Click here for a PDF Version of this Newsletter (Free Adobe Reader required)
The President's Message
by Peter Calcara
 Keeping an Eye on the Ball
We live in an ever increasing complex and complicated world. We are inundated each and every day with an overwhelming amount of information—some of it useful, much of it not. Just think about the number of e-mails alone we receive in a 24-hour period. Keeping track of it all is a daunting task, to say the least.
Fortunately, membership in PAGR has its benefits - both tangible and intangible - that sometime go underappreciated. As a member of
PAGR, you get the benefit of having another set of "eyes" keeping watch on things that might not be necessarily front - burner
issues for you, your firm, or your clients.
Take for example last fall, as we were all still feeling the effects of the infamous 101-day budget debacle, the Department of State proposed a 100% increase in the Lobbyist Registration Fee. The Department was undoubtedly hoping the regulated community was asleep at the wheel when it proposed increasing the registration fee from $100 per session to $200. Unfortunately for the Department, someone was watching—PAGR.
The Department published the adjusted fee increase in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on October 17, 2009--139 days after the statutorily-mandated date of June 1, 2009. Because the Department failed to publish the fee increase by the deadline required by the Lobbying Disclosure Act, PAGR argued that the Department did not have the statutory authority to promulgate the proposed rulemaking. IRRC agreed with PAGR. The next opportunity the Department has to increase the biennial registration fee is on June 1, 2011.
On February 2, 2010, I submitted testimony on PAGR's behalf at a joint hearing conducted by the House Gaming Oversight Committee and the Senate Committee on Community, Economic and Recreational Development. The purpose of my testifying at the joint hearing was to aid the committee members in their understanding of the Lobbying Disclosure Act. I informed the members of the committee that PAGR has taken the lead in educating it's membership and the greater lobbying community about the Lobbying Disclosure Act and will continue to do so in the future. It is gratifying to know that PAGR is considered by the General Assembly to be a credible voice in the area of lobbying disclosure.
Another issue on PAGR’s radar is the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC. On March 4, 2010, the Department of State issued a statement entitled "Statement Regarding the Effect of the U.S. Supreme Court's Decision in Citizens United v. FEC on Pennsylvania Law." In it, the Department concluded that as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United, any domestic corporation or unincorporated association (including a labor union) may make "independent expenditures" in state elections. This is definitely an issue those of us with PACs will want to review with counsel and our PAC boards - and will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion at an upcoming PAGR luncheon or this fall's Lobbypalooza.
Lastly, the Senate is proposing changes to its internal rules of conduct. Senate Resolution 228 imposes an outright ban on all campaign-related activities by senators and staff on Senate time. The resolution is currently pending in the Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. I will keep you updated on the status of this resolution.
Our next membership luncheon is scheduled for Monday, April 12, 2010. Bring a friend who’s not a PAGR member and get them involved in your association. Remember, if not PAGR, then who? I’m looking forward to seeing you on April 12th.
Important 2010 Dates
- Monday, April 12 - Membership Meeting
- Thursday, May 13 - Board Meeting
- Monday, June 7 - Membership Meeting
- Thursday, July 1 - Board Meeting
- Thursday, September 2 - Board Meeting
- Monday, October 4 - Membership Meeting
- Thursday, November 4 - Board Meeting
- Monday, December 6 - Membership Meeting
Membership meetings are held 11:30 am—12:30 pm on the 3rd floor of the Firehouse Restaurant, Harrisburg, except on December 6.
Membership Dues
Final notices of your 2010 dues have been sent. If you do not send payment by April 9, 2010, you will no longer receive member information, member discounts or member benefits.
Meeting Notice
Monday, April 12, 2010
PAGR Membership Meeting
11:30 am — 12:30 pm, Firehouse Restaurant, Third Floor
606 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg
Our guests will be:
Michael L. Shields, Esq., Eckert Seamans Cherin Mellott, LLC
and
DOS Staff
Join us as they discuss the US Supreme Court decision on Campaign Finance:
Citizens United v. FEC and it’s impact on PA Election Law. .
ALL MEMBERS ARE FREE!
ALL GUESTS OF MEMBERS WILL BE CHARGED $25 (which will be deducted from their dues If they join by April 30, 2010.) PLEASE RSVP BY April 9 TO 717-540-4391 OR INFO@PAGR.ORG.
THANK YOU.
2010 Board of Directors
Officers
President...............................Peter Calcara
Vice President..........Brinda Carroll Penyak
Secretary................................Gregg Taylor
Treasurer..............................Mark Richards
Board of Directors
Association...............................Brian Barno
Corporate..................................Kris Snader
Lawyer.......................................Tony Crisci
Independent......................Robert Archibald
At Large....................................Ted Mowatt
At Large............................Judy Eschberger
Immediate Past President
Andrew Hilt
Executive Director
Christine Corrigan
|
