PRSRT STD

State Representative U.S. POSTAGE

Bernie O’Neill PAID

HARRISBURG, PA
PO Box 202029 PERMIT NO. 432
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2029
RepONeill.com

SUMMER 2010
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O’Neill Appointed to House

Dear Friends,
As we approach the summer months, the 2010-11 budget
negotiations are under way. With revenues continuing to
come in below projections, the governor and the Legislature
have to make some very difficult decisions regarding next
year’s state budget. We are currently facing a $1.2 billion
revenue shortfall. This number could rise to as high as $2
billion if the federal government does not approve $850
million in stimulus funds. Added to the problem is the fact
that the 2009-10 budget used up all of the state’s one-time
revenues – leaving no reserve funds to help solve the deficit
problems for the upcoming budget.
Once again, the governor wants to increase state
spending at a time when the state cannot afford to do so.
I know that families here in Bucks County and across the
Commonwealth have had to reprioritize their spending dur-
ing this economic downturn, and state government must
learn to do the same. I will continue to fight for responsible
budgeting in Harrisburg and will not vote to increase taxes
on Pennsylvania’s hard-working families.
As the economy continues to struggle, please know that
there are a variety of programs and information available to
you regarding such topics as unemployment compensation,
student financial aid and senior citizen programs. You can
find information on these programs within this newsletter
and on my website, www.RepONeill.com. You will also find
an update on recent legislative activity in Harrisburg and
upcoming events in the district.
My staff and I are here to serve you. Please feel free to
contact us with any state-related questions.
Sincerely,
On March 18, I hosted my annual
senior expo for residents of the
29th District. The expo, which was
held at the Middle Bucks Institute
of Technology in Jamison, provided
an opportunity for local senior
citizens to gather information about
various local, state and federal
programs available to them.
Appropriations Committee
Recently I was selected to serve on the House of
Representatives’ Appropriations Committee for the
remainder of the 2009-10 legislative session. The
Appropriations Committee oversees state spending
issues and plays an integral role in the annual state
budget process.
Each year the committee hears suggestions from
all departments and agencies within state government
during more than two weeks of public hearings before
crafting the final budget document. Being appointed
to the Appropriations Committee is a great honor and
comes with a lot of responsibility. It is a role that I
take very seriously because each proposal that we
look at as a committee will have a financial impact on
the State.
Prior to my appointment, the governor’s budget
proposal was passed out of the Appropriations Com-
mittee. When the proposal came to the full House
for a vote, I voted no, because this budget proposal
is unbalanced, spends too much and would result in
higher taxes. We need to work together in a biparti-
san effort to prioritize state spending so that the core
functions of government are funded and Pennsylvania
citizens aren’t burdened with higher taxes. It is my
hope that all the parties come
back to the drawing board and
draft a responsible budget that
lives within its means.
I will also continue to serve on
the House Judiciary, Labor Rela-
tion and Education committees
for the remainder of this legis-
lative session. I am the chair-
man of the House Education
Committee’s Subcommittee on
Basic Education and co-chair-
man of the House Republican
Policy Committee’s Education
and Job Training Task Force.
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 O’Neill Legislative Update
Resolution Puts State One Step Closer to Developing
Virtual Learning Programs
In December 2009, the Pennsylvania Virtual High School concluded its meetings and met its statutory require-
ments, which were set forth in legislation that I sponsored, by providing a report and recommendations to the House
and Senate Education Committees. The Commission ultimately recommended that a supplement virtual learning
program should be established as a way to enhance students’ public school experience. As a result, I offered a reso-
lution requesting a Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) study on the cost associated with the various
configurations of virtual learning programs so that Pennsylvania is able to create the most cost-effective program
possible. LBFC began its study in April and must produce a report within six months. Once the report is complete,
legislators will have a better understanding of the cost and will begin to craft language establishing the program. Virtual
learning programs are a cost effective way for schools to expand the educational opportunities available to students
without incurring significant additional staffing costs.

Legislation Sets Business and Technology

Education Standards
The technology explosion that has taken place in recent times prompted me to introduce legislation, House Bill
870, which sets statewide standards for business, computer and information technology (BCIT) courses. Over the
years, teachers and education advocates have said that the lack of academic standards for BCIT courses has had a
negative impact on the level of education students taking these courses receive. This legislation brings BCIT courses
in line with the academic standards already in place for most of the courses offered in Pennsylvania’s public schools.
My legislation helps put Pennsylvania’s students on the path to success. With businesses and individuals relying more
and more on technology, it’s important that we have set standards
to ensure that students receive a basic level of education in BCIT
courses, better preparing them for life after graduation. The state
has established academic standards for nearly every course in our
public school system. Creating standards for BCIT courses was long
overdue. The legislation was adopted by the House with a vote of
196-0 and is currently in the Senate.

Statewide Public School Health Care

On April 12, I attended a House Republican Policy
Benefits Cost Study Commissioned
This session, I led a bipartisan effort with Rep. David Kessler
Committee hearing on Pennsylvania’s pension
(D-Berks) to create a Public School Employees’ Benefit Board to
systems. The hearing featured several local
conduct a comprehensive cost study of health benefits currently
school district officials and representatives of the
Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA).provided to public school employers and the cost effectiveness of
a statewide public school employee health care benefit program.
Pictured with me from left are: Reps. Tom Quigley
(R-Montgomery), Chris Ross (R-Chester) and Tim A similar proposal enacted in Ohio proved to be very successful in
Hennessey (R-Chester). controlling rising health care costs.
Once the study is completed, the board will vote to either develop
a statewide public school health care benefits program or to develop an alternative measures program. Alternative
measure programs may include consolidating coverage regionally or consolidating selected areas of coverage, such
as prescriptions.
Consolidating health care benefits is one way that I’m looking to lower the costs of health care for school districts
and taxpayers.

PennDOT Route 263 Residents Raise Concerns

Improvement Project Update
PennDOT is currently designing final plans for the reconstruc-
�on and improvement of approximately four miles of Route 263
(York Road) between Bristol Road and Sugar Bo�om Road in
Warwick, Buckingham and Warminster Townships, Bucks County.
Construc�on is scheduled to begin in the Fall 2012; however, the
project is not fully funded at
this �me. PennDOT projects L o g o n t o m y w e b s i t e a t
are listed on the PennDOT RepONeill.com to check out
website. For traffic updates, current construction work in
dial 511 from any phone or the 29th District and around
log on to www.511PA.com. Bucks County.
Over Quarr y Issue
Solebury residents con�nue to express ongoing concern
about the New Hope Crushed Stone’s applica�on to the DEP,
reques�ng an expansion to quarry deeper. Sen. Chuck McIlhinney
(R-Bucks/Montgomery) and I have been working hard on behalf
of township officials, watershed groups, and residents to voice
these concerns to DEP in Harrisburg and prevent this expansion.
DEP Secretary John Hanger and his staff have held several recent
mee�ngs with Solebury representa�ves to gather informa�on
about the quarry’s impact on the area. DEP and quarry officials
are communica�ng with the watershed groups and others to
seek solu�ons to these issues.

2 RepON
 Harrisburg
Update
Governor’s Special Session on
Transportation
In early April, the Federal Highway Administration rejected a
joint application submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of
Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to
toll Interstate 80. The tolling plan was enacted into law under Act
44 of 2007 to help deal with the Commonwealth’s infrastructure
needs. The state is now facing a $2 billion-a-year shortfall in
transportation funding, and with the tolling plan denied, we need
to look at other funding options.
In order to deal with this funding problem, Gov. Ed Rendell
convened the Legislature into a special session to deal solely with
transportation issues. Pennsylvania has more than 40,000 miles
of state roads and more than 25,000 bridges. We need to look
at how we are spending state dollars on our infrastructure and
reprioritize that money to fix our crumbling infrastructure.
This special session will give the General Assembly the op-
portunity to look at all the different proposals that are on the table
in trying to fix this funding problem once and for all.
Moratorium on Leasing State
Forest Lands for Gas Drilling
In early May, the House debated enacting a moratorium, or
delay, on leasing state forest lands for the purpose of Marcellus
Shale natural gas drilling.
The Marcellus Shale industry is a big economic opportunity for
Pennsylvania that will provide many new employment opportuni-
ties. However, we have to make sure that we take the proper
precautions to protect the environment and the interests of Penn-
sylvanians who enjoy the natural beauty of our state forests.
The purpose of the moratorium is to give the Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources a chance to
monitor and report on the impact of natural gas activities that are
already taking place.
The final bill, which I voted in favor of, ended up being a bipar-
tisan compromise. Initially, the bill established a five-year morato-
rium. After much debate, we decided on a three-year moratorium,
which gives the state more than enough time to monitor the impact
of the drilling that is already taking place and determine if the
Commonwealth should move forward with leasing more land.
Recent environmental headlines reinforce the fact that we
need to take the greatest precautions in protecting our natural
resources.
Helpful Information
• Autism hotline:1-877-695-8495
• AdultBasic:1-800-GO-BASIC (462-2742)
• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): 1-800-986-
KIDS (5437)
• Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania: 1-877-429-5994
or www.lasp.org
• PA Career Link: www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us
• PA Contractor Law: For contractors with questions about the
law: 717-772-2425. To verify a contractor’s registration: 1-888-
520-6680
• PA Department of Labor and Industry: Unemployment
Compensation Information: 717-787-3547 or www.heretohelp.
pa.gov. Employment Services: 888-313-7284. Department
website: www.dli.state.pa.us
Neill.com
Upcoming District Events
Due to the unpredictable nature of state budget negotiations,
events may be rescheduled. Please check my website, www.
RepONeill.com, or call my office for event updates.
LEGISLATIVE TOWN HALLS
Thursday, July 8 at 7 p.m. - Ann’s Choice Performing Arts
Center (Must be a resident to attend)
Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m. - Upper Southampton Com-
munity Complex, 939 Street Road, Southampton
Thursday, July 22 at 11 a.m. - The Village of Buckingham
Springs Clubhouse
Thursday, July 29 at 7 p.m. - Buckingham Township Building
Meeting Room, 4613 Hughesian Drive, Buckingham
Wednesday, Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. - Warminster Township Free
Library, 1076 Emma Lane, Warminster
LEGISLATIVE BREAKFASTS
Due to the venues capacity, please R.S.V.P. by calling my
district office to make a reservation.
Thurs., Aug. 5 at 8 a.m. - Giuseppe’s Pizza of Warminster.
Thurs., Aug.19 at 8 a.m. - Giuseppe’s Pizza of New Hope.
MOBILE OFFICE HOURS
For your convenience, my Legislative staff will be representing
me by providing mobile office hours during the dates below
from 10 a.m. to noon.
Ann’s Choice of Warminster (Must be a resident)
July 23 at The Village Clubhouse
Aug. 27 at The Liberty Commons
Sept. 24 at The Keystone Clubhouse
Buckingham Springs
July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 21
Centennial Station (Must be a resident)
July 27, Aug. 31 and Sept. 28
The Manor at York Town (Must be a resident)
July 7, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8
New Hope Library
July 22, Aug. 25 and Sept. 22
New Hope Manor (Must be a resident)
July 12, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13
Upper Southampton Library
July 8, Aug. 5 and Sept. 2
Warminster Township Free Library
July 14, Aug. 18 and Sept. 15
**Check my website for upcoming Canine Blood
Drive dates
I am pictured with two Iwo Jima World War II veterans
at my Veterans Breakfast on March 3. Pictured with me
from left to right are Henry J. Apice of Southampton
and John Lindenmuth of Warminster. Growing up in
Warminster, I was a neighbor of Mr. Lindenmuth.
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 Money in Your Pocket
A variety of state programs are available to help residents save money. The following are just a few of the programs
available. If you would like more information, please call my district offices at (215) 441-2624 or (215) 794-1055.
Guaranteed Free Training Program Home Heating Equipment Rebate Program
This program is designed to provide workforce training to A new rebate program designed to help consumers save
meet employers’ workforce development needs. Through money and energy by making it more affordable to upgrade
this program, current Pennsylvania companies and busi- home heating systems is now available. Rebates will range
nesses planning to re-locate to the Commonwealth have the from $100 to $500, depending on the equipment’s efficiency
opportunity to train new employees. Two training programs rating. Energy Star-rated hot water heaters, furnaces and
are available. One provides entry-level training. The second boilers must be purchased after April 21, 2010. More infor-
provides information technology and advanced manufactur- mation about the rebate program is available at my website,
ing training. For more information on this program, go to RepONeill.com. Residents without Internet access may call
www.wednetpa.com or call 1-877-933-6387. 877-592-2061.

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) Unclaimed Property

PHFA has a number of programs available to homeown-
ers who are facing foreclosure, including the Homeowners’
Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) and
Home Affordable Modification Programs (HAMP). To learn
more about these programs, visit phfa.org or call 717-780-
3940 or 1-800-342-2397.
The Pennsylvania Treasury receives millions of dollars in
unclaimed property each year. This property (including aban-
doned bank accounts, life insurance policies and recovered
stolen property) is maintained by the Treasury Department.
To find out if you have any unclaimed property, go to www.
patreasury.org or call 1-800-222-2046.

PACE/PACENET Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

PACE and PACENET are prescription assistance programs
for senior citizens. To be eligible for either program, you
must be 65 years of age or older and a resident of Penn-
sylvania for at least 90 days prior to the date of application.
Applicants cannot be currently enrolled in the Pennsylvania
Department of Public Welfare’s Medicaid prescription benefit
program. Applications can be obtained in my district office.
For questions or concerns, call the PACE Program at 1-
800-225-7223.
Forms for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for
2009 are now available. Eligible participants can receive a
rebate of up to $650 based on their 2009 rent or property
taxes. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are
65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older,
and those 18 years or older with disabilities. PA Revenue
can be reached at 610-861-2000. The deadline for applying
for the 2009 program is Dec. 31, 2010. Forms are available
by contacting my district office or by visiting my website.

In Our Congratulations to the following individuals who recently were

honored with a House of Representatives citation:

Backyard… Wedding Anniversary:

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lane, Warminster
A look at a treasure in the 29 th District Mr. and Mrs. Paul Petrun, Warminster
making a difference in our community
Solebury Township recently cel-
ebrated the acquisition of the Ingham
Spring and Aquatong Lake property, a
48.22-acre tract that is a valuable natu-
ral resource with rich historical heritage.
Many people and elected officials at
the local, state, and federal levels were
involved in this process.
Once construction is completed and
the repairs to the dam are finished,
this site will be open to the public. I
was proud to have been a part of this
project and commend the residents of
Solebury for their continued dedication
to preserving environmental resources
of the region.
Honor/Misc:
Archbishop Wood Girls Basketball Team
- Won the PIAA Class AAA State Title
Martin Schaefer, Upper Southampton
- 26 years of community volunteer work
with the Kiwanis Club
Eagle Scout:
Robert Horner, Jamison
Ian Antolik, New Hope
Kevin Ryan, Jamison
Matthew Kingsbury, Jamison
Reed Bryant Thomas, Doylestown On April 17, I presented a House of
Spencer Burton Thomas, Doylestown Representatives citation to Paul and Dorothy
Logan Cawley, Solebury Petrun in honor of their 65th wedding anniversary.
The Petrun’s son Paul, a life-long friend of
95th Birthday: mine, is a retired Warminster police officer and
Charles Kirkner, Warminster former Warminster Ambulance Chief.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE Suite 105, 755 York Road, Warminster, PA 18974

BERNIE O’NEILL Phone: (215) 441-2624 Fax: (215) 441-2627

    4695 York Road, P.O. Box 1290, Buckingham, PA 18912

Phone: (215) 794-1055 Fax: (215) 794-1058
E-mail: boneill@pahousegop.com
RepONeill.com 4