A Budget That Puts People First
In working to complete the 2017-18 budget package, the state House this week approved legislation to generate enough revenue to close the projected budget gap. The “Putting People First” revenue package stands up for taxpayers by providing a fiscally responsible plan which contains no new or increased taxes or borrowing.
The revenues to fund the $1.5 billion deficit from 2016-17, as well as the anticipated revenue needed for the current budget of approximately $600 million, would come from legislative reserves; transfers from special accounts with excess or dormant funding; other fund transfers; multi-year agency lapsed funds; gaming reform proceeds; liquor transfers; and the sale of a portion of the Tobacco Settlement money.
The various transfers are not expected to negatively impact any current or future program or service to state residents.
The measure now goes to the Senate for concurrence. For more information, visit www.PAHouseGOP.com.
Helping Our Veterans
Legislation to help veterans and their spouses by enhancing their eligibility for state programs and services passed the House this week.
House Bill 980 would exempt 100 percent of a veteran’s federal disability compensation or pension from income calculations for any state program or benefit, such as the PACE and PACENET prescription drug programs or Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). (Under current law, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program already excludes this income.)
In addition, the legislation would extend the exclusion of the compensation benefits to the veteran’s unmarried surviving spouse.
The bill now goes to the state Senate.
Celebrating Scouting
On Tuesday morning, I spoke at a press conference announcing the formation of the Boy Scout Caucus in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The purpose of the group is to support the ideals and mission of the Boy Scouts. As an Eagle Scout since 1986, I value the skills taught in Scouting.
Keeping Your Personal Info Safe
In light of recent news about a data breach at Equifax, a national credit-reporting agency, residents are encouraged to learn more about identity theft and how to protect their information from being used fraudulently.
It is unknown how many Pennsylvania consumers the breach has affected; however, the Office of Pennsylvania Attorney General is leading a national investigation into the data breach.
In the meantime, consumers are urged to be proactive in monitoring their credit reports and financial account statements, such as credit cards and utilities, and in reporting any suspicious activity to the attorney general office’s hotline at 1-800-441-2555 or atscams@attorneygeneral.gov.
The Federal Trade Commission has also provided www.identitytheft.gov, an identity theft prevention website.
What Do You Think about Highway Safety?
Motorists are encouraged to submit their input on a number of highway issues, such as highway safety, traffic safety enforcement and driving behaviors, as part of PennDOT’s annual online survey.
The brief survey is available until Sept. 27, and focuses on seat belts, impaired driving, speeding, motorcycles and distracted driving. People completing the survey may remain anonymous, but are asked to provide their gender, age and county of residence.
Last year, 6,619 people responded to the survey. As a result of this feedback and recent trends in crash data, PennDOT has further increased its usage of social media to share highway safety information and is highlighting personal responsibility in future media campaigns.
To complete the survey, click here.
Happy Birthday, Al!
 |
It was my pleasure to present a House citation to Al Luedtke recognizing his 75th birthday.
Sen. Toomey, Carbon County VA Office Join Forces to Honor Korean War Veterans
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey’s office is partnering with the Carbon County Veterans Affairs Office to honor Korean War veterans with the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal. Toomey is working with the Korean Consul General to provide medals for United States veterans for their honorable service in the Korean War who reside in Carbon County.
My office will join the offices of state Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne/Carbon) and Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill) to assist Toomey’s office in recognizing Carbon County’s Korean War Veterans at this event.
To receive the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal, an eligible veteran must have served in country during the Korean War from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, or have participated in UN peacekeeping operations until the end of 1955. Members of the U.S. Navy are also eligible if they had served aboard a naval vessel that was assigned to Korean waters during the 1950 to 1953 timeframe. It may also be awarded posthumously. The only document required is the Notice of Separation or DD-214 discharge document showing service in Korea.
Applications for the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal must be received by Oct. 1.
For applications, please contact Marta Gabriel in Toomey’s office at Marta_Gabriel@toomey.senate.gov and (610) 434-1444, or Bonnie Gawlik, Carbon County Veterans Affairs Office, at BonnieGawlik@carboncounty.net and (570) 325-3986.
Applications will also be available through my office as well as the offices of Sen. Yudichak and Rep. Knowles.
|
