The Senate Finance Committee Tuesday took what sponsors are calling a historic step in voting to approve the Property Tax Independence Act by a 6-5 bipartisan vote.

“It’s one for the history books, it’s never before been approved by the Senate Finance Committee,” said Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill), one of the prime sponsors of Senate Bill 76. “It’s a major step forward.”

During Tuesday's Senate Finance Committee meeting discussing SB 76, legislation that would eliminate school property taxes by raising state personal income and sales tax, Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna) expressed some concerns he has with the bill. 

A rally bringing hundreds of medical marijuana advocates to the Capitol steps was held Monday morning to urge action on Senate Bill 1182, which would legalize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.

Supporters of the bill say a vote will occur in the Senate as soon as next week.

Members of Humane PA and other animal activists gathered in the Main Rotunda on Monday to bring awareness to HB 1750, a bill to prohibit the slaughter of cats and dogs for human consumption. The legislation would also end live pigeon shoot contests. 

Speakers at the event included President & CEO of HSUS, Wayne Pacelle, President & CEO of Humane PA, Karel Minor, and Rep. John Maher (Allegheny). 

The House Finance Committee Monday considered two bills that would reduce the amount Pennsylvania would be able to borrow for capital projects in the coming years.

Both bills moved out of committee largely along party-lines with Rep. Rick Mirabito (D-Lycoming) being the only Democrat to vote in favor of the measures.