Rep.

Mark Keller’s Report to the 86th Legislative District

RepKeller.com

Governor’s Final Budget Considering Taxpayers in

Depends on Federal
Spring 2010 Intervention
The governor’s 2010-11 budget
proposal, his eighth and final one
of his tenure, is a far-reaching plan
that would have serious negative
effects on the Commonwealth’s
fiscal stability. After last year’s
budget debacle, which led to a
complete elimination of the state’s
reserve accounts, there is no source
of emergency funding to tap this
year due to the economic situation
that has not improved and continues
to result in reduced revenues. As
of the end of February, revenue
projections were off by $476 million,
which is expected to climb to $525
million by the end of June.
In his $29 billion proposal, the
governor would increase spending
by $1.2 billion, or 4 percent. To
put this into perspective, since
he has taken office in 2003, state
spending has ballooned from $20
billion to $29 billion. This results
in an increase of 42 percent even
though the rate of inflation has only
increased 20 percent during the
same time period. Most importantly,
there is no excuse for the spending
spree of the past eight years and it
must come to an end.
The governor’s plan would
increase taxes by $1 billion by
lowering the sales tax from 6
percent to 4 percent and expanding
it to 74 items that are currently not
taxed. Although there are
differing opinions, I believe this
would result in an increased
tax burden on Pennsylvania
residents.
Some of the items that
would be taxed include basic
television, electric, sewer,
and water services; fees for
residential electric, plumbing
and heating repair services; dry
cleaning and laundry services;
non-prescription medications;
veterinary fees; amusement
and recreation admissions;
home heating services such
as oil, gas, coal and firewood;
telephone service; financial
institution fees, such as ATM
and bank charges; and funeral
services.
Since the vast majority of
these items are necessary to
support basic living needs,
Pennsylvania citizens do not
have the opportunity to avoid
paying the added sales tax. It’s
unconscionable to me how the
governor would propose to add
sales tax to electric service when
rate caps were removed at the
beginning of the year, which
resulted in a nearly 30 percent
increase in charges.
Another disturbing detail of the
governor’s budget is that it relies
on an additional $800 million of
stimulus funding from the federal
government. This is extremely
concerning especially since
Congress has yet to approve the
president’s request to increase
stimulus payments to the states.
It is irresponsible for the
governor to craft a spending plan
that relies on funding, which we
do not have, or may not receive.
We need to return to
commonsense budgeting practices
that consider the financial
difficulties percolating throughout
the economy, including the burden
that is placed on the taxpayers.
Until we get back to the basics, the
mindset of the never-ending pot of
money will continue to dominate the
thinking of many elected officials in
Harrisburg.
Policy Making
It is well known that state government was
created to work for the people, not against
them; however, history does not support
this thought process. With this in mind, I
am supporting two pieces of legislation that
would alter “business as usual” in Harrisburg
and provide nearly $100 million in savings to
school property taxpayers.
As a way to control excessive construction
costs in school districts, I am also supporting
legislation drafted by Rep. Ron Marsico (R-
Dauphin) that would amend the Prevailing
Wage Act by creating a process for voters to
decide whether school districts in each county
should be subjected to the act.
The cost of labor in one region of the
Commonwealth can be significantly higher
than another. As such, rural areas should
not be mandated to pay the same wages as
suburban or urban locations, especially when
the tax base is substantially less.
The Prevailing Wage Act established
“prevailing” minimum wage rates that must be
paid on public construction projects. Currently,
the rates established reflect union wages
which are not often representative of the actual
wage rates paid in the county.
This legislation would require counties to
put a question on the ballot in November 2011
asking county voters if they favor being subject
to paying prevailing wage rates for school
district construction projects in their county.
This legislation creates an “opt in” process that
allows voters to decide whether they want their
schools built in accordance with the Prevailing
Wage Act.
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According to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, school districts could save up to 15 percent on construction
projects if they were not subject to the Prevailing Wage Act.
Additional reform is needed to streamline the process of adopting the annual state budget. After the 2009-10 state budget
extended 101 days beyond the June 30 deadline, it became clear to me and many of my colleagues that changes were
necessary for the General Assembly to fulfill its responsibility of enacting the annual spending plan on time. As a result, I am
supporting legislation authored by Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) to create a bipartisan Commission on Budgetary Reform
that would include members of the state House and the state Senate.
This commission would study the numerous reform proposals offered by legislators and provide suggestions to the General
Assembly to significantly change the current budget procedures. Some of these changes could include, establishing timelines
in the budget process, adopting performance-based budgeting, providing each member greater involvement in the budgeting
process and implementing continuity provisions for state government in the event of a budget impasse.
To date, legislative leaders have been slow to respond; however, I am hopeful they will soon realize the importance of this
issue and how protracted budget negotiations not only affect state employees, but how it affects those who fund government
– the taxpayers.

Rendell Administration Ignores Calls by

Auditor General to Clean Up DPW
With state government spending
under intense scrutiny, it’s important
that agencies use taxpayer dollars
efficiently, effectively and for those
who are in need. Without proper
oversight and strict guidance to
program rules and regulations,
millions of dollars have the potential
to be misused, costing taxpayers
additional money.
During the past year, Auditor
General Jack Wagner has issued
reports that point to significant
waste, fraud and abuse within the
Pennsylvania Department of Public
Welfare (DPW).
In a Nov. 18, 2008, follow-up
audit, Wagner highlighted major
deficiencies that still existed in
DPW’s administration of the Low
Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP). More than
1,000 applications were flagged for
inadequate procedures, insufficient
supervision and inadequate
oversight resulting in potential
applicant and employee fraud.
Applications contained invalid Social
Security numbers or numbers of
deceased individuals, as well as
applicants filing multiple applications
with different Social Security
numbers and addresses. As a result
of the auditor general’s findings, in
early June 2009, the Philadelphia
district attorney filed charges against
18 people, including 16 state and
city employees, for allegedly stealing
more than $500,000 of LIHEAP
funds.
A Jan. 28, 2009, report revealed
that more than $3.3 million was
misappropriated in Medical
Assistance payments. It was
determined that improper eligibility
determinations were a result of
DPW’s failure to verify recipients’
age, disability, family relationship
requirements and to promptly review
applicants’ financial and other
eligibility information.
On Aug. 20, 2009, Wagner
released a report that highlighted
the potential of fraud and
mismanagement of DPW’s Special
Allowance Program, which assists
welfare recipients in employment
and training programs with
expenses such as books, tools,
clothing, transportation and child
care. It was revealed that sufficient During Rep. Mark Keller’s 4th Annual Farmer’s Breakfast
documentation was missing to justify on March 5, members of the Greenwood and West Perry
school districts Future Farmers of America (FFA) are
45 percent of the 3,201 Special pictured with Keller, Department of Agriculture Secretary
Allowance payments examined. Russell Redding, Greenwood FFA Advisor Michael Clark
Specifically, auditors found and West Perry FFA Advisor John Hines.
insufficient documentation for 163
recipients totaling $564,700. This is
just a small sample of the number
of Special Allowance applications
filed each year. Welfare offices in
five counties, including Philadelphia,
disbursed more than $205 million in
payments. In many instances, the
files lacked receipts and other forms
of documentation to prove that the
allowances were legally issued.
The auditor general’s reports
are an indication of a systemic
problem occurring within DPW.
It is incumbent upon agency Rep. Mark Keller presented a House citation to Kyle Cherry
of Duncannon, son of David and Judy Cherry, for earn-
secretaries and managers to ensure ing the rank of Eagle Scout. Kyle planned and developed
that employees are following the a driveway lighting project for the Duncannon Otterbein
rules outlined for each program. United Methodist Church. This included refurbishing the
light poles, installing the lights, digging a ditch and burying
In addition, the auditor general’s the wire.
periodic oversight brings these
issues to light.
Since the governor took office in
2003, DPW’s budget has ballooned
by $3.7 billion, or 48 percent, and
now accounts for more than one-third
of total spending in the annual state
budget.
According to the auditor general,
the governor and his administration
have been lax in ensuring that
taxpayer dollars are used wisely and
efficiently. These specific audits only
revealed a fraction of the waste that
Rep. Mark Keller presented a House citation to
is taking place in state government. Geoffrey Cooper of Chambersburg, son of Mike and Kathy
These instances of mismanagement Cooper, for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Geoffrey built
must be addressed in order for two sets of block and wood bleachers
at Edenville Community Center.
Pennsylvania to put its financial
house back together.
 New Transportation Regulations Affect Local Farms Applications
After an audit of Pennsylvania’s motor carrier regulations, the United States Department of
Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found deficiencies and required
Now Available
the Commonwealth to make changes by March 2010. for Property
There has been concern raised in the agricultural community that these changes will
impose significant burdens on farmers. Much of these concerns are a result of confusion Tax/Rent Rebate
around what new regulations will be imposed on farmers. In some instances, regulations that
farmers currently are required to follow are being attributed to these changes. Program
Below is a listing of the regulations and how they impact farmers:
Forms for the state’s 2009
Farmer Requirements Unchanged by the New Regulations Property Tax/Rent Rebate
program are now available.
• Farms tractors and other farm implements are currently exempt from the motor safety Eligible participants can
requirements. receive a rebate of up to
• There are no changes to the current farmer exemptions contained with the Pennsylvania $650 based on their rent or
Vehicle Code as they relate to CDL licensing. property taxes paid in 2009.
• Licensed drivers age 16 and 17 are currently permitted to operate a farm truck pulling a The program benefits eligible
trailer with a combined weight of 17,000 pounds or less. Pennsylvanians who are 65
• Licensed drivers age 16 are currently permitted to operate a straight farm truck (non- years or older, widows and
towing) over 17,000 pounds. widowers 50 years or older, and
• A pre- and post-trip inspection must currently be completed for registered farm trucks and those 18 years or older with
farm truck trailer combinations greater than 17,000 pounds. disabilities.
• Operators of a farm truck pulling a trailer greater than 17,000 pounds in combination must Eligibility income limits for
currently possess a medical certification in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier homeowners are set at the
Safety Administration standards. following levels, excluding 50
• Operators of a straight farm truck with 150 miles of the farm are currently exempt from percent of Social Security,
possessing a medical certification. Supplemental Security Income,
• A record of vehicle maintenance must currently be kept for farm trucks and trailer and Railroad Retirement Tier 1
combinations greater than 17,000 pounds. benefits:
• Farm truck trailer combinations greater than 17,000 pounds are currently subject to hours
of service requirement, the keeping of logs and other records as well as driver qualification • $0 to $8,000, maximum
requirements. $650 rebate (Homeowners
and renters)
Requirements for Farmers Under the New Regulations
• $8,001 to $15,000,
• No one under the age of 18 will be permitted to operate a farm truck trailer combination maximum $500
over 17,000 pounds on public road ways. rebate (Homeowners
• A pre- and post-trip inspection must now be completed for a registration exempt farm and renters)
trucks and farm truck trailer combinations greater than 17,000 pounds.
• Operators of single unit farm truck greater than 150 miles from the farm must possess • $15,001 to $18,000,
a medical certification in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maximum $300
standards. rebate (Homeowners only)
• A record of vehicle maintenance must be kept for a single unit farm vehicle greater than
17,000 pounds. • $18,001 to $35,000,
• A pre- and post- trip inspection must be completed for a farm truck (non-towing) greater maximum $250
than 17,000 pounds. rebate (Homeowners only)
• Drivers of a farm truck trailer combination greater than 17,000 pounds must be at least 18,
speak and read English and have a valid medical card. The Property Tax/Rent
• Drivers of farm trucks including farm truck trailer combinations greater than 17,000 pounds Rebate program is one of
operated within a 100 air mile radius will have limits on hours of work and will require the many initiatives supported
carrier/farmer to maintain time records that include start time, end time and total hours by the Pennsylvania Lottery,
worked. which dedicates its proceeds
to support programs for older
Exemptions for Farmers Under the New Regulations Pennsylvanians. Since the
program began in 1971, more
• The keeping of logs and time records are waived during the harvesting season, which than $4 billion has been paid to
occurs from March 1 through Nov. 30. This would apply to any vehicle operator qualified applicants.
transporting agricultural products, not just those operating farm trucks. Residents are reminded
• From Dec. 1 through Feb. 28, drivers of farm trucks, including truck trailer combinations to provide all the necessary
greater than 17,000 pounds and operated within a 100 air mile radius of their normal income, property tax or rental
work reporting location will not be required to keep driver logs, but will be subject to hour information required to process
limitations and time keeping requirements. claims quickly and accurately.
• The keeping of logs and time records are waived year round for vehicles operating within Applications are due by June
100 miles of the farm, which transport livestock feed. 30.
• During the planting and harvesting seasons, non CDL farm truck drivers who operate Property Tax/Rent Rebate
within a 150 mile radius of their normal work location will not be required to keep driver claim forms are available by
logs but will be subject to hour limitations and time keeping requirements. contacting my office at
• A custom harvest operator who operates a vehicle to transport farm machinery, supplies, 1-800-959-8119, or by visiting
or both, to or from a farm for custom-harvesting would be exempt from all driver my Web site at RepKeller.com.
qualification requirements.
• A driver who is operating a commercial motor vehicle controlled and operated by a
beekeeper engaged in the seasonal transportation of bees would be exempt from all
driver qualification requirements.
 Seniors are Reminded of Low-Cost
Prescription Drug Assistance
Senior citizens who rely on
prescription drugs to stay healthy may
qualify for financial assistance through
the state’s PACE and PACENET
prescription drug assistance
programs.
PACE and PACENET offer
comprehensive prescription coverage
to older Pennsylvanians and covers
most prescription medications and
some prescription supplies.
Eligibility restrictions for PACE
require that applicants be residents
of Pennsylvania for at least 90
consecutive days prior to application.
Additionally, applicants must be age
65 or older and have a total income
for the preceding calendar year of
less than $14,500 for a single person,
or less than $17,700 combined for a
married couple.
Once enrolled in the PACE
program, a benefit card will be mailed,
and enrollees will be required to pay
a $6 co-payment for each generic
prescription medication. Brand name
prescriptions require a $9 co-payment.
These co-payments are made to the
pharmacy at the time of purchase.
PACENET applicants must also
be residents of Pennsylvania for at
least 90 consecutive days prior to
application and be age 65 or older.
For PACENET, applicants must have
had a total income for the preceding
calendar year of between $14,500
Tressler recognizing
and $23,500 for a single person,
or between $17,700 and $31,500
combined for a married couple.
PACENET members who enroll
in a Medicare Part D plan will pay the
Part D premium directly to the plan.
Depending on the Part D plan one
is enrolled in, monthly premiums will
be up to $32.09. In addition, Part D
cardholders will pay no more than
the PACENET co-payments of $8 for
Rep. Mark Keller presented a House citation to Charles
each generic prescription medication Enck of Loysville, son of Barry and Joy Enck, for
and $15 for each brand name to the earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Charles organized
pharmacy at the time of purchase. and supervised a group of volunteers to install new
picnic tables at the Loysville Community Club Park.
PACENET members who do This included organizing a fundraiser to finance the
not enroll in a Part D plan will pay project and installing a concrete floor
$32.09 each month at the pharmacy at the pavilion.
toward the cost of their medications.
If this is not paid on a monthly basis,
it will accumulate. In addition, the
individual will pay $8 for each generic
prescription medication and $15 for
each brand name. Individuals who
believe they qualify for PACE or
PACENET can contact my office or
log on to RepKeller.com for additional
information.
During the Perry County Association of
Township Officials Convention in February,
Rep. Mark Keller
Rep. Mark Keller presented a House citation
presented a House
to former Saville Township Supervisor Ronald
citation to Resta
E. Hampton, who served from 1984 to 2010.
her 50 years as a
4-H Club leader.

District Office Services

My district office is here to help you. Services my
staff and I provide include:
• Driver’s license and vehicle registration applications
and renewals
• Assistance with PennDOT paperwork (lost cards,
changes, corrections, special registration plates,
vanity plates, and temporary placards for disabled
persons)
• PACE and PACENET applications for seniors
• Property Tax and Rent Rebate applications
• Voter registration forms and absentee ballot
applications
• State tax forms
• Student aid applications
• Free state maps, state park information, and
PA Vacation Guides
• Copies of legislation
• Tours of the State Capitol
• Referrals to agencies to resolve state-related matters
If you need help with any of the above or with any
other state-related matter, please do not hesitate to call www.RepKeller.com
my district office.
Rep. Mark Keller
Perry County District Office
18 West Main Street / PO Box 9 / New Bloomfield PA 17068
Tel: (717) 582-8119; Fax: (717) 582-8979 / 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Franklin County District Office
1270 Crottlestown Road / Chambersburg, PA, 17201
Tel: (717) 267-2047; Fax: (717) 267-7024
• Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Visit us at our satellite office located in the Metal Twp.
Fire Hall in Fannettsburg on Wednesday mornings
from 9-11 a.m.
• Wednesday afternoons and Fridays are reserved for
appointments only.
Capitol Office
Room 5 / Capitol East Wing Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2086
Tel: (717) 783-1593; Fax: (717)705-7012
Toll-Free 1-800-959-8119
Email: mkeller@pahousegop.com