Dear Friend, I am pleased to present my electronic newsletter. These e-newsletters enable me to provide information about issues, events and activities in Harrisburg and around the 47th Senatorial District to you in a timely manner while saving postage costs. If you find this e-newsletter useful, I invite you to visit my website www.senatoreldervogel.com for more information about your state government. If you do not wish to receive these e-newsletters, please click the “unsubscribe” button at the bottom of the page. Sincerely, Elder Vogel
Vote for Your Favorite Photos Today!Have you voted in the 47th Senate District Photo Contest yet? If not, vote today! Simply pick your favorite picture, one from each of the four seasonal categories, to have your say in which pictures showcasing this beautiful area will be in next year’s Scenes from the 47th Senate District calendar. Winners will be announced next month. Click here to cast your vote for your favorite pictures. Senate Committee to Explore State Budgeting ReformsThis Tuesday, September 20, at 1:00 p.m. the Senate Appropriations and Senate Majority Policy Committees will hold a joint-hearing to examine the concept of “performance based budgeting” and how it would impact the annual state budget process in Pennsylvania. Performance based budgeting would require all departments and agencies to justify their taxpayer-funded appropriation beginning with the first dollar, for all existing as well as proposed programs for each fiscal year, before they can receive consideration for funding. This method stands in stark contrast to usual budgeting in government which begins its budget process with a minimum spending floor matching each department’s previous year appropriation.
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Bring the Vote Home InitiativeOn a related note, The Pennsylvania Homecare Association and homecare agencies across the state are joining home-based care providers across the country in “Bring the Vote Home,” a national initiative to help seniors and people with disabilities register to vote and cast their ballots in the November election. Member agencies will be conducting voter drives among their staff, patients and consumers. Caregivers will assist patients and their families in registering to vote or in applying for absentee ballots. Visit http://www.bringthevotehome.org/ for more information. On Friday, September 30, from 12 – 4 p.m. the Butler VA is hosting a Veterans Stand Down event for Vets in need. Transportation to this event can be arranged at designated pick up areas. See flier for more information. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Date ChangesThe PA Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is advising college-bound students and families of a date change to the application timeline for federal, state, and other sources of student financial aid. Beginning with the 2017-18 student aid application cycle, the FAFSA will be available three months earlier than in previous years, allowing students able to apply for financial aid as early as October 1, 2016. The change was made to better align the financial aid application process with the actual college admissions timeline. Additionally, applicants are now permitted to complete the 2017-18 FAFSA with financial information from the 2015 tax year. For more information about student financial aid, visit http://www.mysmartborrowing.org/ Attention All VeteransThis Wednesday, September 21, Stephanie Bengoa of the American Legion Veterans Assistance Program will be available at my New Castle District Office from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Ms. Bengoa can assist you and your family understand the benefits you have earned, enroll in the V.A. health care system, assist with the appeals process, and much more. For more information, contact my New Castle District Office at 724-654-1444. Transportation Commission Adopts Updated 12-Year PlanThe State Transportation Commission recently adopted an updated 12-Year Transportation Plan. State law requires the commission to review and update the 12-Year Plan every two years. No capital project can move forward unless it is included in the plan. The updated plan anticipates $61.9 billion being available over the next 12 years for improvements to roads, bridges, transit systems, airports and railroads. That compares with $63.3 billion in the last update in 2014. Information about the 12-Year program update is available at: www.TalkPATransportation.com. Follow Me on Twitter!I have a Twitter account to better connect with my constituents and provide daily updates on my voting record, whereabouts, state government, and local news affecting the 47 S.D. To access my Twitter page, click here. Please
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