Smart Talk: What will lawmakers do in new session?
What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, September 15, 2014:
Pennsylvania lawmakers face a busy agenda when they return to session Monday. Even though the list of legislative proposals may be long, it doesn’t mean a lot of action will be taken.
Why not?
There are a few factors that may inhibit moving legislation but top among them is politics.
Republican incumbent Gov. Tom Corbett faces re-election in a month and a half. Democrats may not be quick to act on any bills that could give the governor a victory to tout to voters.
So that probably rules out action on public pension reform or liquor store privatization.
Legalizing marijuana for medical purposes may be a different story. It has bi-partisan support in the Senate but not so much in the House.
Monday’s Smart Talk features a preview of the upcoming session from three journalists who cover the capitol.
Joining us are WITF’s Capitol Bureau Chief Mary Wilson and Kate Giammarise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Steve Esick of the Allentown Morning Call.
