World Down Syndrome Day in PA

Yesterday, I offered a resolution on the Senate floor designating March 21st as World Down Syndrome Day in PA. The goal of the resolution was to raise awareness and promote understanding of this unique issue that affects about 1 in every 800 to 1,000 people born in the United States. Organizations throughout the nation use World Down Syndrome Day as a way to promote awareness and education efforts, encourage advocacy, and to raise funds to assist local organizations in providing resources to individuals and families with Down syndrome.

The annual observance of World Down Syndrome Day aims to promote awareness and understanding of Down syndrome and related issues and to mobilize support and recognition of the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with Down syndrome. I am proud to know a young lady who does that each and every day of the year - not just on World Down Syndrome Day. Her name is Chloe Kondrich and she and her family joined me yesterday in the Senate in recognition of this resolution.

Chloe is six-years-old and a first-grade student at Eisenhower Elementary in Allegheny County. She is a testimony to the importance of early intervention services in the life of children such as her. She reminds us to focus on the possibilities and capabilities of individuals with Down syndrome and other special needs rather than their disabilities.

Many of us know people with Down syndrome. They can be our children, our brothers or sisters, our classmates, our teammates, and our friends. We can learn a lesson from each one of them. I commend individuals with Down syndrome, their friends and families for celebrating the uniqueness of Down syndrome through their daily actions and interactions. And I thank Chloe and her family for celebrating with us.

Chloe, Nolan, Margie and Kurt Kondrich joined Senator Fontana in the Senate for the
presentation of the World Down Syndrome Day Resolution on Monday.
 

Make Sure to be Counted in the 2010 Census

Have you received your Census form in the mail yet?

If so, don’t put it aside - take 10 minutes and answer the 10-questions. It’s easy. The Census form is one of the shortest in U.S. history. Simply fill out the form and promptly return it in the provided postage-paid envelope, and help to ensure that our community gets all the credit and attention that it deserves from the United States government!

Didn’t get your form? Call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 1-866-872-6868. The lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week through July 30, 2010.

The Census dates back to 1790. Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution calls for an accurate count of our country’s population to take place every ten years - although the form has changed, the data still serves the same purpose: Census data is used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper district representation in state and local governments. Information from the Census can also help determine locations for child-care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers. It’s important that you participate so that our community receives all of the federal funding that it deserves!
 

Campaign Finance Reform 

Campaign financing has always been a hot button issue in our nation - and has become even more so since the recent Supreme Court decision striking down some bans. The need for reforms, though, has never been more urgent. It’s why I have co-sponsored Senate Bill 1269 that would establish allowable expenditures for campaigns and also sets limitations on certain monetary as well as "in-kind" contributions made to and between individuals, political committees, political action committees, and political party committees for the purpose of influencing the election of candidates. The bill would also address the issue of campaign contributions from committees that are not registered here in the Commonwealth.
 

Spring is Here!

The sun is out and it’s beginning to stay light past 7 p.m. which means only one thing: Spring is almost here. Now that the weather is nicer, take advantage of the sun and warmer temperatures and get outside! Staying active - and eating healthy - is important whether you’re 8 or 82. For tips, no matter what your age, visit www.smallstep.gov
 

Fontana Fact!

Robert Garland, a Pittsburgh city councilman during World War I, devised the nation’s first plan for instituting Daylight Savings Time in March 1918. He is, in large part, responsible for bringing the concept to the United States. Now you know who to thank for those long spring and summer nights…