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Click here to Subscribe or Unsubscribe from this Newsletter Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone who might be interested. They can sign up using the link below: Click here to visit Senator Tomlinson's Website Offices 362 Main Capitol Email:
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Legislative Update Budget Update As the legislature works to develop a state budget for the coming year, we face many of the same challenges as last year – a slow economy, revenue shortfalls and a high unemployment rate. Our tough fiscal times are taking their toll on state revenues, and that means another year of spending cuts and belt tightening. Last year, Senate Republicans pushed for a fiscally conservative budget with no broad-based tax increases and significant cuts in spending. This year, we remain committed to the same basic conservative principles that we maintained during last year's deliberations. The budget must be balanced without a broad-based tax increase and it needs to hold the line on spending. We have made it clear that we will not support the high level of spending that the governor is proposing – it is not fiscally responsible in our economic climate. We strongly opposed the Governor's plan to add 74 new taxes that would have cost taxpayers an additional $530 million in 2010 and $900 million in 2011. The Governor also wanted to tax Pennsylvania businesses an additional $66 million at a time when many are barely meeting their payrolls. Senate Republicans have fought successfully against Administration proposals to increase taxes, and we made it clear that we would do so again in this year's budget. Forcing workers and job creators to take more money out of their pockets at a time when they can least afford to pay will only further delay our economic recovery. Just like families and businesses are doing all across Pennsylvania, we need to tighten our belts and live within our means. This is not the time to call for new programs and spending – we simply can't afford to pay for them. Senate Adopts New Rules of Ethical Conduct The State Senate adopted a set of Rules of Ethical Conduct this week, designed to make the division between legislative and campaign work clear, to provide annual ethics training, and to establish strong penalties for violations. Pennsylvanians are rightly demanding increased accountability from public officials. It is our responsibility to set a high standard, and working in a bipartisan manner we have developed a strong set of Rules of Ethical Conduct. The new rules were adopted unanimously. The Senate Rules Committee held a public hearing on this proposal in February to receive input from officials at the State Ethics Commission, the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and others. Many of their suggestions were incorporated. Table Games The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has announced an implementation schedule for table games at Pennsylvania casinos. The plan allows for all nine operating casinos to begin offering table games within a 10-day period in July. Starting July 6, 2010, Gaming Board officials said the schedule includes an eight-hour test period of live betting at each casino to permit Board personnel to determine if the casino is prepared in all aspects to open its table game operation. If approval is given after the test period, casinos can go live with table games two days later after allowing for one "down day" to evaluate the test including meetings of PGCB and casino personnel to discuss the results of the test period. The test date schedule is as follows:
Senate Passes Bill Aimed at Teen Drivers On May 25, 2010, the State Senate passed an amended version of House Bill 67 which would impose passenger restrictions, cell phone, and texting bans for teen drivers. House Bill 67 includes provisions that will save lives, including making it a primary offense to not wear a seat belt for drivers and front seat occupants under 18 and for all drivers who fail to secure a child from 4- to 8-years old in a booster seat.The Senate voted 44-3 to pass House Bill 67, which now includes amendments that make violating cell phone and texting bans secondary offenses for teen drivers and allows teen drivers to have more than one passenger under certain circumstances. The legislation goes back to the House for consideration. New Law Requires Marcellus Shale Drilling Reports Senate Bill 297, recently signed into law as Act 15 of 2010, will require operators of natural gas wells in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania to file semi-annual reports. The Marcellus Shale is a natural gas formation that extends through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York. The Marcellus Shale is one of the most significant natural gas deposits in the world and industry experts believe that the formation will create thousands of jobs for Pennsylvanians and provide a clean-burning fuel source for years to come. The reports are to be filed with the Department of Environmental Protection, and they will be available on DEP's web site starting on November 1, 2010. Bill Allowing Lower Tuition for Military Personnel Clears Senate The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 87, legislation which would authorize community colleges and state-related or state-owned universities in Pennsylvania to charge the lower resident tuition rates to any active duty military personnel, their spouses and dependents who are taking college courses through the Internet. SB 87 is now being reviewed by the state House. Senate Resolution to Study High-Performing Schools On March 22, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 243, directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the 82 school districts in Pennsylvania which have the highest performance and lowest costs. This study is intended to take a fresh look at what we spend on our schools, how much we need to spend, and how schools are spending the billions they receive in state funding. Since fiscal year 2003-04, the state's basic education subsidy has been increased substantially, jumping from $4 billion to $5.5 billion. This study will provide solid facts to determine what is a fair and adequate funding level for our public schools. The report is due by November 1, 2010. Pennsylvania Home Heating Rebate Program Pennsylvania homeowners who purchase high-efficiency heating equipment can now qualify for rebates of up to $500 through the Pennsylvania Home Heating Equipment Rebate Program, funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In an average home, nearly half of all energy consumption goes toward heating and water heating — more than any other appliance or fixture. Qualifying products include non-electric EnergyStar-qualified water heaters, furnaces, and boilers. To apply for and reserve a rebate, fill out an online application at http://www.paheatingrebates.com/get-your-rebate or call toll-free, 1-877-592-2061. Qualifying equipment must be purchased on or after April 21, 2010 and completed rebate applications must be submitted within 30 days of the rebate reservation date. One in 10 Pennsylvanians Have Unclaimed Property
Abandoned bank accounts, forgotten stocks, uncashed checks, certificates of deposit, life insurance policies, safe deposit box contents, and recovered stolen property are among the items waiting to be claimed. Gift cards and certificates with an expiration date also must be turned over to the Treasury, in its entirety or partially redeemed, two years after the expiration date or five years from the issuance date, if no redemption period is specified. Items included among the tangible property include jewelry, antiques, musical instruments and other valuable items. Begin your search online through the listings for millions of dollars in unclaimed property. You may also call 1-800-222-2046 for assistance from a claims representative from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, or send an email inquiry to tupmail@patreasury.org. Skin Cancer Awareness Month Skin Cancer Awareness Month promotes the prevention and treatment of the most common types of cancer in the U.S., according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The American Cancer Society reports more than two million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the country. The two most common and highly curable skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The third most common skin cancer among young adults and the most dangerous is melanoma. Preventative measures include avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; wearing sun-protective clothing during exposure; using sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater; avoiding artificial sources of UV light, and wearing sunglasses with at least 99 percent UV absorption to block damaging UVA and UVB light. Provide the best protection for your head, ears, nose, and cheeks by wearing a wide-brimmed hat with a three inch or more brim or a legionnaire hat with attached ear and neck flaps. Put Pennsylvania's Alert System to Work for You Don't be caught off guard when an incident or emergency occurs. Sign-up for Pennsylvania's Alert System, administered by Commonwealth officials, for timely information about emergencies allowing for educated decision making. Receive emergency notifications, including PA Amber Alerts, through your communication devices by incorporating your email account, cell phone, pager, and Smartphone/PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) when you sign up through AlertPA.gov to ensure timely warnings. Participants may receive precautionary warnings as deemed necessary, such as:
Register your accounts and devices to establish your secure AlertPA account today. During registration, use the Control key for multiple selections allowing you to receive notification for loved ones at additional locations. I hope that you find the information in this newsletter to
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