Senator Vogel asked PEMA Director Richard Flinn and Fire Commissioner Timothy Solobay about preparations for emergencies in Marcellus Shale drilling areas and the inability of some county 911 centers to handle text messages. [Read More]
As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, Senator Vogel discussed a number of topics with Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding including: inequity in tax breaks for farmland, particularly in light of the array of tax increases proposed by Governor Wolf; support for the horse racing industry in Pennsylvania; a proposed “Green Agriculture” initiative; and, funding for Penn State’s agriculture programs and the University of Pennsylvania’s vet school. [Read More]
Senator Vogel asked Acting Secretary of Transportation Leslie Richards about CNG filling stations, the Green Light Go Program and the use of roundabouts. [Read More]
Senator Vogel questioned Revenue Department officials about over-optimistic projections for the Governor’s proposed severance tax and the negative impact that a cap on local funding would have on Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties where drilling operations are expected to increase in the coming years. [Read More]
Senator Elder Vogel asked Acting Secretary of Labor & Industry Kathy Manderino about efforts to stop prison inmates from receiving unemployment compensation and updates to the state uniform construction code. [Read More]
Senator Vogel discussed public-private partnerships and state support for career and technical programs in Pennsylvania’s schools with Acting Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera. [Read More]
Senator Vogel asked Acting DCED Secretary Dennis Davin Keystone about state funding for home accessibility, reductions in support for tourism promotion, and the impact of the film industry in Pennsylvania. [Read More]
Senator Vogel asked Acting Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas about accountability measures for county block grants, the impact of Governor Wolf’s proposed sales tax expansion on home care services, and the heroin epidemic in Pennsylvania. [Read More]
Senator Vogel asked Corrections Secretary John Wetzel about education and training programs and capacity issues in state correctional institutions. [Read More]
Senator Vogel asked representatives from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for an update on Tavern Gaming Licenses and if the PLCB has adopted a gift ban. [Read More]
