Headline Harrisburg

In response to the thousands of complaints statewide about skyrocketing variable electric rates, the House Consumer Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 20, at 9:30 a.m. in Harrisburg to gather more information on the issue. You can watch the hearing live at PAHouseGOP.com.

Legislation is being drafted requiring that specific information about variable rates that is easy to read and understand be included in all supplier contracts. The bill also would cap the amount a variable rate may change, prohibit cancellation and early termination fees, require the posting of current and historic rates and reduce the amount of time it takes to switch suppliers.

Consumers with a complaint about their rate should contact the supplier. If the supplier is unable to resolve the issue or is unresponsive, consumers should go to www.puc.state.pa.us to file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission or call 1-800-692-7380.

Consumers who believe the supplier has violated Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection law or has engaged in price gouging, should go to www.attorneygeneral.gov to file a complaint with the attorney general’s office or call 1-800-441-2555. 
  
Pennsylvania’s veterans can now have their status included on their driver licenses or non-driver identification cards. The designation will allow them to easily show their veteran status when taking advantage of special offers and discounts. However, further documentation will still be required to obtain VA benefits.

The designation is available to eligible veterans at no charge at the next date of renewal of their license or ID card. If veterans want the designation sooner than that, they will have to pay the duplicate license fee. My district office can provide assistance in filling out the application. Learn more here.
 
The state Department of Public Welfare recently detailed nearly $2 billion in savings through efforts to combat welfare waste, fraud and abuse. Welfare reform has been a priority in the House for many years, with several measures enacted aimed at saving taxpayer dollars and promoting greater integrity in the system, while also ensuring assistance is available to those who truly need it. 

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is expanding its Mentored Youth Fishing Day program across the state this year, giving young people another opportunity to discover the joy of fishing. Under the program, youth under the age of 16 can join a licensed adult angler to fish in designated waters.

The first Mentored Youth Fishing Day will be held on Saturday, March 22, in southeastern Pennsylvania, including Lehigh and Northampton counties. The event will be held in the rest of the state on Saturday, April 5. Learn more here.