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| Weekly Roundup |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
Visit to Burgettstown Senior Center, Library
In the past week, I visited the Burgettstown Senior Center and Library. During my visit to the senior center, I provided information about the services my staff offers and answered a wide variety of questions. In addition, I had the chance to see the center’s banner that won first place at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging’s 31st annual Senior Games. During my visit to the library, I read “Officer Buckle and Gloria” to children participating in the Burgettstown Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is Build a Better World. It was great to see so many children excited about reading.
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PennDOT Winter Employment Available
Applications are being accepted for the PennDOT Winter Employment Program. The program runs from September through April to supplement the permanent workforce. Interested candidates must apply here. Those interested in receiving a letter of recommendation from my office are asked to call 412-221-5110 by Aug. 7.
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Tax Amnesty Nets State $114 Million
Pennsylvania’s latest Tax Amnesty Program brought in $114.5 million, surpassing the $100 million net revenue previously estimated. The Tax Amnesty Program waived all penalties and half of the interest for eligible individuals or businesses that applied to the program and paid delinquent state taxes between April 21 and June 19, 2017. Taxpayers who were eligible but didn’t participate in the program will now be assessed a 5 percent penalty. Tax amnesty is not a forgiveness of debt but a reduction in fines to encourage payment. Anyone who took advantage of this program will not be eligible to do so again should the Commonwealth enact a subsequent amnesty program. The proceeds generated will apply toward the 2016-17 fiscal year, which ended June 30.
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Turn Around, Don’t Drown
With summer weather leading to increased storms, heavy rains and flash flooding, residents are reminded of a 2012 law that encourages people to turn around, don’t drown. Under the law, motorists who ignore temporary police barricades and drive through flooded areas during and after storms could face fines. Specifically, anyone who requires rescue, towing or medical care after ignoring a barricade or warning sign can be fined $250 to $500 and have points assessed to their driving record. They may also be forced to pay restitution for the cost of their rescue. The law is designed to discourage motorists from driving around road-closed signs and putting themselves, as well as emergency responders, in danger. As little as six inches of moving water can knock a person down and one foot of water can sweep a vehicle away. More information about flood safety is available here.
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DEP Accepting Applications for Small Business Advantage Grants
The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting manufacturers, retailers, service providers, agricultural businesses and other small businesses to apply for a total of $1 million in Small Business Advantage Grants to finance pollution prevention and energy-efficiency projects. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis that provides up to 50 percent reimbursement matching grants, up to a maximum of $7,000 to $9,500, depending on the project. Eligible projects must save the small business a minimum of $500 and at least 25 percent annually in energy consumption or pollution-related expenses. The grant program runs from July 25, 2017, through June 30, 2018, or until funds are exhausted. For the first time, applications must be submitted online at www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/Login.aspx. More information is available here.
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Schedule Your Capitol Tour Early
Beginning Aug. 1, the Capitol tour office will be taking group reservations for the 2017-18 school year. The late spring and early summer seasons are the busiest times for Capitol tours, so make your reservation as early as possible. You can call the Capitol tour office directly at 1-800-868-7672 or call my office at 412-221-5110. When you call, have your group name, total number of participants and best contact information ready. Individuals may make reservations or join a tour group at the time of their visit. Tours are available Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and most holidays at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Capitol is closed for tours New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Weekday tours begin at the top of the hour and every half hour. The tours last between 30 and 45 minutes depending on the size of the group. For more information, click here.
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Support Local Police at National Night Out Events
Tuesday, Aug. 1, is National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. For more information about the national event, click here.
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| Office Locations |
| 300 Old Pond Road, Suite 205A, Bridgeville, PA 15017 | Phone: (412) 221-5110 |
| 200 Senior Way, Burgettstown, PA 15021 I Phone: (724) 947-4471 |
| Room 125B, East Wing, PO Box 202046, Harrisburg PA 17120-2046 | (717) 787-1281 |
| Email: jortitay@pahousegop.com |
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