A weekly summary of important events on Capitol Hill
Provided by Rep. Mike Peifer (R-139)

Scheduled Hearings Will Address Transportation Funding Crisis

For the first time, both the House Republican Policy Committee and the House Democrat Policy Committee will participate in a series of hearings with a standing House committee.  The House Transportation Committee, along with the policy committees, have scheduled seven upcoming hearings to discuss the nearly $3.5 billion a year Pennsylvania needs to maintain its transportation infrastructure and to receive input on ways to develop sustainable funding sources.  The first hearing is scheduled for Thursday, May 27, and will focus on issues facing the southcentral region of Pennsylvania.  The House Republican Policy Committee previously held a hearing to quantify and identify the scope of the problem to be addressed in the upcoming special legislative session.  For the latest news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Governor Announces Additional Leasing of Forest Land for Gas Drilling

The governor has week announced the re-leasing of nearly 33,000 acres of state forest land for natural gas drilling whose previous leases had expired.  The Houston-based Anadarko Petroleum Corporation would pay the state $120 million to drill on 11 tracts in Centre, Clearfield and Lycoming counties.  The governor also noted with this week’s announcement that he would endorse a three-year moratorium on additional forest land leases -- a plan that passed the House last week.  In related news, several members of the House Republican Appropriations Committee met with industry officials and toured a Marcellus Shale drilling site in Washington County this week in an effort to learn more about the drilling process and the impact natural gas drilling has on the state’s economy and environment, both now and in the future.  For the latest news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

New Online Resource Available for Autism Community

A free Internet directory that highlights autism-friendly businesses and locations is now available for individuals and families dealing with autism.  The website, www.autismresources.com, was developed by Keystone Autism Information Systems Inc. and funded by a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grant attained in 2008.  Those in the autism community are welcome to share their expertise on the new site.  A toll-free number, 1-877-695-8495, is available for those without Internet access to request or share referrals.