Gavel PLBC
Volume 6
THE No. 1
The Newsletter of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
State Representative Ronald G. Waters, Chairman Fall 2009
Dear Friends,
a PUBLiC serVant in OUr Midst:
Welcome to the fall 2009 edition of The
Gavel. We are happy to update you on The PLBC SaLuTeS CharTer MeMBer
our latest legislative initiatives as well as
Pennsylvania’s 2009-10 budget. Please
rePreSenTaTive Frank L. OLiver
take this opportunity to read about what our State Rep. Frank L. Oliver, D-Phila., has been a
members are doing to make health care member of the House of Representatives since 1973,
affordable and accessible for you and how serving the residents of the 195th legislative district with
we continue to work to ensure equality and honor and distinction. Rep. Oliver is a founding member
fair treatment for all of our constituents. of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and was
instrumental in helping to establish and carry out its
I am also proud to announce that our
mission. He is the last standing original member of the
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
PLBC. Rep. Oliver has many notable accomplishments.
are finally receiving well-deserved
To name a few:
recognition.
Chairman of the House Health and Human Services
We have also updated our website and made Committee. Rep. Oliver shepherded the bill which is
it more accessible and user-friendly. You will now known as The Clean Indoor Air Act through his committee, which effectively
now be able to view more photos and take prohibits smoking in public places.
our surveys. You can check it out at www.
Rep. Oliver was the prime sponsor of H.B. 1401, now Act 22, which exempts
pahouse.com/plbc
felony ex-offender mothers who have been convicted of drug convictions from
The work we do is with you in mind, so your the Federal ban on welfare, cash assistance, and food stamps.
feedback is valuable. Rep. Oliver’s involvement with the Food Trust in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania,
I, as well as all the PLBC members, look led to public hearings centering on the lack of supermarkets in urban areas. An
forward to continually serving you. in depth study associated with H. R. 13 revealed the concerns of corporations
that purchase parcels of land to utilize as supermarkets, the square footage
Kindest Regards, required to have a successful supermarket, as well as the increase in episodes
of hypertension and diabetes resulting from small corner stores essentially
selling potato chips and other sodium laden high price foods in urban areas.
As a result of Rep. Oliver’s hearings and research, and subsequent work of
Ronald G. Waters, Chairman the House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dwight Evans, the General
Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Assembly ultimately passed The First Industries Program that authorized $1.1
State Representative billion dollars for investment in economic development programs in urban and
191st Legislative District suburban areas of the Commonwealth causing an increase in jobs and the
development of supermarkets in our communities.
Rep. Oliver has been one of the last public figures standing to fight the
dissolution of the Berean Institute, the venerable vocational training school that
has fallen upon hard times. Rep. Oliver, along with other community leaders,
fought hard to continue Berean as an institution or, failing that, a school to
be integrated into an existing academic institution with the assistance of the
Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Rep. Oliver continues to assist non-profit organizations in our community by
providing much needed funds to assist in community development.
Rep. Oliver, recognizing that some families have loved ones down on their
luck and incarcerated, prime sponsored H.B. 1402, which allows alternative
payment methods for inmates calling their families to lower the financial impact
of phone bills affecting them. This bill was supported by Gov. Rendell as well as
the Department of Corrections and was passed into law. Similarly, Rep. Oliver
has been extremely helpful in assisting families in having incarcerated loved
ones transferred to closer state correctional facilities due to family emergencies.
This list could go on and on…but ONE THING IS FOR SURE: WE HAVE A
PUBLIC SERVANT IN OUR MIDST!
2 The Gavel FALL 2009 Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
PLBC LaUds gOV. rendeLL’s exeCUtiVe
Order ensUring reCOVery aCt fUnds 2009-10
fOr MinOrity BUsinesses state BUdget UPdate
On Oct. 28, Gov. Ed Rendell signed an executive order formally The 2009-10 state budget was completed on Oct.
establishing a goal that at least 10 percent of state-administered 9. It was a relief to reach the compromise so that
contract funds through the federal American Recovery and schools, child-care providers and human service
Reinvestment Act go to small and disadvantaged businesses. It agencies that rely on state funding could meet
requires state agencies, contractors and grantees to work directly the needs of the people they serve.
with the Department of General Services’ Bureau of Minority and
It is important to note the funding and revenue
Women Business Opportunities, conduct outreach efforts to small
sources provided in this year’s budget were
and disadvantaged businesses, and track progress through Sept.
hard-fought. For months, the PLBC members
20, 2011.
and other lawmakers stood our ground to make
Following the signing, Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus sure education, particularly pre-school funding,
Chairman Ronald G. Waters, D-Delaware/Phila., and PLBC was not undercut and that programs for women,
members reaffirmed the caucus’ commitment to ensuring the elderly and people with disabilities were
Inclusion, Diversity, and Opportunity (I DO) in regards to the protected.
participation of disadvantaged businesses in state contracts.
PLBC members and other lawmakers fought
“While federal stimulus money will help Pennsylvania rebuild its against taxing arts organizations, including
infrastructure and create jobs, it’s imperative that women and museums, the symphony and the ballet. We also
minority business owners take advantage of this opportunity,” opposed allowing an excessive amount of our
said Waters. “The governor’s pledge to see that these owners are state forests to be open to gas drilling.
connected to funding opportunities reinforces our message and
For education, the budget preserves the
the feedback we received this year at forums we held throughout
programs that have been most effective in
the Commonwealth on this issue.”
increasing student achievement, maintaining
Waters said the PLBC this year held seven forums throughout funding levels for Pre-K Counts at $86.4
the Commonwealth to inform minority, women and disadvantaged million and Accountability Block Grants, which
business owners of the various ways they can access business are responsible for nearly doubling full-day
opportunities connected to state and local projects receiving kindergarten programs, at $271.4 million.
funding from the federal stimulus package.
For fiscal year 2009/10, the base cost per student
Additionally, caucus member Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Allegheny, is $8,698.
established and chairs the bipartisan House Select Committee
The Federal American Recovery and
on Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Reinvestment Act provided approximately
Inclusion. The committee last month issued a report making
$2.6 billion in additional education funding for
recommendations to ensure participation in state contracts and
Pennsylvania, with $2.2 billion of this total as
purchasing by these businesses enterprises.
direct aid to districts. The purpose of these
The report is available on Wheatley’s Web site, www.pahouse. funds is to create and save jobs, raise student
com/Wheatley, and includes six pages of findings on what state achievement, and ensure transparency and
government has been doing to ensure diversity in contracts and accountability.
purchasing.
More than $1.4 billion will be used for basic
Additional information about American Recovery and and higher education. Pennsylvania received
Reinvestment Act initiatives in Pennsylvania is available by an additional $427 million to be used as
visiting www.recovery.pa.gov. expenditures to educate children with disabilities.
Pennsylvania will receive $425 million in
federal funding to enhance education through
technology.
HOUse adOPts Waters resOLUtiOn
PHEAA will receive $403.6 million to provide
COndeMning raCiaL intOLeranCe grants to college students.
On December 7, the state House unanimously adopted a Public libraries will receive $60 million, a
resolution offered by Rep. Ronald G. Waters, D-Phila./Delaware, reduction of nearly $16 million from 2008-09.
that condemns racial intolerance and discrimination. Not everyone got what they wanted, and nearly
Waters said he has a responsibility as chairman of the every line item was cut as we worked to close
Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus to ensure people’s rights a $3.2 billion revenue short fall. But this budget
are not violated because of their skin color. does allow us to fund critical needs as we emerge
from the national recession.
Waters also said he decided to write the resolution this summer,
with the help of other PLBC members and Majority Caucus To keep track of these issues and others, or to
Chairman Mark Cohen, D-Phila., when he learned that a private become a friend of the Caucus, please visit our
swim club in Huntingdon Valley asked more than 60 minority Web site at www.pahouse.com/plbc and join our
(Continued on page 3) mailing list.
3 The Gavel FALL 2009 Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
(Continued from page 2)
children from Creative Steps Day Camp, a
summer camp in Northeast Philadelphia, to
leave the pool, even though their parents had
paid more than $1,900 to The Valley Swim
Club.
“We live in a democracy and I am appalled
that authorities at the pool would act in
such an unprofessional manner to the point
where they would kick children out based
on the color of their skin. The owners of this
establishment placed their personal prejudices
before their professional duties,” Waters said.
Cohen said he thought it was important to
support the resolution, especially since this
incident occurred so close to his legislative
district.
“It is sad that it took an incident like children
being asked to leave a pool because of the
color of their skin to draw our attention to the From left to right. Rep. Ronald G. Waters, Alethea Wright, Speaker Keith
lack of tolerance and racial discrimination that McCall, Dr. Tom Reid and Theresa Reid.
is still blatant in our nation. However, I am
hopeful that this resolution will help us in our PLBC member Rep. Joe Preston, D-Allegheny, referred to some of the lyrics
progress toward looking past one’s skin color of the late singer, Bob Marley and said, “The color of a man’s skin should be
and seeing people as individuals,” Cohen of no more significance than the color of his eyes.” He added, “Unfortunately
said. those days just are not here yet.”
Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, D-Phila., PLBC Waters said he finds it hard to believe that this kind of discrimination is still
secretary, said, “Although our nation has happening in 2009, and he hopes his resolution (H.R.490) will bring attention
made progress over the years, it’s important to the need for racial tolerance.
for us to realize that racial bigotry is still
relevant in today’s society. Incidents, such as Alethea Wright, the camp director and the recipient of the 2009 Nation
the one that took place at The Huntingdon Builder’s Award for Pennsylvania was present along with her parents when
Valley Swim Club this past summer cannot the House adopted the resolution.
and will not be tolerated.”
President BaraCk OBaMa deCLares natiOnaL HBCU Week
The PLBC applauds President Obama for proclaiming the week
of Aug. 30 through Sept. 5, 2009 as National Historically Black
Colleges and Universities Week. Shortly thereafter President
Obama’s declaration, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
unanimously adopted Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
Chairman Ronald G. Waters’, D-Delaware/Phila., resolution
declaring Aug. 30 through Sept. 5, 2009, “Historically Black
Colleges and Universities Week in Pennsylvania.”
“I thought it was fitting that our state adopted this resolution,
especially since Cheyney University, one of the first HBCUs in our
nation, was founded right here in Pennsylvania in 1837,” Waters
said.
PLBC member and Chairman of the House Education Committee,
Rep. James Roebuck, D-Phila., added, “Historically Black Colleges
and Universities have contributed substantially to the development
of many of our former and current nation’s leaders.” Rep. Roebuck,
an alumnus of Virginia Union University, also said “We must
continue to support these institutions at the state and federal levels
to ensure they are able to contribute to our future leaders as well.
I’m a product of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and
remain grateful for the quality education I received.”
(Continued on page 4)
4 The Gavel Fall 2009 Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
(Continued from page 3)
Waters thanked President Barack Obama for his proclamation honoring HBCUs nationwide earlier this month. President
Obama is not the first president to recognize the important role these institutions of higher learning play in the country’s
success, Waters said.
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan created the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which
encourages federal support for HBCUs.
In 1989, President George Bush signed Executive Order 12677, establishing a Presidential Advisory Board on Historically
Black Colleges and Universities to advise the president and the secretary of education on methods, programs and strategies to
strengthen these valued institutions.
In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 12876, further establishing the purpose of the advisory board,
requiring that a senior level executive in each federal agency have oversight in implementing the order, and that the Office of
Management and Budget be involved in monitoring implementation of the order.
On Feb. 12, 2002, President George W. Bush signed Executive Order 13256. This executive order transferred the White House
Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities to the office of the secretary within the U.S. Department of Education.
Waters said HBCUs have made many contributions to this country, shaping the minds of some well-known entrepreneurs
and leaders, including civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; filmmaker Spike Lee; the late Supreme Court Justice
Thurgood Marshall; and the late Richard Lewis, head of the largest black-owned company in the nation, Beatrice Foods.
“HBCUs have a rich history and I am proud that my colleagues thought it was important enough to adopt this resolution,”
Waters said.
stand UP and Be COUnted! CensUs 2010
The Census will create hundreds of thousands of temporary 2. All questionnaires will need to be filled out and mailed back
jobs across the nation. to the Census Bureau by April 1, 2010.
The Census has been conducted every 10 years since 1790. 3. If you do not mail in the first form, a second one will be sent.
If the second one is not mailed in, a census worker will either
WHAT you need to know about the Census visit or call your household and ask the questions, filling out the
The U.S. Census is conducted once every 10 years to count survey in person.
the number of people living in this country. 4. This year’s census will only include the short form, which
But did you know that it’s not just an official population count? takes just a few minutes to complete. It only will ask for the
It’s much more than that. It helps federal, state and local number of the residents in your household, their names, sex,
government make sure the right amount of funding, programs age, date of birth, race, ethnicity, relationship and how long
and services come to your area and that you’re adequately each has lived there.
represented.
WHO is counted?
The Census Bureau does not release or share the information
Every person living in the United States, including Puerto
it receives. That means your information will NOT be forwarded
Rico and the island areas, is counted in the Census.
to the IRS, immigration or welfare, the courts or to the police.
All identifying information is CONFIDENTIAL! You do NOT have to be a U.S. citizen to be counted.
It’s important, It’s easy, It’s safe. WHY is it so important?
HOW it works 1. Census data is used to distribute more than $300 billion in
federal and state funding each year for a number of projects,
It’s easy!
programs and services in each state, including:
1. Questionnaires will be mailed or delivered to your home –
Unemployment Insurance
whether that’s at a house, apartment, nursing home or dormitory
– in March 2010. Medicaid
You will be counted at your usual place of residence, which Airport Improvement Act
means the place where you spend most of your time during Highway Planning and Construction
the year and where you sleep most often.
Keystone Opportunity Zone Program
If you are receiving short-term care at hospitals or other
facilities, you should be included on the form at your home. PA Emergency Management Agency
If you are receiving long-term care at the following facilities, 2. The more people who are counted, the more money
you will be counted by census workers at the facility: Pennsylvania receives from the federal government.
psychiatric or chronic disease hospitals; drug and alcohol 3. Census data determines the number of seats each state
recovery facilities; hospice facilities; places for those with has in the U.S. House of Representatives, since those seats
physical, developmental or mental disabilities; and nursing are distributed based on population. The more people who are
homes. counted in Pennsylvania, the more seats the Commonwealth
5 The Gavel Fall 2009 Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
will have in Congress and the more political power Pennsylvania In addition, Census workers must pass a series of security
will have. and employment reference checks. They cannot be currently
4. The same applies in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. employed as tax collectors, assessors or law enforcement
The more people who are counted in local districts, the more officials.
representation those districts will have in the Pa. House of The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that no one is entitled
Representatives. State senatorial districts also may change to anyone’s personal information. No agency can get an
and be adjusted, based on local populations. individual’s questionnaire. That includes the FBI, Immigration
5. Census data also is used for developing statistics on Services, armed forces, welfare agencies or any court.
social, health and economic aspects of the nation, as well as And, the same law that keeps government agencies from
general statistical data for local, state and federal government accessing your confidential information also prevents the
agencies. Census Bureau from selling or giving away your information
6. The data also gives us a “snapshot” of who we are as a such as addresses to mail marketing companies.
people and country.
How is your privacy protected? All individual information is confidential.
The Census Bureau does not release or share information It’s important, It’s easy, It’s safe. Set the Date!
that identifies you or your household for 72 years. Census Day is April 1, 2010
Individual information is confidential. All census personnel
take an oath to uphold the privacy of the information you For more information, call your state
provide. The consequence is as much as 5 years in prison representative or visit the Census Bureau’s
and/or a fine of up to $250,000 if they disclose information Web site: www.census.gov
illegally.
Waters CO-CHairs state Hearings
On CriMinaL jUstiCe
On Thursday, Oct. 29 and Friday, Oct. 30, Rep. Waters co-chaired two public hearings on criminal justice with the House
Majority Policy Committee. The first hearing, held in Temple University’s Sullivan Hall, focused on criminal justice innocence
issues and centered on Innocence Project efforts across the state that allow the courts to re-open and examine the cases of
people who may be innocent of the crimes they were accused of committing.
The second hearing was held at the Church of Christian Compassion at 62nd and Cedar Avenue. It looked into improving the
prison system and exploring opportunities for cutting costs.
“Our state’s prison population is growing at an unprecedented rate,” committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster said. “So it
is instructive to learn about the condition of our prisons from a variety of perspectives. The agenda represented a wide range of
stakeholders with a balanced picture of the correctional system.”
Waters said, “I know the high cost and taxes we all pay because of these inmates’ crimes and the impact it has on our
economy. Some of these inmates do not need to be in prison and it may cost less to send some of them to counseling and drug
rehabilitation centers than it would to house them in prisons, which costs the state an average of $33,000 annually/per inmate.
Waters also said that while he believes in second chances, he is also a firm believer in making sure the punishment fits the
crime.
“We cannot have a serial killer released back into the community just because the prisons do not have the money to keep him.
Let me reiterate, this is a public safety issue,” Waters said.
“With this tremendous expense and the high rate of recidivism, we need to consider if there are more effective ways of
encouraging productive citizenship and improving public safety,” Waters said.
Those testifying at the Oct. 30th hearing included Mark Bergstrom, executive director, Pennsylvania Commission on
Sentencing; Steven Blackburn, president/co-founder, X-Offenders for Community Empowerment; John Tuttle, deputy executive
director, Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole; Shirley Moore Smeal, deputy secretary, Pennsylvania Department of
Corrections; and William DiMascio, executive director, Pennsylvania Prison Society.
For more information about the Policy Committee visit www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.
6 The Gavel Fall 2009 Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
HUgHes HOnOred fOr Breast CanCer aWareness LeadersHiP
State Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-Phila., was honored recently important issue.
with the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition’s (PBCC) Pink It’s only fitting that
Ribbon Award at the organization’s annual conference which we recognize his
took place in mid-October in Harrisburg. commitment and
PBCC’s annual conference is Pennsylvania’s only statewide his leadership
breast cancer conference where breast cancer survivors, in this area,”
advocates, medical professionals, volunteers, legislators, said Pat Halpin-
corporate and union leaders converge for the most up-to-date Murphy, president
information on breast cancer research and treatment. and founder of
the Coalition.
“I am honored to receive the 2009 Pink Ribbon Award. It
has been a privilege to work closely with the Pennsylvania The PBCC also
Breast Cancer Coalition for the past several years to ensure recognized three
that Pennsylvania women get adequate care for breast and other influential
cervical cancer,” Hughes said in accepting the award. leaders at its
2009 conference:
“The Coalition is dedicated to developing programs that help Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, U.S. House
improve the lives of women living with cancer. I share this of Representatives, Appropriations Committee; Joseph
mission because the related statistics are dire,” he added. M. Serletti, MD, FACS, Chief, Division of Plastic Surgery,
In Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Health System, Perelman Center
25 women in Pennsylvania will be diagnosed with breast for Advanced Medicine; and Linda C. Rhodes, Ed. D, Co-
cancer today. Author, PBCC’s Breast Cancer: Covered or Not? A Guide on
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Insurance.
Pennsylvania women between the ages of 25 and 54. Earlier this year, Hughes and the PBCC hosted “You’re
Approximately 9,000 women in Pennsylvania are Covered! A Day of Celebration and Information about FREE
diagnosed each year with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Treatment.” This community outreach event,
which was held in West Philadelphia, was designed to
Approximately 2,000 women in Pennsylvania die each promote the PBCC’s Prevention and Treatment Program
year of breast cancer. (BCCPT).
There are approximately 103,000 women in Pennsylvania The BCCPT was created by the state to provide uninsured
living with breast cancer. and underinsured women access to quality, life-saving cancer
“Senator Hughes has been a real champion for the health treatment. For more information about the free Breast &
and well being of all Pennsylvanians. His concern for women Cervical Cancer Treatment program, call the Pennsylvania
and families affected by breast cancer is without measure. Department of Health’s Healthy Woman program at 1-800-
Whether it’s on the floor of the Senate or on the streets in 215-7494.
his district, he has been and continues to be out front on this
Johnson’s Peace Not Guns –Youth Town Hall Meeting
On Dec. 10, Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, D-Phila., acts of violence in the Philadelphia region. Johnson said,
hosted the First Annual Peace Not Guns –Youth “All of our young people can accomplish anything they
Town Hall Meeting, a panel discussion that engaged set their minds to with hard work, motivation and a strong
youth in a dialogue with a group of premier panelists desire to help others. This forum was designed to motivate
to discuss ways of overcoming youth violence in the our youth and help them understand that the choice
Philadelphia region. The forum was moderated by between violence and peace is their decision.”
Dr. Lamont Marc Hill, a professor of the Teacher’s The Peace Not Guns – Youth Town Hall Meeting was an
College at Columbia University and former Fox initiative of the Peace Not Guns Pennsylvania Legislative
News correspondent, and took place at South Caucus, which was founded by Rep. Johnson. In
Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad Street, addition, the event engaged Partners of Peace, which
Philadelphia, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Panelists included are organizations that established mentoring and conflict
Hosea Chanchez of television’s The Game, Author, management programs to help youth stay involved and out
Terri Woods, Philadelphia Common Court Pleas of trouble.
Judge, Paula Patrick, and District Attorney-Elect of
In 2008, 333 homicides occurred in Philadelphia with 145
Philadelphia, Seth Williams.
of them involving youth ages 17-25. Nationally, homicide is
The Peace Not Guns – Youth Town Hall Meeting was the leading cause of death for black men ages 10-24, and
the first event designed to provide youth with a voice, the second leading cause of death for black women ages
and encourage them to identify problems in their 15-24.
community and resolve to eliminate the senseless
7 The Gavel Fall 2009 Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
PrOgraMs fOr yOU
uneMPLOyMenT COMPenSaTiOn BeneFiTS exTended
In August, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a law The extension was passed by Congress in November.
(Act 30 of 2009) that extends unemployment benefits With many Pennsylvanians out of work in this difficult
to out-of-work Pennsylvanians for an additional seven economy, this extension means another 20 weeks of
weeks. jobless benefits.
The law temporarily changes the mechanism
Pennsylvania uses to trigger extended unemployment The benefits would take a few weeks to reach eligible
benefits, allowing the state to draw on $145 million individuals who’ve exhausted their jobless benefits,
in federal stimulus money to offer seven weeks of and would not be applied retroactively. The state
additional emergency unemployment benefits. The Department of Labor and Industry will contact eligible
federal government also is offering more relief for the recipients by mail, so there is no need to contact the
unemployed and many out-of-work Pennsylvanians department to find out if you qualify.
will find their unemployment compensation benefits
significantly extended.
HOMe Heating
assistanCe aPPLiCatiOns
aVaiLaBLe nOW
Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
program (LIHEAP) provides cash and crisis grants
to help low-income households pay to heat their
homes. A family of four with an annual income of up
to $33,075 can qualify for LIHEAP. No lien is placed
on your property if you receive this help.
Applications can be obtained by calling county
assistance offices, local utility companies and
community service agencies. Applications will also
be available through the state Department of Public
Welfare’s Web site.
PrOteCt yOUr HOMe against rising energy COsts
Rate caps on electricity will be expiring next year, Conserve energy:
with that an expected rise in PECO bills could be
Turn off and unplug appliances that are not in use.
devastating to some residents. While the exact rate of
increase is not yet known, there are simple steps to Make sure to unplug cell-phone and other chargers
lower electricity bills by reducing usage. when not charging the device.
Turn off lights in areas of the home not being used.
Winterize the home:
For more tips on how to save on your energy bills this
Make sure weather stripping is on doors and
winter, visit www.turnsealsave.org
windows, and install a heavy curtain in front of
drafty windows.
Wrap hot water heaters in an insulated blanket.
Set thermostats to between 66 degrees and 68
degrees in the winter.
THE
328 Irvis Office Building
P.O. Box 202191
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2191
LPO • tk • 1209
2009 PLBC OffiCers/MeMBers and staff
State Representative State Representative State Representative State Representative State Representative State Representative State Representative State Senator
Ron Waters Jake Wheatley, Jr. Kenyatta Johnson Vanessa Lowery Brown Louise Williams Bishop Angel Cruz Dwight Evans Vincent Hughes
Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer
State Representative State Senator State Representative State Representative State Representative State Representative State Representative State Representative
Thaddeus Kirkland Shirley Kitchen John Myers Frank Oliver Cherelle Parker Tony Payton, Jr. Joseph Preston James Roebuck
La Tasha Williams, Research Analyst
Akeela Roland, Legislative Assistant
328 Irvis Office Building • P.O. Box 202191
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2191
(717) 772-6955 • Fax: (717) 783-1516
State Representative State Senator State Senator State Representative State Representative
W. Curtis Thomas LeAnna Washington Anthony H. Williams Jewell Williams Rosita C. Youngblood
PLBC MaiLing List NAME:
If you would like to be placed on our ADDRESS:
mailing list, please fill out the form and
mail it back to the address above or
online at www.pahouse.com/plbc. E-MAIL: