Welcome to another edition of Northeast Notes! This month, you will be receiving the 2010 Census in the mail. It’s extremely important that you fill out the census promptly and return it. The information is completely confidential and used only for statistical purposes. The census determines the number of seats that every state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the distribution of more than $400 billion annually in federal funding to local programs and services. We are home to numerous schools, hospitals, senior centers and other important programs and services that deserve federal funding, including a hard-working police presence. By filling out the census and returning it in a timely manner, we can ensure that all of these services and more receive funds, and that we have full representation in Congress.

For all the latest news, stay in touch with me on the Internet through my Web site, on Facebook and on Twitter@SenMikeStack.
 

Hit-and-Run Hearing Scheduled

Hit-and-run accidents are a deadly problem, and we need tougher penalties that deter motorists from fleeing the scene. I’m hosting a Senate Transportation Committee public hearing on this topic on Thursday, March 11 at 11 a.m. at Nazareth Hospital.

My senate colleagues and I will hear from Dr. Bryce Templeton, a national board member of MADD and chair of the Southeastern MADD Affiliate; Lt. Anthony Sivo, patrol section commander of Pennsylvania State Police Troop K in Philadelphia; and Stephen Johnson, deputy commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department. Theresa Sautter, the mother of 2008 hit-and-run victim Marylee Otto, and Dolores Roberto, the mother of 2004 hit-and-run victim Peter Roberto, will also be testifying.

Sadly, Marylee and Peter lost their lives because motorists drove away, leaving the two youngsters to die on the streets of Northeast Philadelphia. We must prevent tragedies like these from happening again.
 

Students Honored for ‘Presidential Idol’ Masterpieces

Congratulations to the 14 winners of “State Sen. Mike Stack’s Presidential Idol Arts Contest”! They were selected among hundreds of entries across Northeast Philadelphia and were honored at a breakfast ceremony on Presidents Day.

The K-8 winners depicted amazing poster-sized drawings of their favorite president, and the four high school winners delivered powerful speeches on the presidency. I had a great time meeting the young winners, their families and teachers.

The winners received a certificate of achievement, Pennsylvania and United States flags, a book produced by The University of the Arts entitled Philadelphia Images and a $100 savings bond.

I was also impressed with the enthusiasm that our students displayed in their posters and speeches. In fact, there were so many entries this year from our local sixth graders that our judges declared a tie between two posters!

We have so many talented and creative students in Northeast Philadelphia and I was privileged to meet several of them on Presidents Day. The posters will be displayed in my district office in Parkwood and my capitol office in Harrisburg.

For a list of the winners, please click here.

To see pictures from the breakfast ceremony, click here.