THE GOVERNOR
Notice of Veto
[46 Pa.B. 316]
[Saturday, January 16, 2016]December 29, 2015
To the Honorable House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:Pursuant to Article IV, Section 16 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, I am returning this appropriation bill, House Bill 1460 Printer's Number 2626, to your chamber.
This bill leaves much work to be accomplished for us to properly serve the citizens of the Commonwealth. I am disapproving the unbalanced nature of this budget and its cuts to education funding. At the same time, I will direct emergency funding for key services. I take this action to ensure that the money owed to the schools through December 31, is distributed as quickly as possible.
This General Appropriation bill cuts $95 million from schools, instead of making historic investments as agreed to in Senate Bill 1073 Printer's Number 1459. It does not balance the budget, but rather increases the deficit. I am disapproving large portions of this General Appropriation bill to prevent a fiscally irresponsible budget that increases the deficit while cutting education funding. Furthermore, this legislation leaves this Commonwealth with a $2.3 billion structural deficit, which will increase even more in future years. This bill will also lead to more credit downgrades and fiscal instability in Pennsylvania.
Unfortunately, I am compelled to veto some or all of the funding for several meritorious programs in order to maintain the Commonwealth's financial integrity. I look forward to completing the job with the General Assembly, so these programs, along with our children's education, can be funded in an adequate and responsible manner. Now, it is time to get back to work to fund our schools and fix our deficit.
For these reasons, I return the bill to your chamber partially approved and signed. The bill is approved with the exception of the items listed below:
Section 202. Executive Offices. *** For the Public Employee Retirement Commission.
State appropriation962,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
State appropriation4,433,000 This item is approved in the sum of $4,017,000. *** For violence prevention programs.
State appropriation4,569,000 This item is approved in the sum of $3,872,000. *** For child advocacy centers.
State appropriation1,000,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. Section 208. Department of Agriculture. *** For agricultural excellence programs.
State appropriation1,100,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. *** For agricultural research.
State appropriation1,587,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For agricultural promotion, education and exports.
State appropriation250,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For hardwoods research and promotion.
State appropriation350,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For development and operation of an open livestock show, including cattle, swine, sheep and horses.
State appropriation177,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For planning and staging of an open dairy show.
State appropriation177,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. *** For transfer from the General Fund to the Agricultural College Land Scrip Fund restricted account.
State appropriation50,549,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. *** For the Animal Health Commission.
State appropriation5,350,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory System.
State appropriation5,309,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For payments to Pennsylvania fairs.
State appropriation4,000,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. Section 209. Department of Community and Economic Development. *** For the purpose of marketing to attract tourists to this Commonwealth.
State appropriation7,014,000 This item is approved in the sum of $4,264,000. *** For tourism promotion related to accredited zoos.
State appropriation550,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Technology Assistance Program.
State appropriation1,750,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For Super Computer Center projects.
State appropriation500,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For powdered metals.
State appropriation100,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For a rural leadership training program.
State appropriation100,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. Section 211. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. *** For heritage and other parks.
State appropriation2,250,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. Section 212. Department of Corrections. *** For the State correctional institutions.
State appropriation1,895,427,000 This item is approved in the sum of $956,026,000. Section 215. Department of Education. *** For payment of basic education funding to school districts.
State appropriation5,630,079,000 This item is approved in the sum of $2,532,539,000. *** For mobile science and math education programs.
State appropriation2,114,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. *** For job training and education programs.
State appropriation10,500,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. *** For payment of approved operating expenses of community colleges.
State appropriation226,450,000 This item is approved in the sum of $215,667,000. *** For regional community college services.
State appropriation3,000,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For community education councils.
State appropriation2,425,000 This item is approved in the sum of $2,300,000. Section 216. State System of Higher Education. *** For the State System of Higher Education, including the Chancellor's Office.
State appropriation433,389,000 This item is approved in the sum of $412,751,000. Section 217. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. *** For the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
State appropriation12,949,000 This item is approved in the sum of $12,332,000. Section 218. Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. *** For payment of education assistance grants.
State appropriation362,132,000 This item is approved in the sum of $305,235,000. For Pennsylvania Internship program grants.
State appropriation450,000 This item is approved in the sum of $350,000. *** For matching payments for student aid funds.
State appropriation13,121,000 This item is approved in the sum of $12,496,000. For institutional assistance grants to be allotted by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.
State appropriation25,608,000 This item is approved in the sum of $24,389,000. For higher education for the disadvantaged.
State appropriation2,358,000 This item is approved in the sum of $2,246,000. For higher education for blind and deaf students.
State appropriation49,000 This item is approved in the sum of $47,000. For the Horace Mann Bond-Leslie Pinckney Hill Scholarship and for outreach and recruitment activities at Lincoln and Cheyney Universities related to the scholarship. This appropriation also contains funds for the continuation of support to students currently receiving equal opportunity professional education awards.
State appropriation561,000 This item is approved in the sum of $534,000. For the Cheyney University Keystone Academy.
State appropriation1,601,000 This item is approved in the sum of $1,525,000. Section 219. Department of Environmental Protection. *** For sewage facilities grants.
State appropriation900,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. Section 221. Department of Health. *** For diabetes programs.
State appropriation102,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. *** For screening of newborns.
State appropriation5,327,000 This item is approved in the sum of $5,227,000. *** For regional cancer institutes.
State appropriation600,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. *** For tuberculosis screening and treatment.
State appropriation893,000 This item is approved in the sum of $876,000. *** For services to children with special needs.
State appropriation1,582,000 This item is approved in the sum of $1,551,000. For adult cystic fibrosis and other chronic respiratory illnesses.
State appropriation765,000 This item is approved in the sum of $450,000. For diagnosis and treatment for Cooley's anemia.
State appropriation102,000 This item is approved in the sum of $100,000. For hemophilia services.
State appropriation978,000 This item is approved in the amount of $949,000. For lupus programs.
State appropriation102,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For sickle cell anemia services, including camps for children with sickle cell anemia.
State appropriation1,285,000 This item is approved in the sum of $1,200,000. For regional poison control centers.
State appropriation714,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For trauma prevention.
State appropriation469,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For epilepsy support services.
State appropriation561,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For biotechnology research.
State appropriation6,018,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For Tourette's syndrome.
State appropriation153,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For amyotrophic lateral sclerosis support services.
State appropriation357,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. Section 222. Department of Human Services. *** For primary health care and preventive services for eligible medical assistance recipients in the fee-for-service delivery system.
State appropriation433,012,000 This item is approved in the sum of $428,035,000. *** For medical assistance payments—capitation plans. For provision of outpatient services and inpatient hospital services to eligible persons enrolled in an approved capitation plan.
State appropriation3,919,202,000 This item is approved in the sum of $1,959,601,000. *** For medical assistance payments—obstetrics and neonatal services.
State appropriation3,681,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. *** For long-term care.
State appropriation969,860,000 This item is approved in the sum of $968,083,000. *** For medical assistance payments—hospital-based burn centers.
State appropriation3,782,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. *** For medical assistance payments—critical access hospitals.
State appropriation5,676,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. *** For medical assistance payments to academic medical centers.
State appropriation22,081,000 This item is approved in the sum of $19,681,000. Section 224. Department of Labor and Industry. *** For transfer from the General Fund to the Vocational Rehabilitation Fund for work of the State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation.
State appropriation45,673,000 This item is approved in the sum of $45,473,000. *** For Assistive Technology Financing.
State appropriation470,000 This item is approved in the sum of $400,000. For Assistive Technology Demonstration and Training.
State appropriation470,000 This item is approved in the sum of $399,000. *** For New Choices/New Options.
State appropriation500,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. Section 225. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. *** For the Civil Air Patrol.
State appropriation100,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. Section 231. Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. *** For search and rescue programs.
State appropriation250,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. For local municipal emergency relief.
State appropriation3,000,000 This item is disapproved in its entirety. Section 235. Pennsylvania eHealth Partnership Authority. *** For transfer from the General Fund to the Pennsylvania eHealth Partnership Fund.
State appropriation1,850,000 This item is approved in the sum of $1,500,000. Section 261. Senate. *** Salaries, wages and other personnel expenses of employees of the Chief Clerk and all necessary expenditures to be allocated and disbursed at the direction of the President pro tempore.
State appropriation2,604,000 This item is approved in the sum of $784,000. *** Salaries, wages and other personnel expenses of employees of the Senate and expenses of the office of the President pro tempore, including member lodging rental, to be disbursed at the direction of the President pro tempore.
State appropriation10,918,000 This item is approved in the sum of $10,418,000. Incidental expenses for payment of salaries, wages, other personnel expenses, maintenance and other expenses of the Senate.
State appropriation2,738,000 This item is approved in the sum of $688,000. The above appropriations for incidental expenses shall be paid prior to the payment of such expenses on warrant of the State Treasurer in favor of the Chief Clerk upon the presentation of requisitions for the same provided that the total amount of requisitions for advancements, less the total amount of expenditures made as certified by such officer to the State Treasurer, shall not exceed the amount of the bond of the officer having control of the disbursement from the funds advanced. Miscellaneous expenses: Mileage and expenses, Senators: In addition to the annual allocation for expenses authorized by law for each member of the Senate, each member shall receive an annual allocation in an amount established by the Senate Committee on Management Operations for actual expenses incurred for lodging and meals while away from home on official legislative business, official postage and all other expenses incidental to legislative duties as provided for in the Financial Operating Rules of the Senate. Upon presentation of requisitions by the Chief Clerk for such expenses, such requisitions shall be paid on warrant of the State Treasurer directly to and in favor of the persons designated in such requisitions as entitled to receive such payments.
State appropriation1,270,000 This item is approved in the sum of $320,000. Legislative purchasing and expenses: For furniture, technology improvements, restorations, security enhancements, North Office Building modernization, equipment, renovations, personnel expenses and other expenses.
State appropriation6,886,000 This item is approved in the sum of $1,726,000. Upon presentation of requisitions by the Chief Clerk against the appropriations for legislative purchasing and expenses, such shall be paid on warrant of the State Treasurer directly to and in favor of the persons designated in such requisitions as entitled to receive such payments. Expenses of the Committee on Appropriations (R) and the Committee on Appropriations (D): For investigating schools, colleges, universities, correctional institutions, mental hospitals, medical and surgical hospitals, homes and other institutions and agencies supported, in whole or in part, by appropriations from the State Treasury in analyzing reports, expenditures and the general operation and administration of the institutions and agencies, in examining and analyzing requests of the same and of the various departments, boards and commissions of the Commonwealth, and for the collection of data from other states, attending seminars and conferences and in cooperating and exchanging information with legislative budget and financial committees of other states, and for the necessary travel expenses, and all other expenses deemed necessary by the chairman (R) or the chairman (D), as appropriate, or for salary, wages and other personnel expenses deemed appropriate by the respective caucus staff administrator in compiling data and information connected with the work of the Senate in compiling comparative costs and other fiscal data and information for the use of the committee and the Senate during legislative sessions and during the interim between legislative sessions to the discharge of such duties. The committee, upon authorization of the majority chairman, shall have the authority to examine and inspect all properties, equipment, facilities, files, records and accounts of any State office, department, institution, board, committee, commission or agency or any institution or agency supported, in whole or in part, by appropriation from the State Treasury and to administer oaths. The Committee on Appropriations may issue subpoenas under the hand and seal of the majority chairman to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of any papers, books, accounts, documents and testimony touching matters properly being inquired into by the committee and to cause the deposition of witnesses either residing within or without the State to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for taking depositions in civil actions. Upon presentation of requisitions by the Chief Clerk for such expenses, such shall be paid on warrant of the State Treasurer directly to and in favor of the persons designated in such requisition as entitled to receive such compensation or expenses. The sum appropriated shall be divided equally by the State Treasurer and shall be deposited in separate accounts for the Committee on Appropriations (R) and the Committee on Appropriations (D).
State appropriation2,560,000 This item is approved in the sum of $1,790,000. Caucus Operations Account (R) and the Caucus Operations Account (D): For payment of salaries, wages and all other incidental expenses incurred in hiring personnel and staff for services which, in the opinion of the Floor Leader (R) or the Floor Leader (D) as may be appropriate, may be required or arise during legislative sessions and during the interim between legislative sessions and for the payment of all other expenses, including member lodging rental, related to the performance of Senate duties and responsibilities. Upon presentation of requisitions by the Chief Clerk, such shall be paid on warrant of the State Treasurer directly to and in favor of the persons designated in such requisition as entitled to receive such compensation or expenses. The entire sum appropriated shall be divided by the State Treasurer in amounts to be determined by a unanimous vote of the Executive Committee of the Senate Committee on Management Operations or in the absence of a unanimous vote of the Executive Committee then by a majority vote of the Senate Committee on Management Operations and such amounts shall be deposited into the Caucus Operations (R) and Caucus Operations (D) Accounts.
State appropriation62,304,000 This item is approved in the sum of $42,214,000. Section 262. House of Representatives. *** For caucus operations. For allocation in such amounts as may be designated by the Legislative Management Committee (R) and the Legislative Management Committee (D) for payment of salaries, wages and all other compensation and necessary expenses incurred in hiring personnel and staff for services in the furtherance of the operations of the House of Representatives as may be appropriate, required or arise during legislative sessions and during the interim between legislative sessions. Of the sum appropriated, the State Treasurer shall deposit $45,506,000 in the Caucus Operations Account (D) and $53,421,000 in the Caucus Operations Account (R). Upon presentation of requisitions by the Chief Clerk of the House for such compensation or expenses, such shall be paid on warrant of the State Treasurer directly to and in favor of the persons designated in such requisitions as entitled to receive such compensation or expenses. An accounting, together with supporting documents whenever possible, shall be filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk of such expenses since the filing of the prior account.
State appropriation98,927,000 This item is approved in the sum of $90,177,000. Of the sum appropriated, the State Treasurer shall deposit $41,481,000 in the Caucus Operations Account (D) and $48,696,000 in the Caucus Operations Account (R). For the operation of the Speaker's Office.
State appropriation1,757,000 This item is approved in the sum of $437,000. Bipartisan Management Committee, Chief Clerk, Comptroller and the Commonwealth Emergency Medical System.
State appropriation14,402,000 This item is approved in the sum of $14,232,000. Mileage: Representatives, officers and employees.
State appropriation361,000 This item is approved in the sum of $311,000. Postage: Chief Clerk and Legislative Journal.
State appropriation2,712,000 This item is approved in the sum of $2,682,000. For contingent expenses (R) and (D). The sum appropriated shall be allocated to the officers and members in the same manner and proportion as appropriations for contingent expenses contained in section 252 of the act of July 4, 2004 (P. L.1837, No.7A), known as the General Appropriation Act of 2004.
State appropriation688,000 This item is approved in the sum of $678,000. The above appropriations for postage and for contingent expenses shall be paid prior to the payment of such expenses on warrant of the State Treasurer in favor of the officers above named upon the presentation of their requisitions for the same, provided that the total amount of requisitions for advancements, less the total amount of expenditures made as certified by such officers to the State Treasurer, shall not exceed the amount of the bond of the officer having control of the disbursement from the funds advanced. Miscellaneous expenses: Incidental expenses.
State appropriation4,921,000 This item is approved in the sum of $1,531,000. Expenses—Representatives: In addition to annual reimbursement for expenses heretofore authorized by law for each member of the House of Representatives, each member shall be entitled to reimbursement for actual expenses, not exceeding the sum of $12,500 annually, incurred for lodging and meals while away from home on official legislative business, home office expenses, official postage, staff and all other expenses incidental to legislative duties.
State appropriation4,127,000 This item is approved in the sum of $1,177,000. Legislative printing and expenses.
State appropriation10,363,000 This item is approved in the sum of $9,833,000. For the payment of the expenses of the Committee on Appropriations (R) of the House of Representatives in investigating schools, colleges, universities, correctional institutions, mental hospitals, medical and surgical hospitals, homes and other institutions and agencies supported, in whole or in part, by appropriations from the State Treasury in analyzing reports, expenditures and the general operation and administration of the institutions and agencies in examining and analyzing requests of the same and of the various departments, boards and commissions of the Commonwealth, and for the collection of data from other states, attending seminars and conferences, and in cooperating and exchanging information with legislative budget and financial committees of other states, and any office expenses necessary to serve the committee and its chairman, and for the necessary clerical assistance and other assistance, travel expenses and all other expenses deemed necessary by the chairman in compiling data and information connected with the work of the committee in compiling comparative cost and other fiscal data and information for the use of the committee and the House of Representatives during legislative sessions and during the interim between legislative sessions to the discharge of such duties. The committee shall have the authority to examine and inspect all properties, equipment, facilities, files, records and accounts of any State office, department, institution, board, committee, commission or agency or any institution or agency supported, in whole or in part, by appropriation from the State Treasury and to administer oaths. The sum appropriated shall be paid on warrant of the State Treasurer in favor of the chairman of the committee on the presentation of his requisition for the same. The Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations (R) shall, not later than 30 days after the termination of his term of office or until his successor is elected and also within 30 days after the adjournment of any regular or special session, file an account, together with supporting documents whenever possible, in the office of the Committee on Appropriations (R), of the committee's expenses since the filing of the prior account.
State appropriation3,129,000 This item is approved in the sum of $2,659,000. For the payment of the expenses of the Committee on Appropriations (D) of the House of Representatives in investigating schools, colleges, universities, correctional institutions, mental hospitals, medical and surgical hospitals, homes and other institutions and agencies supported, in whole or in part, by appropriations from the State Treasury in analyzing reports, expenditures, and the general operation and administration of the institutions and agencies in examining and analyzing requests of the same and of the various departments, boards and commissions of the Commonwealth and for the collection of data from other states, attending seminars and conferences, and in cooperating and exchanging information with legislative budget and financial committees of other states, and any office expenses necessary to serve the committee and its chairman, and for the necessary clerical assistance, and other assistance, travel expenses and all other expenses deemed necessary by the chairman in compiling data and information connected with the work of the committee in compiling comparative cost and other fiscal data and information for the use of the committee and the House of Representatives during legislative sessions and during the interim between legislative sessions to the discharge of such duties. The committee shall have the authority to examine and inspect all properties, equipment, facilities, files, records and accounts of any State office, department, institution, board, committee, commission or agency or any institution or agency supported, in whole or in part, by appropriation from the State Treasury and to administer oaths. The sum appropriated shall be paid on warrant of the State Treasurer in favor of the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations (D) on the presentation of his requisition for the same. The chairman of the Committee on Appropriations (D) shall, not later than 30 days after the termination of his term of office or until his successor is elected and also within 30 days after the adjournment of any regular or special session, file an account, together with supporting documents whenever possible, in the office of the Committee on Appropriations (D) of the House of Representatives, of his expenses since the filing of the prior account.
State appropriation3,129,000 This item is approved in the sum of $1,869,000. The Committee on Appropriations may issue subpoenas under the hand and seal of the Majority Chairman to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of any papers, books, accounts, documents and testimony touching matters properly being inquired into by the committee and to cause the deposition of witnesses either residing within or without the State to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for taking depositions in civil actions. For the payment to the Special Leadership Account (R) for payment of salaries, wages and all other incidental expenses incurred in hiring personnel and staff or for services, which, in the opinion of the Floor Leader, may be required or arise during legislative sessions and during the interim between legislative sessions and for the payment of all other expenses related to the performance of his duties and responsibilities. The sum appropriated shall be paid on warrant of the State Treasurer in favor of the Floor Leader on the presentation of his requisition for the same. The Floor Leader shall, not later than 30 days after the termination of his term of office or until his successor is elected and also within 30 days after the adjournment of any regular or special session, file an account, together with supporting documents whenever possible, in the office of the Floor Leader, of such expenses since the filing of the prior account.
State appropriation5,869,000 This item is approved in the sum of $5,029,000. Section 271. Legislative Reference Bureau. *** For the Pennsylvania Bulletin and Pennsylvania Code and related expenses.
State appropriation811,000 This item is approved in the sum of $801,000. Section 272. Legislative Budget and Finance Committee. *** For the salaries, wages and all necessary expenses for the work of the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee.
State appropriation1,750,000 This item is approved in the sum of $1,413,000. Section 273. Legislative Data Processing Committee. *** For salaries, wages, other personnel expenses, operating costs, contracts, equipment, software, other incidental expenses and costs associated with the operation of the Legislative Data Processing Center, including an allocation of $2,309,000 to each of the Senate Republican and Democratic Caucus computer services departments for the payment of operating costs, contracts, equipment, software, other incidental expenses and costs at the direction of the respective caucus staff administrator, and an allocation of $5,355,000 to each of the House of Representatives Republican and Democratic Caucus Computer Services Accounts for the payment of operating costs, contracts, equipment, software, other incidental expenses and costs to be disbursed at the direction of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and an allocation of $400,000 to each of the Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses for committee and contingent expenses to be allocated in amounts determined by unanimous agreement of the executive committee of the Senate Committee on Management Operations and an allocation of $400,000 to each of the House of Representatives Republican and Democratic Caucuses for costs associated with caucus operations to be disbursed at the direction of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.
State appropriation21,643,000 This item is approved in the sum of $9,763,000. The allocations within this line item appropriation are approved in the following amounts: $1,039,050 to each of the Senate Republican and Democratic Caucus computer services departments; $2,409,750 to each of the House of Representatives Republican and Democratic Caucus Computer Services Accounts; $180,000 to each of the Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses for committee and contingent expenses; and, $180,000 to each of the House of Representatives Republican and Democratic Caucuses for costs associated with caucus operations. Section 274. Joint State Government Commission. *** For the salaries, wages and all necessary expenses for the work of the Joint State Government Commission.
State appropriation1,475,000 This item is approved in the sum of $1,010,000. Section 275. Local Government Commission. *** For the salaries, wages and all expenses necessary for the work of the Local Government Commission.
State appropriation1,111,000 This item is approved in the sum of $965,000. Section 276. Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee. *** For the salaries and expenses of the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee.
State appropriation515,000 This item is approved in the sum of $405,000. Section 277. Legislative Audit Advisory Commission. *** For the salaries, wages and all expenses necessary for the work of the Legislative Audit Advisory Commission.
State appropriation247,000 This item is approved in the sum of $127,000. Section 283. Legislative Reapportionment Commission. *** For the Legislative Reapportionment Commission.
State appropriation707,000 This item is approved in the sum of $177,000. Sincerely,
Governor
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 16-64. Filed for public inspection January 15, 2016, 9:00 a.m.]
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