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PRSRT STD

State Representative U.S. POSTAGE

Sue Helm PAID


PO Box 202104 HARRISBURG, PA
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2104 PERMIT NO. 529

SueHelm.net
Spring 2010

Dear Neighbor: Governor Proposes More Spending in


Economic Downturn
The past year has presented many
When the governor presented his final state budget to the General
challenges locally, statewide and across
Assembly on Feb. 9, my initial reaction was concern over how much his
the country, but Americans continue to
budget relies on federal stimulus funding. As the recession continues
stand together through these difficult
to impact states across the country, the federal government instituted a
times. With a national recession
federal stimulus plan to provide financial assistance to the states, including
still gripping our economy, state
Pennsylvania.
government must continue to rein
This additional revenue has been a blessing and a curse on the
in spending and use your tax dollars
Commonwealth’s finances. It has helped in areas where revenues are
efficiently and effectively.
declining; however, the federal stimulus program is not permanent. In a
The ensuing months ahead will,
little more than a year, Pennsylvania will lose nearly $3 billion as the stimulus
no doubt, be just as challenging as
funds run out. This will leave a serious deficit in state revenues. Last
the General Assembly begins the
year’s budget relied heavily on stimulus funding in addition to completely
budgeting process for the 2010-11
draining the Commonwealth’s reserve accounts. This year, the governor has
fiscal year, which begins on July 1.
introduced his budget, which is predicated on the Commonwealth receiving
My colleagues and I in Harrisburg
an additional $800 million in federal stimulus funds. It’s important to note
must look further ahead than just
that Congress has yet to pass legislation in Washington, D.C., that would
next year and adequately prepare our
provide this revenue stream. I believe it is unwise for Pennsylvania to
Commonwealth to successfully rise out
depend on money it does not have, or may not receive.
of this economic downturn. It will not
What state government must do is take a step back and analyze actual
be easy; however, I believe the best
revenues and design a budget based on these numbers. If the federal
approach is for Harrisburg to adopt
stimulus funding comes through, great, but if it doesn’t, we will be facing
a fiscally conservative mentality and
a gaping deficit for taxpayers to fill. State spending should only match
leave the taxpayers out of the equation
revenues and not a penny more. We must break the mindset that taxpayers
for additional funding for state
are an endless supply of cash and operate in a framework to use the money
government operations.
we currently have.
It’s important to me to hear from
Including stimulus money, the governor proposes to spend $29 billion
my constituents on issues and policies
next fiscal year, which equates to a $1.2 billion, or a 4 percent, increase
under consideration in Harrisburg. I
in spending. If the governor’s budget is enacted as presented, the total
encourage you to call, write, or visit
spending increase over the past eight years would equal $8.6 billion, or
my office to share your opinions and
42 percent. In comparison, since the founding of the Commonwealth in
thoughts on what state government
1682 through 2002, state
can do differently yet still meet the PA STATE BUDGET: FY 2010-11
spending totaled $20 billion.
needs of Pennsylvania residents.
This level of spending is General Fund Budget Growth
If you have any questions or
unsustainable on the back
concerns, please do not hesitate to
$31,000,000,000

Rendell: $8.63 Billion


of the hard-working men
contact me. $29,000,000,000

and women throughout $27,000,000,000

Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
State government needs
$25,000,000,000

to control its spending $23,000,000,000

Ridge-Schweiker: $4.73 Billion


appetite in order to prevent $21,000,000,000

further financial harm to our


Sue Helm
$19,000,000,000

families and businesses.


104th Legislative District $17,000,000,000

$15,000,000,000
1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11
Rendell Proposal
Governor’s Sales Tax Applications Now Available
Proposal Will Cost for Property Tax/Rent Rebate
Taxpayers More Program
A key proposal included in the governor’s Applications for the Pennsylvania 2009 Property Tax/Rent
budget would significantly alter the state sales tax. Rebate program are now available.
As presented, the rate would drop from the current Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650
6 percent to 4 percent, while broadening it to 74 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2009. The program
items that are currently exempt. The more than benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older,
$530 million in anticipated revenue would be used widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or
to fund state government operations. Since the older with disabilities.
unveiling of his plan, the governor has stated that Eligibility income limits for homeowners are set at the
this change would result in savings to taxpayers. I following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security,
question this since many of the 74 items that would Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1
be subject to the sales tax are used and purchased benefits:
by the majority of taxpayers.
Under his plan, sales tax would be charged on • $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate
residential electric bills. This would be in addition (Homeowners and renters)
to the rate caps that were lifted at the end of 2009 • $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate
for PPL customers. While ratepayers were never (Homeowners and renters)
subjected to sales tax in the past, they would be if
• $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate
the governor’s proposal is enacted. Depending on a
(Homeowners only)
family’s electric use, this could result in a significant
added cost. • $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate
The governor also proposes applying the sales (Homeowners only)
tax to sewer and water services that nearly every
home in Pennsylvania utilizes. Citizens already pay The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of many
a hefty price to maintain water and sewage service initiatives supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which
in their homes, and the sales tax would increase dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older
these costs. Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, more than $4
In addition, the governor’s plan proposes to billion has been paid to qualified applicants.
add sales tax on basic television services; candy; Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income,
gum; dry cleaning; non-prescription medications; property tax or rental information required to process claims
veterinary fees; amusement and recreation quickly and accurately. Applications are due by June 30.
admissions; coal; firewood; residential oil and gas Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available by
fuel; and telephone service. contacting my office, or by visiting my Web site at
Some argue that the sales tax is avoidable. I SueHelm.net.
beg to differ; if citizens are charged sales tax on
their electric, sewer and water bills, I’m curious how You Can Help Find a Cure for
they can avoid paying the sales tax on these items.
In virtually all situations, people need sewer, water
Breast and Cervical Cancer
and electric services to keep their home functioning. With more than 10,000 Pennsylvania women diagnosed with
In fact, I believe the governor’s proposal would breast or cervical cancer each year, Pennsylvania residents can
actually cost taxpayers more over the long term. take part in helping to find a cure. In 1997, Gov. Tom Ridge signed
I understand and recognize the Commonwealth the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition’s (PBCC) income tax
is facing revenue shortfalls; however, I believe the check-off legislation into law, which allows citizens to donate their
more prudent action would be for state government state tax refund to breast and cervical cancer research. So far, the
to reassess its spending priorities to ensure they are program has raised more than $2.5 million. One hundred percent
in line with what the people of Pennsylvania need. of donations are distributed as grants to outstanding researchers
It’s time for elected officials in Harrisburg to across the Commonwealth.
stop reaching into the taxpayers’ pockets and The income tax check-off for breast and cervical cancer
taking more of their hard-earned money. Like all research continues to be a favorite among state taxpayers. Each
levels of government, the citizens of Pennsylvania year, thousands of Pennsylvanians donate their state tax refund
are also bearing the burden of the downturn in to breast and cervical cancer research, which averages $8 per
the economy. Many have lost their jobs, had their donor. Although this may seem minimal, any amount is greatly
wages frozen or have realized a decrease in take- appreciated.
home pay. Based on the tax burden placed on To donate your tax refund to the PBCC’s breast and cervical
citizens by the federal, state and local governments, cancer research fund, be sure to complete line 35 on the tax form
now is not the time to think of taxpayers as a blank PA 40. For additional information, visit my Web site at
check. SueHelm.net.

Sign Up for E-Mail Updates


As a way to reduce costs and to continue providing information to the residents of the 104th Legislative
District, I send out periodic e-mail updates about news and legislation under consideration in Harrisburg and events
throughout the local area. If you would like to receive e-mail updates from my office, visit SueHelm.net and
locate the “Get E-Mail Updates” section.
Residents Encouraged to Use Road-Damage Hotline to
Report Poor Road Conditions
Motorists are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
(PennDOT) to report potholes and other problems with state roads.
Based on the caller’s phone number, calls are directed to local PennDOT maintenance
facilities, where problems can receive the appropriate attention. The following information is
helpful when calling in a report:
• The county and municipality where the problem is located.
• The state route number, which can be found on the small white-and-black signs posted
along state roads, where the problem is located.
• Describe familiar landmarks nearby in order to help PennDOT crews locate the problem.
The toll-free maintenance hotline can be reached at 1-800-FIX-ROAD (1-800-349-7623).
In addition to reporting potholes, motorists may also report missing highway signs, shoulder
drop-offs, roadway washouts and other potential hazards.
Spring weather is much more difficult on roads because water can seep below the road
through small cracks in the pavement surface. As the water freezes and thaws in the spring,
a cavity can form below the road, undermining the strength of the pavement and causing a
pothole. During winter, road damage is most likely to only be temporarily repaired so that
stronger materials can be used in the spring and summer.

Families Should Be Wary


Applications for State of Suspicious
Education Assistance Grants Student Financial Aid
Now Available Offers
Students seeking state higher education assistance
grants for the 2010-11 academic year may now begin The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance
submitting applications. Agency (PHEAA) is alerting families to be
Need-based Pennsylvania State Grants are provided to cautious when looking at offers of assistance for
qualified Pennsylvania residents through the Pennsylvania securing funds for their college-bound students.
Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and do not Several individuals and organizations may
have to be repaid. Students must complete and submit charge a fee in exchange for assistance in
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be finding scholarship money or in completing
considered. the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Individuals with Internet access may file their FAFSA (FAFSA). However, there are many FREE
electronically at www.PHEAA.org/FAFSA or at resources available to provide families with all the
fafsa.ed.gov. Completing the FAFSA online reduces assistance they need.
errors and speeds up the processing time. The Federal Trade Commission warns
May 1 is the deadline for the Pennsylvania that unscrupulous companies “guarantee” or
State Grant, but families should contact the schools their “promise” scholarships for students. Such claims
student is interested in attending, as many have earlier should be a warning sign. Families can avoid
financial aid deadlines. scholarship scams by looking for these types of
Federal, state and institutional student aid programs misleading sales pitches:
have varying deadlines. Be sure to submit a completed • For a fee, the company or organization will
FAFSA prior to the earliest deadline for awards for which provide a list of scholarship opportunities. If a
the student may be eligible. student does not receive a reward and seeks a
The PHEAA Web site offers services to manage refund, they soon find that conditions have been
student accounts successfully and obtain information attached to the agreement to make it impossible
about Pennsylvania State Grants or special programs to get the refund. A request for a refund is
that would be relevant to secondary education students, denied and the student is out the money.
including account summaries, free online applications,
online payment options, and additional forms of financial • Companies may claim that their
assistance such as work-study programs, special grants or information is simply not available anywhere
scholarships and loan forgiveness programs for those who else. However, much of the information
qualify. they use can be accessed for free. PHEAA’s
For more information on FAFSA Workshops, PHEAA EducationPlanner.org offers a free
grants or for an application, visit my Web site at scholarship database.
SueHelm.net, or contact my district office.
Continued on page 4...

www.SueHelm.net
Continued from page 3... Around the 104th District
• Some organizations persuade students and Rep. Sue Helm attended
their families to send them money to “hold” an the ordination of Stanley R.
Lawson at the First Spirit
award, claiming that students are finalists in a Filled Missionary Baptist
scholarship contest. However, scholarships are Church. Pictured from left
are Lawson, Helm and
only awarded based on a student’s application.
Bishop Dwight E. Joppy.
• Organizations that have official sounding Seated is Pastor H.W. Hall.

names, fancy seals, and a Washington, D.C.,


mailing address can give families the impression
the organization is affiliated with or endorsed Rep. Sue Helm is pictured
by the federal government, when, in fact, no with (from left) Bob Bower,
association exists. American Legion Post 648;
Clair Shoop, Halifax VFW Post
• Free scholarship or “financial planning” 5750; Rev. William Krenz;
and Rev. Jay Bohn at last
seminars can frequently end with a sales pitch to year’s Halifax Memorial Day
“act now or lose out on this opportunity” for a fee. ceremony.
Any legitimate organization or entity will not use
pressure or scare tactics. During a special event for the
Pennsylvania Association of
Students interested in applying for scholarships REALTORS, Reps. Sue Helm,
and other financial aid should contact their school Glen Grell (R-87) and Ron
Marsico (R-105) presented
counselor for assistance in identifying local awards. a House citation to Donald
A variety of scholarships, including merit, scholastic Roth for being chosen as the
and special talent awards are available to students. Association’s 2010 President.
Pictured from left are Helm,
Families are encouraged to report suspected Roth, Grell and Marsico.
scams by contacting the Federal Trade Commission
at FTC.gov or by calling 1-877-382-4357. During the 2010 Farm Show,
For more information on student financial aid, Rep. Sue Helm presented House
citations to students of the 104th
FAFSA workshops, or for a grant application, visit District for receiving the Keystone
my Web site at SueHelm.net. Degree from the Future Farmers
of America, which is the highest
degree awarded to FFA students
Seeking Information in Pennsylvania. Pictured from left
are Kim Langhans of Elizabethville,

About Area Veterans Carrie Bush of Lykens, Nathan


Wolfe of Spring Glen and Helm.

To ensure that area veterans are recognized


for their service to our country, I am seeking Senior Expo to be Held
information about those who have served in the
armed forces. Often times, veterans are not
on October 7
recognized or thanked for protecting our freedoms I will be hosting my
and our way of life. I am currently gathering annual Senior Expo from 10
information on veterans from the 104th District to a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday,
ensure I have an accurate accounting of them for October 7, at Kevin’s Place
future events in Lykens. Seniors of the
or programs. 104th District are invited
I am in to this free event to obtain
search of information about state
the following and local programs that are
information: available. For additional
name, street details, contact my office.
address,
telephone Rep. Helm’s 2009 Senior Expo.
number, e-
mail address,
branch of
Rep. Helm’s Vietnam Veterans’ Recognition
service, rank
Ceremony, Nov. 11, 2009.
and time of REPRESENTATIVE SUE HELM
service. If you have provided your information Capitol Office: 141-A East Wing / PO Box 202104
to my office in the past, it is not necessary to Harrisburg, PA 17120-2104
do so again. Phone: (717) 787-1230 /FAX: (717) 787-7375
This information can be provided by contacting
Susquehanna Township Office: 2090 Linglestown Road,
my district office, or by visiting my Web site at
Suite 100 / Harrisburg, PA 17110
SueHelm.net and clicking on “Veteran’s Phone: (717) 651-0100 / FAX: (717) 651-0801
Resources.”
Note: In the spring, I will be hosting a Elizabethville Office: PO Box 559 / 16 East Main Street,
recognition ceremony for veterans of Operation Suite #1 / Elizabethville, PA 17023
Desert Storm and Grenada. Additional information Phone: (717) 362-1119 / FAX: (717) 362-1009
will be forthcoming.
www.SueHelm.net

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