Here's this week's State Capitol Roundup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch, R-147:

Rendell Ally Hired During Hiring/Pay Freeze, Lawmakers Express Concern

Several lawmakers are questioning the governor's decision to hire a former legislator and member of the House Democratic leadership team. Dan Surra, a recently defeated lawmaker who previously represented Elk and Clearfield counties, began his work in a newly created position at a salary of more than $95,000 a year, in the midst of Rendell's recently imposed hiring and pay freeze. A number of GOP lawmakers have sent a letter to Gov. Ed Rendell asking that Surra's hire be rescinded. The position is a special advisor with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), which has been forced to leave 11 positions vacant since the governor instituted the hiring freeze in response to the state's estimated $1.9 billion budget deficit. In a separate bid to cut costs last summer, DCNR discontinued posting lifeguards at state park swimming areas.

House Republican Task Forces Hit the Ground Running

Several recently formed task forces under the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York), have gotten to work and are wasting no time in addressing the issues Pennsylvanians care about most. This past week, the task forces officially met to discuss plans for the upcoming legislative session. The task forces are charged with the development of comprehensive strategies to address several key issues affecting the Commonwealth: state spending, education and job training, energy, health care, infrastructure, and reforming state government. In the coming weeks, the task forces will continue to meet and deliver recommendations aimed at controlling state spending. For additional details, visit PAHouseGOP.com

Tougher Teen Driving Laws Proposed

Legislation to protect young drivers in the state of Pennsylvania and make roads safer for all motorists is set to be reintroduced by Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks). The proposal would make several notable changes to the existing law including: additional behind-the-wheel training, a restriction on the number of passengers a junior driver could transport, and increased enforcement powers for police concerning junior drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts. As many as 32 other states have enacted legislation to limit the number of passengers a teen driver can carry. Recent studies suggest that the fatality rate for teenage drivers is more than four times that of adults.

State Assistance Available to Those Struggling with Heating Bills

Assistance to individuals who are unable to afford home-heating costs this winter remains available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP, which is funded by the federal government and run by the state Department of Public Welfare, helps low-income households pay their heating bills and provides assistance to those in danger of losing heat due to emergencies. Eligibility for this year was expanded to 210 percent of the Poverty Income Guideline. As a result, an additional 80,000 are eligible to receive help through the cash grant portion of the LIHEAP program. A family of four with an annual income of up to $44,443 can qualify for LIHEAP. For more information, call LIHEAP toll-free at 866-857-7095 or visit RepMensch.com