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| Legislative Report |
| The latest news from the State Capitol |
Mon Valley Moment: Fairness, Transparency and Accountability
The Mon Valley Moment is back with an update on my formal request to PA Auditor General Eugene DePasquale for an audit of the Washington County casino gaming Local Share Account grant program (LSA).
I’d like to be crystal clear about my objectives. This is not about taking away LSA grants, but rather assuring that the current LSA grant process in Washington County is fair, transparent and accountable!
Stay tuned as our “LSA Information Tour” across the 49th Legislative District kicks into full gear.
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New State Budget Passes House
On Tuesday, the House passed a new state budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year without any new or increased taxes or fees. My overriding goal for this year’s $33.9 billion state budget is to make sure it responds to the needs of the 49th Legislative District.
House Republicans have fought hard against repeated attempts by the governor to raise taxes and overspend, and that fiscal restraint is paying off as at least $250 million is being returned to the Commonwealth’s Rainy Day Fund.
Thanks largely to the Trump tax cuts and unprecedented economic growth, this year’s budget more than adequately funds our Commonwealth’s core government functions, including more historic investments in agriculture, K-12 education, public safety and transportation benefitting communities, families and farmers all throughout the Mon Valley.
This budget also invests in workforce development and connects in-demand jobs to career training programs. Good jobs and a strong economy lift all boats. By providing greater access to workforce development programs, we can help match up job seekers with expanding opportunities and fill the skills gap. This is a win-win for everyone.
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Fish for Free on July 4
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is hosting the second of its two annual Fish for Free Days on Independence Day, Thursday, July 4.
This is a great opportunity to try your hand at fishing in any of Pennsylvania’s waterways, even if you don’t have a license.
Both residents and non-residents are eligible. Just make sure you follow all other fishing regulations.
For your convenience, there are even opportunities to borrow equipment from certain sites at state parks and other locations. You can find those locations by clicking here.
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Scam Alert!
The Department of Revenue is warning Pennsylvania seniors and people with disabilities of a scam involving the popular Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.
The scam consists of unsolicited telephone calls from a person claiming to work for the Department of Revenue. The caller starts the call by saying the recipient’s application for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been approved.
The caller then asks if the recipient would like the rebate directly deposited into a bank account, which prompts a request from the caller for the recipient's banking information.
The Department of Revenue DOES NOT make unsolicited calls requesting banking information and warns consumers to always be extremely cautious when they receive unsolicited phone calls.
For more about this scam and how to protect yourself, click here.
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Happy Independence Day!
A few important reminders as you plan to celebrate our nation’s independence next week!
If you are traveling, check out www.511pa.com. Free and available 24 hours a day, the site provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 950 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
PennDOT will also close its driver license service centers on Thursday, July 4. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.
Have a safe and happy July Fourth!
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| Office Locations |
| Belle Vernon, 10 Main St. Belle Vernon, Pa 15012 (724) 929-2660 / California, 130 Woodland Court, Brownsville, Pa 15417 (724) 938-5355 |
| B-15 Main Capitol, PO Box 202049, Harrisburg PA 17120-2049 | (717) 783-8655 / 3-8655 |
| Email Address: BCook@pahousegop.com |
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