Senator Argall's TV Report Highlights Local Municipal Disputes

The Senate Local Government Committee recently hosted a hearing in Tamaqua to hear testimony from local officials on ways to improve the Pennsylvania Borough Code regarding disputes between Mayors and Borough Councils who enter into litigation, according to State Senator David G. Argall (R-29). 

Representatives from the Pennsylvania State Mayors Association, the Fraternal Order of Police and Tamaqua officials testified before the committee to address possible improvements in the Borough Code.

"We all know this has not been just a Tamaqua issue, but an issue that has affected many towns throughout Pennsylvania and has cost taxpayers thousands of dollars over the years," said Argall.

The Argall Report is carried by local cable companies free of charge. The program will air on:

• Blue Ridge Communications (Channel 13) every Tuesday at 9 p.m.
• Comcast in Pottsville (Channel 7) every Monday at 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., every Tuesday at 9 a.m. and every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
• Reading (Channel 21) and Hamburg (Channel 19) every Monday at 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and every Tuesday at 9 a.m.
• Service Electric (Channel 19) the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7 p.m. 

The program is also available on Shen-Heights TV and WLYN TV 35 in Hazelton. Please check local listings for air times.

Senator Argall's report is also available online at senatorargall.com.

Senator Argall Introduces New Legislation to Reduce the Size of the Legislature

I introduced legislation that would reduce the size of the state legislature by more than 20 percent.

My proposal would eliminate one Senate seat and 10 House seats following each new reapportionment plan through 2053. The legislation would ultimately trim the size of the Senate from 50 members to 45 and the House of Representatives from 203 members to 153. My bill would require an amendment to the state Constitution. To become law, the proposal would have to pass in two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly and be approved by the voters through a referendum.

It is important to explore every option to save taxpayer dollars, and this is one way that we can create an annual savings without reducing services to the people of Pennsylvania. I am confident that this proposal will help to save money without having a negative effect on the level of constituent service available to state residents.

Heating Assistance Grant Applications Available Now

Families who are struggling with rising fuel costs can apply now for the state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

LIHEAP provides grants to help low-income families pay heating bills. Applications for cash grants are available now by contacting your local county assistance office.

Individuals with Internet access may also apply electronically via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us.

LIHEAP applicants will be required to submit the following information:

• Names of people in household
• Social Security numbers for all household members
• Proof of income for all household members
• Recent heating bill

LIHEAP also provides crisis grants for families who experience heating emergencies, such as a broken furnace, fuel shortage or utility termination. The crisis grant program is scheduled to open on January 4, 2010.

Cash grants of up to $300 and crisis grants of up to $800 are available through LIHEAP. The amount of each grant is dependent on income, household size, type of heating fuel and region of the state. A family of four can earn up to $33,075 and still be eligible for the program.

Hunters to Meet Fluorescent Orange Requirements, Observe Safety Rules

Many district residents enjoy hunting each fall. Before heading out into the woods or fields to hunt, it is important for hunters to know all of the state's requirements to wear orange to improve hunter safety.

Fluorescent orange requirements may vary based on regions and seasons. During bear, deer, elk, and all small game seasons, hunters are required to wear a minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange visible from 360 degrees on their head, chest and back.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission 2009-10 Hunting Digest, available online at www.pgc.state.pa.us, includes all of the fluorescent orange requirements for each season.

I would also urge all sportsmen to observe basic safety tips provided by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to help keep hunters safe: 

• Always identify the target - never point or shoot at sounds or movement; these may in fact be other hunters.
• Pre-elect a zone of fire - only fire on a target in that predetermined zone and only when certain it is safe to do so.
• Be seen - wear the mandated amount of fluorescent orange clothing and avoid wearing blue, white and/or red as these can be easily confused with colors on a wild turkey.
• Plan your hunt, then hunt your plan – let someone know where you are hunting and when you will return.
• Buckle up - wear a fall-resistant restraint device when hunting from an elevated stand.
• Dress for success - dress in layers of clothing that repel moisture, insulate and block wind or rain.
• Keep fit – hunting is hard work and requires rigorous physical activity; get a check-up and follow your doctor's advice.
• Do your homework - scout hunting areas and learn the habits of the game you hunt.
• Stay found - learn how to use a map and compass or a GPS unit.
• Be prepared - carry a basic survival kit and know how to use it. 

Redesigned DCNR Website Features Fall, Winter Activities

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has redesigned its website to highlight activities available to state park visitors this fall and winter.

Fall activities that are highlighted on the site include hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, rock climbing and other recreational activities. Some of the activities available at state parks this winter include snowmobiling, skiing, ice skating, ice fishing and sledding.

Guests can also learn more about the state's geological history by visiting parks along Pennsylvania's Trail of Geology, including several state parks in the 29th Senatorial District and neighboring counties.

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