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| News You Can Use |
| Legislative Headlines |
House OKs Pension Changes for New Employees … In an effort to reform the state’s public pension systems, the House this week passed legislation that aims to slow the growth of pension liabilities. Senate Bill 1, which received bipartisan support, would establish three new public pension plans from which state employees and teachers hired in 2019 or later can choose. Each offers a defined contribution component, similar to a 401(k) commonly offered to workers in the private sector. The plans provide future employees with retirement security and portability while also protecting taxpayers. Current employees will have the opportunity to opt in to a new plan or continue in their current plan, and retirees would not see any changes to their plans. The governor is expected to sign the measure. For more information, click here.
Bill to Base Budget Decisions on Performance Passes House … To help ensure tax dollars are used to their maximum benefit, the House passed legislation, which would require performance-based budgeting. This type of budgeting uses performance matrices to determine whether each state department has met its goals and objectives, and bases future budget allocations on what was accomplished with the dollars given. Budget requests would include itemized expenditures for all activities required by state and federal statutes at minimum and current levels. This is another effort by the House to stand up for taxpayers and reinvent the way state government operates. House Bill 410 now goes to the Senate for review.
Improving a Health, Human Service Helpline … To help residents better access both private and public human services, House Bill 211 passed the House this week to improve Pennsylvania’s 2-1-1 system. The 2-1-1 system is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service provided by the United Way that connects Pennsylvanians in need with health and human service assistance available through government programs, along with private and nonprofit organizations in their communities. The new public-private grant program established under House Bill 211 would help expand the service, develop mobile applications and ensure efficiency and quality standards across the state, all while reducing the taxpayer costs needed ensure its success. House Bill 211 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Tax Amnesty Ends June 19 … Taxpayers who owe state taxes only have a few more days to take advantage of the latest tax amnesty period. The program, which offers incentives to Pennsylvanians to settle their delinquent tax accounts, is expected to generate as much as $150 million in revenue for the Commonwealth. The program does not “forgive” taxes owed but instead waives penalties, collection and lien fees, and half of the interest owed. All taxes owed to the Commonwealth administered by the Department of Revenue are eligible for the program. The delinquent taxes must have been owed as of Dec. 31, 2015. Any unpaid taxes, penalties and interest resulting from periods after Dec. 31, 2015, are not eligible for the program. The amnesty period runs until June 19, 2017. More information is available at revenue.pa.gov. For a video explaining the program, click here.
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| Committee Updates |
Monday, June 5
Labor and Industry:
Public hearing on Unemployment Compensation Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund Audit by the Auditor General.
Tuesday. June 6
Tourism and Recreational Development:
HB 544 (Moul) Recreational Use of Land Liability Law/expand protections.
Wednesday, June 7
Judiciary:
HB 383 (Readshaw) Title 20/disposal of decedent’s remains.
HB 1451 (English) Title 42/senior judge operational support grants.
SB 8 (Folmer) Titles 4, 18, 30, 42 and 75/civil asset forfeiture.
SB 560 (Greenleaf) Titles 18 and 42/body cameras for police and other recordings.
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| Rep. Delozier in the Community |
• Fifth-grade students from Rossmoyne and Highland elementary schools recently held their T.E.A.M. Graduation. The Teaching, Educating And Mentoring (T.E.A.M.) School Liaison Program is a school-based, law-related curriculum. The officers who teach these classes have received 40 hours of training that introduced them to more than 30 lesson plans on various topics such as bullying and safety. Thank you to Lower Allen police who assist with this program.
• Three residents of the 88th Legislative District were honored with the Star of Life Award during EMS Week. The award recognizes individuals who have had at least 25 years in the emergency medical services field. Those honored were Douglas Gochenaur, Paul Rundle and Linda Davis.
• UGI held a ceremonial groundbreaking for a Growth Extension Tariff (GET Gas) in the Canterbury Estates neighborhood in Upper Allen Township. The GET Gas pilot program is designed to provide natural gas to residential homes and small businesses that currently do not have access to the service.
• Last week, I held my annual car seat safety check at L.B. Smith Ford Lincoln in Lemoyne. Local law enforcement were on hand to ensure child safety seats were properly secured in vehicles. Parents and caregivers were instructed on the correct installation procedures.
• Students from River Rock Academy recently visited the Capitol to learn more about state government. They enjoyed their visit to Harrisburg.
• Last weekend was a busy one for our fire departments. West Shore Bureau of Fire held its seafood and barbecue feast fundraiser. Citizens Fire and Rescue Company 2 of Mechanicsburg held its annual banquet. Numerous awards were presented, and members who passed away were memorialized. Thank you to our firefighters for your service to our community and the families who support them.
• Women participating in Chatham University’s Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics visited the Capitol this week. They met with female members of the House to learn more about the important roles women play at every level of government. The program teaches college women the value of civic engagement and encourages them to see themselves as empowered leaders who can participate effectively in politics and public policy. The group and female members of the General Assembly are pictured in the Capitol Rotunda.
• Youth leaders in the Pennsylvania Grange were recognized on the House floor. Among those honored was Jennifer Nauss of Valley Grange No. 1360 and who lives in Mechanicsburg. She is the first Pennsylvania State Grange Outstanding Young Patron. Jennifer will be promoting the state and national youth programs at grant meetings and special events. Congratulations!
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| Office Locations |
| 2929 Gettysburg Road, Suite 6, Camp Hill PA 17011 | Phone: (717) 761-4665 |
| 141 East Wing, PO Box 202088, Harrisburg PA 17120-2088 | Phone: 717-783-5282 |
| Email: sdelozie@pahousegop.com |
| TTY: 855-282-0614 |
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