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| Weekly Roundup |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
House Readies for 2017-18 Budget Address
The House and Senate will convene in a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly on Tuesday, Feb. 7, to hear Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal for the third year of his administration.
In a preview of his address, Wolf has pledged not to ask for an increase in the states sales or incomes taxes. He is also seeking to consolidate four state agencies – the departments of Human Services, Health, Aging, and Drug and Alcohol Programs – into one Department of Health and Human Services.
Lawmakers will be looking to study the details of such a proposal, along with other ways the state can save taxpayer money and fund core functions of government in the most efficient ways possible.
For the past several years, the House has been able to meet budgetary needs while not relying on increases in broad-based taxes.
To watch the governor’s address live, log onto PaHouseGOP.com beginning at 11:30 a.m. The address is expected to begin closer to noon.
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Enhancing Educational Opportunities
Legislation to enhance educational opportunities by allowing families to better choose the educational paths for their children has been introduced as House Bill 250.
The legislation would increase the amount of tax credits available under the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program by $50 million (to $175 million) and the amount of tax credits available under the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) program by $25 million (to $75 million).
Both programs are proven successes in the ability for private entities to donate toward approved scholarship programs. The EITC Program targets scholarship organizations, educational improvement organizations, and pre-kindergarten scholarship programs, while the OSTC program dedicates tax credits toward businesses that contribute to scholarship programs aimed specifically at students trapped in underperforming schools.
While the General Assembly constantly seeks to improve academic outcomes for all children, the OSTC program provides critical educational opportunities for students who desperately need the chance to succeed.
The legislation is now with the House Education Committee.
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Polk Township Fire Company Holds Appreciation Dinner
I recently attended the Polk Township Fire Company Appreciation Dinner. Thank you to all our first responders for your service and commitment. Pictured with me are members of the Polk Township Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary.
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Outreach Offered in Jackson and Eldred Townships Next Week
A member of my staff will be available at the following locations next week from 10 a.m. to noon:
• Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Jackson Township municipal building, located at 2162 Route 715, Reeders.
• Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Eldred Township municipal building, located at 490 Kunkletown Road, Kunkletown.
Services available at the outreach hours include assistance with PennDOT, LIHEAP, SNAP and Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms; information regarding state agencies and programs; and more.
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PennDOT’s 2017 Summer Employment Program
PennDOT is sponsoring an extensive Summer Employment Program (SEP) which includes government services interns. The program runs April through August to supplement the permanent workforce.
The government services interns are used primarily for summer maintenance and sign upgrade services, and they perform laboring duties in maintenance organizations as well as worksites along the highway.
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be enrolled as a full-time college student for fall 2017 and have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. The hourly rate is $12.97.
If interested, apply online at employment.pa.gov under the “Summer Employment Positions” category. The technical support line is 717-787-5703.
The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 10.
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| Office Locations |
| Capitol: Room 423, Irvis Office Building, P.O. Box 202176, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2176 | Phone: (717) 787-7732 |
| Districts: 2785 Route 115, Suite 103, Carriage House Square, Effort, PA 18330 I Phone: (570) 620-4341 |
| Tobyhanna Township Building, 105 Government Center Way, Pocono Pines, Pa 18350 I Phone: (570) 643-7683 |
| Email: jrader@pahousegop.com |
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