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Senator Elder Vogel

Dear Friend,

I am pleased to present my electronic newsletter. These e-newsletters enable me to provide information about issues, events and activities in Harrisburg and around the 47th Senatorial District to you in a timely manner while saving postage costs.

If you find this e-newsletter useful, I invite you to visit my website www.senatoreldervogel.com for more information about your state government. If you do not wish to receive these e-newsletters, please click the “unsubscribe” button at the bottom of the page.

Sincerely,

Elder Vogel


Recently, I had the great opportunity to speak to the Economy Borough Cub Scout Pack 414 about the importance of citizenry.


Senate Budget Hearings Schedule

Governor Wolf’s proposed budget contains higher taxes and higher spending.  This week, the Senate begins a three-week series of budget hearings to fully evaluate the Governor’s proposals. These hearings provide an opportunity for me (and you) to hear cabinet secretaries and other Wolf Administration officials detail their plans for the upcoming fiscal year.  This in-depth analysis will give us the ability to craft a budget reflecting the priorities of our constituents.  As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will be attending these budget hearings beginning on Monday, March 16. Click here to view the entire schedule.

All hearings will be held in Hearing Room 1 of the Capitol North Office Building. Live coverage of the hearings will be available online at www.pasenategop.com.


Senate Passes Bill Cracking Down on “Stolen Valor” Claims

Recently, I voted for and the State Senate approved legislation making it a crime for Pennsylvania motorists to falsely claim veteran status on their driver’s license application.

Senate Bill 42 addresses concerns raised after a new state law allowed veterans to obtain an honorary designation on their driver’s license. Long sought by veterans’ groups, the designation makes it easier to identify current and former members of the military for many discounts, programs, and services.

While the Commonwealth designed the self-certification process to be simple for veterans—especially older veterans who may not have easy access to the internet or their formal discharge papers—some veterans expressed concern that it was too easy for someone to falsely claim veteran status.

The penalty imposed reflects the same penalty for “unsworn falsification to authorities” at $300, or between 30 and 90 days in prison if the fine goes unpaid.


Senate Approves Resolution Creating Select Committee on Purely Public Charities

Recently, I cosponsored and the State Senate unanimously adopted a measure establishing a select committee on “Purely Public Charities.”

Under Senate Resolution 28, the bipartisan Select Committee on Institutions of Purely Public Charity will conduct statewide hearings and work with non-profits, elected officials, tax experts, public safety organizations, and other stakeholders to determine whether additional legislation is needed and make recommendations relating to legislation on the treatment of purely public charities in Pennsylvania.

The select committee would consist of legislators appointed by Senate and House leaders, members of the Senate and House Finance committees, members of the Senate and House Local Government committees, and the Secretary of Revenue.  The committee would have one year from its creation to report its findings. 

Senate Resolution 28 is now in the House of Representatives for consideration.


Lawrence County “Racino” Update

At 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, there will be a public meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. It is expected that representatives of Endeka Entertainment, L.P. will be present to provide an update on their efforts to complete the “Category 1 Slot Machine License Application” which was originally filed on May 31, 2013. Stay tuned to this newsletter, as well as my Facebook & Twitter accounts for more information as well as a link to watch live video of the hearing as it takes place.


My office, in conjunction with Beaver County Office on Aging, has 3 upcoming informational events for seniors regarding physical health & fitness. See Poster for more information


Persian Gulf Veteran Bonus

Pennsylvania veterans who fought in the Persian Gulf Theater in the early 1990s could receive up to $525 for their service if they apply now for a special, one-time bonus. The payments are for veterans who were on active duty during Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm between Aug. 2, 1990, and Aug. 31, 1991. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31. For more information, click here.


Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day

Youth anglers and their adult mentors can get an early start fishing and “Catch the Value” on Mentored Youth Trout Day, April 18, on all Commission stocked waters managed under Commonwealth inland regulations.

To participate: Adult anglers must possess a valid PA fishing license and a current trout/salmon permit and be accompanied by a youth angler (less than 16 years of age) who has a Mentored Youth Fishing Permit or Voluntary Youth Fishing License. Youth angler must possess a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License ($2.70).

For more information, visit www.GoneFishingPA.com.


Staff from my office recently attended a public meeting regarding newly proposed access ramps from Rt. 422 W & E to Moraine State Park’s North Shore.  Click on the picture above for a preliminary sketch of the plans.


Where is the Flu?

Turn to the Pennsylvania Department of Health every Tuesday through May for an updated influenza surveillance report to help you navigate flu season.  Activity is currently characterized as regional.

When and where are influenza cases occurring?  Are there any current trends this season compared to previous experiences?  What types and subtypes of influenza are infecting those around you?

PA DOH influenza case counts are based solely on numbers reported.  The Department notes their count does not include the untested or unreported cases that are not seen by a doctor or in an emergency room. 


Follow Me on Twitter!

I have a Twitter account to better connect with my constituents and provide daily updates on my voting record, whereabouts, state government, and local news affecting the 47 S.D. To access my Twitter page, click here.


Please contact me to provide input on any state-related matter, or to receive help in dealing with a state agency.
 

Senator Vogel FacebookSenator Vogel Twitter

Contact Me

Offices

Senate Box 203047
362 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3047
Phone: (717) 787-3076
FAX: (717) 772-2756

District
Monday-Friday
8:30 - 4:30

Rochester
488 Adams Street
Rochester, PA 15074-1940
Phone: (724) 774-0444
FAX: (724) 773-7384

New Castle
1905 W. State Street
New Castle, PA 16101
Phone: (724) 654-1444
FAX: (724) 656-3182

 

 

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