Here's this week's State Capitol Roudup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147):

State Revenues Fall Short of Estimate, Generating Economic Concerns

The state Department of Revenue recently reported that General Fund revenues have fallen short of meeting monthly projections, as August collections were $117.5 million below estimates. Collectively, this puts the state $117.6 million below estimate for the current fiscal year following July's $80,000 shortfall. August marks the fourth time in the last six months the Commonwealth has missed its estimate by more than $100 million, and it highlights exactly why Republican lawmakers fought hard during budget negotiations earlier this year to control government spending and preserve the state's Rainy Day Fund. Although successful, it appears these efforts may not be enough, as Gov. Ed Rendell continues to press for expensive and poorly planned programs such as his health care proposal. House Republicans have instead been advocating a fiscally responsible plan to ensure access to quality, affordable health care. For more information on both initiatives, visit HealthCareForPAFamilies.com

Busy Hearing Schedule Closes Out Summer Recess for Legislature

A number of important issues are set to be discussed next week in a series of committee meetings. On Monday, the House Judiciary Committee will hear testimony expected to point toward a need for stronger penalties for drivers involved in hit-and-run fatalities. Existing law, which calls for a one-year mandatory minimum sentence, has effectively encouraged drunk drivers, who would otherwise face a three-year sentence, to leave accident scenes. The House Insurance Committee will also hold a hearing to gather information regarding merger plans for Highmark and Independence Blue Cross. Later in the week, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will meet to discuss the looming expiration of electricity rate caps and how price volatility will impact Pennsylvanians. For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com

Committee Holds Hearing on GOP Health Care Proposals

The House Insurance Committee held hearings this week to discuss Republican-sponsored proposals to better market state health benefit programs to more uninsured individuals. House Bills 2123 and 2124, which are sponsored by Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester), would allow insurance agents to directly market both the AdultBasic and Children's Health Insurance programs and receive commissions for doing so. While the vast majority of Pennsylvanians, as many as 92 percent, already receive some form of health care benefits, Republican lawmakers understand that more needs to be done to help those who are uninsured. Making certain that these individuals can pay for health care could lower the overall cost of health care-even for those who are already insured.

Indoor Smoking Ban to Take Effect

Starting on Thursday, Sept. 11, Pennsylvanians will no longer be permitted to smoke in public places due to a statewide ban that was passed last June. The new law bans smoking in most public places and workplaces. While office buildings, restaurants and theaters fall into the group of facilities where individuals will no longer be able to smoke, several exceptions are made in the law. Smoking will be permitted in up to 25 percent of a casino floor, in private memberships clubs that are at least 10 years old and whose officers vote to permit smoking, in private homes, in tobacco shops and manufacturing facilities, and in a number of small "mom and pop" taverns where food sales do not exceed 20 percent of total revenue. For more information, visit www.health.state.pa.us