Feature Food Safety At Your Feast

HARRISBURG  - To ensure that your family has a safe Thanksgiving meal this year, acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding is urging residents to follow a few basic food safety steps when preparing dinner and handling leftovers.

*       Keep hands, clothing and food surfaces clean during food preparation.

*       Wash hands with soap and warm water and dry them thoroughly before and after handling food.

*       Use separate cutting boards, platters, trays and utensils for cooked and uncooked meat, fish and poultry.

*       Defrost turkeys in the refrigerator, in cool running water, or in the microwave.

*       Cook stuffing/dressing outside of the turkey cavity. The center of the bird should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

*       Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Never leave cooked food un-refrigerated for longer than two hours.

State Budget Deal Includes Cuts, New Taxes

Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg

Baker: “This probably was the most challenging state budget in Pennsylvania history, given the tough economic situation and the record drop in state revenues.”

By Pat Camuso And Susan Koomar

HARRISBURG – Two of Pike County’s lawmakers have mixed opinions on the tentative state budget that is three months late and still not finalized.

Governor Ed Rendell came to an agreement with the state legislature on a $27 billion budget last week. Details are still being worked out. State Rep. John Siptroth, D-189, said votes on budget-related bills could begin Tuesday.

“This probably was the most challenging state budget in Pennsylvania history, given the tough economic situation and the record drop in state revenues,” said state Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20. “It was complicated by Governor Rendell’s determination to raise taxes to boost spending, particularly on education programs.”

Siptroth said education funding will be where he wants it, but libraries will get less state money and “dramatic cuts” will be made at the state Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The compromise agreement will raise the state’s cigarette tax as well as taxes on some businesses while drawing more than $1.5 billion from the state coffers. Additional “luxury taxes” may be levied on concert and theater events.

Siptroth is disappointed that Pennsylvania does not tax all tobacco products. “We’re one of the few states that doesn’t do that and I don’t know why,” he said.

An estimated $200 million in new revenue will come from adding table games to the state’s slot machine casinos.

According to the Rendell, the budget deal cuts spending by about 1 percent but increases public school funding by 5 percent; there is no change in personal income, state or sales tax.

The budget agreement does not include any of the broad-based tax increases proposed by Rendell in his February 2009 budget proposal. This budget has the first decrease in state spending over the previous years since Rendell took office. But those cuts are insufficient, said Baker.

“Legislators heard something very different in their districts – most people opposed tax increases of any kind, and wanted the budget balanced through spending cuts and program elimination,” said Baker. “In terms of bringing spending in at a lower level than last year, and avoiding increases in the state personal income tax and the sales tax, this budget is better than those negotiated during previous budget crises.”

Baker said she does not support tax increases or the expansion of gambling.“Consistent with that position, I cannot support the spending level contained in the budget itself,” she said.“Within the budget, I believe that Governor Rendell insisted on too much money for education, to the detriment of the many other areas of state responsibility, such as human services, which sustained even greater reductions as a result.”

The deadlock was apparently broken through revenue revisions, spending cuts and no change in broad-based taxes.

“While it is a relief that a final budget is within reach, the amount of time it took to reach this point is inexcusable.  Service providers, schools, students, and families should not have had to suffer the uncertainty, the disruptions, and the costs inflicted because of the prolonged dispute,” said Baker.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman called the budget compromise “balanced and responsible.”

Corman added the budget will make significant investments in education at the early childhood level and beyond. State-owned and state-related universities, including East Stroudsburg University, will receive more money, and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will get additional funding for student scholarships.

State Tax Collections Down More Than 1 Percent

HARRISBURG – Secretary of Revenue Stephen H. Stetler recently reported that Pennsylvania collected $1.6 billion in General Fund revenue in August, which was $19.9 million, or 1.2 percent, less than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $3.3 billion, which is $22 million, or 0.7 percent, below estimate.

Sales tax receipts totaled $662.7 million for August, $13.4 million below estimate. Year-to-date sales tax collections total $1.4 billion, which is $13.4 million, or 1 percent, less than anticipated.

Personal income tax (PIT) revenue in August was $683.5 million, $28.3 million below estimate. This brings year-to-date PIT collections to $1.3 billion, which is $28.4 million, or 2.1 percent, below estimate.

August corporation tax revenue of $50.2 million was $3.9 million above estimate.

Year-to-date corporation tax collections total $137.9 million, which is $2.1 million, or 1.6 percent, above estimate.

Other General Fund revenue figures for the month included $59.2 million in inheritance tax, $2.6 million below estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $122.5 million, which is $2.7 million below estimate.

Realty transfer tax was $29.1 million for August, $2.2 million below estimate, bringing the total to $58.7 million for the year, which is $2.2 million less than anticipated.

Other General Fund tax revenue, including cigarette, malt beverage and liquor taxes totaled $91.5 million for the month, $8.5 million above estimate and bringing the year-to-date total to $174 million, which is $8.4 million above estimate.

Non-tax revenue totaled $29.3 million for the month, $14.2 million above estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $42 million, which is also $14.2 million above estimate.

In addition to the General Fund collections, the Motor License Fund received

$151.5 million for the month, $23.8 million below estimate. Fiscal year-to-date collections for the fund total $471.3 million, which is $23.8 million, or 4.8 percent, below estimate.

The Gaming Fund received $64.9 million in unrestricted revenues for August. Fiscal year-to-date collections for the fund total $124.7 million. Gaming Fund receipts include taxes, fees and interest. Of the total for the month, $64.8 million was collected in state taxes for property tax relief, bringing the year-to-date total to $124.6 million.

Other gaming-related revenues collected for August included $7.6 million for the Local Share Assessment, for a net total of $9.6 million for the year; $9.5 million for the Economic Development and Tourism Fund, for a year-to-date total of $18.3 million; and $22.8 million for the Race Horse Development Fund, bringing the total for the year to $43.9 million.

PUC Lowers Gas Rates

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) on Aug. 27 approved gas cost recovery rates for Pike County Light & Power Co. (PCL&P) and Valley Energy Inc. (Valley Energy).

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the gas cost rates (GCR) filed by PCL&P and Valley Energy.  The new total gas billing rate for PCL&P will decrease by $5.2176 per Mcf from $10.4550 to $5.2374 per Mcf (49 percent). The average annual bill for a residential customer using 112 Mcf per year will decrease $584.37.

The new total gas billing rate for Valley Energy will decrease by $5.7215 per Mcf from $11.2083 to $5.4868 per Mcf (51 percent).  The average annual bill for a residential customer using 100 Mcf per year will decrease $572.15.

The new rates for both companies become effective Sept. 1, 2009.

Smaller natural gas utilities file for changes to their GCR annually.  In doing so, the utility company recalculates its rates to reflect what it has paid for natural gas, and includes a reconciliation of under collections or over collections resulting from differences in actual sales and actual gas costs from prior projections.

The Commission has the ability to make adjustments in the annual GCR proceeding and order refunds to customers if the utility is found to have acted imprudently.

Gas utilities are required to provide reliable natural gas service at the least possible cost.  Every natural gas utility company is audited annually by the PUC to ensure the GCR they are passing on to their consumers reflects the costs the company paid and that every effort was made to purchase the natural gas for the least possible price.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

PUC Urges Consumers to Conserve Energy on Hot, Humid Days, Offers Summer Heat Wave Tips

HARRISBURG – With high temperatures and humidity expected to continue through the week, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminds consumers to conserve energy during days with severe heat and humidity.

Tips to avoid the summer heat and humidity are:

• On hot and humid days, set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away for long periods of time;
• Keep drapes closed and shades drawn. The amount of energy required to cool your home will be considerably less;
• Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit and check air and return vents on a regular basis to keep circulation air paths clear; and
• Relax in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.

Before a heat wave, learn the terms used by the National Weather Service:

• Heat Warning – Life threatening heat is occurring, imminent or highly likely;
• Heat Advisory – High and potentially dangerous values of heat are occurring, imminent or highly likely; and
• Heat Watch – Excessive heat is possible in the next day to two.

During a heat wave, there are easy ways to stay healthy and safe:

• Older adults and people with chronic health problems should stay indoors during a heat wave and in the coolest available place;
• Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool;
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages, they make the heat’s effects on your body worse;
• Strenuous activity should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day; and
• Caution should be used when operating fans in closed rooms so as not to simulate a convection oven. Windows should be opened and a fan used to exhaust heat from the area.

Consumers can view the Summer Heat Wave fact sheet on the PUC Web site.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

PENNDot and Police to Focus on Underage Drinking During National Crackdown

Impaired Driving Crackdown Runs from Aug. 21 through Labor Day Weekend

HARRISBURG – Motorists will see an increased police presence on the highways starting on Friday, as more than 600 municipal police departments and Pennsylvania State Police will be joining in a national crackdown on impaired driving through the Labor Day weekend.

“Whenever people make the decision to drive while impaired, they risk their own life and the lives of everyone else on the road,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “This stepped up enforcement is an effort to make our roads safer by removing as many of these impaired drivers as possible.”

A key focus of the crackdown will be underage drinking and driving as college students prepare to return to campus, and high school football season gets underway. Awareness events will be held at several high schools and colleges during the next two weeks.

According to PennDOT, there were more than 1,400 alcohol-related crashes involving drivers age 16 through 20 across the state last year. Those crashes resulted in 45 fatalities.

PennDOT is reminding young drivers that the state’s Zero Tolerance Law carries serious consequences for those under 21 convicted of driving with any amount of alcohol in their blood.  For example, those under 21 convicted of driving under the influence with a .02 blood alcohol content, or greater, face a 12-to-18-month license suspension, 48 hours to six months in jail, and fines from $500 to $5,000.

In addition, a vehicle does not have to be involved for intoxicated individuals under 21 to lose their driving privileges. Anyone under 21 convicted of consuming, possessing or transporting alcohol or lying about their age to obtain alcohol or carrying a fake ID, faces a fine of $500, plus court costs and a 90-day license suspension for the first offense.

Although much emphasis will be placed on underage drinking and driving, police will also be watching for any motorist who may be impaired by drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol. Police made more than 9,100 DUI drug arrests in 2008.

For more information on impaired driving, visit PennDOT’s highway safety Web site, www.DriveSafePA.org.

Auditor General Jack Wagner’s Special Investigation Finds Two Starrucca Borough Councilmen Gain In Buck Road Bridge Renovation Project

Project Approved Despite Cost to Taxpayers and Other Borough Needs

HARRISBURG – Auditor General Jack Wagner said today that a special investigation found that two council members in the Borough of Starrucca, Wayne County, were the primary beneficiaries of a council decision to secure a $70,000 loan to renovate a seldom used bridge, without regard to other borough needs or the cost to borough taxpayers.

Wagner’s investigators found that Council President Kirk Rhone and Councilman Robert Buck voted to replace the Buck Road Bridge, a dilapidated three-ton capacity bridge across the Starrucca Creek on farmland owned by the two councilmen, with a modern 21-ton capacity bridge. They also voted to use up most of the borough’s limited borrowing power to finance the project. The bridge renovation project was completed in July 2008.

The report recommends that borough council seek reimbursement from both councilmen for the costs of the project. Copies of the report were sent to various state and federal government agencies for review and possible further action, including to the State Ethics Commission for a determination of whether the councilmen’s actions constituted a conflict of interest under state law.

“Elective office must not be used for one’s own personal benefit,” Wagner said. “The actions of these two councilmen severely strained the borough’s financial resources and may result in an increased tax burden on all borough residents. All public officials in the borough must act solely in the best interest of the taxpayers.”

The Buck Bridge is located near the beginning of an unpaved lane known as Buck Road that originates and runs through a tract of land owned by the two councilmen known as the Buck Farm. Only the first 500 yards of Buck Road is located in Starrucca Borough; the road extends another 1.3 miles through the part of the Buck Farm located in Thompson Township, Susquehanna County, where it abruptly ends. At one time, the lane extended an additional 1.4 miles to connect with Pa. Route 171, but this section was long ago declared by Thompson Township to be “useless, burdensome, and unnecessary” and was officially vacated. The vacated section is routed through the Dr. Shelley Nature Preserve, making the connection of Buck Road to any other public highway impossible.

Investigators found that Starrucca borough council action to borrow $70,000 for the project used up over 70 percent of the borough’s limited borrowing power when a more urgent project, the repair of the Shadigee Creek flood wall to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the entire community, was deferred indefinitely after federal funding fell through. The repair of the flood wall will cost $124,600, according to a contractor’s proposal submitted in 2005.

Moreover, the investigation found that the borough council completed the bridge project even though the borough was in such a precarious financial condition that it was unable to pay a $600 debt for fire protection services to neighboring Thompson Township in 2006; had expenditures exceeding revenues by more than $11,000 in 2006; and despite significant public opposition to funding the project with taxpayer money. The fact that the two councilmen contributed $8,000 in personal funds to the project, and that the borough’s federal emergency management agent solicited at least one additional donation, demonstrated that those officials realized that the borough could not afford the project.

Wagner’s Office of Special Investigations initiated the investigation after receiving a referral from Wayne County District Attorney Michael Lehutsky of citizen complaints regarding the controversial bridge replacement project.

In addition to urging the borough to seek reimbursement from those who benefitted from the bridge project, Wagner recommended that the borough refrain from any future projects that do not benefit the entire community or that are beyond the financial capability of the borough. He also recommended that the borough comply with the requirements of state and local ethics rules regarding conflicts of interest.

Wagner said he will follow up at the appropriate time to determine whether all of his department’s recommendations have been implemented.

A complete copy of the investigation report can be obtained at www.auditorgen.state.pa.us.

Pennsylvania DEP Seeks Comment on New Programs to Increase Energy Efficiency, Reduce Energy Costs

HARRISBURG – The Department of Environmental Protection seeks public comments on guidelines for a new grant offering under the new PA Green Energy Works! program, which is aimed at reducing energy costs for consumers, businesses and local governments. The program is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“We are seeking input and feedback from the public, businesses and local governments to make sure that this program meets the needs of our consumers while ensuring that the federal Recovery Act money is being used wisely and as efficiently as possible,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger. “The funding provided by this program will boost economic recovery efforts in every corner of the commonwealth by creating new jobs and investing dollars into our communities.”

As a result of the Recovery Act, Pennsylvania is receiving $99.6 million, which will be invested through the PA Green Energy Works! and other energy grant programs.

Pennsylvania will provide grants to businesses, non-profit corporations, colleges or universities, municipal or county governments, and economic development organizations for shovel-ready wind, solar, biogas and combined heat and power projects. The projects are expected to spur economic development by encouraging private investment, creating green jobs and building energy projects that will provide significant amounts of energy for decades to come.

Draft guidelines for the program are available for public review and comment at www.recovery.pa.gov under the heading, “Where is your money going?” and then by clicking on “Energy Independence.”

Comments will be accepted until Aug. 24, and should be sent to epapagreenenergy@state.pa.us or to DEP’s Office of Energy and Technology Development, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772

Following the review of public comments and recommendations, the department anticipates accepting applications for the new program beginning in early September.

To learn more about how the federal economic Recovery Act will benefit communities across Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.

State Capitol Roundup

Republican Leader Calls for Return to Session to Solve PA Budget Crisis

HARRISBURG – More than 40 days into the new fiscal year without a full budget, Gov. Ed Rendell’s decision to line-item veto funding for many important programs and services is taking its toll on millions of Pennsylvanians. Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson County) called on House Democratic leaders this week to return to session immediately so that schools, day care providers, mental health counseling services, preschool programs, nonprofit organizations and other vital services across the Commonwealth will not be interrupted in continuing to provide assistance to residents across the state. Thousands of college students may be forced to find other ways to fund their education in the coming weeks as the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) can neither finalize grant award amounts nor disburse money to campuses on students’ behalf until a final budget is adopted. The House-Senate conference committee, charged with reaching a budget agreement, has not met since the end of July and has not planned or announced meetings in the coming days. For the latest budget news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Gaming Expansion Considered by House Committee

The House Gaming Oversight Committee heard this week from casino executives seeking to add table games to Pennsylvania’s casinos. Legislation that would authorize table games, providing an additional revenue source for Pennsylvania, could come before the House as part of the budget process. Republican members of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, including chairman Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester County) and Rep. Paul Clymer (R-Bucks County) oppose expanding gaming in Pennsylvania, at least until sweeping reforms of the gaming process are instituted, including banning political contributions by gaming interests, prohibiting outside employment for members of the Gaming Control Board, and forbidding anyone with a felony conviction from obtaining a gaming license. For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Adolph Calls for Override of Vetoed Student Financial Aid

Rep. William Adolph (R-Delaware County) Thursday called for an override of the governor’s veto of funding for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to ensure students get the financial aid they need as they head back to college. Joined by House Appropriations Chairman Mario Civera (R-Delaware County) and Delaware County Community College officials, Adolph said the governor’s decision to blue-line PHEAA funding is leaving many students and their families wondering when or if they will get their state grants. While some higher education institutions intend to front the anticipated grant money for students, others may not be in the financial shape to do so. An estimated 172,000 state residents are eligible for need-based grants and have been held hostage by the governor. Senate Bill 850 contained $386 million for PHEAA grants, but those funds were vetoed by the governor when he signed a temporary spending plan last week. For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.

Weekly summary provided by Rep. Mike Peifer (R-139)

Patch and Plug to Recognize Mentored Youth Hunting Program

HARRISBURG – As part of its popular patch collection offerings, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has commissioned a new patch to promote the Mentored Youth Hunting Program.  The 4.5- by 3.5-inch patch is accompanied by a Saf-T Plug that acts as a visual cue that the action of any pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun is open and safe.  The two items sell for $7, including sales tax, and can be obtained at any Game Commission office or through “The Outdoor Shop” on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).

“The Mentored Youth Hunting Program has been a well-received approach for helping youth under the age of 12 to gain hunting experience and learn about the state’s rich hunting and trapping heritage,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.  “This new patch and Saf-T Plug are a great way for an adult mentor to commemorate a youth’s participation in this program.  So, take a youth hunting and present him or her with these items as souvenirs of your day afield together.”

To order online, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “The Outdoor Shop” icon in the right-hand column of the homepage, then choose “Pennsylvania Game Commission Outdoor Shop” in the lower left-hand corner of the page, select “Merchandise” in the banner, select “Patches” in the left-hand column and scroll down to “2009 Mentored Youth Patch & PGC Saf-T Plug.”  Orders also can be made by calling 1-888-888-3459.