In addition to the bills signed into law I posted about last
month in my post The Pennsylvania General Assembly Finished Its Session By
Passing Several Major Bills, https://williamcinfici.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-pennsylvania-general-assembly.html,
there were a few other noteworthy pieces of legislation approved this
legislative session that were enacted when the liberal Democratic Governor
signed the bills passed by the Republican-led state legislature.
There was finally some much-needed
pension reform, as pensions are causing a crisis not only for the Commonwealth,
but for every county, municipality and school district in Pennsylvania . Under the new law, most newly hired public
employees, including state legislators and judges, starting in 2019 will be
provided less generous benefits that are more like those provided for in the
private sector. The act also raises the retirement
age and requires longer service for eligibility. However, a third of state employees, such as
state troopers, prison guards and game wardens are exempt.
There was yet more expansion of
gambling, as the Commonwealth continues to seek easy revenue without raising
taxes. There will now be more mini-casinos,
slot-machines at truck stops, sports betting and Internet gambling, under new Pennsylvania law. There has still been no privatization of
alcohol to increase revenue.
Other laws increased penalties for
driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, enacted various minor criminal
justice reforms and addressed animal cruelty.
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