PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE
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HARRISBURG, PA
PERMIT NO. 432
JeffPyle.net

We Cannot Spend What We Do Not Have

I voted against the $28.04 billion state budget, which was signed into law by General Fund Spending

Gov. Rendell in early July.

The 2010-11 budget increases spending by $207 million, or 0.74 percent,
over last year’s budget. Although this is a minor increase, this budget is filled
with one-time funds, mostly federal stimulus money that will not be available
next year; this fact alone creates an immediate $2.75 billion deficit. This
budget depends on $2.75 billion in federal stimulus funding. In fact, after
being promised $850 million from the federal government to extend
unemployment benefits and education funding, we received only $595 million,
which means this year’s budget is already out of balance by over $255 million.
Part of my “NO” vote was based on my skepticism on receiving the money
Gov. Rendell promised the Legislature we would get – we did not.
The past two years have witnessed the governor using federal dollars to
ramp up spending for entitlement programs in the Pennsylvania Department of
Public Welfare (DPW). What this means is, next year, Pennsylvania taxpayers
will, due to the disappearance of the federal money, be on the hook to make * NOTE: Funding includes $2.75 Billion in federal
stimulus dollars.
up a $2.75 billion deficit just from the loss of federal funding. This deficit does not
even include a loss in revenues that the state collects from the sales tax, income General Fund Revenue
tax and corporate tax. If these items bring in less money than anticipated, the
deficit will only grow. Hard decisions will have to be made. Underlying these
decisions is my belief that we are already overtaxed and can bear no more. No
government knows what to do with your money better than you do. In addition,
our area is aging and it just isn’t right for our senior citizens, many of whom live
on fixed pensions and Social Security, to pay more for programs that do little or
nothing for the citizens of the 60th Legislative District.
Time and again, I have said we cannot spend what we don’t have. Just like
families, state government must learn to live within its means. If you have only
$100 in your checking account, you can’t write a check for $101. I feel the
same should apply to the state government.
In total, the Commonwealth is expected to draw in roughly $25 billion in
revenue during the 2010-11 fiscal year, yet the budget is pegged at $28.04
billion. Simple math will show you that we are spending $3 billion too much.
Some will say “but Jeff the federal government is providing us nearly $2.75
billion,” but we already know it will disappear next year. A rational solution is to * NOTE: Revenue only reflects state dollars.
Federal stimulus funds are not included in this chart.
cut state spending. Eliminating WAMs is the logical first step.
As stated, hard choices will have to be considered in the 2011-12 budget. Will taxes be increased, will spending be cut,
or will there be a combination of both? I believe raising taxes is not an option. Families are still struggling through the
current economy and do not have the money to hand over to state government to pay for its out-of-control spending, not
to mention Pennsylvania citizens are already heavily taxed at the federal, state and local levels.
I am conservative and remain committed to fighting against the Philadelphians’ tax-and-spend mentality that has
prevailed in Harrisburg for as long as I’ve been there (six years). If I’m off track, please let me know.

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 Castle Doctrine Advances in State House
Legislation that would permit Pennsylvania citizens to defend themselves while in their homes or occupied vehicles
was recently approved in the House Judiciary Committee. This legislation (of which I am a co-sponsor) received
broad bipartisan support in the committee. It would provide law-abiding citizens the ability to exercise their Second
Amendment rights to defend themselves and their families. Many Pennsylvanians have faced criminal prosecution and
civil lawsuits by defending their lives 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 would allow us to “stand our ground.”
House Bill 40, often called the “Castle Doctrine,” would create the presumption that an attacker or an uninvited
intruder intends to inflict bodily harm, and therefore, deadly force may be used to protect oneself, family and others
while in their home or an occupied vehicle. That presumption also applies if a person is trying to unlawfully remove
an occupant, against his or her will from a home or 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 in their own
homes. I have always advocated citizens being lawfully armed to deter
criminal activity and to protect themselves. I urge my colleagues in
the House to support this legislation.
I commend my colleague, Rep. Scott Perry (R-York), for drafting
this bill in support of our constitutional rights to keep and bear arms.
Three other legislators and I originally offered very similar legislation
but we agreed to withdraw our bills and backed Scott when he was A number of pro-gun state representatives are
deployed to Iraq in 2009. pictured at a recent Second Amendment rally in
House Bill 40 waits to be called up for a vote by the full House by Harrisburg. To Rep. Jeff Pyle’s right is National Rifle
House Majority Leader Todd Eachus (D-Luzerne). Association (NRA) Executive Director Wayne LaPierre.

Rep. Jeff Pyle presented House citations to Vicky During the Indiana Farm Bureau tour, Rep. Jeff Pyle is pictured with Rayne
Keasy and Barbara Flemm, who are retiring from Township Supervisors Tony Manno and Joe LaVan; and Cherrylhill Township
the Freeport Kindergarten Center. Supervisor Terry Stiffler. Standing next to Stiffler, hidden from view, is Cherryhill
Township Supervisor Roger McDannell.

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 call
up for a vote legislation that would require individuals to show proof of citizenship in order to receive public benefits
in Pennsylvania. Our public resources 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
Pennsylvanian citizens receive assistance.
House Bill 1359, of which I am a co-sponsor, was introduced by Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) in April 2009.
The bill 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 before the applicant would be considered for Pennsylvania’s public assistance programs.
This bill has been held up in the House State Government Committee since April 27, 2009. Additionally, Marsico’s
legislation defines “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 similarly 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 current and
future economic health of the Commonwealth.
 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 office at 1-800-287-0614. Forms can
also be downloaded online by visiting my website at JeffPyle.net.

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 JeffPyle.net and click on
“Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Bonus.”

New Online Resource

Available 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. Rep. Jeff Pyle is pictured with members of the Armstrong County Drug Task
Although maintained by Keystone Force (ACDTF), which received funding to purchase and install IBM Think Pads in
Autism Information Systems, patrol cars for police departments throughout the 60th Legislative District. These
computers will permit officers to use the county’s JNET program to provide secure
AutismResources.com is also communications and greater access to police information while on patrol and
fueled by user feedback to provide conducting joint anti-crime/anti-drug efforts. The laptops are the culmination of a
recommendations and reviews. Those grant project started by Pyle and the ACDTF nearly four years ago. Pictured from
in the autism community are welcome to left are Armstrong County drug dog Klif, ACDTF Detective Mark Heider, Armstrong
share their expertise on the new site. County District Attorney Scott Andreassi, East Franklin Township officer Bill
A toll-free number, 1-877-695-8495, Evans, Ford City officer Ron Klingensmith, Freeport officer Jeff Swiklinksi, ACDTF
is available for those without Internet Detective Butch Ruffaner and Pyle. Hidden behind Pyle is Kiski Township Chief
access to request or share referrals. Jared Thompson. Missing from photo are Kittanning Borough, Manor Township,
Visit my website, JeffPyle.net, for a West Kittanning Borough and North Buffalo Township police departments, as they
link to the new site. already received their laptops; and other members of the ACDTF.
 Fire, Ambulance
Services Eligible for
Grant Funding
Volunteer fire and ambulance
services throughout Armstrong and
Indiana counties are once again
eligible to apply for funding through
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 administered by the
Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
For information and details about
this program, visit my website at
JeffPyle.net and click on
“First Responder Grants.”
117th Annual Western Pennsylvania
Firemen’s Association
Kiski Township Fire Department No. 1 Company 140 hosted the 117th
Annual Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association Convention that was held
in early August. Several awards and scholarships were presented during the
closing banquet held on Aug. 10 at the Apollo Free Methodist Church.
Kittanning Hose 6 had multiple award winners, including Cathryn Bowser,
who was awarded the Ladies Auxiliary Service Award; Paul Shaner was
awarded the Fireman of the Year Award; and Zach Kline was named Junior
Firefighter of the Year. In addition, volunteer firefighter Ashlee Pavetti of
Kiski Township was awarded a college scholarship from the association.
I was humbled to receive the 2010 Political Award from the Western
Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association, which represents 500 fire companies
throughout western Pennsylvania. I want to thank the members of Kiski
Township Fire Department for a job well done at hosting this year’s event.
Rep. Jeff Pyle was recently
awarded the 2010 Western
Pennsylvania Firemen’s
Association Political Award. Pyle
is pictured with members of the
Kiski Township Volunteer Fire
Department, who nominated him
for the award, and hosted the
annual Firemen’s Convention.
Not pictured are Cathy Bowser,
Paul Shaner and Zach Kline of
Kittanning Hose 6, and other
award winners.

Upcoming District Events

SEPT. 13 - 18 - Green Township Fair in Cookport. During the week of the fair, my Rayne Township Office will be
temporarily located to the fairgrounds.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 24 – Indiana County District Office Open House for the residents of Armstrong, Brush Valley,
Cherryhill, Green, Rayne and Washington townships; and Creekside, Ernest and Shelocta boroughs in Indiana County.
This will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pyle’s Rayne Township District Office, located at 289 Route 85 Highway in
Home. Admission is FREE, but please RSVP by Sept. 17 by calling 1-800-287-0614.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 30 – Town Hall Meeting for the residents of South Buffalo Township and Freeport Borough in
Armstrong County. This will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Freeport Volunteer Fire Department, located at
400 Market Street in Freeport.

THURSDAY, OCT. 7 – Town Hall Meeting for the residents of East Franklin, North Buffalo and West Franklin
townships; and West Kittanning and Worthington boroughs in Armstrong County. This will be held from 6 p.m. to
7:30 p.m. at the East Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, located at 165 East Brady Road in Kittanning.

THURSDAY, OCT. 14 – Town Hall Meeting for the residents of Rayburn Township; and Applewold and Kittanning
boroughs in Armstrong County. This will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kittanning Hose 6 Firehall, located
at 1360 Orr Avenue in Kittanning.

REPRESENTATIVE JEFF PYLE

60th Legislative District

DISTRICT OFFICES: 208 1/2 N. Railroad Ave. CAPITOL OFFICE:

Toll-free: (800) 287-0614 Apollo, PA 15613 147 B East Wing,
(724) 478-1050 PO Box 202060
409 Ford Street Harrisburg, PA
Ford City, PA 16226 289 Route 85 Hwy. 17120-2060
(724) 763-3222 Home, PA 15747 (717) 783-5327
(724) 397-2961

JEFFPYLE.NET TWITTER.COM/REPJEFFPYLE