hearing to receive testimony on Senate Bill 1250, the proposed marriage amendment.

3/11/08 - The Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Senator Gib Armstrong, took testimony from more than a dozen groups who saw their funding cut or eliminated in Governor Rendell's proposed state budget.

2/21/08 - The Senate Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Jake Corman, held a public hearing on the state’s Chesapeake Bay environmental plan and its impact on taxpayers.

2/14/08 - Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware), center, watches as Governor Rendell signs Senate Bill 1, legislation he sponsored to strengthen the state's Open Records Law. Also attending are Senator Jake Corman (R-Centre), second from right, and Senator Pat Vance (R-Cumberland).

2/12/08 - Sen. James Rhoades (right) and Sen. John Pippy introduced legislation that would help municipalities prevent blight and remediate abandoned properties.

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2/5/08 - Senator Scarnati talks with reporters following the Governor's budget address.

1/30/08 - The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi to greatly expand Pennsylvania's Open Records Law and sent it to the House of Representatives for action.

1/29/08 - Sen. Roger Madigan chairs a meeting of the Senate Transportation Committee.

1/15/08 - The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White, approved the first comprehensive rewrite of Pennsylvania’s mine safety laws in nearly 50 years.

1/1/08 - Senator Joe Scarnati (right) is sworn in to serve his second year as Senate President Pro Tempore.

12/12/07 - Legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) that will improve and better coordinate veterans outreach assistance and support programs in the Commonwealth was signed into law by the governor.

Senator Browne and Senator Rafferty (right)

12/10/07 - Senators Pat Browne (center) and John Rafferty (right) review legislation under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee chaired by Senator Stewart Greenleaf (left).

12/4/07 - The Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. James J. Rhoades (R-29), held a public hearing to get more information on the costs and benefits of Pennsylvania's Classrooms for the Future program.

11/28/07 - Senate Bill 1, legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s Open Records Law was approved by the Senate today. The measure is sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic F. Pileggi (R-9).

11/27/07 - The Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies approved eight bills today addressing several energy issues, including legislation sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson providing tax credits for the installation of solar energy equipment.

11/20/07 - During a press conference in the East Wing Rotunda, Senator Jeff Piccola congratulated the Commonwealth’s cyber schools for providing an outstanding educational choice to families in Pennsylvania and applauded the teachers, parents, and students who were present for a job well done.

11/19/07 - Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Stewart J. Greenleaf (R-12) chairs a public hearing on the role of behavioral health treatment courts in Pennsylvania.

11/14/07 - Sen. Mike Folmer announces the introduction of legislation pre-empting Pennsylvania's compliance with federal mandates imposed under the Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005.

11/14/07 - The Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White, held a public hearing on legislation that would use existing revenues to support projects geared at improving energy supply and efficiency, and reducing energy demand.

11/13/07 - Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) announces legislation that would make Pennsylvania one of the first states in the nation to implement the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, which establishes federally mandated national standards to strengthen sex offender registration and notification.

10/30/07 - Senator Waugh (R-York) speaks at an October 30 press conference to bring greater awareness to hydrocephalus, an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids on the brain. Waugh sponsored a resolution designating November 2007 as Hydrocephalus Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

10/30/07 - Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) and Senator Roger Madigan (R-Bradford) Chairs of the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness and Transportation Committees, respectively, hear testimony during a joint hearing to assess the status of the state’s emergency preparedness and roadway response capabilities.

10/30/07 - Speaking during a Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Hearing, Senator Gib Armstrong questions the CEOs of Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross about their "social mission" spending.

10/29/07 - The Senate State Government Committee, chaired Sen. Jeffrey Piccola, above, approved legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi to strengthen and expand Pennsylvania's Open Records Law.

10/23/07 - Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) speaks about the reliability of Pennsylvania's agricultural work force at a joint hearing of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the Labor and Industry Committee Tuesday.

10/23/07 - Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Chairman Senator Don White questions Acting Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario about competition in the health care insurance market in Pennsylvania.

Senator Folmer (left), Senator Corman, and Senator Pileggi (right)

10/17/07 - The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Jake Corman (center), held a public hearing on the state funding and growing school districts. The Oct. 17 hearing included Sen. Mike Folmer (left) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (right).

10/17/07 - Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) testifies before the Senate State Government Committee on his legislation to prohibit illegal aliens who are living in Pennsylvania from receiving public benefits.

10/15/07 - Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) spoke today at a rally in support of stronger Open Records legislation. Sen. Pileggi is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 1, and has indicated that passing a stronger Open Records Law is his top legislative priority.

10/3/07 - Senator Lisa Baker hears testimony on the implementation of the StARNet Statewide Radio Network during a joint hearing of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and the Communications and Technology Committee.

Senator Greenleaf (left) and Senator Erickson (right)

10/2/07 - The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (right), held a public hearing on legislation sponsored by Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (left) to establish a procedure for obtaining court orders for certain individuals with mental illness to receive and accept outpatient treatment.

9/26/07 - Senator Rhoades spoke about the need for dramatic changes in the funding mechanism for public schools during a press conference to announce the Property Tax Elimination Act.

9/25/07 - Senator Lisa Baker speaks about emergency preparedness at a gathering of the American Red Cross in the Capitol Rotunda recognizing National Preparedness Month.

9/24/07 - While responding to the Governor's address, Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) said the General Assembly should take a fiscally responsible approach to the state's long-term energy policy.

9/24/07 - The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), held a public hearing on conflicting statements on when the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program would be shut down.

9/19/07 - The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), held the first of two public hearings to discuss a proposed alternative fuel mandate for gasoline and diesel fuel sales within the Commonwealth.

9/19/07 - Senator Rhoades holds up a copy of the federal No Child Left Behind law during a Senate Education Committee meeting. At the meeting, Senator Rhoades challenged the United States Congress to make common-sense changes to the federal law.

9/18/07 - Senator Don White (R-Indiana), Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, greets Acting Secretary of Banking Steven Kaplan prior to a unanimous nomination by the committee. Kaplan was later confirmed by the Senate.

8/16/07 - (L to R) Senators Bob Robbins (R-Mercer), Mike Waugh (R-York), John Eichelberger (R-Altoona), Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland), and Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) receive testimony during a Local Government Committee meeting concerning the Uniform Construction Code.

8/13/07 - President and CEO of Tasty Baking Company Charlie Pizzi welcomes Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi for a tour of its Oxford Plant. The 91-year old Bakery offers more than 100 products under the Tastykake brand name.

7/31/07 - Senator Don White (R-41) delivers his remarks after his induction into the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Hall of Fame.

7/25/07 - Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin) chaired a Senate State Government Committee public hearing on election issues, including the Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) system, implementation of the Help America Vote Act, voter-verified paper ballots, moving the presidential primary date, and pending federal legislation that may have an impact on state elections.

7/20/07 - Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Chair Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) addresses the annual convention of the PA American Legion in Harrisburg in July.

7/14/07 - Left to right Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware), Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) and Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) discuss legislation before a voting session on the Senate floor.

7/10/07 - Senator Jane Earll, chair of the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development committee, questions Administration officials about the decision to classify certain casino employees as "non-essential" -- a move that could have closed down casinos during the budget impasse.

7/10/07 - Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) joins Senator John Eichelberger (right) and House Republicans to push for legislation that would reduce the Commonwealth's debt load, which has increased significantly under the Rendell Administration.

7/07/07 - Senator Pat Vance (R-Cumberland) joins Republican senators from the South Central Pennsylvania Delegation at a rally at the state capitol to show their support for the 26,000 state workers who are being furloughed by Governor Ed Rendell. Also pictured at left are Sen. Mike Folmer and Sen. Jeff Piccola. Sen. Jake Corman also attended the event.

7/06/07 - Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee Chair Jane Earll, second from right, discusses the failure of administration officials to respond to a subpoena seeking testimony on the impact state furloughs will have on the PA gaming industry and its thousands of workers.

7/05/07 - Sen. Jane Earll (R-Erie) chairs a public hearing on the impact that a delayed state budget would have on the Pennsylvania gaming industry.

7/2/07 - Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati makes a point about the need to pass a no-tax budget during a capitol news conference held by Senate Republicans to discuss budget negotiations. Also pictured are Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (left) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Gibson Armstrong.

6/28/07 - Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) and Sen. Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland) today attended a ceremony to sign legislation that would reauthorize the state's $25 million Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program for five years. Baker, who chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, said the grants provide a vital resource to the state’s first responders.

6/23/07 - Senator John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) joins local veterans at an event he held to honor their military service.

6/27/07 - Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) convened a public hearing to discuss information gathered from the Committee listening sessions held throughout the Commonwealth this spring.

6/26/07 - The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, chaired by Sen. Don White (R-Indiana), held the first of a series of public hearings on competition in the Pennsylvania health insurance market.

6/25/07 - Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) joins families living with autism at a rally to support legislation that would require insurance companies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

6/20/07 - Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) participated in a special Capitol ceremony dedicating ten new vans that will be used by the Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network program to transport Pennsylvania veterans with health care needs to VA centers across the commonwealth.

Senator Piccola (center front) and Senator Rafferty

6/20/07 - Senator Jeff Piccola, center front, and Senator John Rafferty, right, listen to testimony from nominees to the Probation and Parole Board and for the position of Victims Advocate. Seated above are Senate Judiciary Chairman Stewart Greenleaf, far left, and Senator Jane Earll.

6/12/07 - The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White, above, and the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, chaired by Sen. Tommy Tomlinson, held a joint hearing on crafting a Pennsylvania energy plan.

6/11/07 - Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, hears testimony from Senator Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland) on legislation that would reauthorize the state’s $25 million Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program.

6/11/07 - Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) took part in the announcement of nearly 40 recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania.

6/06/07 - Senator Jake Corman, second from left, makes a point about the Taxpayer Fairness Act during a public hearing of the Senate Finance Committee. Also pictured are left to right, Senator Pat Vance, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Pat Browne.

6/05/07 - The State Senate today approved a bill sponsored by Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) to provide strengthened protections for consumers against home repair scam artists. Tomlinson chairs the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee.

Senator Pileggi (left) and Senator Piccola

6/04/07 - Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), left, testifies before the Senate State Government Committee on his legislation, Senate Bill 1, which would strengthen the state's open records law. The hearing was chaired by Senator Jeff Piccola (R-15).

5/31/07 - Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon), foreground, hosts a Senate Policy Committee hearing in Annville on the Taxpayer Fairness Act, which would set spending limits for state government. Folmer is sponsoring the legislation along with Senator Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland), left.

5/24/07 - The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy (R-Allegheny), held the first in a series of public hearings Wednesday on the fiscal health of Pennsylvania’s cities.

5/22/07 - During a rally at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, Senator Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) talks to supporters of his legislation to prohibit smoking in all public places, including restaurants and taverns.

5/22/07 - Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chairman Michael Brubaker (R-Lancaster) hears input on Pennsylvania's dairy policies during a public hearing held today at the state Capitol.

5/21/07 - Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati speaks at the Pennsylvania Press Club's monthly luncheon.

Senator Eichelberger (left), Senator Gordner and Senator Regola (right)

5/08/07 - Senate Labor and Industry Committee Chairman John Gordner (R-Columbia), center, Senate Local Government Committee Chairman Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland), right, and Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair) participate in a joint hearing to discuss Sen. Regola's legislation to repeal the state Uniform Construction Code.

5/07/07 - Senator John Rafferty, chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, pays tribute to fallen police officers during a ceremony at the state capitol. The memorial event was held to honor the 687 Pennsylvania police officers killed in the line of duty.

5/07/07 - Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) spoke at the 14th annual memorial service held today by the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. Scarnati, who serves as president pro tempore of the Senate, joined Gov. Ed Rendell, Attorney General Tom Corbett and other speakers to honor and remember officers who have been killed in the line of duty, including three in 2006. The number of slain officers across the U.S. since 1900 is approaching 17,000.

5/01/07 - The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee, chaired by Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (Bucks and Montgomery Counties) held a public hearing to afford the Pennsylvania Game Commission the opportunity to present their 2006 Annual report and to respond to Committee member inquiries.

5/01/07 - Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, addresses members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the Ladies Auxiliary. The groups were in Harrisburg to celebrate Loyalty Day.

04/24/07 - The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, chaired by Sen. Don White (R-Indiana), and the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), held a joint public hearing on the Rendell Administration’s wage tax proposal.

04/23/07 - Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, presided over a joint Public Hearing with the House Judiciary Committee regarding the recommendations of the Commission on Safety & Abuse in America's Prisons.

4/23/07 - Senator Jane Orie (R-40) joined a number of prominent statewide women’s organizations at a Pennsylvania Equal Pay Day Rally at the State Capitol.

4/19/07 - Senator Rhoades (R-29) speaks at Grant Workshop in Tamaqua.

04/18/07 - Senator Jake Corman (R-34), Majority Policy Chairman, conducted a hearing to discuss the divestiture of the retail sale of wine and hard liquor in the Commonwealth.

4/17/07 - Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, presides over a public hearing to consider the nomination of Col. Frank J. Sullivan for Brigadier General of the PA Air National Guard.

4/09/07 - Senator Don White (R-41) (right), Chairman of the (state) Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, talks with US Senator Arlen Specter after an April 9 public hearing by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in Philadelphia on the proposed Highmark-Independence Blue Cross merger.

4/04/09 - Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) and Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) hold an Agriculture Committee Hearing Session in Waymart, PA.

3/28/07 - Senate State Government Committee Chairman Jeffrey Piccola (R-15), right, held a public hearing and committee meeting to consider SB 44, legislation that would break the link between federal and state judicial pay.

3/27/07 - Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Roger Madigan (R-23) listens to testimony at a hearing on the Rendell administration’s proposed $760 million gas and oil tax.

3/26/07 - Sen. Jeff Piccola speaks at the second in a series of Senate State Government Committee public hearings on whether to consider the call for a Constitutional Convention.

3/23/07 - During a Youth Arts Month breakfast at Wilmington Area Middle School, Senator Bob Robbins met Kyle Patton, a 7th Grader who designed a T-shirt as part of a special arts exhibit held in March.

3/22/07 - Senator Bob Regola (R-39) recently held a constituent breakfast at the Manor Community Building to answer questions and concerns of residents.

3/20/07 - Sen. Terry Punt (R-Adams), left, Sen. Bob Robbins (R-Mercer) and Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), top right, take part in the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee hearing on the re-nomination of Adjutant General Jessica Wright.

3/14/07 - Speaking during a special Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing with public advocacy groups, Senator Mike Folmer, 48th District, raised questions about the impact of the Governor's proposed spending package.

3/13/07 - Senator Greenleaf (R-12) spoke about legislation establishing the Advisory Committee on Wrongful Convictions. The committee will review cases of wrongful convictions in order to recommend steps to reduce or eliminate the practices that led to them.

3/13/07 - Majority Policy Chairman, Senator Jake Corman, speaks at a public hearing to discuss the pros and cons of moving the 2008 Presidential Primary to an earlier date.

2/22/07 - Senator James Rhoades (R-29) holds a sampling of over 600 emails from motorists stranded on Pennsylvania highways last week.

2/22/07 - Senator Roger Madigan (R-23), foreground, and Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) question officials at a joint hearing on the state's winter storm response.

2/13/07 - Senator Jim Rhoades (R-29) opens Career and Technical Education Week with remarks to students in the East Wing of the State Capitol.

2/13/07 - Senator John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) chairs a Senate Law and Justice Committee hearing on a State Police plan to consolidate and close barracks.
Audio

2/12/07 - Senator John Eichelberger (R-30) gives the annual Lincoln Day Address on the Senate floor, honoring the first Republican President.

2/9/07 - Senator Wonderling (R-24) presents a grant commitment letter to Lansdale Officials along with Arts enthusiasts and local leaders for a new Performing Arts Center in Lansdale.