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| Capitol Update |
| Friday, October 31, 2014 |
The latest news from the State Capitol |
What’s Happening at Denton Hill State Park
Many people have been in contact
with my office about the possibility that Ski Denton at Denton Hill
State Park may not open this season for financial reasons.
Rest assured that I share your concerns and disappointment.
The park is a wonderful place
enjoyed by so many of us in the area, and it has great potential to
offer year-round recreation. Despite years of calling on the Department
of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to step up and invest in
the park’s infrastructure, the facility has been virtually ignored by
state officials. Considering the financial boost the state gets from the
thousands of acres of state-owned land in our region, it is certainly
fair to expect some of that money to be invested here at
home.
I have spoken with DCNR in recent
weeks about this situation and am encouraged the department has agreed
to conduct a feasibility study to identify ways to not only improve
skiing at the park but also open up other year-round recreational
opportunities.
Please know I am committed to
working with the concessionaire, DCNR and Sen. Joe Scarnati to do all we
can to keep the ski area open. And by working together, I believe we
can look forward to a brighter future for Denton Hill State Park.
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Bucktail Regiment Memorial Bridge Dedication
Many thanks to the Smethport
American Legion and McKean County Historical Society for putting
together a fantastic program for the dedication of the Bucktail Regiment
Memorial Bridge in Smethport last weekend. The Route 6 bridge over
Marvin Creek was designated in honor of the regiment under Act 99 of
2014, which I sponsored. The Bucktails were a group of young recruits
from Cameron, Elk, McKean and Tioga counties who rose to the defense of
the Union following the bombing of Fort Sumter in April 1861. It was so
named because its members adopted the tail of the whitetail buck as
their badge of honor and adorned their caps with it.
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Congratulations Emporium!
It was my pleasure to present a
citation in honor of Emporium’s 150th anniversary. Pictured with me are
Pat Garrigan, Pat Vogt, Rick Bauer, Ben Newton, Mayor Bruno Carnovale,
Luann Reed and Borough Manager Don Reed.
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Update on New Gun Rights Law
Last week, I wrote
about legislation passed by the General Assembly to further deter local
governments from passing their own gun laws or ordinances (which already
is a violation of state law). House Bill 80
was signed into law earlier this week as Act 192 of 2014 and will take
effect in 60 days. The law gives legal standing to any person who has
been adversely affected by any regulation put forth or enforced in
violation of state law, and to seek injunctive and declarative relief,
as well as to recover damages.
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New Law Helps Seniors Keep Property Tax/Rent Rebate Eligibility
With just over two months left to
apply for the 2013 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, a new law aims to
insure continued eligibility for people who received Social Security
cost-of-living increases this year.
Under Act 156 of 2014, any homeowner
who receives Social Security, was paid a property tax rebate in 2013
for claim year 2012 and had annual income up to $35,298 last year would
still qualify for a rebate for the 2013 claim year. Similarly, renters
who receive Social Security, were paid a rent rebate in 2013 for claim
year 2012 and had annual incomes last year up to $15,128 would qualify
and are encouraged to apply. Claims already filed that meet these
parameters are under automatic review by the Department of Revenue.
The deadline to apply for the 2013 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is Dec. 31. For additional information and assistance, contact my offices in Bradford (78 Main St., first floor, 814-362-4400) or Coudersport (107 S. Main St., Room 1, 814-274-9769) or visit RepCauser.com.
Additional information about the law is available here. |
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