STATE REPRESENTATIVE PRSRT STD

DAVE HICKERNELL
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
HARRISBURG, PA
PERMIT NO 432
98th Legislative District

Summer 2010

Dear Neighbor: 2010-11 Budget Spends Money

I hope this newsletter finds you well and
enjoying your summer. As we near the end
of the 2009-10 legislative term, I would like to
take this opportunity to update you on legisla-
tive activity in Harrisburg and my work on your
behalf here in the 98th District.
This newsletter includes information on the
2010-11 state budget, efforts to fix the state’s
public pension systems, and other important
legislative developments. You will also find
information on upcoming events here in the
district including plans for an event to honor
Vietnam War veterans and my annual Senior
Expo.
Please take a moment to read through
this newsletter. If you have any questions or
would like to discuss an issue in further detail, rampant in state government including abuses in the Department
please feel free to contact my Columbia of-
fice at (717) 684-5525, or my Elizabethtown
office at (717) 367-5525. Also, be sure to visit
my website RepHickernell.com for important
news and updates.
Sincerely,
Dave Hickernell
State Representative
98th Legislative District
Pennsylvania Doesn’t Have
In early July, the Legislature approved a budget for the 2010-11
fiscal year. This is a marked improvement over last year’s budget
impasse which stretched 101 days past the legally mandated dead-
line. I am pleased the budget process was completed earlier this
year and I am happy that the final product does not include new
or increased taxes. That being said, I have very serious concerns
about the level of spending as well as the plan’s reliance on federal
funds which may never materialize. Given those concerns, I could
not support this budget and voted no.
While lawmakers were able to resist Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposal
to increase spending by more than $1 billion in this budget, the
plan still increases spending over last year despite the fact that
Pennsylvania finished the last fiscal year with a deficit of more than
$1 billion. Little or no effort was made to curb the waste which is
of Public Welfare which, according to recent audits by Democrat
Auditor General Jack Wagner, is responsible for hundreds of mil-
lions of dollars in fraud and abuse.
While this budget does include an increase in basic education
spending, that $250 million increase is based on the $850 million
in federal funding, called FMAP, that may never be approved. If
the $850 million from Washington, D.C. never materializes, we will
be left with a substantial budget hole and the choice of making
large cuts to nearly every state program or imposing a major tax
increase on Pennsylvanians to fill it. Relying on money we may
never see is simply irresponsible. Families cannot do it when they
prepare their household budgets and lawmakers should not do it
when they prepare the state budget.

Attention Seniors
This budget is not ideal
but it is the best we could
hope for from this gover-
I will be hosting my annual Senior Expo from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on nor at this time. Although
Thursday, Oct. 28, at the Masonic Village Freemasons Cultural Center, 1 it limits the out-of-control
Masonic Drive in Elizabethtown. spending increases sought
This free, informative event is an opportunity for residents age 60 and older by the governor and avoids
and their families to learn more about the programs and services available to tax increases, I believe it
them. Professionals from health care organizations, representatives of various sets us up for a $4 billion or
state agencies, and other exhibitors will be on hand and available to discuss topics $5 billion dollar deficit next
especially important to senior citizens, such as health care and consumer protection, year. I look forward to work-
among others. ing with the next governor to
There is no need to pre-register and there is no admission fee. Door prizes will craft a budget which reflects
be awarded throughout the event and refreshments will be provided. the financial realities facing
For more information on the Senior Expo, call either of my district offices, located Pennsylvania.
in Elizabethtown, phone (717) 367-5525, and in Columbia, phone (717) 684-5525.

Office Information
DISTRICT OFFICES: CAPTIOL OFFICE:
236 Locust Street 222 S. Market Street, Suite 103 Building: B-12 Main Capitol
Columbia, PA 17512 Elizabethtown, PA 17022 P.O. Box 202098
Phone: (717) 684-5525 Fax: (717) 684-2538 Phone: (717) 367-5525 Fax: (717) 367-6425 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2098
Phone: (717) 783-2076 Fax: (717) 787-9175
Visit my Web site: RepHickernell.com

Plan Designed to Put
Pennsylvanians Back to
Work
At 9 percent, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate is at its
highest level in more than 25 years. More than a half-million
Pennsylvanians are currently unemployed and more lost jobs
are not out of the question. Faced with uncertain economic
and political climates, Pennsylvania’s employers are reluctant
to begin hiring. As part of our “Solutions for Pennsylvania”
plan, House Republicans have developed a six-point legislative
package designed to empower individuals to find employment
and return to work.
Key elements of our plan include:
• The Shared Work Program which empowers employers to
avoid layoffs by reducing hours and wages for a specific
unit of employees while allowing those employees to collect
a pro rata portion of unemployment compensation benefits.
• The Keystone Works Program which removes barriers to
employment by matching unemployed persons and cash
assistance recipients with businesses seeking to hire on a
conditional basis with no cost to employers unless the
employer chooses to hire the claimant on a permanent basis.
• An Unemployment Training/Education Option which would
allow unemployment claimants to enter into short-term career
training/re-training while still collecting unemployment
benefits.
• Reauthorization and restructuring of the employment
incentive payments program which was successful at
encouraging employers to hire individuals who are currently
receiving public assistance in the form of welfare benefits.
• Revitalizing and reprioritizing the self-employment
assistance program which was enormously successful
during the administration of former Gov. Tom Ridge. This
program provides a unique opportunity for unemployed
individuals to enter into self-employment through
entrepreneurial training and counseling while continuing
to receive unemployment compensation.
• Creating a Youth Employment Incentive Tax Credit to
encourage employers to hire workers in their teens.
In addition, this tax credit will allow employers to hire
more inexperienced workers at a reduced cost.
House Republicans Offer
Sensible Policy Alternatives
for Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is facing some very difficult challenges. While our
Commonwealth and our nation are showing signs of recovery from the worst
economic recession in generations, many Pennsylvanians are still waiting to
feel the effects of that recovery in their own lives. Many have been forced to
rely on unemployment compensation and many more continue to fear that they
could be the next to lose their job. Pennsylvania can do better. Pennsylvania
must do better.
House Republicans have developed a document called “Solutions for
Pennsylvania,” in which we offer a series of clear, sensible solutions to the
difficult challenges Pennsylvania faces including job creation, economic
development, transportation, education, health care, energy, crime, families,
and government reform.
We did not set out to create a one-size-fits-all answer to all of Pennsylvania’s
problems. Rather, our goal is to start the much-needed conversation about
the challenges we face. To learn about “Solutions for Pennsylvania,” visit
PAGOPPolicy.com and click on the “Solutions for Pennsylvania” banner.
Reforms Aimed at Restoring
Faith in State Government
In recent years, we have heard a great deal of talk from lawmakers in
Harrisburg about the need for reform in Pennsylvania government. So far, those
promises have not been kept. From accusations of politicians using taxpayer
dollars to further their campaign goals to a broken budget process, something
must be done to change the way business is done in Harrisburg.
I have co-sponsored legislation to create a Public Integrity Commission, an
independent government agency responsible for monitoring and investigating
the actions of public officials to determine whether they are engaging in unlawful
activity in connection with the public office they hold or for which they work. In
addition, as part of the “Solutions for Pennsylvania” plan, House Republicans
have offered specific reforms aimed at restoring Pennsylvanians’ trust and
faith in their state government. These reforms include a total ban on legislative
employees engaging in campaign activities during work hours, “dollar one”
reporting of all campaign contributions, real-time reporting for lobby disclosure
and ethics statements, and the removal of convicted felons from the voter
registration database.
The “Solutions for Pennsylvania” plan would also create a searchable
database for all state spending and order audits of the General Assembly to
be conducted by independent auditors. In addition, it would fully enforce strict
procedures for pre- and post-grant audits and strengthen parameters for the use
of public dollars. We would also create an ethical code of conduct for executive
branch employees and stop the revolving doors at state agencies by restricting
executive branch employees leaving state employment from lobbying that same
branch of government for two years.

House Passes State Pension System Reforms

The Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) and the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) are the pension plans for
hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania teachers and public employees. Both are defined benefit plans, which means each employee is entitled
to a specific retirement benefit, established by a formula based on years of employment, at his or her retirement. These plans are funded by a
combination of returns on investments made by the retirement systems, contributions from the employee, and contributions from the employer
which, in the case of PSERS and SERS means the taxpayers of Pennsylvania.
In 2012, PSERS and SERS will be faced with a serious cost spike because investment income is down and other factors. Because the
employee contribution level is set by law, Pennsylvania taxpayers will be on the hook to cover the costs of retiree benefits. That means school
boards will be forced to raise property taxes and the Legislature will be forced to increase taxes.
In an effort to ease these costs, the House recently passed House Bill 2497, which would make changes to the methodology by which the
employer contribution rates are calculated. The legislation addresses the coming spike in employer contribution rates by capping the rate increase
in order to help lessen expenditures by school districts and the state. In addition, the bill includes several reforms impacting new hires into the
pension systems such as increasing the retirement age and vesting periods for system members and eliminating the so-called “lump sum payout”
option for retirees.
If something is not done to address this looming crisis, Pennsylvania families could be facing a massive tax increase. While House Bill 2479
will not solve all of the problems facing our state pension systems, I supported it because I believe it is an important first step toward keeping the
systems healthy without placing an even greater burden on Pennsylvania taxpayers.

FOR MORE I N F O R M AT I O N , VISIT W

 Special Legislative Session to Address Pennsylvania’s
Transportation Funding Crisis
Earlier this year, the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) rejected Pennsylvania’s application to toll Interstate 80 creating a $470 million hole
in Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure budget. Gov. Ed Rendell has called a special session of the Legislature to address the situation.
Pennsylvania has more than 7,000 miles of roads that are deemed in poor condition, and over 5,600 bridges that are considered “structurally
deficient.” The development and maintenance of our infrastructure is a vital function of state government. This special session is an opportunity for
us to address Pennsylvania’s aging transportation infrastructure and promote much-needed job growth in the Commonwealth.
When he announced plans for a special session, the governor said every idea should be on the table. I completely agree. Every proposal should
be given consideration as we work to resolve this crisis. One of the proposals we will examine is the package of legislation offered by Rep. Rick Geist
(R-Altoona), Republican chairman of the House Transportation Committee. The plan includes 11 legislative proposals designed to help close the $2
billion-a-year shortfall in transportation funding in the Commonwealth.
Solving Pennsylvania’s transportation crisis will require innovative solutions. The job is even tougher due to the difficult financial challenges we
face. I look forward to working with my colleagues to find a solution to our transportation problems without increasing the burden on Pennsylvania
taxpayers.

Hickernell Appointed
to House Professional
Licensure Committee
Earlier this year, I was pleased to be appointed to the House
Professional Licensure Committee. This committee considers all
legislation dealing with the 27 professional and occupational licensing
boards and commissions in Pennsylvania. Professionals range from
physicians and cosmetologists to real estate agents and funeral
directors. The committee is also charged with reviewing the various
regulations put forth by the Pennsylvania Department of State on
Rep. Hickernell listens to testimony during a recent hearing of the House Professional
licensed professionals. Licensure Committee.

Bills Aimed at Reducing Attention

Distracted Driving on Pennsylvania Vietnam War
Roads and Highways Veterans
Interactive wireless devices have enabled us to stay in touch with our families and work nearly
anywhere we go. While these devices allow us to be more efficient in our jobs and more available 
to our families when we are away from home, there are also times when they can distract our
attention from where it should be – like when we are driving. This is a particular concern among As I have done in the past with
teen drivers who lack experience behind the wheel and, as a result, are more prone to accidents veterans of World War II and the Korean
if their attention is not fully focused on the task of driving. War, I am planning a ceremony to
Thirty states have enacted bans on texting while driving. In January, the House approved honor Vietnam War veterans living in
House Bill 2070 which would ban hand-held cell phone use and text messaging for motorists the 98th Legislative District. The date
on Pennsylvania roadways. Under H.B. 2070, adult drivers would still be permitted to engage and location of that event, which will be
in voice communication in hands-free mode, while junior drivers (drivers age 16 and 17 who held in the spring of 2011, has yet to be
have not obtained full driving privileges) would be prohibited from using any interactive wireless determined.
communication device for any purpose. I support this legislation because I believe it will help Vietnam War veterans, or those who
reduce auto accidents and deaths resulting from distracted driving. Junior drivers would also be know Vietnam War veterans, should
able to use a device to contact 911 if the car is stopped in traffic and in neutral or park, or if they contact one of my district offices with the
are operating an emergency service vehicle and engaged in the performance of official duties. following information: name, address,
This bill is now in the Senate and additional action is unlikely this year. phone number and branch of service.
House Bill 67, another bill aimed at addressing the problem of distracted driving, particularly A phone number and home address
among teen drivers, passed the House in April 2009. As passed by the House, the bill included are requested so veterans can be
provisions banning cell phone use while driving and making the failure to use a seat belt a primary contacted with complete details about
offense for which junior drivers could be pulled over. the ceremony.
The Senate made a number of amendments to the bill which significantly weakened it. When Help us honor our Vietnam War
the bill returned to the House, I voted to support the Senate amendments even though I believe veterans. Please contact either district
much more should be done to address this growing problem. In the end, the House rejected the office at (717) 367-5525 (Elizabethtown)
Senate version of the bill and it is unlikely a compromise will be reached this year. or (717) 684-5525 (Columbia) with any
While the failure of House Bill 67 was a major setback for this issue, I intend to continue my questions, or e-mail the information to:
efforts to reduce distracted driving of all kinds and improve the safety of everyone who uses the jduralja@pahousegop.com.
roads and highways of Pennsylvania.

WWW .REPHICKERNELL.COM T O D AY
 Deadline for
Property Tax/Rent
Rebate Program
Extended
The deadline to apply for the state’s
Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for
2009 is being extended from June 30 to
Dec. 31, 2010.
Eligible participants can receive a re-
bate of up to $650 based on their rent or
property taxes paid in 2009. The program
benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are
65 years or older, widows and widowers
50 years or older, and those 18 years or
older with disabilities.
Eligibility income limits for homeowners
are set at the following levels, excluding 50
percent of Social Security, Supplemental
Security Income, and Railroad Retirement
Tier 1 benefits:
Treasury Department Seeks
Owners of Millions in Unclaimed
Property
Each year, millions of dollars in unclaimed property comes into the Trea-
sury Department’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property. The most common types
of unclaimed property are dormant bank accounts, stocks and dividends,
uncashed payroll checks, uncollected utility deposits, unredeemed gift cer-
tificates and items in safe deposit boxes.
In an effort to return the property to those who rightfully own it, an online
database was created in 2000 to make information more easily accessible.
As a result, the Bureau of Unclaimed Property was able to return more than
$100 million in unclaimed property to 83,000 owners last year.
Treasury is only required to advertise for unclaimed property valued in ex-
cess of $250, and the names only appear in the newspaper once. I strongly
urge residents to search the unclaimed property ads in their local newspaper
and search the Treasury Department’s website at www.patreasury.org/un-
claimed/search.html.
For additional information on unclaimed property, call the Bureau of Un-
claimed Property toll-free at 1-800-222-2046 or one of my district offices.

• $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate

(Homeowners and renters)
• $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500
rebate (Homeowners and renters)
• $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300
rebate (Homeowners only)
• $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250
rebate (Homeowners only)

Residents are reminded to provide

all the necessary income, property tax
or rental information required to process
claims quickly and accurately.
Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms
are available by contacting either of my
district offices at 236 Locust Street in Co-
lumbia, phone (717) 684-5525 or 222 S.
Market Street, Suite 103, in Elizabethtown, I was pleased to welcome Amber Albert and Logan Buffington to the House floor.
phone (717) 367-5525 or by visiting my Amber and Logan, who will be seventh-graders at Lower Dauphin Middle School this
fall, served as guest pages during a legislative session in June.
website at RepHickernell.com.

Contact My Offices For:

• adultBasic applications • Car registration, special tags, titles, and
• Birth certificate applications license applications
• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) • Complaints about state road conditions
applications • Complaints or questions about utilities
• PACE/PACENET applications and the Public Utilities Commission
• Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications • Complaints and problems with insurance
• Pennsylvania income tax forms companies
• Information on financial assistance for • Fishing and hunting information
higher education