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June 5, 2009

Senator Mike Waugh
E-News Update

In this Edition:

• Welcome
• 2009-2010 Budget Update 
• Students Get Taste of Government
• Hanover Office Open House
• Committees to Consider Waugh Legislation
• Federal Stimulus Grants for Fire Companies
• Movie Theater Tax Proposal Removed from Higher Education Plan
• Grants Available for Transitioning to Organic Farming
• Graduation Competency Assessment Update
• Farm Market Guide Now Available

Hello Friends!

The month of June is upon us and as many of you know this means it is budget season at the Capitol.  Below is a brief overview of the Senate budget proposal, as well as updates on other topics that I hope are of interest to you.  As always, if you wish to have further information on any of the following or other state-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact me.

2009-2010 Budget Update 

On May 6th, the Senate passed Senate Bill 850, a general fund appropriations bill that holds the line on spending and avoids large-scale tax and fee increases at a time when Pennsylvanians can least afford them.  While it was difficult to vote for a budget with reductions to many valuable programs, I did so because the choice was clear – we could either cut spending or raise taxes significantly, and cutting spending is the fiscally responsible option considering the current economic conditions.

Pennsylvania is facing a $3.2 billion revenue shortfall for the fiscal year ending on June 30^th.  This figure is up from $2.3 billion when the Governor presented his budget proposal in February.  Therefore, the Senate recognized the need to make further reductions in order to balance the budget.  Even Governor Rendell recently announced his intentions to further cut his proposal by $400-500 million, although specifics of such are not yet available. 

Students Get Taste of Government

During the summer season I often have the opportunity to welcome a student intern to the staff, and this year is no different.  Maggie Stauffer, a graduate of Red Lion High School and a sophomore at Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA, will be working throughout the summer in my York district office.   

In addition, the previous three weeks have provided a unique experience for a York Country Day School Senior, Dan McLaughlin, who has been shadowing my staff and me as part of his senior project required for graduation.  While we say goodbye to Dan, we wish him well as he graduates next week and heads to NYU in the fall.

Hanover Office Open House

Just yesterday my staff and I conducted an open house for our newly located satellite office in Hanover, PA.   The Hanover office’s function is constituent service-based and allows us to better serve the needs of the people in the southwest portion of the 28th Senatorial District.  Barb Metzler, previously with former Rep. Steve Nickol, staffs the office, which is located at 920 York Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4pm.  To contact our Hanover location, please call 717-637-7311.

Committees to Consider Waugh Legislation

Three bills that I have introduced this legislative session are scheduled for consideration by legislative committees next week. 

First, on Tuesday, June 9th, the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 698, which will establish the Farms to Fuel Initiative.  The program would provide incentives for PA producers to grow bioenergy crops specifically for use in the production of cellulosic ethanol. 

Next, the House Labor Relations Committee will also meet on Tuesday to consider Senate Bill 195, which calls for uniform regulation of industrialized and commercial modular building construction. 

And finally, the Senate Law and Justice Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 10th, to consider Senate Bill 883, which establishes the PA Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Alert System.  This would allow PennDOT message boards to be used to alert motorists when a police officer is wounded or killed, and the perpetrator is fleeing in a vehicle.

Federal Stimulus Grants for Fire Companies

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) authorized the creation of the Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants, which will provide funding for new construction or modifications of existing fire stations.  The grant program will be administered through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Office under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).   

While the application is not yet available, further details can be obtained at: http://www.firegrantsupport.com/docs/2009AFSCGguidance.pdf.  Once the application period opens, questions should be directed to the help desk at: 1-866-274-0960 or firegrants@dhs.gov.

Movie Theater Tax Proposal Removed from Higher Education Plan

Over the recent weeks constituents have voiced concern about Senate Bill 652, sponsored by Senator Jeff Piccola, which would have repealed the sales tax exclusion afforded to movie theaters on the rental of commercial films.  This legislation was part of Senator Piccola’s higher education assistance proposal, an alternative to Governor Rendell’s plan to legalize video poker machines for the purpose of providing additional tuition assistance to Pennsylvania’s college students. 

Many of you will be pleased to know that Senator Piccola has withdrawn his movie theater sales tax proposal from consideration and has instead introduced an alternative proposal, Senate Bill 881.  Thank you to everyone who took the time to write regarding this issue!

Grants Available for Transitioning to Organic Farming

With the growing trend for consumers to buy organic products, agricultural producers looking to convert their farms to certified organic facilities can do so with the help of a grant program administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. 

The state’s “Path to Organic” program offers grants that reimburse producers for costs directly related to organic transition, including building, machinery and equipment, and operational costs.  Producers can qualify for up to $7,500 in one year and $30,000 over four years.  The deadline to apply is July 31st.

Graduation Competency Assessment Update

 On Tuesday, June 2nd the Senate Education Committee held a hearing regarding high school graduation requirements, particularly graduation competency assessments (GCA’s).  This has been a hot topic of conversation over the last several months with the General Assembly having passed legislation last year to establish a moratorium on any changes to graduation requirements.  Despite this, the Department of Education has proceeded with the development of end-of-year GCA’s.

During the Committee hearing Secretary of Education Gerald L. Zahorchak asked the Senate to consider a 7-year $201 million dollar contract with a Minnesota Testing Company, Data Recognition Corporation, to help design these assessments – a contract the Department has already entered into with the company.

In response to this and other actions taken by the Department, Senator Jane Clare Orie has introduced legislation, Senate Bill 281, which prohibits the Department of Education from developing any new statewide public high school graduation requirements unless established by an act of the General Assembly.  During a meeting immediately following the hearing the Education Committee voted unanimously to report the bill, and it is now before the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is scheduled to consider SB 281 on Monday, June 8th.

Farm Market Guide Now Available

It is that time of year when fresh produce is available at your local farmers’ market, so if you’re not familiar with the local markets or you’re looking to explore those in other areas of Pennsylvania, the new 2009 Consumer’s Guide to Pennsylvania’s Farm Markets is now available.

The online guide is now even easier to use.  You can search by county, product, or market name.  While exploring such destinations be sure to visit the site for Keystone Country, the state’s agritourism program.  Here you can search an interactive map for restaurants, lodging, and activities. 

Of course, if you prefer a hard copy of the 2009 Consumer’s Guide, please feel free to contact my office to request one.

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My offices are here to serve you:
Don't forget to check my website at www.senatorwaugh.com from time to time for updates on legislation, local events and happenings in Harrisburg.  There is a link to email me if you have questions, suggestions or need additional information.  Otherwise, you may contact my district or Harrisburg offices at:

DISTRICT:
218 N. George Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 846-2828 (York)
(717) 382-9940 (Fawn Grove)

920 York Street
Hanover, PA 17331
(717) 637-7311

CAPITOL:
9 East Wing
Senate Box 203028
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3028
(717) 787-3817

TTY: 1-800-364-1581