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PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE
PAID
HARRISBURG, PAPERMIT NO. 432
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Martin Causer
67
th
Legislative District
PO Box 202067Harrisburg, PA 17120-2067
It was another challenging budget year in Pennsylvania, and despitecutting nearly $1 billion from what the governor originally wanted to spend,the $28.04 billion total is still more than taxpayers can afford.My primary concern, and the reason I voted against the budget, isbecause it spends more than we have, creating a “structural deficit” of atleast $3 billion that will have to be addressed in the next fiscal year. So whileno tax increases were needed this year to balance the budget, it is hard toimagine the economy will recover enough to cover that deficit and fund nextyear’s operating budget.The impending budget deficit is the result of relying on more than $2.7billion in stimulus funding from the federal government that will not be avail-able in future years, including $850 million that had not even been authorizedby Congress at the time the budget was passed. It wasn’t until August thatCongress approved the funding at a reduced level, designating about $600million for Pennsylvania. That means at least $250 million in spending willhave to be cut. Clearly, it is unwise to balance a state budget on moneyCongress has not yet authorized.Knowing the challenges we faced this year, the House Republican
Rep. Martin Causer presents a commemorative medal to U.S. Army veteran Joe Doriguzzi of Lewis Run at the Vietnam Era Veterans Tribute. More than 500 veterans were recognized with medals and certificates in honor of their service to our country.(Photo courtesy of Wade Aiken.)
Overspending in 2010-11 Budget Spells Trouble for PA’s Future
Caucus developed several options to save the Commonwealth money. Onlya few were incorporated into this year’s budget, including a successful taxamnesty program that generated $261 million for the General Fund, as wellas the recovery of $35 million in tax refund errors and the additional use of P-Cards (like debit cards) for state purchases.I hope more of these worthwhile ideas will be included in next year’sbudget as we work to bring state spending more in line with what peoplecan afford:• Processing other state’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI)payments for a fee. The state saves $35 million by processing itsown payments in house rather than paying the Social SecurityAdministration to do it.•
Reducing the state vehicle fleet by one-third and using rental carsfor long trips.•
Eliminating Medicaid eligibility errors. The current error rate is at14 percent, according to the auditor general.•
Streamlining sales tax collection.•
Cutting down welfare fraud.
Fall 2010
Paying Tribute to Vietnam Era Veterans
The War Memorial Flag Presentation performed at Rep. Causer’s Vietnam Era Veterans Tribute in May provided a moving tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. Pictured left to right are Pete O’Donohoe, Commander,Bradford American Legion; Matt Windsor, Director, McKean County Veterans Affairs; Jack Rosenswie, Deputy Commander, 23rd District Pennsylvania American Legion; George Tufts, Commander, Smethport American Legion. (Photo courtesy of Wade Aiken.)
www.Rep
Rep. Martin Causer joined friends and neighbors in May to officially rename the bridge on U.S.Route 6 over the Allegheny River in Liberty Township as the Lt. Colonel Richard J. Berrettini Memorial Bridge. Berrettini, a Port Allegany High School nurse, died in January 2008 from injuries he suffered in Afghanistan while serving with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.(Photo courtesy of Don Poleto.)
Happy AnniversaryCameron County!
Cameron County is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year,and I was pleased to sponsor a resolution in the state House inhonor of the occasion.Among the county’s many claims to fame is the use of itsflagstone to build the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the use of dynamite made in the county in the building of the Panama Canal.Cameron County is also home to Tom Mix, the King of the Cowboysin Hollywood’s silent movie era. Additionally, Sylvania ElectricCorporation has its roots in Emporium.The county was created after people migrated from Williamsportto timber the county’s forest land. True to its roots, timber products remain an important industry along with powdered metalmanufacturing.Cameron County was formed on March 26, 1860, by vote of theGeneral Assembly. The county was made up of portions of Clinton,Elk, McKean and Potter counties. It is named for Simon Cameron,a U.S. senator from Pennsylvania at the time. Cameron later servedas Secretary of War to President Abraham Lincoln.
Marcellus Shale a Hot Topicin Harrisburg
As natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale continues to grow across thenorthern tier, so does discussion of the industry’s potential among lawmakersin Harrisburg.A Penn State study issued last year and updated this summer indicatesthe Marcellus Shale has the potential to be the second-largest natural gas fieldin the world, holding enough energy content to match 87 billion barrels of oil.That’s enough to meet the demand of the entire world for three years.According to the study, in 2009, gas producers in the Marcellus spent $4.5billion to develop those resources. It is estimated that investment generated$3.9 billion in value added, $389 million in state and local tax revenues and44,000 jobs.Based on a survey of producers about their future plans, the authorsestimate investments by gas drillers will lead to $8 billion in value added in2010 and another $10 billion in 2011. Employment is estimated to expand by88,000 jobs this year, and 111,000 in 2011.Outside of the direct economic benefits of drilling, the study indicates theabundance of reliable and low-cost natural gas could attract gas-intensivemanufacturing industries to expand in Pennsylvania. Low-cost natural gas alsocontributes to inexpensive electricity that enhances industrial developmentand economic growth.Clearly, the Marcellus Shale holds great hope and potential for areas of our state beaten down by the loss of manufacturing jobs. It is important thatwe proceed responsibly on any economic and environmental measures thatwould affect the industry. It is equally important to ensure a safe, responsibleexpansion of the relatively new drilling practices required to reach the shale.
Rep. Martin Causer addresses the crowd at the ceremony renaming the bridge on Route 6 over Potato Creek in the Borough of Smethport as the POW/MIA Memorial Bridge. Many veterans and citizens turned out for the event, including the region’s two living POWs, Bob Cochran of Smethport and William Englehart of Kane. (Photo courtesy of Don Poleto.)
Bill Enhancing Right of Self-Defense Advances
Legislation reinforcing a person’s right to defend himself or herself in the face of an intruder has been approved by the House JudiciaryCommittee. Also known as the “Castle Doctrine,” House Bill 40 creates in law apresumption that an attacker or intruder intends to do great bodily harmand therefore force, including deadly force, may be used to protectoneself, one’s family and others in the face of an attack while at homeor in an occupied vehicle. The presumption also applies if a person istrying to unlawfully remove an occupant, against the occupant’s will,from a home or vehicle.The presumption would not apply if the person entering a homewas:• Another resident of the home.• A law enforcement officer.• A parent, grandparent or other guardian removing a child fromthe home or vehicle.In addition, the presumption would not apply if a person was usingtheir home or vehicle to further criminal activity. The bill also offersspecific protection against civil liability for the lawful use of force inself-defense.Essentially, this legislation eliminates the current duty to retreatbefore using lethal force outside of your home if your attacker displaysor uses a lethal weapon. A person should never have to turn his or her back on an armed attacker.It is important to note the legislation does not endorse unlawfulaggression but instead provides individuals with the necessary legalprotection to respond to unlawful aggression.The bill is awaiting consideration in the full House.
auser.com
Fire, Ambulance Services Eligible for Grant Funding
Volunteer fire and ambulance services throughout Cameron, Potter and McKean counties are once again eligible to apply for fundingthrough the Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Services Grant Program.First established in 2000, the program provides grants to support construction or renovation of a unit’s station, the purchase or repair of equipment, training or debt reduction.Maximum grants are $15,000 for volunteer fire companies and $10,000 for volunteer ambulance services. Applications will become available no later than Sept. 7 and must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Oct. 22. The grant program is administeredby the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Application information will be posted at
RepCauser.com
when it becomes available.
AdditionalSenior Citizen Benefits
Many Pennsylvania seniors are well aware of the PropertyTax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET programs, but you may notbe aware of a number of other benefits available. Here’s a look ata few of those programs:
Vehicle Registrations
Retired Pennsylvanians receiving Social Security or other pension funds whose individual income is under $19,200 annuallymay register one passenger car or non-commercial light truck ata reduced rate.Instead of the regular $36 fee for a passenger vehicle, retiredPennsylvanians pay just a $10 processing fee. The discount doesnot apply to title fees, transfer fees or sales tax.Please call or visit my office to obtain more information or tosee if you qualify.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Pennsylvanians age 65 and older may purchase hunting andfishing licenses at reduced rates of $13.70 for a hunting license and$11.70 for a fishing license. Lifetime licenses are also available:$51.70 for hunting and $51.70 for fishing. Free fishing licenses areavailable for Pennsylvania veterans with 100 percent service-con-nected disabilities.Licenses may be purchased at license issuing agents, countytreasurer’s offices, or at the online Outdoor Shop at
https://www1.pa.wildlifelicense.com/start.php
.
Dog Licenses
Pennsylvania dog owners age 65 and older (proof of agerequired) may obtain licenses for their dogs at a reduced price.The fees are: $6 annually for productive male or female dogs or $4 annually for spayed or neutered dog. Dog license applicationsare available at county treasurer’s offices, pet and pet supply retailoutlets, and online at
www.agriculture.state.pa.us
.
State Parks
Senior citizens age 62 and older are eligible for a $4.50 reduc-tion in the base price of camp sites at state parks. Further informa-tion is available at state park offices, by calling 1-888-727-2757 or visiting
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/
.
SENIOR CORNER
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Deadline Extended
The deadline to file for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate pro-gram has been extended to Dec. 31, 2010.Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based ontheir rent or property taxes paid in 2009. The program benefits eligiblePennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50years or older, and those 18 years or older with permanent disabilitieswho meet the following income requirements:• $0 and $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)When calculating income, exclude 50 percent of Social Security,Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 ben-efits.Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income,property tax or rental information required to process claims quicklyand accurately. For residents who already applied, the Department of Revenue started sending out rebate checks July 1.Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available by contactingmy offices or visiting
www.RepCauser.com
.
Mark Your Calendars For
Senior Expo 2010
Friday, October 89 a.m. to 1 p.m.Roulette Fire Hall, Roulette
Stop by for helpful information on health care, insur-ance, nutrition and exercise, fire safety, financial plan-ning, fraud protection, government services and more!
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