The Senate Transportation Committee held a hearing to determine the state of Pennsylvania's roadways and why the federal government won't allow the state to toll Interstate 80 to raise money for repairs. Don Rooney has more with Senator Richard Kasunic of Fayette County, Chairman of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, who also sits on the Transportation Committee.

Senate Bill 798, the proposed Senior Citizens' Property Tax Freeze Act, would allow senior citizens over the age of 65 to claim an exemption from property tax increases. Don Rooney gets details from the bill's sponsor, Senator Lisa Boscola of Northampton County

A key state lawmaker says the state should levy a tax on natural gas extraction, and he also has some advice for property owners who are being approached by gas or oil companies who want to drill on their land.  Howard Ondick has more with Senator Mike O'Pake of Berks County, the Democratic Whip in the Pennsylvania Senate.

There's reason for optimism in Philadelphia when it comes to creating jobs.  A new state law will help keep the Philadelphia Ports competitive with the rest of the country and create badly needed job opportunities in the region.  Howard Ondick has more with Senator Larry Farnese of Philadelphia, who played a key role in getting the new law passed and the Southport expansion project underway.

State lawmakers are expected to meet this fall to establish a severance tax on drilling for natural gas in the state's Marcellus Shale formation. As Don Rooney reports, Senator Lisa Boscola of Northampton County wants to make sure the money goes to local communities to address the issues of environmental damage brought on by the drilling.

As students return to school this month, they and their parents should be aware of a statewide program that's intended to help those boys and girls who are facing mental health issues and behavioral problems.  Howard Ondick has more with Senator Wayne Fontana of Pittsburgh, sponsor of a Senate Resolution celebrating the Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program's 25th anniversary.

A state Senator from Allegheny County is calling for changes to Pennsylvania's campaign finance laws with legislation that limits what political action committees and individuals can contribute to a campaign. Don Rooney gets details from Senator Jay Costa of Allegheny County, Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The Rendell Administration made its pitch to state lawmakers on Monday at the State Capitol on how to solve Pennsylvania's transportation funding shortfall for roads, bridges, and mass transit.  Howard Ondick has more with Senator John Wozniak of Cambria County, who agrees that additional funding is badly needed but is not sure that the legislature will take action before a new governor takes office in January.

A Philadelphia lawmaker is applauding a 'Second Chance' pilot program in Allegheny County that's intended to prevent repeat offenders, and reduce the jail population.  Howard Ondick has more with Senator Shirley Kitchen who is hoping to develop a statewide 'Second Chance' program for non-violent, ex-offenders who are looking to turn their lives around.

A key state lawmaker says the state legislature has its work cut out for it when it comes to raising additional funding for roads, bridges and mass transit in Pennsylvania.  But, he says, doing nothing is not an option.  Howard Ondick has more with Senator Jay Costa of Allegheny County, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The Senate Transportation Committee continued its series of hearings on transportation funding issues Wednesday by hearing from representatives of the railroad and aviation industries and officials of the state's major ports. Don Rooney has more with Senator Barry Stout of Washington County, Democratic Chairman of the Committee.

Should local police departments across Pennsylvania be allowed to use radar and other new technology to catch speeders?  Howard Ondick has more with Senator Barry Stout of Washington County, Democratic Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, who says 'yes.'

The state Department of Environmental Protection has doubled the size of rebates for some home heating system upgrades. Don Rooney gets details from Senator Mike O'Pake of Berks County, Democratic Whip in the Senate.

While Gov. Rendell is urging state lawmakers to take quick action this fall on a natural gas extraction tax to help balance the state budget, one state lawmaker says the legislature should not rush to action.  Howard Ondick has more with Senator Mike Stack of Philadelphia, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

A Berks County lawmaker is proposing an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution that would allow Pennsylvania residents to vote by absentee ballot whether or not they're able to make it to their polling place on Election Day.  Howard Ondick has more with Senator Mike O'Pake of Reading, the Democratic Whip in the Pennsylvania Senate, and sponsor of the legislation.

The Pennsylvania Department of Insurance has launched PA Fair Care, Pennsylvania's health plan for uninsured adults with pre-existing conditions.  Sid Michaels has more on the program with Senator Mike O'Pake of Berks County, the Democratic Whip in the Pennsylvania Senate.

Plans are underway to revitalize the Carrie Furnace in Rankin, Pennsylvania, including the development of a National Park.  Sid Michaels has more with Senator Jay Costa of Allegheny County, who says that projects such as these not only help restore the Commonwealth's Brownfield sites, but also preserve a part of Pennsylvania's history.

Many Pennsylvanians remember the days when downtown business districts around the Commonwealth were the place to go. Over the years, those areas have fallen on hard times, as businesses have relocated in the suburbs. Sid Michaels talks with Senate Democratic Whip Mike O'Pake of Berks County about state programs designed to help revitalize our downtown areas.

Members of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee toured three Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling sites in Fayette County, looking for insights into the Marcellus Shale drilling process. Don Rooney gets details on the tour from Senator Larry Farnese of Philadelphia, a member of the Policy Committee and Democratic Chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.