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Weekly Roundup |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
2017 Dave Fleetwood Memorial Scholarship Applications Available
David Fleetwood was a beloved leader and a Chestnuthill Township supervisor who cared about making his community a better place to live in. His life was tragically ended as a result of a senseless act of violence on Aug. 5, 2013, when a gunman entered the Ross Township monthly meeting and ultimately took three lives.
In memory of Dave, two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to any 2017 graduate of the Pleasant Valley High School who possess some of the outstanding attributes he exemplified throughout his community. Call 570-992-9733 or visit weposc.org for more information. Click here to view the application. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 15.
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Committee Questions Status of Unemployment Comp System
Members of the House Labor and Industry Committee questioned Secretary of Labor and Industry Kathy Manderino about the impact of furloughs in the Unemployment Compensation (UC) bureau and expected computer system upgrades that were supposed to have been completed years ago.|
Since the furloughs and three UC center closures two months ago, residents seeking to submit claims or obtain information from the bureau have experienced lengthy delays or lack of response.
The Wolf administration furloughed staff when an extension of state funding was not approved by the Senate last year, and is now operating solely on federal funding. Subsequent reports revealed that errors made at the department caused the state to lose millions in federal funding. The administration is trying to recoup those funds.
The committee was seeking information from the secretary to explore what short- and/or long-term plans may be necessary in order to meet the needs of those currently waiting for service, as well as to ensure greater accountability and more efficient services within the UC system going forward.
To watch a recording of the hearing, click here.
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Act 89 Invests More in Local Roads
PennDOT announced this week that municipalities will receive nearly $466.2 million from liquid fuels revenue to invest in local roads, marking a 5 percent increase, or $20.9 million, over last year.
This funding will allow municipalities to help pay for expenses such as snow removal and road repaving. More than 60 percent of public roads in Pennsylvania are maintained by local governments. The formula for payments is based on a municipality’s population and miles of locally owned roads.
The additional funding is made possible by Act 89 and was distributed to certified municipalities on March 1. Before Act 89 was enacted, municipalities received $320.8 million in liquid fuels payments.
For the complete list of local payments, visit the “Municipal Liquid Fuels Program” page at penndot.gov under the “Doing Business” Local Government page.
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Program Offers Assistance with Septic Systems
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), together with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, offers a program with low-interest loans to homeowners to cover the costs associated with repairing or replacing on-lot septic systems.
Assistance is available to eligible homeowners who need to repair or replace their individual on-lot septic system or to connect for the first time to a public sewer system.
More information can be found here.
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Out and About in the 176th
I recently met with Justine Curcio, who is planning to join the United States Navy after graduating high school. Best of luck!
The Monroe County Historical Society recently held its 95th annual meeting and awards luncheon at the Shawnee Inn. Those recognized included the Kennedy property in Hamilton Township, where the new homeowners beautifully restored their 1790s federal-style home, and the Tobyhanna Ice Harvest for preserving the traditions of ice harvesting in the Poconos. Pictured are members of the Shawnee Presbyterian Church receiving citations from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate.
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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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