Solomon's words for the wise: Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer

Friday, April 29, 2016

Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer

Capitol Update

Friday, April 29, 2016

The latest news from the State Capitol

Congratulations to Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems on the grand reopening of its main building in Bradford this week. This renovated facility will help the organization better meet the needs of our community for years to come. Pictured left to right are: Rick Esch, board member; Sara Andrews, executive director, Bradford Office of Economic and Community Development (OECD); Anita Dolan, community and economic development coordinator, OECD; me; Anne Albright, Sen. Joe Scarnati’s office; and Craig Hartburg, board chairman.

Outreach Hours Set for May 5

To help ensure access to state government information and services, I will hold outreach office hours at the following locations on Thursday, May 5:

• Emporium Borough Office – 9-10 a.m.
• Port Allegany Borough Office – 11 a.m. to noon.

Services available include assistance with any state-related issues or concerns, driver license and vehicle registration applications, and applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug assistance programs.

As always, you are welcome to stop by my offices in Bradford (78 Main St., first floor), Coudersport (107 S. Main St., Room 1) or Kane (55 Fraley St.) Monday through Friday, or visit my website at RepCauser.com or my Facebook page at Facebook.com/RepCauser for the latest news from state government.

Local Fire, Ambulance Companies Receive State Grants

Fire and emergency response organizations in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties have been awarded nearly $385,000 in grants from the state to support facility improvements, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt.

These grants are a great help to our fire and ambulance companies that are struggling with finances and volunteer recruitment and training. I commend the men and women who devote so much time to protecting public safety in our communities and hope this funding can help make their jobs just a little bit easier.

Since its inception, the grant program has provided nearly $4.5 million in funding to fire and ambulance companies in the three-county area. Funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not general fund tax revenue.

For a list of grant awards, click here.

Veterans Assistance Available Next Week

Just a reminder that veterans service officers will be available in my Kane and Coudersport offices next week.

On Monday, May 2, Melissa Davis of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will be at the Kane office, 55 Fraley St., from 1-3 p.m. No appointments are necessary.
On Thursday, May 5, Dan Falls of the American Legion will be at the Coudersport office, 107 S. Main St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are required and should be made by calling 814-274-9769.

For information about future veterans outreach dates and locations, click here.