PNA, Jan. 11

Government Affairs Conference: What's Up At The Capitol These Days?
Jan. 31-Feb. 1, The Hilton Harrisburg and Towers

We've heard a lot about reform lately, haven't we? And yet we know the regular work has to get done, too. For our 2007 Government Affairs Conference, we've lined up reformers as well as policy experts. This year's Conference will take place less than one week before the Governor presents his Fiscal Year 2007-08 budget, and there's already been a lot of talk about pending critical issues -- challenges like finding a stable source of funding for mass transit and address the 'deferred maintenance' on roads and bridges. Our panel of experts will include some heavy lifters on transportation and budget issues, such as Transportation Committee Chairmen Rep. Rick Geist and Sen. Roger Madigan, Democratic Appropriations Chairman Sen. Vincent Fumo, as well as a SEPTA lobbyist. Look for them all in the thick of it this spring at the capitol -- we expect a lively discussion and Q&A at this Wednesday panel.

Improving access to health care coverage is in the news again, along with the medical assistance budget. Rosemarie Greco, Director of the Governor's Office of Health Care Reform, will join a panel made up of human service/health care expects, including Rep. Katie True and Sen. Pat Vance -- where do these players see the most pressing needs? Get their thoughts on the Governor's health care reform proposal.

Last year's elections resulted in some new faces in the ranks of legislative leaders, House Speaker Dennis O'Brien and President Pro Tem Joseph Scarnatti -- the informal leadership panels on Thursday morning are the ideal opportunity to meet these new players. Finally, you won't want to miss a chance to interact with leaders of the Bipartisan House Reform Caucus, Rep. Kathy Manderino and Rep. David Steil, at the concluding panel on Feb. 1, and get their answers to your questions about the prospects for change and reform.

Overnight rooms are available at The Hilton for $114, single or double. You must reserve a room before Jan. 8, to receive this special group rate. Please mention the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association when phoning The Hilton at (717) 233-6000.

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