Summer 2010

Visit my website at RepKeller.com

State Budget Cuts Inequitable; Ag Community Slighted

Protecting the Commonwealth’s number one industry has been a goal of mine since entering the
General Assembly in 2005. I believe the people who labor in the agricultural sector work hard to
provide top quality products to the people of Pennsylvania and beyond.
Like all states, Pennsylvania has not been immune to the effects of the continued economic
decline, which has forced elected officials to rein in spending due to reduced revenues. I am not
opposed to controlled spending; in fact, I have been a vocal advocate for state government to reduce
its costs as well as the financial burden placed on taxpayers. Although several line items in the budget
received a reduction in funding, I do not believe it was applied equally throughout all state agencies
and programs, most notably the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
I voted against the 2010-11 state budget that passed the Legislature on June 30, because I believe
it spends too much and depends on federal funding that is unlikely to materialize; however, these were
not my only reasons for voting this way. The spending plan relies on $2.75 billion in federal funding, of
which $850 million is unlikely to materialize. Due to Congress’ inability to garner enough votes to pass
legislation to extend the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) program, the state’s budget
depends on this funding in order for it to be balanced.
The Department of Agriculture had its budget cut by nearly $5 million, or 5 percent, than what
was provided in the 2009-10 budget. Although this may seem like a small amount, when compared
to the 2008-09 budget, the department witnessed a nearly $13 million, or 13 percent, reduction over
the past two years. Nearly all programs within the department’s budget were level funded or reduced,
including a cut of $435,000 (8.4 percent) for the Animal Health Commission; a reduction of $126,000
(12.6 percent) for agricultural research; complete elimination of funding for farm safety; a reduction
of $1 million (50 percent) in payments to Pennsylvania fairs; a cut of $91,000 (15.2 percent) for crop
insurance and a reduction of $251,000 (31.4 percent) for food marketing and research.
A major concern I have related to agriculture is the future possibility of the Commonwealth
obtaining its food products from foreign sources. The more harm inflicted on our agricultural
community now only increases the likelihood of our local food producers having to curtail or completely
shut down their operations. This would result in Pennsylvania’s inability to control the quality and
safety of food sources, eliminate the availability of home-grown products that citizens prefer and
seriously impact Perry and Franklin counties’ top industry.
Agriculture’s impact extends beyond the farming community. Statewide, thousands of high-paying,
family-sustaining jobs depend on the survival and growth of our industry. With our vast farm fields
and nutrient-rich soil, Pennsylvania is home to the most abundant natural resource throughout the
country.
Worldwide, millions of people enjoy the products produced by Pennsylvania farms, which has made
us a leader not just nationally, but globally. Each year, the agriculture sector infuses nearly $5 billion
into Pennsylvania’s economy, and although we are still in the midst of an economic decline, the fact
remains that citizens still need a reliable source of food that is safe and affordable.
Fiscal control is crucial for the Commonwealth to weather the economic decline; however, it’s
important for all agencies in state government to feel an equal amount of pain. For example, the
Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) received an increase of $1.84 billion, or 8 percent.
Since the 2008-09 fiscal year, DPW had its funding increased by $2.35 billion, or 10.5 percent. I
believe the funding discrepancy between agriculture and DPW is indicative of the state’s misplaced
priorities. I am in favor of helping those who are truly in need but we must address the waste in DPW
before providing it additional taxpayer dollars.
For the past two years, Auditor General Jack Wagner has issued several scathing reports criticizing
DPW’s lack of oversight regarding taxpayer dollars. According to Wagner, millions of dollars have been
misused and awarded to those who were not eligible for benefits, or to those who received duplicate
benefits using different names, addresses and Social Security numbers. Furthermore, the auditor
general was extremely critical of the department’s management team failing to ensure that federal
and state laws and regulations were enforced and followed. This not only maintains a dark cloud over
DPW but it points to a serious lack of oversight.
Overall, I believe this budget spends too much and is not an accurate reflection of what the
residents of the local area have asked. I believe that Pennsylvania citizens expect state government to
live within its means and bring spending in line with what taxpayers can afford.
 Persian Gulf Conflict
Veterans Reminded to
Apply for Bonus
Veterans who served on active duty in the
Persian Gulf War during Operations Desert Shield
and Desert Storm are reminded to apply for the
Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Bonus.
The Pennsylvania Department of Military
and Veterans Affairs offers the Pennsylvania
Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Bonus to veterans
who served on active duty, including mobilized
National Guard and Reserve personnel, between
Aug. 2, 1990, and Aug. 31, 1991, with a
payment of up to $75 per month for every
month of active Gulf War service. Veterans who
received a Southwest Asia Service Medal and
were legal residents of Pennsylvania at the time
of their service are also eligible for the benefit.
An additional bonus of $5,000 is available to
surviving families of those killed in action during
the same period.
For more information on the Persian Gulf
Conflict Veterans’ Bonus, visit my website at
RepKeller.com and click on “Persian Gulf
Conflict Veterans’ Bonus.”
Castle Doctrine Protects
Second Amendment Rights
As a supporter of the Second Amendment, I was pleased that
legislation to permit Pennsylvania citizens to defend themselves
while in their homes or occupied vehicles was approved by the
House Judiciary Committee in May.
This legislation would reaffirm the rights guaranteed to law-
abiding citizens by the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions. Many
Pennsylvania residents have faced criminal prosecution defending
their lives while facing great danger and this should not be
happening. This legislation would finally give our residents the
right to protect themselves in their own homes.
House Bill 40, cited as the Castle Doctrine, would create
the presumption that if an attacker or intruder intends to inflict
bodily harm, deadly force may be used to protect oneself, family
and others while in their home or an occupied vehicle. The
presumption would not apply if the person entering a home
was another resident of the home, a law enforcement officer, a
parent, grandparent or other guardian removing a child from the
home or vehicle. In addition, this legislation would not apply if
a person was using their home or vehicle to engage in criminal
activity.
Law-abiding residents must have the ability to protect
themselves and their families from being attacked or threatened
inside their homes.
This bill is awaiting a final vote in the House.

Measure to Alter Special Education

Funding Formula Questionable
Due to the lack of detailed information about House Bill 704, which would alter the way the Commonwealth
distributes special education funding to school districts, I voted against this legislation.
The current special education funding formula negatively impacts school districts in the 86th Legislative
District, which is then shifted to school property taxpayers. The formula shifts more funding to urban school
districts while suburban and rural school districts suffer.
My colleague, Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland), questioned the bill’s sponsor during debate on the House
floor about how this change would apply to school districts in central Pennsylvania. The author of the bill,
Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster), was unable to provide an explanation, which left me no other choice but to
reject this measure until I receive additional details.
The students and families throughout Perry and Franklin counties – as well as taxpayers – deserve the
same level of funding that students in other regions of Pennsylvania receive. Unless this new formula would
provide an equitable distribution of state funds to all school districts, I could not support it.
I urge my colleagues in the state Senate to thoroughly review this legislation to ensure central
Pennsylvania is adequately protected.

New Website Available for New Online Resource Available

Electric Consumers
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
(PUC) is offering a one-stop shop website for
residential, commercial and industrial customers.
The website includes information about electric
shopping, what it is, how to shop and which
suppliers are available, as well as the PUC’s list of
competing suppliers and the Office of Consumer
Advocate’s Shopping Guide pricing information.
A ZIP code search feature is also available so
consumers can see all suppliers and offers serving a
given area.
For a link to the website and further information
about electric rate information, visit my website at
RepKeller.com.
for Autism Community
A free Internet directory that highlights autism-friendly
businesses and locations is now available for individuals and
families dealing with autism.
The website, AutismResources.com, was developed
by Keystone Autism Information Systems Inc., funded by
a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic
Development grant attained in 2008.
Although maintained by Keystone Autism Information Systems,
AutismResources.com is also fueled by user feedback to
provide recommendations and reviews. Those in the autism
community are welcome to share their expertise on the new site.
A toll-free number, 1-877-695-8495, is available for those
without Internet access to request or share referrals.
Visit my website, RepKeller.com, for a link to the new site.
 Taking a Stand Against Illegal Use of Public Benefits
I have joined many of my colleagues by calling on the chairman of the House State Government Committee to
consider legislation that would require individuals to show proof of citizenship in order to receive public benefits in
Pennsylvania.
Our public benefits are being abused by those whom I believe do not have a legal right to receive them.
Pennsylvania citizens work hard for the tax dollars sent to Harrisburg, and as such, they should not be awarded to
those living here illegally. We must put an end to the burden placed on our benefit system and ensure that only U.S.
citizens receive assistance.
House Bill 1359, authored by Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) and which I am a co-sponsor, would require an
individual 18 years of age and older who applies for public benefits to provide a valid driver’s license or identification
card issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, another state agency or the federal government; a
valid U.S. passport; or another form of official identification issued by the local, state or federal governments. This bill
has been held up in the House State Government Committee since April 27, 2009.
Additionally, Marsico’s legislation would define public benefits as any welfare; health; disability; public or assisted
housing; postsecondary education; food assistance; unemployment benefit; or similar benefits provided to an
individual, household or family by a local or state government agency.
A similar proposal, approved in the Senate by a vote of 41-9 on April 1, 2009, has also been bottled up in the
House State Government Committee since April 3, 2009. Senate Bill 9 was introduced by President Pro Tempore Sen.
Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and would require identification of lawful presence in the U.S. as a prerequisite to receive
public benefits.
Nearly $730 million in taxpayer dollars is used to pay for housing, health care and other public benefits for the
estimated 140,000 illegal immigrants living throughout the state.
This issue is extremely important to the economic health of the Commonwealth because we cannot continue to
provide unlimited support to illegal immigrants.
I want to make one thing clear: I am in favor of people immigrating to the U.S. for a better life and enhanced
opportunities; however, they must do it legally, just as millions before them have done.

Deadline to Apply for Property Tax/Rent

Rebate Program Extended
The deadline to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for 2009 has been extended to Dec. 31,
2010.
Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2009. The
program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those
18 years or older with disabilities.
Eligibility income limits are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental
Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

• $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate

(Homeowners and renters)
• $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate
(Homeowners and renters)
• $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate
(Homeowners only)
• $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate
(Homeowners only)

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of many

initiatives supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which
dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older
Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, more
than $4 billion has been paid to qualified applicants.
Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary
income, property tax or rental information required to
process claims quickly and accurately.
Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available by contacting my Perry County office at 582-8119, or my
Franklin County office at 267-2047. My offices can also be reached toll free at 1-800-959-8119. Forms can also be
downloaded online by visiting my website at RepKeller.com.

Follow Me on Facebook
With the increasing use of social networking websites, I now have a Facebook Fan Page that
residents of the 86th District can log on to and receive updates regarding news in the district
and legislative activities in the state Capitol. In order to follow updates on my Facebook
site, visit Facebook.com/RepKeller.
 Annual Senior Expo to be Held Oct. 21, 2010
Senior citizens of the 86th District are invited to my annual Senior Expo that will be held from 1 p.m. to 5
p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010, at the Newport Family Life Center on Shortcut Road in Newport.
I organize this event each year to provide a one-stop shop for seniors of the 86th Legislative District to
obtain information about state government programs and services available to them in the local community. In
addition, seniors will have the opportunity to receive free health screenings, low- or no-cost flu shots and free
pneumonia shots.
To help seniors navigate through the numerous services and assistance available to them, representatives
from home health care agencies, insurance companies, transportation providers and rehabilitation specialists
will be on hand, as well as attorneys for elder care, wills and living wills.
For directions, or if you have any questions, contact my New Bloomfield office at 582-8119, or my
Chambersburg office at 267-2047.

During the American Cancer Society’s Relay for
Life at Susquenita School District on June 18,
Rep. Mark Keller offered remarks about the
importance of this event to those suffering with
cancer.
Students from Greenwood Elementary School pose
for a photo on the Rotunda steps during a visit to
the state Capitol.
Rep. Mark Keller presented a House citation to
Ryan Bobb of Shermans Dale, son of Nora and
Steven Bobb, for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
Ryan was recognized for his project where he
cleared out an old bridge pier at Little Buffalo State
Park to make a picnic and sitting area.

Rep. Mark Keller welcomed Hannah Sproull, of
Newport, who served as a guest page on the
House floor. Pictured from left are Speaker of the
House Keith McCall, Hannah and Keller.
Rep. Mark Keller attended the Newport High School’s
Sportsmen’s Club award picnic. In the above photo,
Keller is pictured with members of the club.
Rep. Mark Keller presented a House citation to
Geoffrey Cooper of Chambersburg, son of Mike and
Kathy Cooper, for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
Geoffrey built two sets of block and wood bleachers
at Edenville Community Center.

State Representative MARK K. KELLER

Capitol Office: 86th Legislative District District Offices:
PA House of Representatives 18 West Main Street
Room 5, East Wing P.O. Box 9
PO Box 202086 New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2086 Phone: (717) 582-8119
Phone: (717) 783-1593 Fax: (717) 582-8979
Fax: (717) 705-7012 1-800-959-8119

Email: mkeller@pahousegop.com 1270 Crottlestown Road

Chambersburg, PA 17202
Web: RepKeller.com Phone: (717) 267-2047
Facebook.com/RepKeller Fax: (717) 267-7024