Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

By SENATOR JOE SCARNATI Pennsylvania faces a monumental state pension crisis. Public employee pension systems were initially designed with the goal of balancing the retirement benefits of employees and interests of taxpayers. Unfortunately, economic conditions over the past several years have tipped the scales heavily against taxpayers. The state’s pension obligations are staggering. This year alone, we face a $1 billion increase in our pension contributions (in addition to $3.5 billion spent in 2014-15). As the pension crisis has continued to devour state resources and drive up property taxes, viable solutions have been difficult to come by. In the Senate, we have been actively working to find a solution to this increasing problem. I recently joined my Senate colleagues in passing Senate Bill 1, legislation to restore balance by restructuring the state’s public employee pension systems. While the pension problems are extremely complex, the goals and facts of Senate Bill 1 a...

Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) has been awarded a “Friend of the Food Industry Award” for 2014 by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association. The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) represents the employers of more than 100,000 individuals across PA. The award recognizes lawmakers whose voting records reflect the importance of fostering a healthy business climate in Pennsylvania to create jobs and spur economic development. “I’m pleased to accept this award and to help support small businesses and encourage economic growth within Pennsylvania,” Scarnati said. “Supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and food vendors within our communities play a central role in providing needed resources as well as good jobs.” Senator Scarnati was one of only 10 members of the Senate to receive the award. “These lawmakers have listened to PFMA members’ concerns during the past year and supported legislation that would have a positive impact on their businesses,” ...

Today at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, State Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) was sworn in as President Pro Tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate for 2015. This is the ninth time Senate colleagues have elected Senator Scarnati to the third-highest constitutional office in the Commonwealth. The Honorable Justice Thomas G. Saylor administered the Oath of Office. Following being sworn-in as President Pro Tempore, Senator Scarnati offered remarks on issues impacting the Commonwealth. “This year brings with it significant change and transitions across parts of the Legislative, Judicial and Executive branches of our government,” Scarnati said. “We will be confronted with a budget this year that will be just as challenging as the past few years. As we approach ways to balance the fiscal needs of our Commonwealth, we must ensure our schools have the tools that they need to provide outstanding educational opportunities and safe learning environments for our children.” “Moving the Sta...

This is a memo Senator Joe Scarnati sent to all members of the Senate: In the near future I plan on re-introducing legislation which would allow Pennsylvania wine consumers the convenience of making purchases by internet, mail or telephone and having the product shipped directly to their homes. This legislation will be similar to Senate Bill 101 of last session. The Liquor Code currently allows for wine to be shipped directly to consumers' homes only from Pennsylvania wineries. A consumer who orders wine from an out-of-state entity must have the product shipped to their nearest Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) store for pickup. In the 2005 “Granholm” Case the United State Supreme Court ruled that allowing only in-state wineries to ship directly to consumers was a violation of the Federal Commerce Clause. This legislation will bring Pennsylvania law into compliance with this ruling and provide added convenience and selection for consumers. My legislation...

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is encouraging the Department of Education and the Corbett Administration to immediately release $1.2 million designated in the state budget for the establishment of a rural community college. “The money was appropriated this year for the sole purpose of helping to establish the college. I am at a loss as to why the administration is interpreting the law in such a way as to deny the board of trustees the money they need to get this important initiative off the ground,” Causer said. “Under the law, the board has just one year to put together a comprehensive plan to outline the formation and operation of the college. Assembling such a plan will require a great deal of time and expertise and would be extremely difficult to accomplish without the state funding promised to them.” Act 126 of 2014 authorized the creation of the community college and was based on legislation sponsored by Causer in the House and by Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-B...

At the November meeting of Art in the Wilds, a citation from the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was read and shared with Committee members. The citation, sponsored and signed by Senator Joe Scarnati, was awarded to local artist John Bloomquist and detailed his many contributions to the quality of life of the people of the commonwealth. The citation recognizes John’s lifetime of achievement and contributions to the arts: as an art educator for 34 years in St. Marys, as a master potter and award winning artist with his signature pottery and paintings displayed and in private collections worldwide, as a founding member of the Art in the Wilds fine arts show, and as a champion of art and artists throughout the region. “The success of this Commonwealth, the strength of our communities and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals such as Mr. Bloomquist who use their talents and expertise to perpetuate the continuat...

HARRISBURG) – The Pennsylvania Department of Education has taken steps to establish Pennsylvania’s first Rural Regional Community College, announced Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25), Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) and Senator Scott Hutchinson (R-21). According to the legislators, the newly created community college is being established with the goal of offering two-year associate degrees, as well as training and certificate programs to underserved areas of the Commonwealth. Curriculum of the college will be determined by the Board of Trustees, based upon the future workforce needs of the designated region of Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, Venango and Warren counties. “I am very excited that groundwork for launching the Rural Regional Community College is now in place,” Senator Scarnati stated. “This will be the first community college to offer greatly needed higher educational opportunities to northwestern Pennsylvania. Thanks to input by edu...

HARRISBURG – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has named Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) a “Guardian of Small Business” for his strong legislative support of local, small and independent businesses. Scarnati was given a perfect 100 percent record by the NFIB for his voting record on key issues affecting job-creators during the 2013-2014 legislative session. “I am pleased to receive this award and to be an advocate for job creation and economic growth across our Commonwealth,” Scarnati said. “Local manufacturers, retailers, service providers and agriculture businesses play a vital role in Pennsylvania’s economy and are an essential part of our region.” Scarnati explained that NFIB is America’s leading small business association, which promotes and protects the right of individuals to own, operate and grow their businesses. The Guardian of Small Business Awards are given to Senators and Representatives who voted favorably on key small-business issues duri...

Joe Scarnati and other Senate leaders are suing outgoing Governor Tom Corbett over his vetoes of spending bills as the state budget was enacted this summer. The lawsuit argues that Corbett did not follow rules for providing public notice of vetoes, he used the line-item veto on the wrong type of legislation and he put the money in an unlawful reserve. Scarnati, Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi and Minority Leader Jay Costa want Commonwealth Court to invalidate the vetoes and the use of the reserve. Corbett's spokesman and legal office say the lawsuit is being reviewed. He vetoed $72 million for a variety of purposes. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) issued the following statement regarding the future of Denton Hill State Park: “Denton Hill State Park is a tremendous asset to our area, providing outstanding recreational opportunities to local residents and visitors to our region. Operation of the park has long been a collaboration between the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and a local concessionaire through a Concession Lease Agreement. “Unfortunately, the concessionaire has announced that Ski Denton is not financially able to open for the 2014-2015 ski season. I have been engaged in conversations with DCNR to determine opportunities moving forward that will provide for growth and promote year-round visitation at Denton Hill State Park. “DCNR has recently agreed to conduct a feasibility study of ski operations and all-season operation of concessions at Denton Hill State Park. The park is an important part of our community and I will continue to work with DCNR t...

HARRISBURG – Income eligibility guidelines for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program have changed under a new law that will enable more local residents to qualify for the program, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25). Scarnati, who supported the legislation, explained that House Bill 1067 was signed into law and will ensure that income increases due solely to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) will no longer disqualify claimants from receiving rebates. “Over the last four decades the Property Tax Rent Rebate Program has helped Pennsylvanians on a limited income by making housing costs more affordable,” Scarnati said. “I am pleased that this recent change will ensure individuals who have a need are not disqualified simply because of a Social Security COLA.” Scarnati explained that any homeowner with an annual income of up to $35,298 last year, who collects Social Security and received a property tax rebate in 2013 for claim year 2012 is encouraged to a...

The Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives have unanimously approved legislation which will help provide the Pennsylvania State Police with additional help searching for Eric Frein, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). Eric Frein is wanted by authorities for the alleged murder of Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Corporal Bryon K. Dickson II, and the alleged attempted murder of PSP Trooper Alex Douglass in Pike County on September 12, 2014. Scarnati, who strongly supported Senate Bill 720, explained that the bill was amended to extend the powers of arrest for out-of-state law enforcement personnel. This will allow State Police from surrounding states to help with the search for Frein, provided the Governor makes an emergency declaration. “Pennsylvanians expect and deserve the assurance that state government is doing all that we can to bring Eric Frein to justice,” Scarnati said. “This legislation is an important way that we are working together to pr...

The City of Bradford has received $75,000 in grant money for installation of the Hanley Park Trail and Fitness Area. The project is the final leg connecting the Community Parks Trail to Hanley Park. The fitness loop in the upper portion of the park is expected to include trails with information boards marking exercise stations. The grant from the Greenway Trails & Recreation Program will cover part of the $208,000 cost of the project. ~~~ HARRISBURG – The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has approved a total of $2,086,132 for six energy, trail and water and sewer projects in the 25th Senatorial District, announced Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). The projects approved for funding are a part of four different programs that are administered by the CFA, including the Flood Mitigation Program, Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement & Treatment Program, Alternative & Clean Energy Program and Greenways Trails & Recreation Program. “I am pleased that six projec...

The Senate approved legislation on Thursday to protect Pennsylvanians’ Second Amendment rights by preventing local jurisdictions from imposing firearms ordinances that are more restrictive than state laws, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25). Scarnati, who strongly supported the measure, explained that the amended version of House Bill 80 would prohibit local laws or ordinances attempting to regulate firearms or ammunition. The bill would allow an individual or organization to sue to block or overturn a local ordinance. If successful, the individual would be able to recover all expenses, including attorney fees, costs, expenses, and lost income from employment. “This legislation is a commonsense measure to not change, but simply clarify current law,” Scarnati said. “Senate Bill 80 clarifies existing law to ensure that firearms and ammunition laws are consistent across Pennsylvania.” “Unfortunately, anti-gun advocates are now pressuring local governments to enact ...

HARRISBURG – Legislation that now includes an increase to penalties for impersonating a physician in Pennsylvania, was unanimously passed by the Pennsylvania Senate on Wednesday, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25). Scarnati explained that House Bill 1357 was originally introduced to increase the penalties for impersonating public officials. Scarnati then offered an amendment to the bill to also increase violations for impersonating a physician. “Impersonating a physician can have dire consequences for individuals who unknowingly place their healthcare in the hands of someone who is not properly trained,” Scarnati said. “My amendment was aimed at helping to protect those seeking medical advice and treatment.” According to Scarnati, his amendment increased the offense from a second degree misdemeanor to a misdemeanor of the first degree. A measure to make this change was also introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Matt Baker. “I commend...

Scarnati to Assume Role of Caucus Chair & Oversee Garden in 2015 HARRISBURG -- The Chairmen of the Legislative Hunger Caucus and various hunger advocates joined together today for a public event to mark five successful years of the Capitol Hunger Garden and to recognize the efforts of those who have made this initiative possible. Additionally, they announced a change in leadership of the caucus beginning in 2015. During a closing ceremony, Legislative Hunger Caucus Chairs Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) and Representative Jake Wheatley (D-19) acknowledged the five successful years served by the Hunger Garden, an approximately 1,000 square-foot area of land adjacent to the State Capitol Building. They also praised the work of the master gardeners from the Penn State Cooperative Extension and local volunteers, as well as the support from the Department of General Services, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Feeding Pennsylvania, Hunger-Free Pennsylvania and the Pennsylv...

HARRISBURG – Legislation to further address substance abuse problems within communities across Pennsylvania will soon be introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25). Scarnati, who circulated a co-sponsorship memo today, explained that he intends to introduce legislation to provide for better utilization of FDA-approved medications for the prevention of relapse for individuals with an opioid dependence. “Unfortunately the drug epidemic is becoming more widespread in all parts of Pennsylvania, particularly in our rural areas of the state,” Scarnati said. “We must make sure that we are doing all that we can to combat this growing problem and protect our communities.” According to Scarnati, his legislation will be a continuation of efforts to prevent and treat drug abuse. Currently, Pennsylvania ranks third in the nation behind California and Illinois for heroin use, the most commonly cited drug among drug treatment admissions in Pennsylv...

HARRISBURG – Legislation to help combat welfare fraud and abuse has been passed by the Pennsylvania Legislature and signed into law by the Governor, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25). Scarnati explained that House Bill 993 received final passage by the House of Representatives last week and that they concurred to an amendment that was inserted into the bill by the Senate. The bill was then signed into law on Wednesday, September 24 as Act 132 of 2014. Originally, HB 993 was introduced only to change the name of the Department of Public Welfare to the Department of Human Services (DHS). Scarnati then introduced an amendment in the Senate Appropriations Committee in July, to expand the bill to also establish a toll-free telephone number and email address for individuals to report suspected fraud and abuse of public assistance programs. “Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve to know that their tax dollars are being invested wisely and that state funds for public assistance...

The Pennsylvania State Senate has voted 43-7 in favor of a bill that would legalize some forms of cannabis for medical purposes. The bill now goes on to the State House, where it is expected to meet some resistance. Democratic Senator Daylin Leach, co-sponsor of the bill, thanked Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati and Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, who control the Senate calendar. "The path of least resistance is always not to run something controversial ... put it on the back burner," Leach said. "It took a lot of courage and a lot of push back among people in their own party to run this bill. The people who have family members who are suffering should remember the very important role they played in moving this bill forward." We'll have more on this story later this afternoon. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG - The State Senate unanimously approved legislation on Monday to establish a state-sponsored Small Disaster Assistance Program for local disaster relief, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25). Scarnati, who strongly supported the measure, explained that Senate Bill 720 would provide state grants to help local governments and municipal authorities recover from localized disasters that fall below the $17.5 million threshold for federal aid. “While many victims of disasters such as Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee and Superstorm Sandy were eligible to receive federal disaster assistance, smaller scale emergencies such as recent flash flooding have impacted our area but were not covered,” Scarnati said. “Although judged to be ‘small’ by federal standards, these disasters, such as horrific flooding, overwhelmed many municipalities and put a huge financial strain on our communities.” Senate Bill 720 would provide grants to cover damage from flash floods, fires,...