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| Weekly Roundup |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
Budget Proposal is a Realistic Starting Point
The annual state budget process got underway this week when Gov. Tom Wolf outlined his 2017-18 spending plan before a joint session of the General Assembly.
The $32.3 billion proposal is balanced without any broad-based tax increases and includes several initiatives aimed at reducing spending and improving efficiencies by consolidating some state agencies. The administration estimates this could save the Commonwealth about $2 billion.
We are committed to a “restart” of state government, focusing on funding programs and services that work, rooting out waste and reining in overall state spending.
We are equally committed to responsibly funding the core functions of government, including education, transportation and human services, while helping to make the state more attractive to job creators.
Budget hearings in the House begin on Tuesday, Feb. 21. More information can be found at PAHouseGOP.com.
To read more of my thoughts, click here.
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Gone Fishin’: Trout Stocking Schedules Available
Trout season is just around the corner, and local anglers are now able to find out when their favorite fishing hole will be stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The guides are available in print, online and on the commission’s FishBoatPA mobile app.
The commission stocks approximately 3.15 million adult trout in more than 720 streams and 120 lakes open to public angling each year. These figures include approximately 2 million rainbow trout; 640,000 brown trout; and 500,000 brook trout. The average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length.
The statewide opening day for trout season is Saturday, April 15. Additionally, the commission will host Mentored Youth Trout Days on Saturday, April 8. Youth under the age of 16 can join a mentor (adult) angler who has a current fishing license and trout permit to fish for trout the Saturday before the regular opening days. Youth anglers must obtain a mentored youth permit or voluntary youth fishing license as well. Click here for more information about the program.
For more information about fishing licenses or regulations, or to check the online stocking schedule, click here.
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Constituent Outreach Opportunities Offered Next Week
A member of my staff will be available at the following locations next week from 10 a.m. to noon:
• Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Chestnuthill Township municipal building, located at 271 Route 715, Brodheadsville.
• Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Pocono Township municipal building, located at 122 Township Drive, Tannersville.
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.
Free tax preparation, provided by AARP, will be available for seniors who meet certain income eligibility requirements at my Pocono Pines district office, located at the Tobyhanna Township Building, 105 Government Center Way in Pocono Pines. The service will be available every Wednesday beginning Feb. 8 through April 12. Appointments are necessary. To make an appointment, call 570-643-7683. Seniors need not belong to AARP to take advantage of this service.
An American Legion service officer will visit my Pocono Pines office on Tuesday, Feb. 14, to answer questions about veterans benefits and help file claims. Veterans need not be a member of the American Legion to receive services. For more information and to make an appointment, call 570-643-7683.
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Connecting Nonprofits Through 2-1-1
To raise awareness of a free service by the United Way that partners local nonprofits and social service groups together to help assist Pennsylvanians in need, the House passed House Resolution 49 recognizing Feb. 11 as “2-1-1 Day in Pennsylvania.”
By dialing 2-1-1, people are instantly connected to a wealth of information related to their area’s nonprofit and human service providers.
This “one stop shop” helps people cut through red tape and more easily find the help they need. These services are offered on a regionalized approach, ensuring that people are helped by their neighbors and people in their own community.
More information is available at pa211.org.
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Gaming Proceeds Fund Grants for First Responders
More than $127,000 in state gaming proceeds will benefit fire and ambulance companies throughout the 176th District.
These grants, which are not funded by General Fund tax dollars, will allow local first response agencies to better afford training, equipment, facility improvements and other needs.
The program, which provides $30 million to fire and ambulance companies statewide, is administered by the Pennsylvania Office of Fire Commissioner within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).
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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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