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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2012
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Harrisburg Happenings

A report on the Legislative Session week of January 23, 2012
By Senator Jane C. Orie

40th Senatorial District

Senate Approves UC Benefits Extension

On Monday, the Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation that will enable about 17,000 Pennsylvanians to continue receiving unemployment compensation benefits.   Congress approved a 60-day extension of federal funding for the benefits last month and Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law must be amended in order to take advantage of the extension.  Senate Bill 1375 is now before the House Labor and Industry Committee for consideration.

Senate Approves Bill to Accelerate Utility Infrastructure Improvements

The Senate also passed legislation that will accelerate the replacement of aging natural gas, electric and wastewater systems in Pennsylvania, create new jobs, and increase public safety.  House Bill 1294 will establish a new financing method -- known as a distribution system improvement charge process (DSIC) -- to expedite utility distribution infrastructure projects.  This will allow natural gas distribution companies, electric distribution companies and wastewater companies to accelerate the replacement of existing corroded, brittle or other at-risk lines, funded by a small surcharge. 

Currently, utilities must wait for the completion of a rate case to begin receiving a return on their investment – a time-consuming process that delays projects and leads to higher costs for consumers.

HB 1294 now returns to the House for concurrence in Senate amendments.  Governor Tom Corbett has expressed his support for this legislation.

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-6538