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Senator Vogel asked State System of Higher Education Chancellor Frank Brogan whether the system’s colleges are preparing students to work in the natural gas industry.

Senator Elder Vogel asked Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Chairman William Ryan to provide an update on the proposed Lawrence County racetrack and casino and whether gaming has had an impact on wagering on horse racing.

Senator Vogel questioned Secretary of Drug & Alcohol Programs Gary Tennis about efforts to prevent heroin overdose deaths.

Senator Vogel asked Acting State Police Commissioner Marcus Brown about the new Ford Interceptor vehicles, the potential for radar use by local municipalities, and State Police duties in casinos.

Senator Elder Vogel asked Auditor General Eugene DePasquale about the frequency of state audits for public school districts and charter schools and the problems found during those audits.

Senator Vogel asked Deputy State Treasurer Christopher Craig about the procedures used by state’s unclaimed property program and the costs incurred to find claimants. He also asked about tax anticipation notes and the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program.

Senator Vogel questioned Attorney General Kathleen Kane about the state’s actions to combat illegal drugs and her refusal to defend a state law that protects the rights of gun owners against local ordinances.

Senator Vogel questions Budget Secretary Randy Albright about the impact of Governor Wolf’s proposed severance tax on the growing gas industry and on communities in western Pennsylvania.

Senator Vogel questions Independent Fiscal Office Director Matthew Knittel about the revenues raised by the Governor’s proposed severance tax.

During a budget hearing with the Department of General Services, Senator Vogel asked Secretary Curt Topper about the potential allocation of money raised by the sale of surplus state-owned farmland to support the Department of Agriculture.