Welcome to another edition of Northeast Notes!

The state legislature faces a June 30 deadline to balance our state's 2009-10 budget. Unfortunately, an ever-growing deficit — now at $3.2 billion — and a clash of ideas for spending cuts will make for a tense budget process. However, I assure you that I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to produce a fair budget that not only takes us out of debt but also protects us from future deficits.

Have a relaxing, safe and enjoyable summer!

As always, check out the latest news and information on my Web site, www.senatorstack.com

I-95 Cottman-Princeton Interchange Project Underway

Construction is now underway to make improvements to the Interstate 95 ramps at Cottman Avenue and Princeton Avenue.

Rep. Mike McGeehan and I recently announced that PennDOT had committed $31.5 million to this $200 million project.

PennDOT has contracted with Tony DePaul and Son, of Blue Bell, PA, to construct a new on-ramp to I-95 South from State Road at Longshore Avenue, and a new on-ramp to I-95 North from Milnor Street.

Construction of a new I-95 South ramp will make way for PennDOT’s plans to remove the southbound on-ramp at Princeton Avenue, which will be converted into a two-way road east of Torresdale Avenue and will get pedestrian-friendly improvements like a bike lane, new sidewalks and expanded curbs. Construction of a new I-95 North ramp will ease traffic congestion in the community.

Furthermore, the construction will allow PennDOT to convert Cottman Avenue into a two-way road, with one lane traveling eastbound and two lanes traveling westbound, from Torresdale Avenue to State Road; lowering Cottman Avenue to increase clearance under the AMTRAK bridge west of State Road; and widening State Road to include another southbound lane between Princeton and Cottman Avenues.

I’m excited that the residents in the surrounding neighborhoods will soon get their neighborhood back from the constant I-95 traffic.

Click here for more project information.
 

Senate Bill 850 proposes Funding Cuts to National Guard, Veterans

Senate Bill 850 (SB 850) proposes harmful cuts to Pennsylvania's National Guard members, as well as our elderly veterans. I oppose and voted against SB 850 and I will work to restore the harmful cuts.

Specifically, SB 850 slashes $2.5 million to the National Guard, which could impact operations in 90 towns across Pennsylvania, including the armory located at Roosevelt Boulevard and Southampton Road.

The plan also calls for cutting funding for life insurance premiums for our soldiers from $772,000 to $371,000.

SB 850 also slices $7.6 million for veterans’ homes and, subsequently, $5.9 million in federal matching funds. As a result, nearly 300 veterans could be forced out of the state’s six homes for military veterans, including the Delaware Valley Veterans Home on Southampton Road. One of the homes may even have to close, the Rendell Administration has warned.

Pennsylvania’s National Guard and Air National Guard is the largest in the nation, with over 19,000 members, 6,000 of whom are serving overseas.

As a representative of servicemen and women, and as member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, I'm offended and disappointed that SB 850 contains these significant cuts to our military and our veterans, who are among our nation’s heroes.

It’s a sad day for Pennsylvania when we cut funding to the men and women who have chosen to protect this state and this nation.

I am currently working with the Appropriations Committee staff to more closely examine the state’s fiscal picture, explore all budget options and hopefully restore funding to numerous crucial government services and programs.
 

Rebate Program for Solar Projects Now Available

Homeowners and Small Businesses can now pursue solar energy projects through the PA Solar Sunshine Program. The program provides $100 million in rebates to help fund solar electric and hot water projects.

This innovative program will enable many consumers to install energy-saving solar equipment and save on their energy costs.

Eligible consumers can apply to save up to 35 percent of the purchase and installation costs of solar energy technology. In combination with federal tax credits, consumers could reduce system costs by 45 percent.

Several projects are eligible for the rebate, including installation of solar panels that help provide electricity for pumping water, powering communications equipment, lighting homes or businesses, and running appliances. In addition, installing a solar water heating system can produce hot water necessary for washing, cooking, cleaning, and other domestic and commercial uses of hot water.

Pennsylvania resident homeowners are eligible to receive the rebate, although vacation homes and investment properties do not qualify. Small business applicants must be a for-profit business with no more than 100 full-time employees, located within Pennsylvania.

Consumers do not submit the application themselves; rather consumers must choose an installer from a list of installers approved by the Department of Environmental Protection. Installers will then complete and submit the application.

Applications are also available for solar photovoltaic and solar thermal installation contractors wishing to register to participate in the new Pennsylvania Sunshine Program.