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Capitol Report
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Budget Delays Continue as House Considers Massive Transit Funding Bill
With the state budget more than six weeks past due, the House was called back to session in Harrisburg this week, but not to vote on a budget bill. Instead, majority House Democrats forced a vote on a transportation funding measure that would take more of our state sales tax revenue to fund mass transit.
While I recognize the value of mass transit, particularly in urban and some suburban areas of our state, I voted against this bill. In a difficult budget year such as this – when the governor has set out to spend far more than we anticipate collecting in revenue – we need to be looking at the full spending picture. If we are going to be dedicating more money to transit authorities such as those in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, what program or service are we cutting to make up for it?
Mass transit is not the only significant challenge we are facing in the Commonwealth. What about our education system and the kids who are struggling? What about policies to allow our energy to reach its full potential? What about our economic future? These issues all need to be part of a comprehensive budget for the Commonwealth, and I look forward to the opportunity to vote on such a measure.
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Senior Expo Right Around the Corner!
Make plans to join me, my staff and more than 70 exhibitors at my Senior Expo next month at Dingman Township Fire Hall. Check out the graphic and video for more details!
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District Happenings
Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of district events and celebrations!
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Slow Down for School Buses
Students are or soon will be returning to class, and that means we will be seeing school buses back on our roads. Motorists, parents and children are encouraged to watch the video above to refresh their memories about how to share the road safely.
Pennsylvania law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses when their red lights are flashing and their stop arm is activated. This applies to motorists when they are behind or traveling alongside a school bus, as well as when meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus has stopped.
Vehicles should remain stopped until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.
If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.
Penalties for failure to obey school bus safety laws can result in a $250 fine, five points on a driving record and a 60-day license suspension. Violators will also be assessed a $35 surcharge to be deposited into the School Bus Safety Grant Program Account. State law also permits school entities to install and operate a side stop signal arm enforcement system. These civil violations include a $300 fine but would not assess points or impact insurance ratings.
Parents are reminded to ensure their children are at the bus stop early to avoid rushing. Students should stay where the bus driver can see them while boarding or exiting the bus.
Click here for more information and tips on school bus safety.
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Headed to the Little League World Series? Check Out 511PA!
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is encouraging motorists traveling to the Little League World Series in Williamsport to plan their trip using the enhanced real-time travel and alternate-route information available on a specialized web page at www.511PA.com/map/page/LLWS.
The website is dedicated to monitoring traffic conditions on the primary travel routes to the event, providing average travel times for those routes, as well as one or two alternates. Users will also see incidents, construction, traffic cameras and traffic speeds on the map.
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AG Launches ‘Operation Robocall Roundup’
Robocalls aren’t just annoying; sometimes they are illegal!
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General recently joined 50 bipartisan attorneys general in sending warning letters to 37 voice providers demanding they immediately stop illegal robocalls being routed through their networks. The companies are violating one or more rules outlined by the Federal Communications Commission.
Consumers should be mindful that providing your phone number to a legitimate business for its rewards program allows the business to place you on telemarketing lists without requiring further consent. Similarly, providing contact information when participating in online surveys or contests, or entering contests at fairs and other public events, may also result in future telephone solicitations.
The best way to reduce unwanted robocalls is to sign up for the Pennsylvania Do Not Call list online at www.attorneygeneral.gov/dnc or by calling 1-888-777-3406.
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Upcoming District Event
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