LATEST RADIO FEATURES

11/20/08 - Suggested Lead: The Pennsylvania Senate remembered the late Senator James Rhoades of Schuylkill County with a memorial service Thursday. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol.

11/17/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation has been introduced in Harrisburg that would promote additional profit-making opportunities for farm families. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator Mike Brubaker of Lancaster County.

11/14/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Republican Policy Committee will hold a public hearing Tuesday on the development of the Marcellus Shale natural gas deposit. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County.

11/13/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Republican Caucus will host a Transportation Funding Summit in Harrisburg on Monday. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol.

11/7/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Local Government Committee will hold a public hearing next week on the issue of “Municipal Electric Procurement.” Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator John Rafferty of Montgomery County.

11/6/08 - Suggested Lead: State lawmakers will craft the next state budget against a bleak backdrop.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Dominic Pileggi, the Senate Majority Leader.

10/31/08 - Suggested Lead: November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator John Gordner of Columbia County.

10/29/08 - Suggested Lead: A Montgomery County lawmaker says that voting is much more than a civic duty, it is a sacred right. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Rob Wonderling.

10/28/08 - Suggested Lead: A Cumberland County lawmaker plans to reintroduced legislation to reauthorize the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator Pat Vance.

10/27/08 - Suggested Lead: The chairman of the Senate Public Health & Welfare Committee wants to continue to work toward health care reform in Pennsylvania. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Ted Erickson of Delaware County.

10/24/08 - Suggested Lead: A ceremonial signing of the Dog Law bill will be held in Bucks County on Monday. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Mike Brubaker of Lancaster County.

10/23/08 - Suggested Lead: A stretch of U.S. Route 15 in Tioga County has been named the Senator Roger A. Madigan Highway, in honor of the retiring leader of the Senate Transportation Committee. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol.

10/22/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to allow individuals who sell items via on-line auctions to continue to do so without auctioneer licensure requirements has been signed into law by the Governor. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Rob Wonderling of Montgomery County.

10/21/08 - Suggested Lead: The Governor has signed legislation that is good news for Pennsylvania’s amateur radio community. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator John Rafferty of Montgomery County.

10/20/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation intended to help consumers save money through energy conservation has been signed into law by the Governor. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator Jeff Piccola of Dauphin County.

10/17/08 - Suggested Lead: A new law is on the books to help protect Pennsylvania’s police officers. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Jane Orie of Allegheny County.

10/16/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation protecting the child custody rights of deployed military personnel has been signed into law by the governor. Hanson Quickel has a report from the State Capitol with State Senator Mike Folmer of Lebanon County.

10/15/08 - Suggested Lead: Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati is calling for a meeting of House and Senate leaders to discuss Pennsylvania’s economic status. Hanson Quickel files this report from the State Capitol.

10/14/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to promote safety and reduce child fatalities has been signed into law by the governor. Hanson Quickel has more from the bill’s prime sponsor, Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County.

10/10/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation that would reduce the noise and noxious exhaust fumes of idling tractor trailers is now before the Governor. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Pat Browne of Lehigh County.

10/9/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation that would prevent school districts from raising property taxes on homeowners following the sale of a property is now before the Governor. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator James Rhoades of Schuylkill County.

10/8/08 - Suggested Lead: The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation aimed at preventing construction crane mishaps. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Mike Waugh of York County.

10/7/08 - Suggested Lead: An Allegheny County lawmaker led a rally at the State Capitol to promote awareness of domestic violence. Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator Jane Orie.

10/6/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Appropriations Committee heard testimony at the State Capitol regarding Pennsylvania’s current economic situation. Hanson Quickel has more from committee chairman, Senator Gibson Armstrong of Lancaster County.

10/3/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will hold a public hearing next week on the proposed merger of Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Don White of Indiana County.

10/2/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation that would create the Statewide Safe Ride Home Program was a topic of a recent public hearing before the Senate Law & Justice Committee. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Stewart Greenleaf of Montgomery County.

10/1/08 - Suggested Lead: Suggested Lead:  Legislation intended to improve the state’s Nutrient Credit Trading Program was the topic of a recent public hearing at the State Capitol. Hanson Quickel has more with the bill’s prime sponsor, Senator Pat Vance of Cumberland County.

9/30/08 - Suggested Lead: A bill intended to protect massage therapists and their clients by requiring state licensure could receive Senate consideration in the week ahead. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Jake Corman of Centre County.

9/29/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation that sets a higher standard for commercial kennels in Pennsylvania could receive Senate floor consideration next week. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Mike Brubaker of Lancaster County.

9/26/08 - Suggested Lead: A prison sentencing reform bill has been signed into law by the Governor.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Stewart Greenleaf of Montgomery County.

9/25/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation intended to protect online auctions from government red tape has been approved by the Pennsylvania Senate. Hanson Quickel spoke with the bill’s prime sponsor, Senator Rob Wonderling of Montgomery County.

9/24/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee has approved legislation that would help municipalities prevent blight. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator James Rhoades of Schuylkill County.

9/23/08 - Suggested Lead: A bill that would help counties cover the costs of regional police booking centers is headed to the Governor for his signature. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Bob Regola of Westmoreland County.

9/22/08 - Suggested Lead: A Bucks County lawmaker has introduced legislation that would prohibit public school officials from discriminating against members of the Armed Forces. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Chuck McIlhinney.

9/19/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Public Health & Welfare Committee has approved legislation intended to improve and expand health care access and affordability in Pennsylvania. Hanson Quickel has more from Senator Ted Erickson of Delaware County.

9/18/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation that would reform sentencing procedures for non-violent criminals was approved by the Pennsylvania Senate this week. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator Stewart Greenleaf of Montgomery County.

9/17/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate State Government Committee has approved legislation enabling a citizens’ constitutional convention. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Mike Folmer of Lebanon County.

9/16/08 - Suggested Lead: Senate Republicans are calling on the House of Representatives to pass seven pieces of reform legislation that passed the Senate unanimously earlier this year. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator John Eichelberger of Blair County.

9/11/08 - Suggested Lead: The President Pro Tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate is urging the House to take up his legislation that would deny public benefits to illegal aliens. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Joe Scarnati of Jefferson County.

9/10/08 - Suggested Lead: As taxpayers continue their call to reform state government, the President Pro Tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate says that Senate Republicans have been listening. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Joe Scarnati of Jefferson County.

9/5/08 - Suggested Lead: September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Stewart Greenleaf of Montgomery County.

8/29/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Finance Committee has completed a public hearing on health care reform legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Folmer of Lebanon County. Hanson Quickel files this report from the State Capitol.

8/25/08 - Suggested Lead: The House Judiciary Committee held a public hearing at the State Capitol on legislation related to child custody proceedings during military deployments. Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator Mike Folmer of Lebanon County.

8/18/08 - Suggested Lead: The Task Force on Gaming Committee met again at the State Capitol this week as they continue efforts to ensure the integrity of the state’s gaming industry. Hanson Quickel has more with Senator Jane Earll of Erie County.

8/8/08 - Suggested Lead:  Legislation which would place a question on the November 2009 ballot seeking voter approval for a constitutional convention has been introduced in Harrisburg.  Hanson Quickel has more from State Senator Mike Folmer of Lebanon County.

8/7/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to bring about a constitutional convention has been introduced at the State Capitol. Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator Jeff Piccola of Dauphin County.

8/5/08 - Suggested Lead: Another State Senator has signed a petition calling for a special session on government reform. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County.

8/4/08 - Suggested Lead: There is some good news out of Harrisburg for the parents of twins. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Stewart Greenleaf of Montgomery County.

8/1/08 - Suggested Lead: Senator Jane Orie is asking the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to release documents related to the Walton Street takeover of the Majestic Star Casino in Pittsburgh.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol.

7/31/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation that requires public schools to adopt bullying and cyber bullying policies has been signed into law by the Governor. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Stewart Greenleaf of Montgomery County.

7/30/08 - Suggested Lead: A new state law is on the books that expands Pennsylvania’s Newborn Screening Program. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Jane Orie of Allegheny County.

7/29/08 - Suggested Lead: A Lebanon County lawmaker has introduced legislation to remove unfair election barriers to non-major party candidates. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Mike Folmer.

7/28/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to phase out Pennsylvania’s “Death Tax” has been introduced in Harrisburg. Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator Bob Regola of Westmoreland County.

7/25/08 - Suggested Lead: A new searchable database that allows the public greater access to state government contract information is now available. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Jake Corman of Centre County.

7/24/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee will hold a public hearing today (July 24) to vet the status of PITG Gaming’s slots casino license and financial situation. Hanson Quickel files this report from the State Capitol with State Senator Jane Orie of Allegheny County.

7/23/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to require the use of the Global Positioning System for monitoring convicted sex offenders could be considered by the General Assembly this fall. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator John Rafferty of Montgomery County.

7/22/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee held a public hearing in Pottsville on the proposed Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with the bill’s prime sponsor, Senator James Rhoades of Schuylkill County.

7/21/08 - Suggested Lead: Pennsylvania is the eighth state to join the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Compact. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Jane Earll of Erie County.

7/18/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to close a legal loophole that has resulted in property tax increases for many Pennsylvania homeowners has been vetoed by the Governor. Hanson Quickel has more from Harrisburg with the bill’s sponsor, Senator James Rhoades of Schuylkill County.

7/17/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to help modernize Pennsylvania’s 66 conservation districts has been signed into law. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Rob Wonderling of Montgomery County.

7/16/08 - Suggested Lead: A Dauphin County lawmaker is calling for a special legislative session on government reform and ethical reform. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Jeff Piccola.

7/15/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation intended to eliminate "pinstripe patronage" is now before the State House for consideration. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Jane Orie of Allegheny County.

7/14/08 - Suggested Lead: The Governor has signed legislation that provides $800 million to fund repairs and upgrades to water and sewer systems, flood control projects and unsafe high-hazard dams. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Pat Vance of Cumberland County.

7/11/08 - Suggested Lead: The chairman of the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee is questioning whether the proposed merger of Independence Blue Cross and Highmark will benefit consumers. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Don White of Indiana County.

7/10/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation that would encourage the use of energy efficient alternative fuels has been signed into law by the Governor.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Tommy Tomlinson of Bucks County.

7/9/08 - Suggested Lead: The new state budget includes an education funding formula that is fairer to Pennsylvania’s rural school districts. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati.

7/8/08 - Suggested Lead: Governor Rendell has signed a series of mortgage reform bills into law.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Pat Browne of Lehigh County.

7/7/08 - Suggested Lead: Volunteer fire and emergency services workers will receive a $100 tax credit for active service under a provision that was included in the recently passed state budget. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County.

7/4/08 - Suggested Lead: The 2008-2009 budget process is complete. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Gibson Armstrong, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

7/3/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation providing for state oversight of proposed mergers involving non-profit health insurance companies is now before the Governor.  Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator Don White of Indiana County.

7/2/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Majority Leader is calling on the State House to take up legislation aimed at boosting volunteer fire and EMS recruitment.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator Dominic Pileggi.

7/1/08 - Suggested Lead: One of the key elements in the 2008-2009 state budget is a more equitable proposal for funding basic education in Pennsylvania. Hanson Quickel reports from the Capitol with Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati.

6/30/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislative leaders and Governor Rendell have reached an agreement on a new state budget.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi.

6/27/08 - Suggested Lead: State lawmakers in Harrisburg are getting closer to a budget agreement. Hanson Quickel has an update with Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati.

6/26/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation of interest to ham radio enthusiasts has cleared the Pennsylvania Senate Local Government Committee. Hanson Quickel has more with Senator Bob Regola of Westmoreland County.

6/25/08 - Suggested Lead: A Lebanon County lawmaker is sponsoring legislation that would preclude the Commonwealth from having to comply with the federal REAL I.D. mandate.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Mike Folmer.

6/24/08 - Suggested Lead: A bi-partisan group of lawmakers is calling on Governor Rendell to stop holding state employees hostage while a new state budget is being negotiated. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Jeff Piccola of Dauphin County.

6/23/08 - Suggested Lead: The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation to ensure that LIHEAP funds are properly allocated. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Bob Robbins of Mercer County.

6/20/08 - Suggested Lead: The Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee is examining legislation that would help local officials take action against the owners of blighted properties. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator James Rhoades of Schuylkill County.

6/19/08 - Suggested Lead: The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation to eliminate waste tire piles in Pennsylvania.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County.

6/18/08 - Suggested Lead: The Pennsylvania Senate has approved the Senate Republican Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2008-2009.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Gib Armstrong of Lancaster County.

6/17/08 - Suggested Lead:Legislation is being introduced to crack down on abuse of state vehicle usage.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Mike Folmer of Lebanon County.

6/16/08 - Suggested Lead: A four-bill tax stimulus package has been passed by the Pennsylvania Senate. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator John Eichelberger of Blair County.

6/13/08 - Suggested Lead: The Pennsylvania Senate is poised to vote on legislation that would block State Board of Education imposed high school exit exams. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator James Rhoades of Schuylkill County.

6/12/08 - Suggested Lead: The Pennsylvania Senate has unanimously approved legislation to provide 800 million in funding for critical state infrastructure needs.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator Dominic Pileggi of Delaware County.

6/11/08 - Suggested Lead:  An Allegheny County lawmaker is urging members of the legislature to approve and fund the Newborn Child Testing Act.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator Jane Orie.

6/10/08 - Suggested Lead: Pennsylvania Senate Republicans have unveiled a 15-bill health care package intended to improve access and affordability.  Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with Senator Ted Erickson of Delaware County.

6/9/08 -Suggested Lead: A package of bills to provide nearly 23 million in tax credits and tuition reimbursements for fire and EMS volunteers has cleared the Pennsylvania Senate.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with State Senator Mike Waugh of York County.

6/6/08 -Suggested Lead: Legislation intended to address the shortage of emergency responders in the Commonwealth is on the Senate calendar for consideration in the week ahead. Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County.

6/5/08 - Suggested Lead: A statewide coalition is calling on state lawmakers to focus on improvements to Pennsylvania’s aging infrastructure.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Rob Wonderling of Montgomery County.

6/4/08 - Suggested Lead: Legislation to establish consistent support for community health and mental retardation services has passed the Pennsylvania Senate. State Capitol correspondent Hanson Quickel has more with Senator Ted Erickson of Delaware County.

6/3/08 - Suggested Lead:  A House & Senate Conference Committee has reached a compromise agreement on smoking ban legislation.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Stewart Greenleaf of Montgomery County.

6/2/08 - Suggested Lead:  State lawmakers and citizens rallied at the State Capitol to demand the elimination of school property taxes.  Hanson Quickel files this report with State Senator Mike Folmer of Lebanon County.

5/30/08 - Suggested Lead:  Fifteen years of Pennsylvania Senate Legislative Journals are now only a click away.  Hanson Quickel reports from Harrisburg with Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati.

5/29/08 - Suggested Lead:  There will be no lame duck session in the Pennsylvania Senate this year according to Senate Republican leadership.  Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senate President Pro Tempore, Joe Scarnati.

5/28/08 - Suggested Lead:  The Senate State Government Committee held a public hearing (on 5/28) on legislation that would ban lobbyist-paid gifts and hospitality. Hanson Quickel has more from the State Capitol with Senator Jeff Piccola of Dauphin County.

5/27/08 - Suggested Lead:  A State Senator from Dauphin County has introduced a measure to help ensure the safety of children in residential day care facilities. Hanson Quickel files this report with State Senator Jeff Piccola.

5/23/08 - Suggested Lead:  Members of the Pennsylvania Senate took time to remember the sacrifices of the men and women in our armed forces. Hanson Quickel has more with State Senator John Rafferty of Montgomery County.

5/22/08 - Suggested Lead: A Luzerne County lawmaker is introducing legislation to update the Commonwealth’s Emergency Medical Services Act. Hanson Quickel reports from the State Capitol with State Senator Lisa Baker.