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Week of March 5, 2018In this Edition:
Senate Hearings on Proposed State Budget As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am taking part in public hearings on Governor Wolf’s proposed 2018-2019 state budget. Summaries and video of each of the final week’s hearings are listed below. You can review previous hearings here and here. Inclement weather caused postponement of the final two days of hearings. I’ll follow up with those summaries when the hearings are rescheduled. Around the 40th DistrictTime to Set Our Clocks Ahead One HourDon’t forget to set you clocks ahead one hour Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time begins 2 a.m. Sunday (and ends November 4.) We lose an hour of sleep, but we gain an hour of sunlight! “Thank You” to All Storm RespondersI want to extend a special thank you to the many linemen, tree cutting crews and fire/EMS crews that have worked tirelessly around the clock to restore power and meet the needs of residents throughout Monroe and Northampton counties following this week’s storms. We are grateful for your service. Tips on Food Safety after Power OutageWhen storms and high winds cause power outages, safe food handling becomes a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping refrigerated and frozen foods at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, a refrigerator will keep food safely cool for about four hours, while a full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours or, if the freezer is half full, for approximately one day. The PA Department of Agriculture has some tips for what to do with your food during and after a power outage. Penn State Extension wants to hear from Farmers & Related ProfessionalsFarmers and Related Professionals: Penn State Extension would like to learn about your interests in programs and educational resources on field and forage crop production and related agricultural management practices. Taking a 10-minute online survey will help the Extension plan in-person programs, publications, and online resources for crop producers and professionals who work with clients in the agricultural community. Budget HearingsMonday March 5, 2018Gaming Control Board Senator Scavello questioned the board about its finances and request for increased funding. He also discussed available help for gambling addiction, efforts to prevent underage gambling, and economic activity generated by casinos. Representatives of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board fielded questions on how expanded gaming opportunities will impact the state and how they will be regulated. Other questions centered on:
Revenue Department and Lottery Senator Scavello asked Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell about the additional employees needed to handle expanded gaming, upgrades to the department’s central computer system to accommodate Video Gaming Terminals, and projected revenue from internet Lottery and keno games. He also discuss revenue projections for the end of the fiscal year. Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell fielded questions regarding tax collections, revenue trends and new lottery initiatives. Other topics of discussion included:
Community and Economic Development Senator Scavello talked about the importance of tourism to our region and need for DCED to fund tourism promotion. He also sought details on Pennsylvania’s workforce development efforts, including the WEDnetPA job training program. Representatives of the Department of Community and Economic Development answered questions related to Pennsylvania’s business climate. Topics of conversation included:
Tuesday March 6, 2018Education In questioning Secretary Pedro Rivera about his budget request, Senator Scavello discussed a pilot program at the Penn Argyl School District to help students with dyslexia, funding for community college operating expenses, all-day vocational education, and more. The Appropriations Committee questioned Secretary Pedro Rivera about ways to ensure the massive state education budget is being spent efficiently and effectively. Topics covered include:
Aging Senator Scavello asked about the impact of federal appropriations being moved from the Lottery Fund to the General Fund, and the impact of an aging population on programs for Pennsylvania seniors and the overall state budget. He also stressed the huge burden the property taxes place on senior citizens, and the need to find a better funding source for schools. Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne discussed the challenges Pennsylvania is facing in meeting the needs of a growing aging population including:
Follow Me on Facebook and Twitter!To stay up-to-date on state issues and events affecting Monroe and Northampton counties, I invite you to follow me on my Facebook and Twitter pages. If you have a public event benefiting our community in Monroe or Northampton Counties, please feel free to contact my office at (570) 620-4326 or by email mscavello@pasen.gov to include the event in my E-Newsletter at no charge. Requests should include details about the community event such as the time, location and the public purpose. |
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