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Senator Jane Orie

June 2011

Dear Friend,

Thank you for taking the time to read the current edition of my 40th Senatorial District newsletter. These e-newsletters enable me to provide information about issues, events and activities of interest to local residents without any cost to taxpayers for printing and mailing.

If you do not wish to receive these e-newsletters in the future, please feel free to click the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of the page. If you would like to contact my office, please go to my web page at www.senatororie.com and click on the "contact" button. Please do not "reply" directly to this e-mail.

I am hopeful that the information included in this newsletter will foster greater public awareness of the issues affecting our communities and promote a mutual dialogue on the most important issues facing our state and region. As always, please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions pertaining to any state government program or agency. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely, 

Jane C. Orie

State Budget Negotiations Continue

Since Governor Tom Corbett proposed a $27.3 billion budget earlier this year, the Legislature has been carefully studying the plan to determine the best way to allocate limited resources.  This year will be extremely tough because of our economic situation.   The Governor's budget proposal represents an $866 million reduction in spending from the current year.   The proposal is balanced and does not call for increases in taxes or fees – reflecting the belief that we have to live within our means – especially in these very tough economic times.

In March the Senate Appropriations Committee held three weeks of hearings on the proposed budget – hearing from each department and various agencies about how it would impact their operations. The House of Representatives has amended the Governor's proposal and restored funding to some keys areas while not raising the overall budget of $27.3 billion.  Here is the current version of House Bill 1845. I do have concerns with some of the changes made in the current proposal – such as cutting funding for victims of crime and domestic violence. In the coming weeks, we will be working with the House and Governor to craft a final plan before the June 30 deadline.  It is important that any plan we approve be fiscally responsible – rather than spending money that the Commonwealth does not have – so that we can better position ourselves for economic recovery.

EMS Forum Highlights Work of First Responders

Senator Orie

I recently held my annual EMS forum to provide an opportunity for emergency personnel to hear from federal, state and local officials about resources that are available to improve emergency response efforts.

The forum was a great success and a chance for our emergency responders to share ideas, learn about new programs and services available and talk to others who share their challenging job.

Pennsylvania's emergency responders provide life-saving services and put their lives on the line to help keep our communities safe.  This forum gives me a chance to say "thank you" and acknowledge the great work they do.

Continuing Effort For Reform and Transparency of the Gaming Industry

Late last month I announced my intention to introduce legislation consisting of the 21 recommendations released last month in the report on the gaming industry from a Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. 

The legislation will propose to amend the Gaming Act to include all 21 recommendations so that each issue will be reviewed and considered.  The report clearly points out "Interpreted correctly, with a proper focus on the best interests of Pennsylvania's taxpayers, the implementation of the Act (Act 71).  This should have resulted in premiere gaming facilities operated by the finest venders in the Country" and I doubt anyone can stand up, without hesitation, and say this happened.

Included in the recommendations:

  • Separate the Office of Enforcement Counsel and the Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (BIE) from the Gaming Control Board and establish BIE as an independent law enforcement agency.
  • Explicitly prohibit any person from serving as a member of the Board who was an applicant for or is a holder of a slot machine license.
  • Require the Board to submit an annual report listing the number of executive sessions conducted by the Board, including an agenda for each session.
  • Expand from two year to four years the employment prohibition of Board employees from obtaining employment with a gaming entity or any firm that represents or conducts business with any gaming entity.

I believe that as long as there are legitimate concerns and issues with the oversight of gaming industry in the Commonwealth, we have an obligation to continue to call for reasonable reforms and more transparency. 

For the full Grand Jury Report go to The Pennsylvania Attorney General's website http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.

Senior Expo Draws Large Crowds

The Senior Expos are the most popular events because older individuals want to learn more about the many programs, services and resources that are available to them.   This spring's event was no exception – with large crowds and lots of fun, fellowship and information sharing.

The Senior Expos are designed to provide seniors with a "one-stop resource" for information on a wide range of services available to them – many of which are free of charge or at a reduced cost.

Exhibitors provided seniors with information on Social Security, health care, AARP, and a wide variety of other programs and services that are available to them.

We will be holding the Fall Senior Expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2011, at the Butler County Airport, 475 Airport Road, in Butler PA.  I hope to see you there.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Deadline Extended To December 31

Application forms for the state's Property Tax Rent Rebate Program are now available at my district office and through the state department of aging.

All residents who received rebates last year should have received 2010 application forms in the mail by now. Applications are also available online at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling 1-888-222-9190. Additionally, forms and assistance are available at Department of Revenue district offices (listed in the government section of local telephone directories), local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and my district office.

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters -- half of Social Security income is excluded.

The deadline to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2010 has been extended to December 31, 2011. Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1.

7th Annual Kids Expo
Friday, June 17th at Butler County Airport

The 7th Annual Kid's Expo featuring Radio Disney 1250AM from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will be held on Friday, June 17th at the Butler County Airport located at 475 Airport Road, Butler, 16002.

The event is open to the public and provides an outlet for families to come together and enjoy a day of fun, and collect valuable information. The expo will consist of a wide variety of activities, music, entertainment and educational exhibits. Parents will have the opportunity to learn and ask questions from a variety of exhibitors and experts as well as resources available to address a variety of topics.

The Butler County Paper Pantry will also be on location for their "Stuff the Bus" project. Attendees are encouraged to bring a paper product such as toilet paper, diapers, baby wipes or similar items for the collection. All of the items will go to local food pantries.

For more information contact Kara Stroup at 724-776-3500 or via e-mail at kstroup@pasen.gov.

 

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