Governor Rendell Revises Executive Order; Extends Operation of PA Health Care Cost Containme...( HARRISBURG Pa. Nov. 19 -- Governor ...),Health

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Governor Edward G. Rendell today revised his July 8 executive order extending the operations of the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4). Under the revised order, the council will remain in operation through June 30, 2009, or until the General Assembly reauthorizes the council, whichever occurs first.

The Governor acted similarly in 2003 when PHC4 was allowed to "sunset" by the General Assembly. It was later reauthorized by legislative action.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses.To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The text of the Governor's original executive order is below, including the updated text:

Subject: Transition Period for the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

Number: 2008-05; Revision 1.

By Direction of: Edward G. Rendell, Governor

Date: July 8, 2008 (Revised: Nov. 19, 2008)

WHEREAS, the act of July 8, 1986 (P.L.480, No.89), as re-enacted and amended by act of June 28, 1993 (P.L.146, No.34), as re-enacted by act of July 18, 2003 (P.L.31, No.14), known as the Health Care Cost Containment Act (the "Act"), sunset on June 30, 2008 without being reauthorized by the General Assembly;

WHEREAS, the sunset of the Act eliminated the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council ("PHC4") and terminated its more than 40 Commonwealth employees (the "Staff");

WHEREAS, PHC4 and its Staff collect and analyze d
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