Budget Update

This week is really the start of the end of this upcoming fiscal year’s budget negotiations.  In the coming days, many bills will go through the two chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly that will have a big impact on the livelihoods of residents of the commonwealth.  I encourage you to continue weighing in by reaching out to my office about your views on these issues because I always take into consideration what my constituents feel and contemplate the pros and cons when voting on matters.  With that being said, I often hold off on forming an opinion on a bill and expressing my views on the matter until the last minute since language often changes in the budget negotiations process.  So if you contact my office and do not receive a response on where my vote will be, it does not mean I’m not listening or do not care, I’m just waiting to see the final version of the language I will be voting on.  However, once the budget process takes form, I will be certain to update my constituents on the various aspects of not only the state spending plan, but also any other significant issues that arise over the next few weeks.

State Police Accepting Applications for State Police Cadet

The Pennsylvania State Police is accepting applications for State Police Cadet.  Information regarding the selection process and qualifications can be obtained by visiting www.patrooper.com.  You may also apply online on this site.

The entry-level law enforcement examination for the position of Pennsylvania State Police Cadet is periodically administered by the Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commission (SCSC) at its computer-based testing centers.  The next written examination is anticipated for August 2016. Anticipated test dates are subject to change.  Applications for the position of Cadet that are received after 11:59 p.m., June 30, 2016 will be held on file for future examinations.

Qualified applicants for the position of Cadet, who submit applications before 11:59 p.m., June 30, 2016, will be notified via email after June 30, 2016, with instructions on how to register with SCSC to take the entry-level law enforcement examination when an examination is scheduled to be administered.  Others who attempt to register with SCSC who have not been pre-qualified by the State Police will be denied.
Since qualified candidates will receive instructions by email, it is important that contact information is current. To update contact information, candidates may log back into the application using their email address and password.

Questions related to the written examination should be referred to the PSP Bureau of Human Resources, Officer Testing and Placement Division, by email at ra-entrylevelexam@pa.gov.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Deadline Extended

The deadline to file for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue 2015 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has been extended through December 31.  Rebate distribution will begin on July 1 for anyone who returned their completed application by June 30.  After June 30, rebates will be distributed as claims are reviewed and processed by the Department of Revenue.

If you filed a paper rebate last year, you should have received a 2015 application by now.  If you have not received an application, or did not apply last year and wish to apply this year, applications are available at www.revenue.pa.gov or at my district offices, and my staff would be happy to assist you in preparing your application.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and over; widows and widowers age 50 and over; and people with disabilities age 18 and over.  Homeowners with a maximum yearly income of $35,000 and renters with a maximum yearly income of $15,000 are eligible for a rebate.  Keep in mind half of Social Security income is excluded.  Some applicants who previously received rebates may continue to qualify despite Social Security cost-of-living adjustments that may have pushed their income past eligibility limits.

ARLE Grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting applications for Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) grants though June 30.  Local governments, authorities, metropolitan planning organizations, rural planning organizations, county planning organizations and commonwealth agencies are all eligible to apply.

This program is intended to fund worthwhile, relatively low-cost projects that improve the safety and mobility of the traveling public.  The kinds of eligible projects vary widely from improvements to traffic signals, to roadway improvements at signalized intersections, to school zones, guiderail, and roadside safety.  There is no local match requirement but cost sharing is encouraged.

For more information on the program and to download an application, please click here or visit www.dot.state.pa.us/signals. 

12th Annual FontanaFest – DATE CHANGE!

Due to a scheduling conflict at Highmark Stadium, I want to let everyone know that the 12th Annual FontanaFest has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 24 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Once again, parking will be free in the stadium’s West Lot, compliments of Forest City! 

The annual community event is perfect for families and children, promoting healthy and active lifestyles by providing many fun activities and crafts.  Children will also have the chance to play on several inflatables, an obstacle course, and a climbing wall.  All Attendees also are provided with the opportunity to engage with several organizations from around the region and receive important information on available services and programs, nutrition, health care, jobs and jobs training.  I’m also thrilled that once again this year, students from Pittsburgh Musical Theatre will join us to perform at 11:15 a.m.! 

Stay tuned throughout the summer for updates on the schedule of events, participants, and more.

Fresh Paint Days in Pennsylvania – Grant Applications

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is accepting applications for their Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania program.  The annual program, held in partnership with Behr and The Home Depot, is designed to provide community groups with paint and painting supplies to enable them to renew a community structure in need of some attention. 

Applications are available by clicking here or visiting http://illegaldumpfreepa.org/keep-it/ and are due no later than July 31.  All applications will be evaluated by a review committee with grants awarded in August.  Projects must be completed during Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania, September 1 – 30.
 
Below are a list of grant criteria and more information about the program.

• Available to any tax-exempt group in Pennsylvania.  Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply.
  
  
• Each application is eligible for up to 20 gallons of exterior paint provided by Behr and a $50 Home Depot gift card for painting supplies.
  
  
• Only one building per application is allowed.  Applicants can submit multiple applications.
  
  
• Once receiving award notification, applicants must provide proof of liability insurance and signed permission to paint from the property owner.
  
  
• Required to submit two “before” photos of the intended project.
  
  
• Applicants must adhere to a 20 gallon limit of exterior paint, chosen from the Behr line.

For more information about the grant program please contact Michelle Dunn at 1-877-772-3673, ext. 113 or mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.

Upcoming Lunch and Learn Event

The Allegheny County APPRISE/Allegheny Link program is hosting its next Lunch and Learn on Thursday, July 14.  APPRISE is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Pennsylvania’s Medicare beneficiaries.  The Pennsylvania Department of Aging created APPRISE to help citizens with Medicare understand their health insurance options so they can make informed decisions about which plan is best for them.

The July 14 event will feature a presentation on the private insurance coverage under the Medicare system.  A key characteristic of the Medicare system is the reliance on private insurance enhancements and supplements to help with the costs that traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover.  This presentation will examine the different kinds of private insurance coverage under the Medicare system such as Medigaps, Part C Advantage plans, Part D drug coverage, and employer sponsored coverage. Presenters will show how each type of product works, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they coordinate with Parts A and B.  Also how to compare and evaluate each option to get the most effective coverage will be discussed.

The program starts at 11:30 a.m. with lunch with the presentation beginning at noon and running until 3 p.m. and will take place at the Allegheny County Human Service Building, located at One Smithfield Street in downtown Pittsburgh.

For more information about this program or to R.S.V.P., please contact Bill McKendree at 412-661-1670, ext. 645 or mckendreew@fswp.org.

Summer Food Program for Children

Children ages 18 and younger can participate in the Allegheny County Summer Food program.  Summer Food will run in over 80 locations in Allegheny County through August.  At these locations, children can receive a free breakfast and lunch during the summer recess from school.  For more information on the program, including information on locations and times, please call the Allegheny County Department of Human Services at 1-800-851-3838.  You may also view a listing of Summer Food program sites by clicking here.

Morningside Community Yard Sale

Morningside’s annual community yard sale will be held this weekend, on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. each day.  There are upwards of 100 homes participating, starting on Baker Street at Jancey Street.  Everyone is invited to join the fun, food and find a treasure or two.  Proceeds from the yard sale benefit Morningside Area Community Council neighborhood events.

Fontana Fact

In Pennsylvania there are 121 state parks, 2.2 million acres of state forests, 5,700 local parks and over 11,000 miles of trails.

Brookline District 932 Brookline Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15226 Phone: 412-344-2551 Fax: 412-344-3400 Weekdays – 9 am – 5 pm	Harrisburg 543 Main Capitol Box 203042 Harrisburg, PA 17120 Phone: 717-787-5300 Fax: 717-772-5484 Weekdays – 8:30 am – 5 pm	Kennedy Township Kenmawr Plaza 524 Pine Hollow Road Kennedy Twp, PA 15136 Phone: 412-331-1208 Fax: 412-331-2079 Weekdays – 10 am – 4 pm
Beechview Satellite 1660 Broadway Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15216 Phone: 412-343-2080 Fax: 412-343-2418 Tuesdays – 10 am – 4 pm Northside (Mobile Office) Carnegie Library Allegheny Branch 1230 Federal Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Wednesdays – 10 am – 4 pm Lawrenceville (Mobile Office) Carnegie Library 279 Fisk Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201 Thursdays - 11 am - 4 pm