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Dear Friend, In an effort to keep you informed about state and local issues, I have developed this e-newsletter, which I will be sending out to residents of the 23rd District. I think it is a fast, convenient and affordable way to get news out to area residents. I hope you find this e-newsletter useful and informative – and if you know of someone else who might want to receive it, please feel free to forward this email. Yaw Opposes Legislation to Legalize Table Games I recently voted against legislation that will legalize table games in Pennsylvania. I believe the new law is bad public policy and does not represent a well-thought out plan for economic development in the state.
While it will create more revenue, it does not go far enough to prevent corruption, ensure accountability and protect the public interest. The law includes some reform measures that I support. Unfortunately, the manner in which the House amended the bill gave me no choice but to vote against the expansion of gaming – the reforms just did not go far enough to outweigh the negatives. Expanded gambling will not make a positive contribution to local communities or represent true economic development and will result in more addiction and higher crime rates. I support efforts to create jobs and improve our economy and infrastructure, but not at a cost to our communities and individuals and most importantly our quality of life. State-sanctioned poker, blackjack, roulette and craps may bring in some money to our state but at what cost in the long term. My constituents have overwhelmingly said they do not want expanded gaming and my vote reflected their input.
The 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show opened its doors on Friday, January 8 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center on North Cameron Street in Harrisburg. It's one of the largest agricultural expeditions in the United States, with nearly half a million visitors annually. And it's the perfect way to spotlight Pennsylvania's number one industry – agriculture. The farm show began in 1917 and has grown into a major event here in Pennsylvania. The best of Pennsylvania agriculture is on display – including youth livestock shows, educational displays, and some of the state's most delicious foods. This year, I joined my colleague and farmer Senator Elder Vogel in taking part in a VIP Dairy Showmanship Contest. The objective was to provide a fun, interactive way for legislators to learn more about dairy farms and the farm families who own them. For many the yearly visit to the farm show is a tradition that goes back many generations. It's a great way to showcase Pennsylvania's number one industry and the many hard-working farm families who work hard all year. Home Heating Program Expanded for Low-Income Families Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been expanded to help more low-income families stay warm this winter. The federally funded LIHEAP helps income-eligible households pay for heat during the winter months and is administered by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW). This year, cash grants have increased by $100 and the program has been extended from March 15 to April 2. This will provide much needed assistance to an additional 80,000 families who are struggling to make ends meet during this cold winter. DPW expects to assist approximately 600,000 families with cash grants during the 2009-2010 program year, and cash grants for the current season are expected to average $326. DPW will also provide LIHEAP crisis grants to 126,000 households this season. Crisis grants are offered to resolve heating emergencies, such as furnace failures or unexpected fuel shortages. In addition to proof of income and household size, applicants must provide a recent bill or a statement from their fuel dealer verifying their customer status and the type of fuel that they use. Applications are available at county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Applications for LIHEAP cash grants are available online at www.compass.state.pa.us Understanding Electric Choice Electric rate caps were lifted on January 1 in some areas of the Commonwealth and consumers are seeking a new understanding of how to control 2010 electric costs, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA). While officials predict an increase in costs, consumers can choose the company from which their electricity is generated or remain with the current provider. Throughout my Senatorial district, there are several electric providers and rural co-ops. The rural co-ops such as Tri-County, Claverack and Sullivan County REC are not subject to the rate cap provisions and therefore will not see a change in their rates. However, the other providers such as PPL, Citizens Electric and Penelec may see an increase. Therefore, I would suggest you obtain a Residential Consumer's Electric Shopping Guide through the Office of Consumer Advocate to compare rates and decide which company will generate your electricity. Generation is the production of electricity. Transmission is the movement of that electricity from where it is produced to a local distribution system. Distribution is the delivery of purchased power to the consumer. Because the price cap on generation rates is set to expire, consumers are free to choose the company from which their electricity is generated (EGC) while continuing to receive one billing statement including costs for generation from one company and transmission and distribution from their current company (EDC). OCA is offering answers to a number of frequently asked questions to assist consumers in making the most of their electric generation choice. For more information, go to http://www.oca.state.pa.us
PA Slides into Snowmobiling Season Winter weather and cold temperatures are enticing the snowmobiling community to get out and enjoy Penn's Woods, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Visitors are permitted to run their snowmobiles on specified state forests and state parks after the last day of deer season in December to April 1, as long as there is enough snow cover. Most parks offer designated snowmobile trails for exploration. Others designate large, open spaces for snowmobiling. State parks also provide trailhead access to snowmobile trails on state forest land. Find out where there is snow in state parks with our Winter Activities Report, updated twice a week from December until spring thaw. Snowmobile riders in Pennsylvania's state forests and parks have access to 3,140 miles of marked joint-use state forest roads, closed roads, and trails in 18 of the state's 20 state forest districts, which include 243 trail miles and 93 road miles available in 34 state parks. Take a few moments to review the PA Snowmobile and ATV Guide (PDF) to ensure compliance with PA laws regulating the operation, registration, titling, and insuring of snowmobiles and ATVs. For additional details on registration, call toll-free 1-866-545-2476. DCNR is providing condition updates on its toll-free, snowmobile hot line at 1-877-SNOMBLE (1-877-766-6253). DCNR also provides weather and condition reports online for state parks and forests.  Motorists Should Be Prepared for Winter Weather
Winter weather can mean tougher driving conditions for motorists, so it's important to be prepared and obey state laws that are aimed at improving safety. Motorists are required by law to clear their vehicles' windows of ice and snow before driving. Driving without full visibility can lead to accidents, and ice or snow that falls from your vehicle can pose a serious threat to others on the road. Under law, if snow or ice is dislodged or falls from a moving vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious bodily injury, the operator of the source vehicle is subject to a fine of $200 to $1,000 for each offense. Police may also site motorists for not clearing their vehicles' windows. State law also requires headlights to be turned on whenever windshield wipers are in use. When there is limited visibility, motorists should keep their lights on the low beams, especially during heavy snowfall. Because weather and road conditions can worsen abruptly during the winter, motorists should always check the forecast before traveling. Road conditions for interstates and some limited-access highways are now available by calling 511 from home or while stopped in a safe location, or by visiting www.511pa.com. 511PA provides free, 24-hour information services, including traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, regional tourism information, and links to transit agencies and major airports. The 511PA roadway network includes all 1,759 miles of interstate highways, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike and other major roadways.
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Harrisburg Office Email: gyaw@pasen.gov District Offices 1-800-443-5772
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2010 PA Farm Show A Proud Tradition
