In light of the urgency expressed by Governor Corbett and former Governor Ed Rendell to provide adequate funds for Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure, the Pennsylvania Senate may advance a bill today that is further along in the legislative process.

Last night the House of Representatives amended HB106 to include language that is projected to provide between $7.2 and $7.5 billion in funding by Fiscal Year 2017-2018.

The amendment was offered by Representative Nicholas A. Micozzie, Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, and was defeated twice before it was able to muster enough support to pass the House by 104 - 95.

Upon the amendments adoption the bill was moved over for the day where it remains on Second Consideration in the House. There are 132 amendments that would need to be debated and considered if their sponsors decided to offer them before the bill could receive final consideration and proceed to the Senate.

An alternative exists for the Senate to amend a bill that originated in the House in order to expedite the initiative to Governor Corbett's desk. Such action would only require the House to approve the initiative as amended by the Senate as opposed to requiring HB106 to finish moving through both chambers by the middle of December.

The two initiatives that may receive consideration in the Senate today are HB1060 and HB770. We have yet to receive any indication as to which initiative will proceed, but we will be posting updates as events unfold.

Photo by Natalie Cake