Headline Harrisburg

The first step in the annual state budget process takes place on Tuesday when Gov. Tom Corbett presents his proposal for the 2014-15 fiscal year before a joint session of the General Assembly. The session will be streamed live here, starting at 11 a.m. 
 
In the coming weeks, both the House and Senate Appropriations committees will hold hearings to closely examine the details of the spending plan. My colleagues and I will make it a priority to adopt an on-time, fiscally responsible budget for the fourth consecutive year. Please feel free to contact me with your budget questions.

For the first time, you can become directly involved in the budget process by submitting suggestions on how your tax dollars should be spent. Here’s the link. 
 
The House unanimously approved a measure this week to allow nearly 40,000 Pennsylvania seniors to maintain access to PACE and PACENET and allow nearly 10,000 additional seniors to qualify for the state-funded prescription drug programs. House Bill 777 would allow seniors who would be bumped from eligibility by Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to stay in the programs and also would deduct Medicare Part B premiums from one’s income in order to increase eligibility.

PACE and PACENET, which are funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, offer affordable access to life-sustaining medications for approximately 300,000 older residents. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. 

If you think you or anyone you know may be eligible for the programs, now or in the future, please know that my office is here to assist you with completing the forms.
 
The House voted unanimously this week in support of a bill that would deduct back taxes from state lottery winners. House Bill 1489 would require a background check on anyone who wins more than $2,500 to determine if they are delinquent on their taxes. In addition, the bill requires a review to determine if a prizewinner receiving welfare benefits is still eligible for public assistance. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.

I am pleased to be able to offer free assistance to area veterans at my district office in Coopersburg on the first Friday of every month, beginning Feb. 7. An American Legion service officer will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer questions about veterans benefits and help file claims.

Veterans interested in using this free service are asked to call my district office at (610) 282-3901 to schedule an appointment. The office is located at 21 N. Main St., Unit 9, in Coopersburg. 
  
Over the past several months of this difficult winter, our state roads have certainly taken a beating, resulting in lots of potholes. That’s why I am asking for your help to identify problem areas in our community.

If you see a pothole on a state road that you believe is dangerous, please contact my “Pothole Hotline” at (610) 282-3901 and report where it is located. I will then pass this information on to PennDOT officials so they can schedule a repair. Thanks for your help!