Pennsylvania Game Commission audit / PA insurance marketplace takeover

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A hunter on State Game Lands (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

What to look for on Smart Talk, June 13, 2019:

The Pennsylvania Game Commission was established in 1895 to manage, protect, and preserve PA wildlife. The Commission also regulates the hunting and trapping of game, operates game farms, and employs state game wardens.

The audit identified several escrow accounts outside the purview of the Pennsylvania Treasury, a high number of pool vehicles beyond what the Commission’s management estimates is necessary, and a failure to audit royalty checks from organizations that drill on State Game Lands as potential concerns. The report also made 43 recommendations to address its findings.

Joining Smart Talk to discuss the results of the audit and the Game Commission’s response are Auditor General Eugene DePasquale and Game Commission Spokesperson Travis Lau.

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Also, the federal government has managed Pennsylvania’s online health insurance exchange for those who buy individual insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act since 2014. Last week, House party leaders Bryan Cutler (R) and Frank Dermody (D) introduced legislation directing the state to take over operating the exchange, which they estimate will save the Commonwealth tens of millions of dollars each year. Gov. Tom Wolf supports the proposal.

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss the legislation are House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler, House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, and WITF Transforming Health reporter Brett Sholtis.

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House Majority Leader Rep. Bryan Cutler

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House Minority Leader Rep. Frank Dermody