Pennsylvania State Capitol. Photo: Shutterstock

Following is a listing of executive and legislative action from the week of Oct. 21. Both houses of the General Assembly were in recess at press time and were scheduled to return to session Monday.

Environment and Sustainability

The interagency "GreenGov Council," which was established by executive order in January, is prepared to begin its analysis of state agencies' energy savings and sustainability strategies, the Wolf administration announced Oct. 22.

The council was commissioned to fashion strategies for energy savings and sustainability and cutting emissions in line with Pennsylvania's climate-change goals.

"Government has a responsibility to take action to reduce our carbon footprint and focus on the most effective ways we can improve our energy efficiency, protect the environment and generate cost-savings," Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement. "The GreenGov Council will play a pivotal role in coordinating the efforts of our state agencies and keeping them committed to our energy efficiency goals."

The group, co-chaired by three Cabinet secretaries: Curt Topper of the Department of General Services, Patrick McDonnell of the Department of Environmental Protection and Cindy Adams Dunn of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, has created a "GreenGov Agency Checklist" to assess agencies' efforts to develop and implement energy saving and sustainability strategies, according to a Wolf administration statement. The survey is expected to be used annually to evaluate progress and achievements toward using fewer resources, which reduces carbon emissions and saves taxpayer dollars.

Liquor Permits

The Pennsylvania Senate on Oct. 23 unanimously approved a measure expanding liquor licensing in order to make it easier for charities to conduct fundraising events for persons fighting cancer.

Currently community-based charities may take out special liquor permits to conduct wine and spirits auctions for up to four days, at $30 per day.

Senate Bill 61, sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, would expand the list of eligible organizations to any nonprofit organizations that has been in existence for at least five years, is registered with the state Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations, and is also recognized as a community-based voluntary organization committed to fighting cancer.

The bill now goes to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

First Responders

The state House of Representatives on Oct. 21 unanimously approved legislation to eliminate real estate transfer tax burdens for up to five years for the surviving spouses or children of fallen first responders.

The measure was described by supporters as supporting families of emergency and law enforcement personnel in Pennsylvania.

House Bill 269, sponsored by state Rep. Michael Driscoll, D-Philadelphia, would exempt a spouse or child of a first responder, who receives benefits from the Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefit Act, from paying a realty transfer tax if they decide to sell their house within five years of the death.

"First responders have made a tremendous commitment to our communities and are ready and willing to put their lives on the line every day," Driscoll said. "Offering their family this bit of relief is the least we can do to help repay that sacrifice."

The bills now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Emergency Equipment

The state House on Oct. 23 unanimously passed a plan to increase the amount of money emergency response units may borrow for equipment through the state-backed Volunteer Loan Assistance Program.

House Bill 1816, which was sponsored by state Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-Northumberland, would expand the low-interest loan program by raising by 10% the limit that can be borrowed. If enacted, it would be the first increase to loan limits since 2013.

In addition, the bill would annually increase all loan limits by the inflation rate from the previous year to ensure that fire companies and emergency medical services have lasting access to financial assistance.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.