News For Constituents
From Senate Republican Policy Development & Research Office
Archive
July 29, 2011
Tackle the Family Fishing Program
If you are looking for something fun and educational this
summer, the
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) will be conducting
free Family Fishing Programs throughout the
summer and fall.
The Family Fishing Program introduces
basic fishing skills like knot tying, casting, baiting the hook, and taking
a fish off the hook.
Instructors teach the family to recognize the variety of
fish species that inhabit the waters nearby.
The only "catch" is adults must bring a child and children
must bring an adult.
No fishing license is necessary and the PF&BC provides
equipment and bait for your family's inexpensive and rewarding day
outdoors.
Recognizing the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War
Experience
the toll and subsequent societal change promulgated by the Civil War through
events marking the 150th Anniversary of the conflict.
Learn about the historical significance of the
Underground Railroad; consider the contributions of
iron mills to the war effort; examine the
documents that sparked much debate; study
soldier recruitment and the changing lives of the women left behind to
manage the homestead, and tour the church turned hospital to
care for wounded soldiers.
Don't miss the
traveling interactive multimedia exhibition conveying the experiences of
Pennsylvania's men, women, and children on the battlefield and at home. The
all-ages road show is housed in an expandable 53-foot tractor-trailer
touring Pennsylvania.
Be sure to visit the Anniversary website covering
the roles of African Americans, children, immigrants, soldiers, women, and
civilians during the war and other information critical to understanding the
war.
Prepare for Home Heating
On the heels of a recent summer heat wave, the
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (POAG) is reminding consumers that
it is not too early to prepare for the months of home heating ahead.
The Office
is offering helpful tips to consumers to aid in obtaining the least expensive
and most reliable heating oil source for the upcoming heating season.
These tips include:
- Best Price – Contact at least three fuel oil suppliers.
- Standard and Emergency Delivery Costs – Determine any extra costs
and under what conditions.
- References – Ask for references and consult with the Better
Business Bureau.
- Review dual delivery and service agreements – Joint agreements may
circumvent the acquisition of best pricing.
- Consider budget plans – Review terms regarding unexpected price
increases.
- Evaluate pre-purchase and price-cap programs – Determine if
charges are based on the cheaper of
the current retail price or the price-cap at the time of delivery.
- Remember the three-business-day right to cancel under Pennsylvania
law is available for any agreement for oil supply or service made at your
residence, either in person or by telephone.
In addition to these bargaining factors, the POAG also
offers
tips on maintenance, conservation, and consumer protection.
Explore financial assistance available for eligible
Pennsylvanians through the
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance and
weatherization services.
Biking Rules of the Road Save Lives
Pennsylvanians witnessed 1,483 bicycle crashes and 21
bicycle-related deaths during 2010, according to the
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), representing an
increase of 103 crashes and 5 deaths over 2009.
During the five-year span from 2006 through 2010, bicycle
crashes and deaths totaled 7,081 and 78, respectively.
(See pages 47–50 of the
2010 Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics for bicycle-related data.)
PennDOT devotes web space to safe road riding, design, touring,
children, and assorted other links for cyclists.
The
PA Bicycle Drivers Manual - PUB 380 reminds bicyclists that the
Rules-of-the-Road apply to drivers of all vehicles regardless of the driver's
age or vehicle type.
The publication provides information on appropriate
equipment and how to safely handling numerous bicycling situations.
Remember to Steer Clear of Emergency Responders
Motorists encountering an emergency scene, a traffic stop,
or a disabled vehicle while driving in Pennsylvania must obey the Commonwealth's
Steer Clear Law, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.
The
Steer Clear Law requires motorists to move at least one lane away from an
incident involving an emergency responder, including law enforcement, tow truck
operators, and other emergency personnel.
Drivers unable to move over due to
traffic or other conditions must reduce their speed.
Those who fail to move over or slow down are subject to a
citation of up to $250, with double fines for traffic violations occurring
during the course of an emergency response incident.
Violations leading to a
worker being injured can result in a 90-day license suspension.
Protecting PA's Ash Trees
What's dark green, one-half inch in length, one-eighth inch
in width, and can kill an ash tree in three years?
The PA Department of Agriculture is announcing that the
destructive
Emerald Ash Borer is spreading out
across 21 counties.
First found in Butler County in 2007, this beetle is
being discovered in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Centre, Clarion,
Cumberland, Fulton, Indiana, Juniata, Lawrence, Lycoming, Mercer, Mifflin,
Somerset, Union, Washington, and Westmoreland, and most recently in Huntingdon
and Wyoming counties.
Help prevent the further spread of this agricultural pest
by avoiding the transfer of firewood more than 50 miles from its point of
purchase or origin.
Outdoor enthusiasts should also avoid the more than 2,000
triangular purple traps hung in ash trees to attract the flying adult beetles.
If you suspect you have uncovered an infestation of Emerald
Ash Borer beetles, call the Department at 1-866-253-7189. Consult the
Homeowners Guide to Emerald Ash Borer Treatment to manage the pest in your backyard.
Archive
|
