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Visit My Website for Updates on State and Local Issues By visiting my website at www.senatorgeneyaw.com residents of the 23rd Senatorial District can learn more about state and local issues and programs and services available through my office. The website includes information on legislation I have sponsored, constituent services, news releases, a calendar outlining Senate action, and information on Commonwealth programs and services. The site also includes a link to allow constituents to email me with your questions, concerns and recommendations. You can also view "A Conversation with Senator Gene Yaw," which is posted on my site. September's show highlights the 41st annual Ag Progress Days, the largest outdoor agricultural exhibition in Pennsylvania The program also airs various times during the month on
the following cable outlets:
The website is one more way that we are trying to reach out to local residents and provide them with timely, easy-to-access information. I hope more people visit my on-line office and take the time to email me with their questions and concerns. State Budget Cuts Spending, Includes No PIT Increase After a long and difficult budget negotiation process – reflecting the tough times we are facing – the General Assembly approved a final plan that cuts spending below last year's level, and maintains funding for core state services and programs. Most importantly, the budget compromise is a win for state taxpayers because it includes no new broad-based tax increases and will be sustainable over the coming year. It will not mortgage our state's future through higher taxes and spending and it will help us to live within our means – just like working families have to do. While spending was reduced over last year, the budget does include increases in education funding, to ensure that schools and students receive the resources they need. The final compromise sets general fund spending at $27.85 billion – more than $1 billion less than the Governor's initial budget request and $432 million less than the approved 2008-09 budget total of $28.267 billion. Basic education funding was increased by $300 million and support was restored for human services programs. This has been the toughest economic crisis in many years, and the most difficult budget process as we worked to fill a $3.2 billion revenue shortfall. But I believe that we stuck to our core principles and listened to taxpayers who said they were tired of higher spending and taxes. PennDOT Launches 5-1-1 Travel Information System, 511PA The Federal Communications Commission designated 511 as the nationwide three-digit number for traveler information, and 35 states are already using the system. 511PA provides free, 24-hour information that includes traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, regional tourism information, and links to transit agencies and major airports. The service is available by dialing 511 from cellular phones or landlines or on the Web at www.511PA.com. Cell phone users may incur local airtime or roaming charges from their provider. Users are also able to register online to receive personalized traveler alerts by e-mail and text message. Standard text messaging rates may apply–participants should consult their cellular phone provider regarding their text messaging plan. The 511PA roadway network includes all 1,759 miles of Pennsylvania's interstates, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, as well as other major roadways in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Real-time information will be available about traffic accidents, construction activities and winter road conditions.
Dog Law Strengthened After strengthening legislation to improve kennels and outlaw puppy mills during last year's legislative session, the General Assembly has once again taken strides to reform dog cruelty laws throughout Pennsylvania. It has become practice for some breeders and dog owners to perform surgical procedures on their dogs, however a new law will outlaw such actions in the near future. The new law will make it illegal for anyone but a veterinarian to perform surgical procedures on a canine. The law includes removing dew claws on dogs more than five days old, ear cropping, debarking, docking or cutting off the tail, and caesarean births. Additional improvements to the law will require owners to supply proof the surgeries were performed correctly under the scope of the law. Owners must provide detailed records of the procedure to dog wardens or Humane Society police officers for as long as visible surgical wounds appear on the dog. Those records would include the name and license number of the veterinarian, location, and date of the procedure. Violations of the new law will be a summary offense and the law will not apply to animals that already have been altered. The new law also addresses animal fighting and makes it unlawful for a person to steal or acquire an animal for fighting. A person in violation of animal fighting commits a felony of the third degree. Having one of the strongest dog protection laws in the union, Pennsylvania's new law strengthens measures to ensure the health and safety of animals that will someday serve as pets for families across the Commonwealth. Fall Family Fishing Program
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Harrisburg Office Email: gyaw@pasen.gov District Offices 1-800-443-5772
One Progress Plaza
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