SR 250, PN 1648:
This resolution designates April 4, 2006, as “Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
Day” and congratulates the bureau’s members for their contribution to
the state and its agricultural industry. A vote of 48-0 was recorded.
SB 997, PN 1629:
This bill would make changes to the Public Welfare Code with regard to
Medical Assistance payments to nursing homes. A vote of 43-6 was
recorded.
SB 691, PN 1675:
This bill would, over the next five years, phase out the gross receipts
tax paid by Pennsylvania telephone companies and consumers. When the
tax is fully phased out, the cost to the General Fund would be about
$300 million annually. Sen. Wonderling offered amendment A7125, which
was technical in nature. Sen. Fumo offered amendment A7032, which would
prohibit cell phone companies from selling or distributing cell phone
numbers without express consent. Sen. Fumo also offered amendment
A7087, which would require telephone companies to notify customers of
any changes in the tax imposed. The Senate agreed to these amendments,
and the bill went over as amended.
In addition, Sen.
Fumo offered amendment A7042, which would have prohibited cell phone
companies from charging a fee for consumers that terminate their
contract after six months. A vote of 23-26 was recorded on the
amendment. Sen. Fumo also offered amendment A7031, which would have
required cell phone companies to register with the Public Utility
Commission and would have provided for oversight of rates and service.
A vote of 24-25 was recorded on the amendment. Sen. Fumo also offered
amendment A7038, which would have removed language in the bill relating
to the repeal of the gross receipts tax for landline phone companies. A
vote of 21-28 was recorded on the amendment.
SB 514, PN 1676:
This bill would remove assessor as an elected office for second-class
townships and change it to an appointed position. Sen. Mellow offered
amendment A7095, which was technical in nature. The Senate agreed to
the amendment, and the bill went over as amended.
Executive
Nominations
The Senate confirmed
the following nominees. A vote of 49-0 was recorded.
Patrick J.
Dugan, CPA, State Board of Accountancy
Michael J.
Menear, CPA, State Board of Accountancy
Charlene R.
Shank, Board of Trustees of Ebensburg Center
The Hon.
Ronald R. Donatucci, Commonwealth Trustee of Temple University
