FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2005
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Senate Approves Two Bills Introduced by Rafferty 

Harrisburg – The PA Senate approved today two bills introduced by Senator John C. Rafferty.   Senate Bill 875 amends Act 71 of 2004 (PA Gaming Control Act) to prohibit the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board from authorizing emergency non-bid contracts.   The Board has issued emergency non-bid contracts to firms to do background checks. 

Senator Rafferty said, "These public money contracts should be awarded by the standard open bid process, but to date, the PA Gaming Control Board has elected to sidestep the open procedure process and grant numerous contracts claiming that the 'emergency procurement' provision of the procurement law permits such."   Rafferty added, "It's unfortunate the Board has taken this step without gaming being on the immediate horizon." 

Additionally, the PA Senate approved Senate Bill 193 which will encourage more participation by volunteers to participate in the election process by working as part-time Election Day workers.  SB 193 will allow those workers to be sworn-in immediately prior to the start of their shift, instead of having to report before 7:00 A.M. for swearing-in and then returning again to work their shift later in the day. 

Both bills now go to the House of Representatives for consideration. 

Contact:

Mark Meyer
717-787-1398