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April 3, 2009

Senator Mike Waugh
E-News Update

In this Edition:

• Welcome
• Waugh Appointed to Stimulus Oversight Commission
• Sterner Family Honored for Scouting Accomplishments
• Waugh Legislation Headed to the House
• Bill Would Allow Vietnam Veterans to Receive High School Diploma
• "The Mike Waugh Report"
• National Work Zone Awareness Week
• Forest Fire Suppression Grants Available

Hello Friends!

I hope you are all enjoying the fresh start to spring.  In Harrisburg, it has been a busy few weeks since my last e-newsletter, so keep reading for the many updates in this edition.  However, if there is a topic that hasn’t been covered, or you’d like to learn more about something mentioned below, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Waugh Appointed to Pennsylvania Stimulus Oversight Commission

On Friday, March 27th, Governor Rendell signed an executive order calling for the creation of the Pennsylvania Stimulus Oversight Commission to ensure proper use of the stimulus funds that Pennsylvania is receiving from the Federal government. 

Senator Dominic Pileggi, Majority Leader, appointed me to represent the Senate Republican Caucus on the Commission, which is comprised of one representative from each of the four state legislative caucuses, a representative from each Congressional caucus, and designees for U.S. Senators Robert Casey and Arlen Specter, among others. 

It is a great honor to have been chosen to serve on the Stimulus Oversight Commission, and I look forward to working with the other members to fulfill our responsibility to all of Pennsylvania to utilize the Federal stimulus funds in a fiscally responsible manner. 

Sterner Family Honored by the Senate for Scouting Accomplishments

The Sterner girls come from a strong scouting background, as well.  Their mother, Joan, was a Girl Scout for 12 years and went on to serve as a Junior Scout Leader for 10 years.  Joan’s two brothers were also successful in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and her parents served as leaders within the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.  Joan’s parents and one brother accompanied the family to Harrisburg for the recognition.

Waugh Legislation Headed to the House

The past two weeks have proven successful for a number of bills that I have introduced in this new legislative session.

First, Senate Bill 195, which amends the Industrialized Housing Act to regulate the construction of industrialized and commercial modular buildings, was passed unanimously by the Senate on March 24th.  It has since been referred to the House Labor Relations Committee.  Currently, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) regulates and provides standards for manufactured housing, but SB 195 would establish a similar program for modular buildings used for industrial and commercial purposes.  The modular housing industry is regulated to ensure the residents of those units are safe, so I felt it only makes sense to do the same for industrialized and commercial modular buildings to ensure the safety of those who occupy them.

Just this past Wednesday, Senate Bill 605, which establishes robbery of a financial institution as a second degree felony, regardless of the method used to commit the robbery, garnered support of the Senate by a vote of 49-1.  Currently, Pennsylvania law only defines “robbery” and “robbery of a motor vehicle.” SB 605 would address the specific action of taking or removing money of a financial institution, and now classifies such a robbery as a felony of the second degree.  The bill also includes language to ensure equal classification of all bank robberies, regardless of how the demand for money is made, whether it is done orally or in writing.   

Bill Would Allow Vietnam Veterans to Receive High School Diploma

For the second legislative session I have introduced legislation, Senate Bill 674, to allow school districts to award high school diplomas to honorably discharged Vietnam veterans who were unable to graduate from high school because they entered military service.

Act 73 of 2001 established “Operation Recognition,” providing school districts the authority to grant high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans of World War II.  Act 187 of 2002 extended the program to Korean Conflict veterans, but Vietnam veterans have not yet been included in the program.

SB 674 has been referred to the Senate Education Committee for consideration.

April Edition of “The Mike Waugh Report”

In this month’s episode of “The Mike Waugh Report” Senator Jake Corman, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined me for a discussion regarding the 2009-2010 budget, and the process that is before us to pass a balanced budget by June 30th during these difficult economic times.

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 to view the show online.

April 6th Kicks off National Work Zone Awareness Week 2009

Just as the highway construction season kicks into high gear, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) joins the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in the 10th annual observance of National Work Zone Awareness Week 2009 set for April 6-10, 2009.

The nationwide public awareness campaign, “Drive to Survive – Our Future Is Riding On It,” is aimed at reducing death and injuries in work zones across the country.  In 2007, 835 workers and motorists were killed in highway work zones and more than 40,000 suffered injuries.  Eighty-five percent of those killed in work zones are drivers or their passengers. 

Driving safely through a work zone is not just a good idea; it’s the law in Pennsylvania.  Fines are doubled in work zones and headlights are required.

Attention Rural Fire Companies: Grants Available for Forest Fire Suppression

Applications for grants to fund forest fire suppression equipment, clothing, and training are being accepted by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources until 4:00 p.m. on May 14, 2009.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is making available a total of $559,200 in federal funds to the State’s Bureau of Forestry to help Pennsylvania’s rural communities better guard against fires in forested, undeveloped, and unprotected areas.  The maximum grant that will be considered for any fire company in 2009 is $7,500. 

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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