The state House and Senate have concluded their three-week series of hearings with the Budget Office and the various state agencies on the proposed FY 2013-2014 Commonwealth budget.

Several items of importance to counties were discussed throughout the hearings, including human services funding through the state Department of Public Welfare (DPW). Acting Secretary Beverly Mackereth spoke highly of the Human Services Block Grant Program, part of CCAP's priority on human services funding and system reform. She explained that the block grant gives counties the flexibility to provide services keyed to their citizens' needs, and that counties currently in the pilot program have done positive things with the funds. Mackereth further indicated that she would like to see the program extended as an option to any county, as outlined in the Governor's budget proposal.

The Governor's transportation proposal also received considerable discussion during hearings with PennDOT, with Secretary Barry Schoch answered questions on county bridge funding, as well as funding for mass transit systems. Following the hearings, Senate Transportation Committee chairman Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgom-ery) indicated that the four transportation committee chairs in the House and Senate have been meeting on the issue, and are interested in offering a transportation funding bill that would raise more than the $1.8 billion proposed by Gov. Corbett.

Now that the budget hearings have concluded, the Governor's budget proposal will be introduced in the form of a bill. Once that occurs, each of the legislative chambers will take up action on the bill, first in the appropriations committees, then before the full House and Senate, to move the bill toward final passage. In prior years, the House has conducted several days' worth of session where members offer amendments to the Governor's plan, usually in keeping with a House rule that funding increases must be countered by a decrease in funds appropriated elsewhere in the budget. The House and Senate are expected to announce their plans and procedures for budget consideration shortly.

Normally, close to the constitutional deadline of June 30, a final bill will emerge, concurrent with a series of other proposals with budget implications. For FY 2013-2014, these issues include the governor's transportation proposal and expansion of the Human Services Block Grant Program, as well as privatization of state liquor stores and pension reforms. Some activity required to complete consideration of those proposals has already begun.

CCAP asks its members to contact their House and Senate delegations in support of county budget priorities for transportation and human services funding. The Association continues to develop analysis and related documentation on the budget proposal, and is actively engaged with the Administration and legislature on county priorities. Regularly updated information on the budget, including analysis, testimony and talking points, is available through the Budget News and Updates link on the Association web site, www.pacounties.org. 

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy committee has unanimously reported a resolution that would direct the Center for Rural Pennsylvania to study the feasibility of expanding natural gas for residential, commercial and industrial use. Recognizing the opportunities created by shale gas drilling in Pennsylvania, CCAP's 2013 priorities include a focus on creating partnerships that encourage increased use of natural gas by consumers.

Senate Resolution 29, sponsored by committee chair Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), calls for the Center to analyze the demand for the natural gas service in un-served and underserved areas of Pennsylvania in order to determine the potential for increased natural gas distribution infrastructure by Pennsylvania's public utilities. The study will examine the entire commonwealth while also paying close attention to regional economic differences. A report would be due to the General Assembly by August 1, 2013. The resolution is now before the full Senate for its consideration and approval.

On Feb. 20, notice of the Spring Conference business meeting was emailed to the full CCAP membership. The conference is March 17 to 19 at the Hilton Harrisburg, and the business meeting will be during the Closing General Session on Tuesday, March 19.

The business meeting agenda includes election of the two CCAP representatives to the NACo board of directors, consideration of four proposed resolutions, and consideration of a bylaws change relating to the manner of filling CCAP officer vacancies. The resolutions will be brought up under the new process approved at the 2012 Annual Conference, which will include deliberation at the conference and, following the conference, an email vote by the full CCAP membership. All of the proposed action items were included with the Feb. 20 notice.

Additionally, CCAP will host a legislative reception at the Hilton Harrisburg during the conference on March 18 at 5:00 p.m. All House and Senate members have received an invitation.

CCAP is asking all counties to schedule local meetings and events during Human Services Work Week, set for Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5, 2013.

Counties can have a significant impact on the Commonwealth budget process by advocating for human services programs, including mental health and intellectual disabilities, children and youth, drug and alcohol, tobacco prevention and cessation, juvenile detention, county nursing homes, medical assistance transportation and others. This year, CCAP has established the Human Services Work Week to maximize that impact through local events that show, rather than tell, legislators about the impacts the proposed FY 2013-2014 state budget could have on counties and their communities. Contact CCAP's government relations staff for more information.