HARRISBURG – The Senate approved legislation by a vote of 49-1 today that would prohibit public school officials from discriminating against members of the Armed Forces, according to Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-10).

Senate Bill 206 would prohibit any principal, superintendant or school official from denying any member of the military entry to school facilities because he or she is wearing a military uniform. Military members would still be expected to comply with a school’s visitor policy, but they could not be denied access because of their uniforms, McIlhinney said.

The legislation stemmed from several incidents in which military members visiting friends and former teachers were denied access to school grounds due to their military uniforms. McIlhinney’s bill would ensure that no school official could impose restrictions on wearing military uniforms on school property.

“The members of our Armed Forces have sacrificed a great deal to earn the right to wear those military uniforms, and we should not allow a select few school officials to make some of the finest and bravest members of our community feel like second-class citizens,” McIlhinney said. “I am pleased that the Senate has taken action to end this unfair discrimination and allow our men and women serving in the Armed Forces to proudly display their uniforms when they stop by to visit friends and former teachers.”

Several members of Semper Fi Families, an organization that offers guidance and support to families of those serving in the military, joined McIlhinney in Harrisburg for today’s vote.

Senate Bill 206 will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Labels: 10th District, Chuck McIlhinney, military

HARRISBURG -- Rep. Frank Farry (R-142) will hold an open house from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 17 in his new district office at 370 East Maple Ave., Suite 102, in Langhorne.

"This open house is an opportunity for the residents of my district to see the office, meet my staff, and familiarize themselves with the many services we can provide," said Farry. "In addition, it will give me the chance to meet with them face-to-face and answer any questions they may have about state government."

Residents of the 142nd Legislative District are encouraged to stop by to meet with Farry and his staff to discuss any state government-related issues currently impacting the region. Light refreshments will be served.

"I encourage anyone who cannot attend the open house to visit us any time during our regular weekday hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.," Farry said. "Residents should also feel free to call the office at 215-752-6750 or visit my Web site at RepFarry.com."

Some of the services provided by Farry's district office include helping residents obtain driver licenses, vehicle registrations and other Pennsylvania Department of Transportation forms, locating birth and death certificates, assisting senior citizens with Property Tax and Rent Rebate applications and PACE and PACENET forms, providing students with applications for PHEAA grants and loans, supplying copies of state legislation, and offering a wide variety of informative brochures.

Labels: 142nd District, Frank Farry

HARRISBURG -- Rep. Scott Petri (R-178) has introduced two bills to rebuild the state's ailing infrastructure and develop new sources of energy while creating family-sustaining jobs in the Commonwealth.

At a public hearing at the state Capitol, Petri said House Bills 1117 and 1118 would clear the way for private investment in an Energy Independence Bond program and an Infrastructure Bond program.

"The two programs will allow the state to obtain funds that will be used to address our 21 st century energy needs as well as address the deficiency in the Commonwealth's transportation networks," said Petri. "The infrastructure bond program will also include funding for water and sewer improvements, which many Pennsylvania communities need. This will all be accomplished without raising the tax burden on Pennsylvanians -- now or in the future."

In the current state of the economy, Petri said many citizens are feeling frustrated and powerless. However, he said, his plan would give citizens a direct stake in the Commonwealth's recovery by giving them the opportunity to invest in their own communities and in projects that affect them directly.

"Much like the U.S. Savings Bond program that offers a guaranteed rate of return, under my plan, citizens would have the opportunity to buy bonds at their local bank in modest $100 increments," Petri said. "The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) would administer the program, accept loan applications and set interest rates, as well as provide assistance in overseeing the projects funded by the two programs.

"My legislation will assist in growing our economy and will both save jobs and create new ones," said Petri. "With these privately invested funds, no outsourcing should be allowed."

To see Petri's legislation, visit www.RepPetri.com and click on "Rebuild PA."

Labels: 178th District, energy, jobs, Scott Petri

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero (D-31) today announced plans to introduce legislation that would give counties such as Bucks the ability to streamline local offices for greater transparency and taxpayer savings.

Santarsiero’s legislation would allow second-class counties to abolish the office of Jury Commissioner and consolidate the offices of Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts by way of county ordinance or ballot referendum.

Further, the legislation would regulate the payment of benefits to county solicitors, assistant solicitors and row office solicitors by prohibiting such benefits for solicitors working fewer than 35 hours per week. Santarsiero said the bill also would make the process of retaining outside counsel more transparent.

"These are tough times, with homeowners struggling to make ends meet," Santarsiero said. "My bill would help counties such as Bucks save tens of thousands of dollars, directly benefiting taxpayers. I hope that there will be broad support for this measure in the state legislature and at home in Bucks County."

Santarsiero authored the bill in response to recent news that Bucks county solicitors received full benefits packages despite working far fewer hours than full-time employees. He currently is seeking co-sponsors for the bill in the House.

Santarsiero's main constituent service office is located at 2 N. State St. in Newtown. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the phone number is 215-968-3975. Additionally, staff is available in the Lower Makefield Township Building, located at 1100 Edgewood Rd. Office hours there are noon to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the first Saturday of every month.

The 31st Legislative District includes Newtown Township, Newtown Borough, Lower Makefield Township, Yardley Borough and part of Upper Makefield Township.

Labels: 31st District, Steve Santarsiero

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania residents should be aware that utilities may terminate electric and natural gas service on April 1 for low income customers with overdue bills, according to Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee.

Tomlinson urged residents with overdue utility bills and facing service termination to first contact their utility. If not satisfied, residents may call the state Public Utility Commission toll-free at 1-800-692-7380.

He said that residents who want to improve energy efficiency and cut their energy bills can also apply for assistance through the Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan and Rebate Program.

The program enables Pennsylvania homeowners to improve the energy efficiency with special financing and rebates for high- efficiency heating, air conditioning, insulation, windows, doors, geothermal and whole-house improvements.

Applications and information are available at www.keystonehelp.com, or by calling 1-888-232-3477 toll free. The application deadline is June 30. A household may receive only one Keystone HELP loan or one Keystone HELP rebate each fiscal year which ends on June 30.

Labels: 6th District, energy, Robert Tomlinson

HARRISBURG -- At a press conference today at the State Capitol, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) announced $250,000 in federal funding he secured for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR). The funding will be used for the Hero Program that engages adults in reporting and intervening in child sexual abuse.

“I am proud to be here today to announce $250,000 in much-needed funding for an organization that is doing vital work fighting violence against women and children,” said Sen. Casey. “One of the most chilling statistics you will hear is that 22,000 children a year in Pennsylvania are victims of sexual abuse.”

“Through the HERO Project, PCAR calls upon every adult to get involved to learn more about this horrible crime,” said PCAR Executive Director Delilah Rumburg.“HERO asks adults to talk to their peers, their children and call attention to situations where they think a child is being abused. We believe through education, responsible adults will step in and stop the abuse that is occurring in our communities. Thanks to Senator Casey we can now take The HERO Project statewide. Senator Casey has been a long time advocate in protecting our children and communities-both on the state level and as one of our U.S. Senators.”

Senator Casey secured the funding for PCAR and the Hero Project through the FY2009 appropriations process. The funding was included in the FY09 Omnibus appropriations bill that was signed into law earlier this year.

Senator Casey was joined at the press conference by PCAR’s Executive Director, Delilah Rumburg.

In 1998, a group of eight Westmoreland County organizations banded together to encourage adults -- parents, relatives, caregivers and acquaintances -- to become community heroes by protecting children against sexual abuse. With the leadership of the Blackburn Center Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and Red House Communications, the HERO Project launched a powerful media campaign and 24-hour HERO hotline. In 2003, the HERO Project was evaluated in Westmoreland County and was shown to have been effective in increasing hotline calls by 22 percent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recognized the HERO Project as a “promising practice.” HERO has also been piloted in seven additional Pennsylvania counties -- Philadelphia, Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Lebanon, Clearfield and Lawrence -- before being launched on a statewide basis in 2008.

Labels: Bob Casey, U.S. Senate

A weekly summary of important events on Capitol Hill provided by Rep. Scott Petri (R-178).

Proposals to increase health care accessibility road blocked

Three Republican-sponsored proposals that would have helped the uninsured obtain quality and affordable health care services failed in the Democrat-controlled House. Reps. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks) and Scott Boyd (R-Lancaster), who chair the House Republican Policy Committee's Health Care Task Force, expressed frustration that commonsense solutions are being road blocked. The measures included proposals by Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) to offer grants to health care facilities for upgrading equipment that would reduce medical errors; Rep. Mark Mustio (R-Allegheny) to retool the state's AdultBasic Program by applying sliding income scales to cover more of the uninsured; and Rep. Tom Killion (R-Delaware/Chester) to offer an affordable, basic insurance policy.

Lawmakers push for legislative oversight of federal stimulus funds

House Republican lawmakers gathered this week to call for legislative oversight over the acceptance and distribution of more than $9 billion in federal stimulus funds. House Bill 993, sponsored by Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester), would require the Legislature to approve all highway and transportation projects using stimulus funds. Additionally, Schroder is authoring House Resolution 165 to require the House and Senate to approve or reject stimulus money slated for Pennsylvania. Other measures include House Bill 991 from Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) to create a stimulus oversight council and House Bill 992, authored by Reps. Tim Krieger (R-Westmoreland) and Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland), to require that state agencies show the Legislature how stimulus funds are intended to be spent before the money is distributed.

House Republicans unveil 'Energize PA' proposal to tap Marcellus Shale

House Republicans have unveiled a comprehensive alternative to the job smothering "severance tax" on natural gas proposed by Gov. Ed Rendell. The "Energize PA" plan would open 390,000 acres of state forest land to drilling during the next three years, providing at least $260 million per year for state and local governments as well as conservation districts. Drilling companies would pay a minimum of $2,000 per acre under the plan, a percentage of which would be used to address the state's growing budget deficit. The plan also has the potential to create 7,300 new private-sector jobs in the state's emerging Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling industry, a stark contrast from the 53,000 jobs estimated to be lost if Rendell's plan is implemented. The Marcellus Shale formation has been estimated to contain enough recoverable natural gas to supply the entire country for at least two years.

Legislation to require ignition interlocks for DUI offenders reintroduced

Legislation recently reintroduced by Rep. Paul Clymer (R-Bucks) to require ignition interlocks on vehicles of first-time DUI offenders was the subject of discussion in the House Transportation Committee this week. If passed, offenders would be required to operate their vehicles with the interlock device for a minimum of six months. Depending on the individual's blood alcohol content at the time of arrest, the period could climb to a maximum of one year. In 2007 alone, there were more than 53,000 drunk driving arrests on Pennsylvania's roads. The Pennsylvania State Police estimate that 535 deaths were caused by drunk drivers in that year. Current law in Pennsylvania requires ignition interlock systems for only second-offense DUI convictions.

Labels: 178th District, Scott Petri, State Capitol Roundup

The Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers who buy a new passenger vehicle this year may be entitled to deduct state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase on their 2009 tax returns next year.

“For those thinking about buying a new car this year, this deduction may give them a little more drive to make their purchase this year,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “This deduction enables taxpayers to buy now and get cash back later on their tax returns.”

The deduction is limited to the state and local sales and excise taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a qualified new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle.

The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.

“The vehicle must be purchased after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010, to qualify for the deduction,” said New Jersey’s IRS Spokesperson Gregg Semanick.

The special deduction is available regardless of whether a taxpayer itemizes deductions on their return. The IRS reminded taxpayers the deduction may not be taken on 2008 tax returns.

For more information, go to the IRS.gov Web site home page and access the Update on Recovery Tax Provisions for Individuals and Businesses.

Labels: income taxes, IRS

WASHINGTON, D.C. -– Today, after President Barack Obama announced a new plan for Afghanistan, Iraq war veteran, former Captain in the 82nd Airborne Division and Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8) released this statement.

Rep. Murphy praised President Obama’s plan for taking the fight to the enemy. Obama’s plan calls for an additional 4,000 troops to Afghanistan and seeks to “disrupt, dismantle and defeat” the terrorists who attacked us on Sept. 11, 2001 -- including al Qaeda and the Taliban currently growing in strength in Afghanistan and near the border region of Pakistan. he increase in troops will help train and support the Afghan army and target the terrorist strongholds in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. The 4,000 troops will come from the 82nd Airborne Division -- the unit with which Congressman Murphy served in Iraq -- and will arrive there by the fall.

“There is no better unit to go after those responsible for the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 than the 82nd Airborne All Americans. Having served with the 82nd in Iraq, I commend President Obama’s decision to send my fellow paratroopers to do what they do best -- take the fight to the enemies of the United States," said Murphy.

“Our troops are performing brilliantly and they will now have even more resources in the fight against bin Laden and the Taliban in Afghanistan and near the border regions of Pakistan. I am proud to partner with our commander in chief in this effort,” said Murphy.

Murphy is the first Iraq war veteran to serve in Congress. He is a former West Point professor and criminal prosecutor, and he lives in Bristol with his wife, Jenni, and their 2-year-old daughter, Maggie.

Labels: 8th District, Afghanistan, Patrick Murphy, President Barack Obama

Funding totals:
Bucks County: $3,906,600
Bensalem: $576,600
Bristol Township: $492,500
Middletown: $189,200
Northampton: $160,800

*Note: In addition to this direct DoE funding for municipalities with populations over 35,000, the Pennsylvania State Energy Program will receive a boost in funds, giving smaller municipalities the opportunity to compete for money through competitive grant programs. For more information about state grant programs, contact your regional DEP office.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -– Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8) announced $4,749,677 in new federal funds for Bucks County and local municipalities for investments in energy efficiency and conservation. The money comes from the recently-passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will be funded through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. There will also be a boost of $23.5 million from the Pennsylvania State Energy Program for these funds and the U.S. Department of Energy will institute a competitive grant program -– with $400 million available. The funds going to Bucks
County and local municipalities including Bensalem, Bristol,
Middletown and Northampton are based on formulas and population totals.

The money will be used to fund projects that reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and that improve energy efficiency. The purpose of this program is primarily to spur economic growth, create or save jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The types of projects that will receive funding include, but are not limited to, recycling, increasing energy efficiency in our infrastructure, improving renewable energy technologies on government, commercial and residential buildings –- including incentives for non-profit organizations, and creating jobs through workforce development.

“By increasing energy efficiency, we can turn our economy around and improve national security. I was proud to vote for these critical funds for our local communities to save energy -– and by doing so, create jobs and finally declare our energy independence,” said Congressman Murphy. “Here in Bucks County, we have already begun to create jobs and invest in new and existing companies to develop renewable energy technology. We need to continue this effort through increased energy efficiency.”

The funds for this investment in energy efficiency and conservation total $3.2 billion for projects in U.S. cities, counties, states, territories and Native American tribes. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act voted for by Rep. Murphy, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama, will provide formula grants for projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency nationwide. Funds can be used community wide, not only for government owned facilities and infrastructure. The program represents priority to deploy the cheapest, cleanest, and fastest energy sources and boost energy efficiency.

For details about the program and funding, visit www.eecbg.energy.gov.

Labels: 8th District, energy, Patrick Murphy

HARRISBURG – Senator Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery) has been selected to receive the Advocate for Public Education Award from the Pennsylvania Middle School Association.

McIlhinney received the award for his work with the Department of Education on the Schools to Watch program, one of the state’s preeminent measures of middle school performance. On behalf of PMSA, McIlhinney requested that a staff member from the Department be assigned to the Schools to Watch program to assist in reviewing applications and making school visits to evaluate performance.

"We should recognize those schools that consistently provide a top-notch education to the next generation of Pennsylvania’s leaders," McIlhinney said. “It is a great honor to receive this award, and I look forward to working with the Pennsylvania Middle School Association in the future to improve student achievement.”

PMSA Executive Director Lee Ference presented McIlhinney with the award at the Capitol yesterday.

Labels: education, Sen. Chuck McIlhinney

HARRISBURG - State Rep. Scott Petri (R-Bucks) is reminding local residents that as of July 1, all contractors doing more than $5,000 of home improvement work annually must be registered with the state.

In an effort to provide residents with better information when choosing a contractor, details of the contactors' registration will be placed on contracts, promotional materials and business cards so that consumers may use the information to reference a statewide database of complaints. All contracts require a list of the contractors they intend to hire for the job.

Every year, thousands of Pennsylvanians file consumer complaints about home improvement contractors who take money and fail to perform satisfactory construction or repairs. These complaints typically increase during the spring, when homeowners are more likely to hire contractors to perform various projects.

There are several things consumers should look out for to protect themselves from disreputable or fraudulent home improvement contractors.

Unsolicited, traveling contractors who come to a home and point out specific problems should be met with caution. If they arrive in an unmarked truck or van and refuse to provide proof of insurance or references, it is safe to say they are not reputable contractors.

Frequently, these scams begin with a claim to have just finished a job, and then offer a great deal on leftover material. They also employ high-pressure sales tactics like limited-time offers.

When hiring a contractor, homeowners should obtain a written contract that includes a start and finish date and a three-day right-to-cancel notice. Penalty clauses for late completion have also proven helpful in ensuring timely projects. Individuals should never sign a blank contract or hire a contractor that does not have a business card or local phone number and address. Also, final payments should be withheld until work is finished and homeowners are completely satisfied.

More information on the registration program and the complaints database is expected to be available in the near future as the attorney general's office continues with the program's implementation. For more information on consumer protection, or to file a complaint with the attorney general's office, forms are available online at www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling 1-800-441-2555.

For residential contractors who want to learn more about the new law, you can check out the attorney general's Web site. You may also visit Petri's district office at 95 Almshouse Rd., Suite 303, in Richboro for registration forms.

Labels: Scott Petri

HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously approved legislation yesterday that would prohibit public school officials from discriminating against members of the Armed Forces.

Senate Bill 206, sponsored by Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery), would prohibit any principal, superintendant or school official from denying any member of the military entry to school facilities because he or she is wearing a military uniform. Military members would still be expected to comply with a school’s visitor policy, but they could not be denied access because of their uniforms, McIlhinney said.

The legislation stemmed from several incidents in which military members visiting friends and former teachers were denied access to school grounds due to their military uniforms. McIlhinney’s bill would ensure that no school official could impose restrictions on wearing military uniforms on school property.

“The members of our Armed Forces deserve our deepest respect and admiration for their service, and they should have every right to proudly display the uniforms that they have sacrificed so much to earn,” McIlhinney said. “I would like to thank Chairman Lisa Baker and the members of the committee for joining me in opposing this unfair discrimination against some of our bravest and most respected citizens.”

Senate Bill 206 will now go to the Senate floor for consideration.

Labels: Sen. Chuck McIlhinney

State Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero (D-31) said $20,625 in federal funding is available to Newtown Township to help pay for a wide range of police department expenses.

Santarsiero said the funding comes from the federal stimulus package authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is being made available through the Byrnes/Justice Assistance Grant Program. The stimulus package includes almost $2 billion in critical resources for state and local law enforcement and other criminal justice activities through the Recovery JAG program.

Santarsiero said many eligible municipalities have not applied for grants, and, in many cases, those municipalities don’t even know the JAG program is available. In order to receive the federal stimulus funding allocated to the program, municipalities must apply for it, he said.

"Federal funding through the JAG program will assist local law enforcement in carrying out vital programs and services that keep our communities safe," Santarsiero said. "The program also helps to create and sustain jobs that might otherwise be threatened during the economic downturn."

Santarsiero said the JAG program does not require a local match and can be used for law enforcement, prosecution and court expenses, crime prevention and education, corrections, drug treatment, technology improvement, and crime victim and witness programs.

Applications are due by May 18. More information on the grants is available online at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/recoveryJAG/recoveryjag.html.

Santarsiero's main constituent service office is located at 2 N. State St. in Newtown. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the phone number is 215-968-3975. Additionally, staff is available in the Lower Makefield Township Building, located at 1100 Edgewood Rd.in Yardley. Office hours there are noon to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the first Saturday of every month.

The 31st Legislative District includes Newtown Township, Newtown Borough, Lower Makefield Township, Yardley and part of Upper Makefield Township.

Labels: 31st District, Newtown, Steve Santarsiero

I’m writing as a member of the Pennsbury School Board to underscore how important we feel it is for accurate information to be shared with the community. We use a variety of communication channels, including our district and school Web sites, newsletters, cable television and local radio, among other means. A practice we began implementing earlier this year is to post full audio recordings of our school board meetings on our Web site immediately after they occur. We hope the community will continue to take advantage of these effective means of communication.
We also enjoy hearing from residents on a personal basis. Gathering input from community members is vital to our role as representatives.

Despite our best efforts, however, I find it necessary to write to clarify several major issues concerning the board:

1) The Budget Process — Many people are concerned about an alarmingly high tax increase that is announced when our budget process gets underway each year. I would like to clarify how the Act I legislation and the Pennsylvania School Code mandate how the budget must take shape over a period of five months. This year, Act I required the board to adopt a preliminary budget in February that included estimated revenues and expenditures. At this point, federal and state funding is unknown and expenditure estimates are very preliminary. The board is required to use these hypothetical numbers to project a potential tax increase, knowing that this will not be final. By the time the mandated proposed budget is presented in May, there is greater clarity in revenue sources and expenditures have been trimmed. With respect to expenditures, the community should know that the school district does not have the same latitude as private industry in reducing staff and programs; state law places significant constraints on this. Nonetheless, the board has successfully kept any tax increase under the rate of inflation for the past several years and is committed to do so again this year.

2) The Act I Index — A cap, called the Act I Index, is set annually by the Pennsylvania Department of Education on the percentage increase of the current tax rate that is allowed for the next year. This year’s Act I Index is 4.1 percent. The board has the option to apply for exceptions to this cap and must vote to do so. This year’s board voted not to apply for exceptions. Thus, the board cannot increase taxes this year above the inflation rate, and in fact, has committed to the community to produce a budget with as little a tax increase as possible, if any. The board understands the impact of a tax change in any economic environment, especially the harsh current one. The board members are taxpayers too.

3) The Teachers’ Contract — Within the current economic climate, I am confident that the negotiated settlement between the school district and the teachers’ Pennsbury Education Association (PEA) for a one-year contract extension represents a fair compromise that best serves the students, the teachers and the community. While the implementation of this agreement will require a $1.1 million budget expenditure, the community should know that, under this agreement, more than half of the PEA members will receive no increase in salary, and the remainder will receive, on average, a record low 1.5 percent increase.

The Pennsbury School Board and the administration represent the best resources for accurate information about the business, policies and procedures of the school district. We have an open door policy and seek input from residents at all times. Every School Board Director is available by phone and e-mail to answer residents’ questions and take their comments and suggestions. Contact information is always available on the district Web site, www.pennsbury.k12.pa.us, or by calling the administration at 215-428-4100.

Linda Palsky
Pennsbury School Board Director - Region 3

Labels: Pennsbury School Board

Balancing the state budget is, in a sense, balancing the concerns and needs of a very diverse Pennsylvania citizenry. It requires members of the Legislature to do a lot of their own research, to gain an understanding of disparate issues, and perhaps most significantly, to gather as much input as possible from the people of the commonwealth. That process is now underway in Harrisburg. Rarely has the budget demanded more difficult decisions than this year.

Gov. Rendell made a very good opening bid last month in the annual state budget negotiation. There was a lot to like about the proposal he introduced on Feb. 4: no broad tax increases in a period of great economic distress, more money for education and progress on health care.

It also caused enormous disappointment, much of it understandable yet unavoidable. Pennsylvania, like the majority of other states, has been plunged into a financial hole this year by the worst recession in most of our lifetimes. Even with the influx of billions in federal stimulus money, the governor was forced to suggest drastic program cuts to balance the books.

The governor's budget proposal is reported in great detail in the news media every year, as well it should be, because much of what he suggests will eventually be adopted, and because it allows the people of Pennsylvania to know what issues are on the table. But it is only a starting point. The work is far from over; in fact it is just beginning.

Over the next few months the Legislature, especially members of the Appropriations Committee, on which I sit in the Senate, will devote a considerable amount of time collecting information, listening to suggestions, and gauging the feelings of our constituents all across the state.

The first formal step is a series of budget hearings by the Appropriations Committees in the House and Senate. These take place over several weeks in late February and early March, and they provide a window into the operation of almost every aspect of state government. At the hearings, leaders of departments dealing with health, transportation, education, agriculture, the environment, law enforcement, labor and many other areas discuss their budget requests. Individual hearings on each topic last for hours, while legislators have a chance to question the agency heads in detail about their departments.

Quite often, the questions posed to cabinet secretaries rise directly from letters or phone calls that legislators have received in their districts, reflecting problems that come to their attention or constructive suggestions that they receive from the people back home.

The hearings are open to the public (and for the first time this year were available live via the Internet.)

In addition to things lawmakers learn at the budget hearings, we continue to receive feedback on budget proposals from a variety of sources. Citizens call or write. Lobbyists and advocates for a vast array of causes present their cases. Organizations offer up studies and analysis.

Developing the budget is not just about dollars; it is also about major and minor policy changes. The budget is a reflection of a people's priorities. In a state as diverse as Pennsylvania, crafting a budget that is fair to everyone is a monumental challenge. We must be cognizant of the needs of seniors and of children, the problems of large cities and small towns, of suburbanites and farmers. We must take into account the impact our decisions will have on businesses as well as workers.

Legislators have a responsibility to provide basic services that keep the public safe, to protect our most vulnerable citizens and, ideally, to improve the quality of life in our state. At the same time, we must be mindful that the taxpayers can only bear so much.

During the months while legislative leaders negotiate the final version of the budget, they are trying to represent the wishes of the individual members of their party all over the state, based on the needs of their constituents.

This year, because of the national economy, the challenge is greater than it has been in decades. In his budget proposal, the governor has completely eliminated more than 100 line items, and has reduced funding for hundreds more. Some are luxuries that we cannot afford in tough times, but most are worthwhile programs that some part of our population considers important if not essential to making Pennsylvania a better place to live and work.

Legislators are already hearing from many Pennsylvanians who are making persuasive arguments in support of line items targeted for budget cuts. At the same time, we also hear convincing arguments from those who say they cannot afford higher taxes.

Nothing comes for free, and unlike the federal government, the state must balance its budget. In the end, getting through the recession will require widespread sacrifice. State officials will try to construct a budget that spreads that sacrifice as evenly and so as fairly as possible, one that meets critical needs and allows the state to make cost-effective investments that will get our economy moving forward in the future.

Sen. Wozniak is a fourth-term Democrat from Johnstown and sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Labels: Sen. John Wozniak

State Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero, D-Bucks, is pleased the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Board voted to include in its request for federal stimulus funding a critical road improvement project in the Newtown-Yardley area.

Over the last month, the Bucks County lawmaker has worked with U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy and Bucks County Planning Commission Executive Director Lynn T. Bush in an effort to convince the board to request $1.7 million in federal stimulus funding needed for improvements to Stoopville Road in Upper Makefield and Newtown townships.

Santarsiero attended the board's meeting Thursday and voiced his support for the project, which will improve slow-moving traffic for area residents and commuters, but also ease congestion for visitors traveling to the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, recently dedicated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans are expected to be laid to rest there beginning this fall.

"The upgrades to Stoopville Road will improve traffic safety for residents and visitors to the Washington Crossing National Cemetery," Santarsiero said. "I want to thank the efforts of our congressman and Ms. Bush in helping to get this project funded as part of the stimulus package."

The board's decision will allow the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to fund the project. The total project cost is estimated at $2.5 million and is the only project located in Bucks County to be approved by the board.

More information about the Washington Crossing National Cemetery is available online at www.cem.va.gov.

Santarsiero's main constituent service office is located at 2 N. State St. in Newtown. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the phone number is 215-968-3975. Additionally, staff is available in the Lower Makefield Township Building, located at 1100 Edgewood Rd. in Yardley. Office hours there are noon to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the first Saturday of every month.

The 31st Legislative District includes Newtown Township, Newtown Borough, Lower Makefield Township, Yardley and part of Upper Makefield Township.

Labels: 31st District, Lower Makefield, Newtown, Steve Santarsiero, Upper Makefield, Yardley