Gov.
Corbett Presents
Representative John D. Payne 106th Legislative District [Link] Spring 2011
2011-12 State Budget Proposal
Gov. Tom Corbett presented his 2011-12 state budget proposal
on March 8 during a joint session of the General Assembly.
The governor’s proposal would cut spending by $866 million, or
3.1 percent, for a total of $27.3 billion. This plan contains no new
taxes or fee increases, and represents the first time in eight years
that an administration has proposed a reduction in state spending
over the previous year.
The House Appropriations Committee held budget hearings in March to closely examine each
line item of the governor’s proposal. This process was the first in a series of steps the Legislature
takes before a final budget is adopted by the end of June.
It’s important for members of the Legislature to examine the governor’s budget proposal to
ensure it meets the needs of Pennsylvania. I will focus on and review the areas of the budget that
impact the 106th District.
During the governor’s address, he stated, “We have to spend less, because we have less to
spend, and we must tax no more, because the people have no more to give.” I agree with the
governor; the federal, state, county and local governments must tighten their belts and make do
with less while protecting the health and safety of all citizens.
Some of the concerns about this budget proposal include steep cuts to education while
increasing funding to the Department of Public Welfare, and completely eliminating some line
items in the budget and not reducing others. I plan on reviewing the budget line-by-line.
Did You Know?
Slot Machines/Property Tax Relief Fund
Rate: The state receives 34 percent of Gross Terminal Revenues (GTR); 12 percent of
GTR goes to Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Fund, 5 percent to Tourism/Economic
Development Fund, and 4 percent to Local Share Assessment.
• Of Pennsylvania’s 34 percent GTR, property tax relief received more than $700 million in slot
machine revenue.
• Additional funding for: volunteer firefighter grants, local law enforcement grants, compulsive
gambling treatments, and other projects.
Pennsylvania Lottery Fund (FY 2009-10)
Revenue that is collected via lottery activity is deposited into the Pennsylvania Lottery Fund.
Lottery disbursements totaled $3,186,339,351 and were allocated as follows:
• $1,859,507,729 – Prizes
• $160,113,860 – Retail Commissions
• $228,209,000 – Area Agencies on Aging and Senior Centers
• $325,931,180 – PACE/PACENET
• $157,068,000 – Shared and Free Ride Program
• $277,075,000 – Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
• $178,438,000 – Long-Term Living Services
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Legislative Update District Office Frequently
As the representative of the 106th Asked Questions
District, one of my responsibilities is to
ensure the needs of the local residents 1. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
are met by drafting changes to current
laws, or writing new laws to address This program is one of many initiatives supported by the
issues that may arise during each two- Pennsylvania Lottery, which dedicates its proceeds to support
year session. The legislative session programs for older Pennsylvanians. Eligible citizens can
began in January and I have already receive a rebate of up to $650 based on rent or property taxes
introduced 14 bills. Below is an overview paid in 2010. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians
of some of my proposed legislation: who are age 65 years or older, widows and widowers age
• House Bill 73 would mandate 50 and older, and those 18 years or older with a permanent
a 10 percent cut in spending across disability. Eligibility is based on total household income, less 50
all departments and branches of state percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and
government. Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits. Applications are available
• House Bill 147 would require no in my Hershey office, or by visiting my website at
more than the last four digits of a Social [Link] and clicking on the “Property Tax/Rent Rebate
Security number to be recorded on a form Program” graphic.
required by a state agency.
• House Bill 148 would allow the 2. Unemployment Compensation Benefits
holder of a hotel or restaurant liquor
license to sell up to three bottles of With the number of unemployed Pennsylvanians continuing
wine for consumption off the licensed to rise, my Hershey office has received many inquiries
premises so long as those bottles of about what citizens can do after losing a job. Fortunately,
wine remain sealed; and create an off- Pennsylvania maintains an Unemployment Compensation
premises catering permit which will allow (UC) program that is funded by employees and employers.
the holders of a restaurant, eating place Although the benefits are not equal to the level of wages
or hotel license to provide for the sale received while fully employed, the compensation is helpful
and service of alcoholic beverages in to meet important expenses, such as mortgage and rent
conjunction with a meal off the restaurant, payments, groceries, and other necessities.
eating place or hotel’s licensed premises The UC program is administered by the Pennsylvania
and on otherwise unlicensed premises. Department of Labor and Industry. After filing an initial claim,
This bill passed the House Liquor Control claims for benefit weeks are filed by using the Internet, or
Committee by a unanimous vote on calling Pennsylvania Teleclaims (PAT).
Feb. 9. It is important to know how and when you must file for
• House Bill 152 would require an benefits. Not fully understanding the process may disqualify
applicant registering as a family day you from receiving benefits, or may delay your benefits.
care provider to show proof of liability To contact a UC Service Center toll-free, call
insurance. 1-888-313-7284. The toll-free line for the PAT system is
• House Bill 156 would permit 1-888-255-4728.
the Pennsylvania Department of An Unemployment Resource guide can be picked up at my
Transportation (PennDOT) to issue a Hershey office. Unemployment Compensation information
severely disabled veteran license plate to can also be accessed via my website at [Link].
disabled veterans who own a vehicle that
weighs up to 14,000 pounds. Currently, 3. Unclaimed Property
the maximum weight limit is 10,000
pounds. This bill passed the House by a Each year, the PA Treasury Department receives millions
unanimous vote on March 9, and is under of dollars in unclaimed property, such as abandoned bank
consideration in the Senate. accounts, forgotten stocks, un-cashed checks, certificates
• House Bill 157 would put in place of deposit, life insurance policies, safe deposit box contents,
specific rules and procedures before a and recovered stolen property. The department maintains
state-owned vehicle would be assigned to custody of this property and works to return it to its rightful
a state employee. This legislation would owners. Currently, there is more than $1.5 billion in unclaimed
save taxpayer dollars, as well as place property held by the department. Approximately one in 10
stricter oversight of the state’s vehicle Pennsylvanians have unclaimed property. To search the
fleet. Unclaimed Property database, visit my website at
To view all of my sponsored [Link] and click on “PA Treasury Unclaimed Property
legislation, visit [Link] and click Database,” or call 1-800-222-2046.
on “Sponsored Legislation.”
V i s i t m y W e bs i t e
Economic Development in the 106th District
Subway, located on Main Street in Luna Restaurant, located along Rep. Payne participated in the
Hummelstown. Route 422 in Derry Township. ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lennox
Industries in Lower Swatara Township.
Rep. Payne is pictured with Dana Walck Expansion of the Hershey Chocolate Verizon Wireless, located along
during the Harrisburg Area Animal plant in Derry Township. Mae Street in Derry Township.
Hospital’s Open House in Swatara
Township.
Committees Assignments Help Save
for 2011-12 Session Tax Dollars
Speaker of the House Rep. Sam Smith (R-Jefferson/Armstrong/Indiana) Sign Up for Electronic
has appointed me to serve on the following five House standing committees Communications
during the 2011-12 legislative session: Commerce, Consumer Affairs,
Liquor Control, and Tourism and Recreational Development committees, as In an effort to reduce the
well as the Committee on Committees. amount of tax dollars used to keep
I want to thank Speaker Smith for assigning me to committees that citizens informed about issues
match my expertise and interests. My service on these committees will under consideration at the Capitol
permit me to advocate for legislation that will benefit the 106th District and and events in the 106th District,
all Pennsylvanians. I am beginning the transition to
The Commerce Committee is responsible for originating legislation electronic communications. The
and overseeing implementation of programs that affect Pennsylvania advancement in technology has
businesses, such as the Banking Code, the Consumer Discount Company provided the ability for citizens and
Act, the Mortgage Bankers and Brokers Act, and the credit union law. elected officials to communicate
In addition, this committee is responsible for oversight of economic quickly, efficiently and timely. It’s
development throughout the Commonwealth. important to me to ensure that the
The Consumer Affairs Committee has oversight on consumer issues, residents of the 106th District have
such as the Credit Card Information Act, Public Utility Commission related current and accurate information
issues, landlord and tenant laws, automobile lemon laws, consumer about their government.
contracts, consumer fraud and unfair trade practices. In order to make this transition
The Liquor Control Committee is responsible for all legislative issues as smooth as possible, I encourage
relating to the administration of alcoholic beverage licenses and the sale you to visit my website,
and distribution of alcoholic beverages throughout the Commonwealth. [Link], and click on
The Tourism and Recreational Development Committee focuses on “Sign Up for E-News Alerts and
issues such as travel and tourism promotion; the Historical and Museum Newsletters.” After providing your
Commission; amusement parks, fairs, carnivals and folk festivals; the film contact information, please be sure
industry; scenic roadways; and the ski industry. to check the box “Stay Informed”
The Committee on Committees is responsible for assigning virtually before clicking “Save.”
all members of the House to at least two standing committees. Members If you have any questions about
of this committee analyze the experience of each member and attempt to this process, please contact my
match them to committees where they would be most effective. Hershey office at 717-534-1323.
a t R e p P a y n e . c o m
Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Events
Senior Health Fair to be Held Pistol Safety Class
April 29, 2011
On Saturday, May 7, 2011, I
will be hosting a National Rifle
Citizens of the 106th District are invited to attend my
sixth annual Senior Health Fair being held from 9 a.m. to Association (NRA) pistol safety
noon, on Friday, April 29, 2011, at the Hummelstown class for residents of the 106th
Chemical Fire Department, located at 249 E. Main District who are interested in
Street, Hummelstown. learning firearm responsibility and important
This free event provides seniors the opportunity safety tips of pistol ownership.
to gather The NRA’s First Steps Pistol Program,
information taught by a certified NRA instructor, will be held
about health
care, state
from 9 a.m. to noon. Lunch will be provided
government courtesy of The Middletown Anglers and
programs Hunters. Time will be allocated for mandatory
and home- range work from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
based services Seating is limited and registration is
available locally. required by contacting my Hershey office
Representatives at 717-534-1323. The deadline to register
from state
is Wednesday, April 20, 2011. Additional
Rep. Payne spoke with citizens during his fifth agencies, the
health care information can also be obtained by contacting
annual Senior Health Fair on April 23, 2010, at
Hummelstown Chemical Fire Company. industry and my office.
local service
organizations will be available to address concerns and
answer questions that seniors or their caregivers may
have. Annual Veterans Breakfast to
be Held Nov. 4, 2011
For additional information about the Senior Health Fair,
visit my website at [Link] or contact my Hershey
office at 717-534-1323.
Veterans of the 106th District are invited to my
annual Veterans Breakfast to be held from 8 a.m. to
Retiring Old Glory 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, 2011. This year’s breakfast
will be held at Spring Garden Reception and
The Capital Area PA Young Marines’ annual flag Conference Center in Lower Swatara Township,
retirement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, located at 903 Spring Garden Drive, Middletown.
June 11 at Kiwanis Park, Route 441 in Royalton. The breakfast will be complimentary to those in
Residents who have flags in need of retirement are attendance and is limited only to veterans residing in
encouraged to drop them off at my Hershey office by the 106th Legislative District. Accommodations will be
Wednesday, May 25, 2011. My office is located at 250 W. made for disabled
Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, phone 717-534-1323. veterans requiring
the assistance of
another person.
Reservations
are required and
can be made by
contacting my
Hershey office.
Directions to the Rep. Payne addressed veterans during his
facility are available Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 5, 2010, at the
Spring Garden Reception and Conference
During the Flag Retirement Ceremony upon request. Center in Lower Swatara Township.
on June 12, 2010, cadets properly retired For additional
American flags. information, contact my office at 717-534-1323.
Representative John D. Payne
106th Legislative District
District Office: CAPITOL Office:
250 W. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 2 410 Irvis Office Building
Hershey, PA 17033 PO Box 202106
Phone: (717) 534-1323 Email: jpayne@[Link] Harrisburg, PA 17120-2106
Fax: (717) 534-1457 [Link] Phone: (717) 787-2684
Fax: (717) 787-7557
Representative john payne 106th District
Outreach Efforts
re
tured with Salvato
Rep. Payne is pic ri Wine ry,
it to Culla
Rep. Payne presented a House Cullari during a vis
Hershey Derry Twp.
w el co m ed students from citation to David Brunner in
Rep. Payne e Capitol.
is tia n S ch ool to the stat recognition of attaining the rank of
C hr Eagle Scout.
with Robert
Rep. Payne is pictured
sid en t and CEO
D. Barbush, Pre
Capital Area sh Re nta ls Inc ., Lower
Rep. Payne presented in the dedication of the of Barbu
a Certificate Rep. Payne participated tow n Borough. Swatara Tw p.
of Recognition to Dr. Lyn d Ride in Hummels
n Maines, Transit’s (CAT) Park an
VP of Research and Bu
siness
Affairs, Apogee Biotec
hnology
Corporation, located at
the Hershey
Center for Applied Re
search.
koff of
Rep. Payne pa rticipated in the kic
th year celebration of
the 250
rough.
Rep. Payne participated in the annual veterans Hummelstown Bo
event in Swatara Township on Nov. 11.
se
esented a Hou
Rep. Payne pr ll fo r at ta ining
en Corne
citation to Stev e Scout.
the rank of Eagl
Rep. Payne is pictured
with Ted
e of Atanasoff during a rec
ented a Certificat ent visit to
Rep. Payne pres fo r th e op en ing of Theo’s Foods Inc., Hu
Klocko , mmelstown.
Honor to Brenda in Middlet ow n.
The Event Place
te
Rep. Payne presented a Certifica
of Recognition to Dr. Gre g
at
Jackson, Chief Scientific Officer Rep. Payne
Ape liotu s Visi on Scie nce , loca ted
welcomed students from
at the Hershey Center for Applied Hershey Intermediate
Research.
Elementary School to
the state Capitol.
r i d g e P r o je ct s in t h e 1 0 6 t
n dB h Dis
d a t ri c
Ro
a $$$ t $
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$ $ Your Tax Dollars at Work
Rep. Payne joins local officials in the groundbreaking of the Route 743 Bridge/Route 422 Hershey Square
Hershey Square realignment project in Derry Township, alignment Improvement of Intersection
project in Derry Township.
estimated at $13.6 million. at u.s. 422 and Lingle Avenue in
derry township,
cost approximately $3.2 million
Complete Reconstruction of
Hockersville road in derry township,
At a cost of approximately $380,000
PennDOT guide rail work, Hersheypark Drive and Route 39 in Derry Township. Service road to Route 322, PennDOT
guide rail work, Hummelstown.
Impro
vemen
at eas
Keckler Road in t main t of Inters
street ect
Swatara Township was avenu and w ion
resurfaced at a cost of borou e in humm alton
gh, co el
replacement of burd street
$173,000 st app stown
bridge in royalton borough, $605,0 roximately
cost approximately $4.5 million 00
Burd Street Bridge in Royalton, dedicated as the Rt. 422 and Lingle Avenue in Derry Township.
Judith Deighton Oxenford Bridge, cost approximately Project estimated at $3.2 million.
$4.5 million.
Resurfacing of Chambers
Hill Road in Swatara
Employees of the Pennsylvania Township, The addition of right turn
Department of Transportation Cost Approximately lanes being added at the
(PennDOT) repair a sink hole at the $2.7 Million intersection of 61st and Derry
Debris
clover leaf on removal,
Route 422 Duke
in Street
Derry Bridge in Meade Avenue at Route 230, Lower
Stree ts inSwatara ra Township,
SwataTownship.
Township Hummelstown. Project estimated
Cost at appro ximately $229,500
$4.8 million.
[Link]
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