A Message From Sen. Solobay: Talks Saving Police Departments Cash, Education Grants and the Arts

Municipalities have been struggling to balance their budgets and it’s important for lawmakers to look at mandates that have been passed down to see if they still make sense financially.

This week, a Senate committee approved a bill, which I introduced, that should save money for municipalities.

Senate Bill 1179 lets local police departments re-calibrate speed timing devices every six months, rather than every two months as required under current law.

I’ve talked to industry experts and I’m convinced that accuracy will be maintained.

According to a 2009 study by the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, extending the time between required calibrations for speed timing devices could save local police departments between $500 and $2,000 per year.

Under state law, the Pennsylvania State Police is the only police organization authorized to use radar guns to enforce speed limits.  Local police are limited to a small number of electric devices.  Two years ago, the General Assembly relaxed the recalibration requirement for state police radar guns from every two months to every year.

The bill will go into effect in six months, to allow departments and recalibration companies to adjust schedules, paperwork and recalibration cycles.

Apply Now for Environmental Education Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for environmental education grants to be released in 2012. Schools, colleges, universities, county conservation districts, non-profit organizations, municipalities and businesses are eligible to apply for the grants, which will provide a maximum of $7,500 per applicant.

The grants provide funding to create or develop projects to support a variety of environmental topics including watershed management, water conservation, acid mine drainage, alternative energy, air quality, brownfields redevelopment and Chesapeake Bay restoration.

Applications are available online at www.dep.state.pa.us by clicking on Environmental Education, then Grants, or by calling the Environmental Education and Information Center at 717-772-1828. The deadline to apply is Dec. 16.

Support Art Education at WashArts Event

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, WashArts will take part in a statewide and national recognition of the importance of art education, called Lights On Afterschool.

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, WashArts will conduct and open-house, tours and discussions, along with some refreshments.

Please join them to support art education. WashArts is located at 9 West Beau St, in Washington.

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