Girl Gov 2010

As part of International Women’s Day yesterday (March 8th), I had the opportunity to meet two young women from the district who were participating in Girl Gov, an initiative of the Allegheny County Change Agents (a project of the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania). Nicole Short of Green Tree and Hope Perri of Brentwood spent the day in Harrisburg where they spent some time with legislators and staff, got a tour of the Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion, were able to visit the Senate floor and were recognized by the Senate during session.

Nicole is in the 11th grade at Keystone Oaks High School. After high school, she hopes to major in Political Science and become a lawyer. She enjoys learning and delving deeply into topics that she is studying, particularly when it comes to politics.

Hope is in the 11th grade at Brentwood High School. After high school, she hopes to major in international affairs or politics. She is a driven and ambitious young woman who has a passion for news and current events.

Pennsylvania first saw women elected to the House of Representatives in 1923. Those eight women, including several from Allegheny County, led the way for the many women who have come after them to serve our citizenry. I look forward to having Nicole, Hope and their fellow Girl Gov participants join them in that call to action.

Hope Perri of Brentwood, Senator Fontana, and Nicole Short of Green Tree take time for a photo on the Senate floor during the girls' visit to the Capitol as part of Girl Gov.
 

Child Abuse by School Employee

A few weeks ago, I wrote to advise you that my legislation amending the Child Protective Services Law to address child abuse by school employees was being re-introduced. Senate Bill 1243 (SB 1243) now has a total of 33 co-sponsors. It was referred to the Senate Aging & Youth Committee on February 26th. I intend to work with my colleagues to have the bill considered in the near future by the committee. The goal of the legislation is to ensure that all cases of suspected child abuse are reported and investigated in the same manner. Protecting our children and assuring their safety is one of the most important aspects of our job in the legislature; and it is one that I will continue to remain focused on.
 

Census 2010

In mid-March, you can expect to receive a 2010 Census form by mail or hand delivery. Because census data affects how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to state and local governments, it will frame the future of our country and our community for the next 10 years.

Won’t you participate in that effort by completing the 2010 Census form and returning it?

The 2010 Census form is easy, important and safe!

It’s Easy: One of the shortest in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. The individual in whose name the housing unit is rented or owned should complete the form on behalf of every person living there, both relatives and nonrelatives.

It’s Important: Census data is used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper district representation in state and local governments. Information from the census helps determine locations for child-care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.

It’s Safe: By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

Finally, the most efficient way to respond to the 2010 Census is to complete the form as soon as it arrives and return it in the postage-paid return envelope. Census workers will visit households that do not return forms to take the count in person.
 

Drive Safe PA Radio Contest

As part of its “Drive Safe PA” radio contest, PennDOT asks high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to create a 30-second radio PSA focused on aggressive driving, buckling up or driving under the influence. Students are required to include the phrase “Drive Safe PA,” which PennDOT introduced in 2009 to remind motorists to avoid life-threatening behaviors behind the wheel. Each of the 11 regional winners are invited to travel to Harrisburg to have their entries professionally recorded for distribution to local radio stations during National Youth Traffic Safety Month in May.

Are you interested in participating? Entries may be submitted electronically (as an MP3 or MP4 file) or with a written script to RA-penndotpress@state.pa.us. Submissions can also be mailed to PennDOT Press Office, c/o Erin Waters, 8th Floor - Keystone Building, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120. Entries must be received or postmarked by March 12th.

For a full list of contest rules and information on past winners, visit www.DriveSafePA.org.
 

National Problem Gambling Awareness Week

Did you know that March 2010 is Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Pennsylvania and that the week of March 7-13, 2010 is National Problem Gambling Awareness Week? The observations are intended to help ensure the citizens of the Commonwealth are informed about the issue of problem gambling and the programs available.

Do you or someone you know have a problem with gambling? The Department of Health has approved 57 problem gambling treatment providers across the state to provide counseling services to those in need. Assistance is also available by calling the Department’s 24-hour Gambling Addiction hotline at 1-877-565-2112. The free call is confidential and anonymous. Throughout the month, a variety of programs will be offered throughout the state. In Allegheny County, resource and information will be available in the Mall at Robinson on March 10th from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the PGCB and the Pennsylvania Lottery.
 

Fontana Fact!

The Women’s Club of Pittsburgh was established in 1875. It was the first women’s club in Pennsylvania and the second in the nation.