Republican Governor, Republican-Controlled Congress Makes For Busy June In Harrisburg

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - A first year Republican governor and a legislature with big GOP majorities are making for a busy month of June in Pennsylvania's capital.

Generally, governors will not have more political clout at any time in their tenure than in their first year or two. In Harrisburg, you have a first year Republican governor with a legislature not just controlled by his party, but in a big way.

Franklin and Marshall College pollster and political analyst Terry Madonna says add to that a state House with Republicans who have regained control after several years of being in the minority, "Republicans have huge control over the legislature – largest majorities in modern history. They also have a backlog of important items that many of their members want passed, along with the governor's agenda."

In addition to the budget, legislation pertaining to distracted driving, natural gas drilling impact fees, abortion, illegal immigrants and unemployment compensation reform are just some of the issues in play this month.

Reported by Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060