Politics

Recently sworn-in State Representative, Aaron Bernstine, released the following information about his progress in the community: “I wanted to take this opportunity to provide my supporters and constituents with an update on what has been happening since the election. We have BIG issues to fix in Harrisburg.  Government spending must not only be stopped, but cut.  Until meaningful pension reform is enacted, money will continue to drain from our schools.  The 9.9% corporate income tax rate – the second highest in the nation – strangles the growth of Pennsylvania businesses.  These issues impact you on a daily basis, and I have…

Due to some ongoing misconceptions between the electric utility, landlords, and tenants, the Borough has released two informational letters discussing the manner in which delinquent utility bills can best be addressed. If a landlord or tenant has not already received the information, they can do so by checking the Borough website or a hard copy may be obtained directly through the Ellwood City Municipal Building. Bob Villella, the Borough Manager warns that electric services can be terminated in the winter with exceptions only made for qualifying medical conditions, an authorized payment plan, or if the tenant or resident qualifies for…

The attached information is being provided in order to inform Ellwood City Electric customers of the effect the reduction in the Transmission and Capacity charges set by PJM has had upon the Rate Adjustment (PPA Factor) and customer billings during the months of November 2016 through the upcoming billing in February 2017. Comparisons of PPA components (Energy Purchased, American Municipal Power-Power Charges, as well as Transmission and Capacity Charges) were used. The Rate Adjustment is added to the electric bill of each user, Residential, Commercial and Industrial. The November 2016 Rate Adjustment was 1.89 cents per kWh compared to 2.97…

The New Castle Sanitation Authority was today (January 25) awarded an $11 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to provide sewage service in Shenango Township, according to Senator Elder Vogel Jr. (R-47). The project involves the installation of more than 220,000 feet of service lines and several other major improvements to the current system. A sewage disposal needs survey in Shenango Township found that 69 percent of the on-lot disposal systems were malfunctioning. “This project will address serious contamination issues caused by the release of untreated or partially treated sewage into local waterways by malfunctioning systems…

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced he was assigned to serve on the House Aging and Older Adult Services, Finance, Health, and Game and Fisheries committees during the 2017-18 legislative session. The committees provide legislative oversight and help shape the language in bills that fall under their areas of responsibility. “Committee work is one of my major responsibilities as a lawmaker,” Bernstine said. “I am looking forward to crafting legislation that will benefit the people of the 10th District, as well as attempting to stop any legislation that may have harmful or unintended consequences for our citizens.” The…

Senator Elder Vogel Jr. will serve on six Senate Standing Committees for the 2017-18 Legislative Session. In addition to chairing the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, Senator Vogel will also serve on the Appropriations, Banking & Insurance, Communications & Technology, Environmental Resources & Energy, and Labor & Industry Committees. “I appreciate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati’s faith in my abilities to serve on these committees. I   look forward to finding solutions to the unique challenges of each of these areas of public policy,” Senator Vogel said. “The Appropriations Committee is especially important to me as it is the committee tasked…

Yesterday held the first of two monthly council meetings. The following was discussed and will be voted on at the next council meeting: Visitors Bill Baur, an Ellwood resident, publicly expressed his concerns about the tax increase and 2017 budget. He mentioned the pay increases for many of the Borough workers, building the public works building and electric building at the same time, and refinancing of existing debt. Connie MacDonald, the Council President said that the budget and tax increase are both something that are a necessity due to many things – including the two buildings – being neglected for…

ELLWOOD CITY – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) will begin hosting veterans assistance hours every week at his district office in Ellwood City. Jesse Putnam, service officer with the Lawrence County Department of Veterans Affairs, will be available every Thursday at the office, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can be made on Thursdays outside those times by calling Bernstine’s office at (724) 752-2120. “We’re happy to partner with the Lawrence County Department of Veterans Affairs to aid our veterans in the 10th Legislative District,” said Bernstine. “Military veterans have done so much for our country. This…

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) took the oath of office Tuesday, marking the beginning of his first term representing the 10th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “I am deeply grateful to the people of the district for giving me their confidence to represent their interests and concerns in Harrisburg, and I am honored to begin this work in earnest,” said Bernstine. “This session begins with very serious challenges and I am ready to work hard to meet the expectations of the residents of the district.” Prior to running for state representative, Bernstine divided his professional time…

Senator Elder Vogel Jr. took his oath of office and was sworn-in as Senator for the 47th Senate District today (January 3) at the State Capitol. The ceremony marked the beginning of the 2017-18 Legislative Session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The New Sewickley Township native returns to the State Senate looking to build upon a legislative track record of commonsense reforms to state government, strong support for Pennsylvania agriculture, and the enactment of pro-growth policies encouraging the creation of good-paying jobs for families in Western Pennsylvania. “The new year presents new challenges to our Commonwealth,” Senator Vogel said. “A…