David Spett

HARRISBURG (July 2) – Several Republican amendments to the annual budget’s biodiesel subsidy initiative, Special Session Senate Bill 22, were defeated Wednesday evening, but a Democratic proposal from Rep. Dave Kessler, D-Berks, passed.

House Minority Leader Sam Smith, R-Jefferson, departed from a handshake budget agreement with Gov. Ed Rendell and other party leaders and voted for an amendment sponsored by Rep. John Maher, R-Allegheny, to change the biodiesel subsidies to tax credits.

CLICK HERE to read more (subscription required).

HARRISBURG (July 2) – The House advanced a measure Wednesday to expand and continue the state’s Keystone Opportunity Zone [KOZ] program.

Three Republican amendments to the bill were defeated, and several more were withdrawn. The bill is scheduled for a vote Thursday.

CLICK HERE for more (subscription required).

HARRISBURG (July 2) – The House of Representatives adjourned at 11:22 p.m. Wednesday after a debate over whether two-thirds or three-fourths of the chamber is needed to suspend the 11 p.m. curfew required by Rule 15.

The decision makes it certain that the House will meet on Friday, July 4, and far more likely that the session will continue into Saturday to complete the year’s budget negotiations, Democratic leaders said.

CLICK HERE to read more (subscription required).