Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Local police departments being able to use radar was the topic of a Senate Transportation Committee hearing this morning in Harrisburg Currently, only state police are allowed to use radar. Police Commissioner Frank Noonan says he wants that to change, and also said the issue of where the money from fines would go is irrelevant at this point. Noonan says the bottom line is radar saves lives. Pennsylvania is third in the country -- behind California and Texas -- in the number of automobile fatalities related to speeding. He says fee structures can be worked on and changed, if needed. Committee Chairman John Rafferty said the bill likely will not come up for a vote during this session because lawmakers will be concentrating on budget issues until the budget is finalized. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch attended a forum in Bradford this morning concerning transportation issues in the state. Other issues were discussed as well with Senators Joe Scarnati and John Rafferty, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, and State Representative Marty Causer. ARG Resources President Harvey Golubock said, although it’s federally funded, he wanted to hear their thoughts about the Essential Air Service Program. “We struggle here at the airport trying to maintain the Essential Air Service,” Golubock said. “I’d like to know what your thoughts are on the support and how we can ensure continued EAS for our Bradford airport because it’s critical to the growth of our infrastructure here.” Scarnati said nothing irks him more than having to play a “game” with the federal government on whether they are going to continue funding the EAS program. “I think that whether it’s airports, whether it’s hospitals, whether it’s schools – if the federal government’s intent is to ...

PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch is in Bradford today for a transportation forum. Also attending the forum were Senator John Rafferty, chairman of the Senate transportation committee, Senator Joe Scarnati and State Rep. Marty Causer. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg -- Legislation sponsored by Senate Transportation Committee Chairman John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) to crack down on drunk drivers who put minors at risk has been signed into law. Act 39 of 2012 increases penalties for drunk drivers who have a minor in the vehicle with them when the violation occurs. The maximum fine for a first offense will be $1,000 and 100 hours of community service. A second offense will carry a maximum fine of $2,500 and imprisonment of up to six months. Drivers convicted of subsequent offenses can be jailed for up to two years. Fines and imprisonment required under the new law will apply on top of previously enacted penalties. "It's bad enough that drunk drivers endanger themselves and others on the road. Enactment of this law sends that message that putting a child at risk through such reckless behavior is unconscionable and will not be tolerated," said Rafferty. New York already has similar legislation called Leandra’s Law. The news l...

At a rally today at the State Capitol, Senator John Rafferty of Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties joined consumers, grocery and convenience store owners and others who say it is time for Pennsylvania to join 46 other states in reforming its beer sales laws. Rafferty has introduced legislation that would provide consumers with greater convenience in purchasing beer and at the same time strengthen enforcement of beer sales laws. "It's time for Pennsylvania to move from an antiquated and unsafe system to one that is modern, safer and customer-friendly," Rafferty said. "Consumers should not be forced to purchases cases or kegs of beer if they desire a lesser amount. This proposal has overwhelming public support, and it will also help to crack down on underage beer sales through tougher enforcement." Rafferty's bill would allow consumers to purchases six-packs in grocery and conveniences stores as well as at distributors. It would also require 100 percent...