Hot Topics

2010-2011 BUDGET

• Senate Budget Hearings – Summaries and Videos
  • March 2, 2010 - During the Department of Education budget hearing, Senator Mike Waugh (R-28) questions Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak about staffing decisions at the school level.
    
  • February 24, 2010 – Senator Waugh questions PEMA Director Robert French about 911 funding losses through prepaid wireless cell phones and cards.
    
  • February 17, 2010 - Senator Mike Waugh (R-28) discusses the importance of state fair funding with Agriculture Secretary Russ Redding.
    
  • February 16, 2010 - Senator Waugh questions the Secretary of Revenue and the Secretary of the Budget
    
• Budget Overview – The Senate Appropriations Committee has prepared an overview of the Governor’s Budget proposal
• February 9, 2010 – Governor’s Budget Address
• More Budget Information

FEDERAL STIMULUS DOLLARS

• February 2010 – Recovery Act Annual Report for Pennsylvania (PDF)
• January 2010 – Citizens' Update (PDF)
• October 2009 – A Citizens’ Update (PDF) has been compiled for residents of the Commonwealth to learn about the progress being made in Pennsylvania through the use of federal stimulus money.
• Assistance Available - Individuals, businesses and local governments may qualify for tax credits, grants and financing under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

• www.recovery.pa.gov - This website has been established to provide residents the ability to track the distribution and use of Pennsylvania's stimulus money. Find out how stimulus dollars are being spent in York County.

• Stimulus Oversight Commission – On March 27th Governor Rendell created a Commission to provide oversight of Pennsylvania's approximately $16 billion share of the Federal stimulus money, and I have been appointed to serve as the Senate Republican Caucus' representative.

SENATE RULES OF ETHICAL CONDUCT

• Senate Resolution 228 was introduced by Senator Scarnati on January 19, 2010.

• I have signed on as a co-sponsor of this bi-partisan set of rules that will ensure Senate members, their staff, and the public have a clear understanding of what conduct is and is not allowed within the Senate.

• The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations held a hearing on February 3, 2010 to gather testimony on the proposal. Click here to access audio clips and written testimony from guests.

Recent News

May 25, 2010 - During a meeting of the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, Senator Waugh explains his amendment to a bill that would impose an "E-911" surcharge on prepaid wireless phone cards.

May 5, 2010 - Senators Eichelberger and Waugh Seek Ways to Reduce the Burden of Mandates on Local Governments and Taxpayers

March 24, 2010 - Senate Unanimously Supports Waugh's Professional Licensure Legislation

March 16, 2010 - Governor Signs Waugh's Bank Robbery Legislation

March 9, 2010 - During session, Senator Waugh introduces Pennsylvania's Junior Miss, Ashley Gochoco.

more . . .

Announcements

2010 Census

It's Not Too Late To Be Counted!

If you haven't filled out your census form, be sure to do it soon! The Census helps the Federal Government distribute more than $400 billion each year back to states and local governments, which use the funding for such things as road improvements, schools, and emergency services. Every uncounted person equals an annual loss of $1,300 in revenue for your community. So, please take a few minutes to fill out your Census form, and drop it in the mail – no stamp required!

Click here to check Census participation rates.

H1N1 Flu Website

Pennsylvania’s Department of Health has launched a website, H1N1inPA.com, for residents to access important information regarding the virus.

Chesapeake Bay – Online Tools

The Chesapeake Bay Program has launched several online tools that can help you learn more about the Chesapeake Bay, the watershed in which you live, and the effects our daily lives have on the Bay.

Health Care Update

Click here to read an online newsletter covering important health care issues such as extended insurance for adult children, a mini-COBRA program for small employers, and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Local Technical Assistance Program
 (LTAP) for Municipalities

more announcements . .