Rep. Evans April 2009
Content
EVANS
PO Box 202005 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2005
State Representative
John
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HARRISBURG, PA PERMIT NO. 529
SPRING 2009
Dear Resident,
Even though the new legislative session started a couple of months ago, it is already turning out to be one of the more challenging ones I have witnessed in Harrisburg. This year is also my first serving on the House Appropriations Committee, and during February and March, we heard testimony offered on the governor’s $29 billion budget proposal. In these tough economic times, we know that many, many families are struggling, and even more families and individuals are fearful of what their future may hold. This situation has been at the forefront of our budget hearings and discussions. The members of the Republican Appropriation Committee’s thoughts on the budget is that we must curtail state spending, and our caucus has taken that challenge very seriously by reducing our expenses 10 percent in each of the last three budgets, and we have plans to cut our costs even more this year. Unfortunately, our priorities for next year’s budget are not quite meshing with those of the administration, and I foresee a very interesting budget approval process in the coming months. In the meantime, there are a number of programs and services that are available to help Pennsylvania families in facing these difficult times. You’ll find more information about where you can find the details of the programs on Page 2. In addition, we are working on several other issues, and details about various pieces of legislation – as well as happenings around the district – are located inside this edition of my newsletter. If you should ever need assistance with a state-related problem or issue, please do not hesitate to contact any of my offices. Complete contact information is on the last page of this newsletter.
Evans to be Honored by Community Health Care Association
Seeing that health care is affordable and accessible to residents of northwestern Pennsylvania, as well as those who live throughout the Commonwealth, has been one of my priorities while serving at the state Capitol. Therefore, I sponsored legislation last session that would give additional funding to Federally Qualified Health Centers and other “look-a-like” community health centers in Pennsylvania. There are two such centers right here in the 5th District: Primary Health Net in Linesville and Conneaut Valley Health Center in Conneautville. These centers are so valuable because not only do they offer health care services, but they can serve as a “medical home” – meaning they keep records and provide individuals and families with their own primary care physician and family practice. This helps ensure continuity of care. Fortunately, the proposal passed the House, but there wasn’t enough time in the last legislative session to gain approval by the Senate. However, similar proposals are included in this session, and I am hopeful they will be signed into law so that thousands of Pennsylvania residents can have the quality medical care they need and deserve. As a result of this advocacy, five lawmakers, including myself, are being honored by the PA Association of Community Health Centers at an upcoming reception in the Capitol. Joining me in this honor are Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Westmoreland) and Sen. Edwin Erickson (R-Delaware) in addition to my colleagues who serve with me on the House Republican Health Care Task Force - Reps. Scott Boyd (R-Lancaster) and Kathy Watson (R-Bucks). We are very humbled to receive this award from an organization that does such fine work for our health care community.
To maintain the open lines of communication with local residents, I held a legislative breakfast at Ruth’s Restaurant in Conneautville on April 16. During the gathering, which was attended by 30 people, I spoke about the upcoming state budget negotiations, as well as other legislation and policy issues the House Republican Caucus is developing this legislative session.
New Web Site Launched to Help During Economic Crisis
Pennsylvania has a new online resource to help residents find the government resources their families may need during this economic crisis. Through the Web site HereToHelp.pa.gov, Pennsylvanians can find information regarding employment, family services, housing, programs for senior citizens and economic development. Through the employment section of the Web site, visitors can access the online unemployment compensation form, information on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Adult Basic health insurance, as well as job training and employment opportunities. The housing section includes beneficial information regarding mortgage assistance and ways to lower home heating bills. Information about other programs available to Commonwealth residents is available on my Web site at RepEvans.com or by calling my offices at (814) 734-2793, (814) 774-2892 or (814) 683-5550.
Track the Federal Stimulus in PA
You cannot turn on the television news or read an article in the newspaper these days without hearing about the federal stimulus plan and what it means in Pennsylvania. Known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, its intent is to jumpstart the economy and get people working again. While the new law was very controversial in getting passed, it’s now a reality, and I hope this money can be spent in a way that will be beneficial to all. After all, it is YOUR money. As of this writing, Pennsylvania is expecting to receive upward of $16 billion in federal stimulus money for a wide range of projects –from transportation and infrastructure to health care and education to helping those who have been affected by the struggling economy. Many of the details of funding are still being worked out, and there continues to be a lot of questions as the money is being committed and received. To ensure that the public is well informed of where their money is going, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has posted an Internet Web site at Recovery.PA.gov that is your link to the stimulus. You can access the stimulus information online through my Web site at RepEvans.com, you can read the basics of the stimulus, review a presentation given to the Legislature, read the full text of the new law, learn about grant opportunities, link to federal agency recovery sites, and find out where your money is going on a nationwide scale.
Nearly 100 students from Edinboro University showcased their musical talents in the state Capitol Rotunda on March 18. The public concert featured the Edinboro University Singers (pictured at right), a concert choir of about 52 students, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and the university’s 48-student concert band. The concert represented the first performance at the State Capitol for either of the musical groups. They were led by Dr. Gary Grant and Dr. Peter van den Honert. Pictured with us is Edinboro President Dr. Jeremy Brown.
A group of Conneaut Lake High School students were recently honored for their efforts to promote safe driving. The entry in PennDOT’s “Drive Safe PA” radio contest was submitted by senior Mark Holcomb; juniors Cameron Smith, Holly Bond and Robert Courtney; sophomore Morgan Thompson; and freshman Matthew Johnson. During their trip to Harrisburg to record the spot, they joined me for lunch and a tour of the state Capitol. The radio spot will air throughout the state in May. Pictured with me are (back row, from left): Matt Johnson, Cameron Bish, Mark Holcomb, and John Wiltrout; (front row) Morgan Thompson, Holly Bond and English teacher Mary Morris.
V I S I T
M Y
W E B
S I
Around the District. . .
Tradition to Continue Feeding Bread to Carp at Linesville Spillway
The long-standing tradition of feeding bread to the carp at the Pymatuning State Park Spillway will continue for the foreseeable future. The spillway is a tremendous asset to our region and local economy, and I appreciate the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and other state agencies coming together to work with us in preserving the timehonored family traditions at the spillway. I’d like to thank the residents and local businesses for their efforts in the re-evaluation of this monumental decision. Your voices truly made a difference. To ensure your voices were heard about the proposed ban, I joined with Sen. Bob Robbins and Rep. Michele Brooks in hosting a public meeting in Linesville last September. More than 350 turned out to oppose the ban. This final decision from the DCNR follows months of evaluation by the state agency. Last year, DCNR proposed a controversial ban on the feeding of bread in an effort to keep the spillway clean and to discourage overabundance of geese at the spillway. In order for the federal government, under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to manage the geese, both agencies compromised to propose the feeding of fish through fish pellets that would have been sold at the spillway. Last fall, DCNR put the ban on hold for a year to re-evaluate its proposal. In the meantime, visitors to the spillway were allowed to continue feeding bread to the fish. At a time when our regional economy is struggling, both visitors and businesses depend on the spillway. It would have been a true shame to diminish a major attraction in our backyard. I applaud DCNR officials and those of the other state agencies involved for re-evaluating the decision and allowing the feeding of bread to continue. More than 300,000 people visit the spillway each year, making it one of the most visited attractions in Pennsylvania, and a decision to prohibit bread from the spillway would have had a significant impact on local businesses and tourism.
Committee hears about perils of universal health care
To help learn more about universal health care and its impact on people, the House Republican Policy Committee and its Health Care Task Force traveled to Edinboro on April 30. A public hearing allowed us to further study universal health care and the single-payer insurance system. Such a system may very well put the government in charge of health care decisions – decisions that should be made by an individual and his or her physician. Several countries including Canada and Europe have single-payer systems where consumers are on long waiting lists for health care services. Many even come to the United States to get their care. Our hearing focused on the failures of these systems and brought in experts from all over the world to discuss why Pennsylvania and the nation should not move to a government-run health care system. Our task force, of which I have been a member since 2007, has been developing and advocating health care policies that put the consumer in charge of their health care decisions, rather than some government bureaucrat. To that end, we are also consistently fighting for more accessible and more affordable health care in order to ensure that no one is without access to quality health care. More information about our plan is available on my Web site at RepEvans.com.
House GOP Policy Committee Traveled to Edinboro
Jamie Forinash, a 4-H student from Springboro, recently visited Harrisburg and joined me in my office for a discussion on agricultural and education issues. She was in Harrisburg for Pennsylvania 4-H Capitol Day. Jamie, a senior at Cambridge Springs High School, is the 2009 PA 4-H State Council president.
Devin Smith, a student at the Erie County Technical School, visited the Capitol this winter as part of Career and Technology Education Week sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Smith, who is enrolled in the electronics program at the school, attends Girard High School, and has participated in the SkillsUSA electronic competitions, Rotary’s leadership camp and Edinboro University’s American Society for Metals (ASM) International Program. He plans to enter the Pittsburgh Institute of Technology this summer to study electrical engineering technology.
T E :
R E P E V A N S . C O M
Robert “Doc” Orr (center), a council member in Girard Borough, was recently sworn in as president of the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs at a conference in Hershey. As a result of Orr’s term as president of the organization, I was given the privilege of swearing in “Doc” and his colleagues. At the ceremony were (from left): Ronald Evanko, second vice president from Blairsville, Indiana County; James Felmlee, first vice president from Lewistown Borough, Mifflin County; Orr; and Thomas Oliverio, past president from Zelienople Borough, Butler County.
In March, I had the pleasure of welcoming Bavarian students Stefanie Bauernseino and Teresa Furst to the Pennsylvania Capitol. The students spent six weeks in Pennsylvania learning about American culture and education techniques. In addition to spending time in American classrooms, the students – who will become teachers upon finishing their studies – visited several educational sites in Pennsylvania. They were hosted by local resident Becky Travis (second from right), a retired teacher who lives in Edinboro.
My district office is here to help you. Services my staff and I provide include: Driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals Assistance with PennDOT paperwork (lost cards, changes, corrections, special registration plates, vanity plates, and temporary placards for disabled persons) PACE and PACENET applications for seniors Property Tax and Rent Rebate applications Voter registration forms and absentee ballot applications State tax forms Student aid applications Free state maps, state park information, and PA Vacation Guides Copies of legislation Tours of the State Capitol Referrals to agencies to resolve state-related matters If you need help with any of the above or with any other staterelated matter, please do not hesitate to call my district office.
Stacey Anderton, a resident of Linesville, was recently honored as Pennsylvania’s Journalism Teacher of the Year. Anderton, who teaches at Saegertown High School, was presented with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives sponsored by myself and Rep. Brad Roae (R-Crawford). Cassandra Boni, pictured at right with her fiancé Jeff, recently joined my legislative staff and is working out of my Girard office. A 2008 graduate of Edinboro University, Cassandra earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a minor in political science, and she’s currently working toward her master’s degree. She also currently resides in Girard.
DISTRICT OFFICE SERVICES
State Representative
JOHN EVANS
Edinboro: 123 Meadville Street Edinboro, PA 16412 Phone: (814) 734-2793 / Fax: (814) 734-4534 Girard: 4880 Birchdale Drive, Suite 2 Girard, PA 16417 Phone: (814) 774-2892 / Fax: (814) 774-7122 Linesville: 158 West Erie Street P.O. Box 455, Linesville, PA 16424 Phone: (814) 683-5550 / Fax: (814) 683-4246 Harrisburg: P.O. Box 202005 107 Ryan Office Bldg., Harrisburg, PA 17120-2005 Phone: (717) 772-9940 Fax: (717) 772-7099
RepEvans.com
[email protected]
PO Box 202005 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2005
State Representative
John
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HARRISBURG, PA PERMIT NO. 529
SPRING 2009
Dear Resident,
Even though the new legislative session started a couple of months ago, it is already turning out to be one of the more challenging ones I have witnessed in Harrisburg. This year is also my first serving on the House Appropriations Committee, and during February and March, we heard testimony offered on the governor’s $29 billion budget proposal. In these tough economic times, we know that many, many families are struggling, and even more families and individuals are fearful of what their future may hold. This situation has been at the forefront of our budget hearings and discussions. The members of the Republican Appropriation Committee’s thoughts on the budget is that we must curtail state spending, and our caucus has taken that challenge very seriously by reducing our expenses 10 percent in each of the last three budgets, and we have plans to cut our costs even more this year. Unfortunately, our priorities for next year’s budget are not quite meshing with those of the administration, and I foresee a very interesting budget approval process in the coming months. In the meantime, there are a number of programs and services that are available to help Pennsylvania families in facing these difficult times. You’ll find more information about where you can find the details of the programs on Page 2. In addition, we are working on several other issues, and details about various pieces of legislation – as well as happenings around the district – are located inside this edition of my newsletter. If you should ever need assistance with a state-related problem or issue, please do not hesitate to contact any of my offices. Complete contact information is on the last page of this newsletter.
Evans to be Honored by Community Health Care Association
Seeing that health care is affordable and accessible to residents of northwestern Pennsylvania, as well as those who live throughout the Commonwealth, has been one of my priorities while serving at the state Capitol. Therefore, I sponsored legislation last session that would give additional funding to Federally Qualified Health Centers and other “look-a-like” community health centers in Pennsylvania. There are two such centers right here in the 5th District: Primary Health Net in Linesville and Conneaut Valley Health Center in Conneautville. These centers are so valuable because not only do they offer health care services, but they can serve as a “medical home” – meaning they keep records and provide individuals and families with their own primary care physician and family practice. This helps ensure continuity of care. Fortunately, the proposal passed the House, but there wasn’t enough time in the last legislative session to gain approval by the Senate. However, similar proposals are included in this session, and I am hopeful they will be signed into law so that thousands of Pennsylvania residents can have the quality medical care they need and deserve. As a result of this advocacy, five lawmakers, including myself, are being honored by the PA Association of Community Health Centers at an upcoming reception in the Capitol. Joining me in this honor are Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Westmoreland) and Sen. Edwin Erickson (R-Delaware) in addition to my colleagues who serve with me on the House Republican Health Care Task Force - Reps. Scott Boyd (R-Lancaster) and Kathy Watson (R-Bucks). We are very humbled to receive this award from an organization that does such fine work for our health care community.
To maintain the open lines of communication with local residents, I held a legislative breakfast at Ruth’s Restaurant in Conneautville on April 16. During the gathering, which was attended by 30 people, I spoke about the upcoming state budget negotiations, as well as other legislation and policy issues the House Republican Caucus is developing this legislative session.
New Web Site Launched to Help During Economic Crisis
Pennsylvania has a new online resource to help residents find the government resources their families may need during this economic crisis. Through the Web site HereToHelp.pa.gov, Pennsylvanians can find information regarding employment, family services, housing, programs for senior citizens and economic development. Through the employment section of the Web site, visitors can access the online unemployment compensation form, information on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Adult Basic health insurance, as well as job training and employment opportunities. The housing section includes beneficial information regarding mortgage assistance and ways to lower home heating bills. Information about other programs available to Commonwealth residents is available on my Web site at RepEvans.com or by calling my offices at (814) 734-2793, (814) 774-2892 or (814) 683-5550.
Track the Federal Stimulus in PA
You cannot turn on the television news or read an article in the newspaper these days without hearing about the federal stimulus plan and what it means in Pennsylvania. Known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, its intent is to jumpstart the economy and get people working again. While the new law was very controversial in getting passed, it’s now a reality, and I hope this money can be spent in a way that will be beneficial to all. After all, it is YOUR money. As of this writing, Pennsylvania is expecting to receive upward of $16 billion in federal stimulus money for a wide range of projects –from transportation and infrastructure to health care and education to helping those who have been affected by the struggling economy. Many of the details of funding are still being worked out, and there continues to be a lot of questions as the money is being committed and received. To ensure that the public is well informed of where their money is going, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has posted an Internet Web site at Recovery.PA.gov that is your link to the stimulus. You can access the stimulus information online through my Web site at RepEvans.com, you can read the basics of the stimulus, review a presentation given to the Legislature, read the full text of the new law, learn about grant opportunities, link to federal agency recovery sites, and find out where your money is going on a nationwide scale.
Nearly 100 students from Edinboro University showcased their musical talents in the state Capitol Rotunda on March 18. The public concert featured the Edinboro University Singers (pictured at right), a concert choir of about 52 students, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and the university’s 48-student concert band. The concert represented the first performance at the State Capitol for either of the musical groups. They were led by Dr. Gary Grant and Dr. Peter van den Honert. Pictured with us is Edinboro President Dr. Jeremy Brown.
A group of Conneaut Lake High School students were recently honored for their efforts to promote safe driving. The entry in PennDOT’s “Drive Safe PA” radio contest was submitted by senior Mark Holcomb; juniors Cameron Smith, Holly Bond and Robert Courtney; sophomore Morgan Thompson; and freshman Matthew Johnson. During their trip to Harrisburg to record the spot, they joined me for lunch and a tour of the state Capitol. The radio spot will air throughout the state in May. Pictured with me are (back row, from left): Matt Johnson, Cameron Bish, Mark Holcomb, and John Wiltrout; (front row) Morgan Thompson, Holly Bond and English teacher Mary Morris.
V I S I T
M Y
W E B
S I
Around the District. . .
Tradition to Continue Feeding Bread to Carp at Linesville Spillway
The long-standing tradition of feeding bread to the carp at the Pymatuning State Park Spillway will continue for the foreseeable future. The spillway is a tremendous asset to our region and local economy, and I appreciate the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and other state agencies coming together to work with us in preserving the timehonored family traditions at the spillway. I’d like to thank the residents and local businesses for their efforts in the re-evaluation of this monumental decision. Your voices truly made a difference. To ensure your voices were heard about the proposed ban, I joined with Sen. Bob Robbins and Rep. Michele Brooks in hosting a public meeting in Linesville last September. More than 350 turned out to oppose the ban. This final decision from the DCNR follows months of evaluation by the state agency. Last year, DCNR proposed a controversial ban on the feeding of bread in an effort to keep the spillway clean and to discourage overabundance of geese at the spillway. In order for the federal government, under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to manage the geese, both agencies compromised to propose the feeding of fish through fish pellets that would have been sold at the spillway. Last fall, DCNR put the ban on hold for a year to re-evaluate its proposal. In the meantime, visitors to the spillway were allowed to continue feeding bread to the fish. At a time when our regional economy is struggling, both visitors and businesses depend on the spillway. It would have been a true shame to diminish a major attraction in our backyard. I applaud DCNR officials and those of the other state agencies involved for re-evaluating the decision and allowing the feeding of bread to continue. More than 300,000 people visit the spillway each year, making it one of the most visited attractions in Pennsylvania, and a decision to prohibit bread from the spillway would have had a significant impact on local businesses and tourism.
Committee hears about perils of universal health care
To help learn more about universal health care and its impact on people, the House Republican Policy Committee and its Health Care Task Force traveled to Edinboro on April 30. A public hearing allowed us to further study universal health care and the single-payer insurance system. Such a system may very well put the government in charge of health care decisions – decisions that should be made by an individual and his or her physician. Several countries including Canada and Europe have single-payer systems where consumers are on long waiting lists for health care services. Many even come to the United States to get their care. Our hearing focused on the failures of these systems and brought in experts from all over the world to discuss why Pennsylvania and the nation should not move to a government-run health care system. Our task force, of which I have been a member since 2007, has been developing and advocating health care policies that put the consumer in charge of their health care decisions, rather than some government bureaucrat. To that end, we are also consistently fighting for more accessible and more affordable health care in order to ensure that no one is without access to quality health care. More information about our plan is available on my Web site at RepEvans.com.
House GOP Policy Committee Traveled to Edinboro
Jamie Forinash, a 4-H student from Springboro, recently visited Harrisburg and joined me in my office for a discussion on agricultural and education issues. She was in Harrisburg for Pennsylvania 4-H Capitol Day. Jamie, a senior at Cambridge Springs High School, is the 2009 PA 4-H State Council president.
Devin Smith, a student at the Erie County Technical School, visited the Capitol this winter as part of Career and Technology Education Week sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Smith, who is enrolled in the electronics program at the school, attends Girard High School, and has participated in the SkillsUSA electronic competitions, Rotary’s leadership camp and Edinboro University’s American Society for Metals (ASM) International Program. He plans to enter the Pittsburgh Institute of Technology this summer to study electrical engineering technology.
T E :
R E P E V A N S . C O M
Robert “Doc” Orr (center), a council member in Girard Borough, was recently sworn in as president of the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs at a conference in Hershey. As a result of Orr’s term as president of the organization, I was given the privilege of swearing in “Doc” and his colleagues. At the ceremony were (from left): Ronald Evanko, second vice president from Blairsville, Indiana County; James Felmlee, first vice president from Lewistown Borough, Mifflin County; Orr; and Thomas Oliverio, past president from Zelienople Borough, Butler County.
In March, I had the pleasure of welcoming Bavarian students Stefanie Bauernseino and Teresa Furst to the Pennsylvania Capitol. The students spent six weeks in Pennsylvania learning about American culture and education techniques. In addition to spending time in American classrooms, the students – who will become teachers upon finishing their studies – visited several educational sites in Pennsylvania. They were hosted by local resident Becky Travis (second from right), a retired teacher who lives in Edinboro.
My district office is here to help you. Services my staff and I provide include: Driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals Assistance with PennDOT paperwork (lost cards, changes, corrections, special registration plates, vanity plates, and temporary placards for disabled persons) PACE and PACENET applications for seniors Property Tax and Rent Rebate applications Voter registration forms and absentee ballot applications State tax forms Student aid applications Free state maps, state park information, and PA Vacation Guides Copies of legislation Tours of the State Capitol Referrals to agencies to resolve state-related matters If you need help with any of the above or with any other staterelated matter, please do not hesitate to call my district office.
Stacey Anderton, a resident of Linesville, was recently honored as Pennsylvania’s Journalism Teacher of the Year. Anderton, who teaches at Saegertown High School, was presented with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives sponsored by myself and Rep. Brad Roae (R-Crawford). Cassandra Boni, pictured at right with her fiancé Jeff, recently joined my legislative staff and is working out of my Girard office. A 2008 graduate of Edinboro University, Cassandra earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a minor in political science, and she’s currently working toward her master’s degree. She also currently resides in Girard.
DISTRICT OFFICE SERVICES
State Representative
JOHN EVANS
Edinboro: 123 Meadville Street Edinboro, PA 16412 Phone: (814) 734-2793 / Fax: (814) 734-4534 Girard: 4880 Birchdale Drive, Suite 2 Girard, PA 16417 Phone: (814) 774-2892 / Fax: (814) 774-7122 Linesville: 158 West Erie Street P.O. Box 455, Linesville, PA 16424 Phone: (814) 683-5550 / Fax: (814) 683-4246 Harrisburg: P.O. Box 202005 107 Ryan Office Bldg., Harrisburg, PA 17120-2005 Phone: (717) 772-9940 Fax: (717) 772-7099
RepEvans.com
[email protected]
