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February 6, 2009

 Senator Mike Waugh
E-News Update

In this Edition:

• Welcome
• Governor's Budget Address
• Volunteer Responder Tax Credit
• Waugh Re-Elected Caucus Chairman
• Agricultural Update
• Energy Tips Brochure
• What's New on "The Mike Waugh Report"

Hello Friends!

Welcome to this edition of my E-News Update.  The 2009-2010 legislative session is underway, so please continue reading to learn more about the happenings in Harrisburg, as well as additional topics that may prove helpful.  If of course, there is a topic you'd like more information on or if you have a suggestion for future editions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Governor's Budget Address

On February 4th, Governor Ed Rendell presented his 2009-2010 Budget Address to a joint legislative session.  His $28.9 billion budget proposal includes significant cuts to many important programs but also represents a $1.26 billion (4.5%) increase in spending over the current year's budget.

Currently, the year-to-date revenue shortfall for the Commonwealth is at about $1.08 billion, with a projected shortfall of $2.3 billion by June 30th, the end of the fiscal year.  Therefore, it will be necessary for the legislature to work with the Governor to reach a compromise and to pass a balanced budget within the current financial restraints.

While the Governor has proposed the elimination of 101 line items and reductions in 346 others, he has increased overall spending and proposed numerous tax increases, including a 10 cent-per-pack increase in Pennsylvania's cigarette tax, a new tax on cigars and smokeless tobacco, and the legalization of video poker machines in establishments with liquor licenses.

Clearly, we have a difficult challenge ahead of us as we work to pass the budget by June 30th.  Our next step in the legislature will be to conduct Budget Hearings with each state agency, and as a member of the Appropriations Committee I will have the opportunity to actively participate in these hearings.

Click to listen to or watch my response to the Governor's budget proposal:

Volunteer Responder Tax Credit Available
Volunteer responders can now apply for a $100.00 tax credit against their 2008 state income tax liability.  Eligibility is based on a point system with a minimum requirement of 50 points.

If you have not yet obtained an application, there are two formats available:

1) Click here to print a blank application

2) Click here to fill-in an application online and print for submission 

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the tax credit program.

Waugh Re-Elected Caucus Chairman

I am pleased to report that for the 2009-2010 legislative session my Senate Republican colleagues re-elected me as Majority Caucus Chairman.  This is a leadership position to which I was elected last session, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue building on the work I began during that time.

In addition, the majority of my committee assignments remained the same for this legislative session.  Most importantly, I am continuing to serve as the Vice Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and as a member of the Appropriations Committee.  Also, I remain on the Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, as well as the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.  However, I received a new assignment this year and was appointed to the Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee.

Agricultural Update

In January, I mailed an Agricultural Update newsletter to York County's many farm owners and agricultural producers.  Click on the link to read about a report on Pennsylvania's Agriculture Conservation Easement (ACE) Purchase Program, Agritainment Legislation, and an update on REAP, among other topics.

Energy Tips Brochure

In an effort to help individuals and organizations "go green" my office can provide you with a new brochure entitled "50 Energy Saving Tips."  Click here to download a copy or to place an order with my office.

What's New on "The Mike Waugh Report"

This month's edition of my monthly television show features Seven Valleys Vineyard and Winery in Shrewsbury Township.  Owner Lynn Hunter takes viewers on a tour beginning with a stop in the vineyards and continuing through the entire winemaking process.  My goal with this month's show was to educate viewers about viticulture – the form of horticulture specifically dealing with the growing and harvesting of grapes – as well as to promote the UnCork York Wine Trail's annual Tour de Tanks happening every weekend in March.

Tune in next month for my annual Farm Show edition of "The Mike Waugh Report".  This year I decided to give viewers a behind-the-scenes perspective through interviews with Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff, as well as the Farm Show's Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director, Patrick Kerwin and Larry Weaver, respectively.  In addition, I had the opportunity to interview an outstanding woman, Suzanne Myers, from Port Matilda, PA who trains wild Mustangs for competition and won the 2008 Midwest Mustang Challenge held in Wisconsin.

Be sure to watch White Rose Community Television (WRCT) (Channels 16 and 18 on Comcast) or Adams Community Television (Channel 19) to watch "The Mike Waugh Report" or visit my audio/video page online.

About the E-News Update

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My offices are here to serve you:
Don't forget to check my website at www.senatorwaugh.com from time to time for updates on legislation, local events and happenings in Harrisburg.  There is a link to email me if you have questions, suggestions or need additional information.  Otherwise, you may contact my district or Harrisburg offices at:

DISTRICT:
218 N. George Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 846-2828 (York)
(717) 382-9940 (Fawn Grove)

920 York Street
Hanover, PA 17331
(717) 637-7311

CAPITOL:
9 East Wing
Senate Box 203028
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3028
(717) 787-3817

TTY: 1-800-364-1581