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Community Corner

Headline Harrisburg

Many Accomplishments, but Much More to Do

Members of the House Republican Caucus have been moving Pennsylvania forward since taking back the majority in 2011. While efforts to build consensus on state pension reform continue over the summer, there are clear signs the Commonwealth is moving in a positive direction as we remain focused on job creation, education and changing the culture of Harrisburg.

On the issue of pension reform, we recognize that the $50 billion unfunded liability for both the Public School Employees Retirement System and the State Employees Retirement System must be addressed. However, determining a workable solution requires additional debate. As such, a number of proposals are circulating for consideration. Notably, the Tobash Amendment to House Bill 1353 would save the Commonwealth up to $15 billion over 30 years. Although this legislation was recently brought to the full House, it did not yet receive a final vote. The House is now considering adjustments to the proposal. It is an important issue that I hope we address in the coming months.
  
Reducing the Number of Repeat Offenders

In 2012, the House passed legislation to address the growing problem of former criminals repeating offenses and returning to prison after release. Senate Bill 100, now Act 122, implemented a number of reforms specifically aimed at rehabilitating convicts to ensure they are able to successfully return to society.

Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections received recognition for these programs from the United States Department of Justice’s National Reentry Resource Center.

One of the programs offers eligible, non-violent offenders the chance to reduce their minimum sentences if they complete recommended courses and practice good conduct. The center also credited performance incentives that reward private operators of halfway houses who hold down recidivism. Those measures alone are credited with reducing recidivism by 16 percent among halfway house residents. Learn more here.  
 
Apply Now for PennDOT Winter Maintenance Jobs


PennDOT) will again sponsor a winter maintenance program for 2014 for a variety of positions to supplement the permanent workforce. Positions will be available for temporary equipment operators, mechanics, trades helpers, welders, clerks and typists. The program runs from September through April. All interested applicants must apply online by the close of business on Friday, Aug. 8.

For more information or to apply, visit RepSimmons.com and click on “PennDOT Winter Maintenance Program.”

Fair Season is Here

The summer fair season has begun, with lots of great community events scheduled across Pennsylvania. The PA Department of Agriculture publishes a handy guide, which lists the dates and regions of all the fairs and festivals taking place during the next few months. In our area, the Allentown Fair is set for Aug. 26-Sept. 1.  

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