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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


Legislative Session Begins Anew

On January 3, I took my oath of office and was sworn in as Senator for the 47th Senate District at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. I’m humbled and honored to continue to serve my constituents and pledge to represent your interests as your State Senator.

I look forward to continuing my efforts of making government more efficient with taxpayer dollars, spending within our means, cutting unnecessary regulations and mandates, and bringing good-paying jobs to Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties.

As always, your concerns about state government are my concerns; please contact me at any time to let your voice be heard about issues that are important to you.


Agriculture & Rural Affairs Chair Announced

I am honored to report to that I have been reappointed by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati to serve as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

The Committee is the Senate’s authority on all legislation regarding agriculture and also provides review and oversight of regulations proposed by the PA Department of Agriculture. Additionally, issues involving food safety, animal welfare, amusement ride inspection, and weights and measures also fall under the purview of the Committee.

Click here to learn more about the work of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and to keep up-to-date with committee happenings.


It was great to be joined by my wife, Sue, and family for the swearing-in ceremonies at the State Capitol.

Revenue Report Released

The Senate Appropriations Committee just released its Monthly Revenue Report for the month of January. Included within the report is vital budgetary information that will guide me and my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee as we debate the content of the 2017-18 budget.

In addition, this month’s report includes a special section devoted to Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program, a decades-old program that has preserved thousands of acres of farmland in Beaver, Lawrence, and Butler Counties.

Click here to read the report.


Tax Amnesty Program

The Department of Revenue is conducting a Tax Amnesty Program from April 21, 2017 through June 19, 2017.

 Tax Amnesty is open to nearly all state taxes and most individuals and businesses with past-due tax at the end of 2015 are eligible. All penalties and half of interest will be waived for participants. Taxpayers who participated in the 2010 tax amnesty are ineligible.
 

Click here for more information about the Tax Amnesty Program, including a video webinar.


Representative Christiana and I recently had the chance to visit LifeSteps Inc. in Beaver and read to the kids. 

Conservation Partnership Grants Awarded

Seven projects in all three counties of the 47th Senate District were recently awarded Community Conservation Partnership Program (CCPP) grants.

Lawrence County:

Bessemer Borough - $10,000 to implement a structured community planning effort that will lead to the rehabilitation of Bessemer Borough Park. Work includes site development, construction drawings, construction budget and bid packet.

Mines and Meadows, LLC - $100,000 to purchase equipment to construct 75 miles of ATV trails at the Mines and Meadows ATV Park in New Beaver Borough.

New Castle City - $250,000 to further develop New Castle Regional Riverwalk Hub. Work includes installation of lighting, signage, bus shelter, ADA access, landscaping, signage, and other site improvements.

Shenango Township - $200,000 to rehabilitate and further develop Shenango Township Community Park. Work to include construction of pedestrian walkway, renovation of pavilion, ADA access, landscaping, signage, and other site improvements.

Union Township - $200,000 to rehabilitate Scotland Meadow Park. Work includes construction of pedestrian walkway, pavilion, volleyball court; installation of play equipment and required safety surfacing; ADA access, landscaping, signage, and other site improvements.

Beaver County:

Potter Township - $40,000 to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the Tank Farm/Rocky Bottom Park.

Butler County:

Zelienople Borough - $200,000 to further develop Zelienople Community Park. Work to include construction of skate park, ADA access, landscaping, signage, and other site improvements.

The CCPP provides financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts, and other nonprofits for planning, acquisition, and development of park, recreation, conservation, and greenway projects. Click here more information about the CCPP.


PA Eagle Cam Up and Running

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is once again live-streaming their Hanover/Codorus State Park Bald Eagle Nest Cam. This year, there is an additional camera with infrared capabilities. Click here to check it out.


Great Resources for Civics Educators

The Pennsylvania State Capitol website has an abundance of free resources for educators looking for new ways to educate students about our Commonwealth’s history, the State Capitol, the legislative process, and much more. The “Teachers’ Tools” section has a variety of printable literature, activity books, and quizzes in .PDF form. You can even book your next class field trip and find helpful information to plan that trip on the website.

Click here to visit the PA Capitol Website.


PEMA Video Contest for Students

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is accepting submissions from students for a video public service announcement (PSA) contest featuring a flood safety message for motorists. The theme is “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” and it is open to all students in grades 7 through 12. The deadline to submit a PSA is January 31, 2017 and the winner will work with the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters to develop a broadcast-quality television commercial. Click here for more information.


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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