PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
State Representative Kate M. Harper
61st Legislative District
KateHarper.net
July 2010
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: This Year’s State Budget
Dear Neighbors,
As the summer draws to a close, the children
head back to school, and long-planned vacations
become memories, the good news is that
Pennsylvania has a state budget. As required
by our constitution, it balances revenues with
expenditures and will guide the Commonwealth
in the coming year. This time last year, we didn’t
have a budget, nonprofit agencies were biting
their nails waiting for reimbursements and
textbooks were late for nonpublic school children
while the Governor insisted on tax increases the
General Assembly refused to approve.
As budgets go, this was a tough one.
Although the horizon looks brighter, the
recession continues and that means revenues
are down – no spending at the mall means fewer
sales taxes, no raises mean fewer income taxes,
and business bottom lines hovering just in the
black result in fewer corporate taxes collected.
In such a time, many of you have told me, the
solution is for government to do what you are
doing and stop spending. We are working on
that, but it isn’t easy.
Good news about this year’s state budget,
at $28.04 billion, is that its increase in spending
is modest, less than 1 percent over last year’s
budget, which is a much smaller rise than in the
past eight years. The bad news is that the budget
depends on $2.75 billion in federal stimulus
spending, including $850 million in federal
Medicaid money that Congress has not yet
approved. If that money does not come through,
the Governor will make unilateral spending cuts
in other areas to pay those bills.
Much of our budget cannot be cut easily.
About 40 percent of the budget goes to
kindergarten through grade 12 public education.
Costs rise every year, largely because of
The Phillie Phanatic brought added “phun” to Lower Gwynedd Little League’s opening Enjoying a sunny North Wales Day are Mayor Doug Ross, Rep. Harper and Police
day. Play Ball!!
salaries which, per contract, have risen every
year. Another 40 percent of our budget goes to
Medicaid, welfare and social service spending.
In a state like Pennsylvania, where a large
percentage of the population is over 65, medical
costs make up a large part of this line item
and rise faster than inflation every year. The
economy also means more people need help.
Surprisingly, perhaps, Pennsylvania is
better than most states in controlling the size
of its government work force. We rank third in
the nation for the fewest public employees per
10,000 in population according to the ALEC-
Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index.
Penn State, Pitt, Temple, Penn Veterinary
School and Lincoln are funded in special
appropriations which I supported. Community
Colleges, busier than ever in this economy,
were level-funded. For the most part, services
for the developmentally disabled were held to
modest reductions.
The Governor held out for a $250 million
increase in education spending, and that’s
included, but our public schools will not see
much of it—receiving only the minimum increase
in basic education funding that is guaranteed
(Colonial and Wissahickon get 2 percent; North
Penn, 2.5 percent) based on a formula that
favors needy school districts.
The bad news about the state budget is that
general library support was reduced again. The
Department of Environmental Protection and
the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources suffered deep cuts that will doubtless
result in layoffs. At the same time, discretionary
spending, tucked into the Department of
Community and Economic Development and
not listed by each allocation, actually rose by
22 percent. That’s why I voted no.
The ugly part of this state budget is what’s
ahead for Pennsylvania. In future years, funding
our government employee and teacher pensions
Chief Barry Hackert.
PAID
HARRISBURG, PA
PERMIT NO 432
will produce spikes in taxation at the state and
local levels as we struggle to maintain actuarial
solvency in our pension funds, which have been
hard hit by the retirements of the Baby Boomers
and poor market performance in investments.
The House took the first step to deal with this
situation earlier this year when we passed a
reform bill that would reduce benefits for new
hires and smooth out the funding requirements
over time. The bill awaits Senate action. We
must be able to make pension payments that
have been earned and are due. However,
private industry long ago shifted from defined
benefit plans to other retirement programs and
government must follow suit or face serious
economic woes. I supported this, and in fact,
voted no for the last pension enhancements for
state employees and legislators and did not take
the benefit. I knew this day would come.
If we can get our economy moving again,
some of the revenue problems will correct
themselves. In the meantime, we in government
must do what you are doing, and watch our
spending.
Be In The
Know!
For updates on everything from local
road construction detours to key state and
local issues, sign up at www.KateHarper.
net.
You can also find discussion of local and
legislative news by following PA State Rep.
Kate Harper on Facebook.
 Bills to Prohibit Cell Phone Use,
Texting While Driving Stalled
The state House had the opportunity this summer to enact a new law prohibiting junior drivers (drivers under the age of 18) from using
cell phones while driving. Unfortunately, the majority of lawmakers rejected this legislation.
House Bill 67 was first voted on in the House last year. It imposed a number of new and enhanced restrictions on junior drivers, including the
cell phone prohibition. The Senate made a number of changes to the bill and sent it back to the House in late June, where it was rejected.
Many lawmakers agreed the Senate’s changes weakened the bill; however, some, including Rep. Harper, felt it was best to get a law on
the books now and then work to improve upon it. Now that the bill has been rejected, it is unlikely a law will be enacted until at least 2011.
As of February of this year, six states ban handheld cell phones for all drivers, while 21 states and the District of Columbia ban them for
novice drivers. Drivers in 19 states are banned from texting, while novice drivers are singled out for the offense in nine states.
According to a Carnegie Mellon University study, using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37
percent.

House Considers Sexting

Legislation
With cases of “sexting” – transmitting nude or sexually explicit
photos of oneself or others via cell phone – cropping up in various
areas of the state, the state House has approved legislation outlining
penalties for the offense.
Currently, there is no state law that specifically addresses sexting,
leaving some prosecutors to file child pornography charges against
offending teens. This very serious felony offense could harm the young
person’s chances to pursue professional careers in adulthood.
Recognizing that most of these cases are the result of immaturity
and impulsiveness, House Bill 2189 creates a new misdemeanor of
the second degree for minors age 13 to 17 caught sexting. The bill also
allows the minors to be charged in juvenile courts, providing a number
of options, including counseling and expungement of the prosecution
from a minor’s permanent record.
The bill is now awaiting action in the Senate.

Consumer Protection for

Manufactured Housing
Community Residents Earns
Unanimous House Support Rep. Kate Harper enjoys welcoming students from area schools
to the state Capitol for lessons in history and government. Among
Legislation to help protect residents of manufactured housing those groups visiting this year were fourth-grade classes at Mary,
communities from unreasonable and unexpected ground rent and fee Mother of the Redeemer School (top two photos) and Gwyn-Nor
increases has passed the House unanimously and now awaits action Elementary School (bottom two photos).
in the Senate.
The joint, bipartisan effort by Reps. Kate Harper and Rick Taylor came
about out of concern for senior citizens who reside in these communities
and are living on fixed incomes. The bill requires manufactured housing
community owners to give residents more information and more notice
of rent or fee increases.
Specifically, House Bill 2212 requires the owners the communities to
provide potential lessees with a disclosure that includes information on
how and when rent can be increased and a three-year history of the rental
rate for the tenant’s lot. The disclosure must also include information on
utility and user fees charged to residents, as well as general information
about the facilities, rules and regulations of the park.
If a rental agreement is executed prior to the community owner
providing the ground rent information, the tenant may choose to void
the lease within five days after receipt of the document.
The bill is now awaiting action in the Senate.

PA Sights to See!
Looking for a late summer or early fall getaway? Check out
these resources for great places to visit right here in PA.
www.heritage.net – Provides a gateway of information on
state and national heritage areas in and around Pennsylvania.
www.paartisantrails.com – Offers information on unique
Pennsylvania artists along the state’s highways and byways.
– A comprehensive source of travel
destinations in PA for people of all ages and all interests.

www.Kate
 Eagle Scout Awards Public Libraries – A Wealth
of Information at Your
Congratulations to these fine young men on
their Eagle Scout achievements! Fingertips
Montgomery County Library and Information Network Consortium
www.mclinc.org
• Downloadable Audio Books – http://montcolibs.lib.overdrive.com
• Bookmobile Schedule – www.mc-npl.org
• Books by Mail Program for homebound residents
610-278-5100 ext. 5

North Wales Memorial Free Library - www.northwaleslibrary.org

• 233 S. Swartley Street, North Wales, 215-699-5410

Wissahickon Valley Public Library - www.wvpl.org

• Main Library: 650 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, 215-643-1320
Rep. Kate Harper congratulates Nicholas V. Iaquinto for achieving the rank of Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library - http://mnl.mclinc.org/
Eagle Scout. His community service project involved collecting more than 300
toys and coloring books for patients at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. • 1001 Powell Street, Norristown, 610-278-5100
Nicholas is a member of Troop 152 in West Point and is the son of Janet
Iaquinto.

Wissahickon Robotics Team Earns

International Award

Rep. Kate Harper congratulates Bryan Andrew Bennett for achieving the rank of
Eagle Scout. Bryan’s community service project was to deliver 5,000 recycling
awareness informational letters to the residents of Plymouth Township. He is a
member of Troop 216 and the son of Mark and Wendy Wood Bennett.

Rep. Kate Harper congratulates Gregory

Cox Kozemchak for achieving the rank of
Eagle Scout. His community service project
included clearing a quarter-mile trail in the
Penllyn Woods to connect two sections of
the Wissahickon Valley Water Association’s
Green Ribbon Trail, as well as leading 25
fellow scouts in building and installing eight
wooden footbridges and installing sign
markers along the trail. Gregory is a member
of Troop 98 in Whitpain and is the son of
Clifford W. and Barbara C. Kozemchak.
Rep. Harper welcomes members of the award-winning Wissahickon High School
Robotics Team and North Montco Technical Career Center to the state Capitol.
The students were honored for capturing the International Chairman’s Award at the
2010 FIRST Robotics championship. FIRST, which stands for “For Inspiration and
Recognition of Science and Technology,”is a program aimed at building students’
knowledge, confidence and life schools while also exposing them to opportunities in
science, technology and engineering fields. The students’ prize-winning robot, Miss
Daisy, traveled over bumps and through tunnels while moving soccer balls in this year’s
contest. In addition to the International Chairman’s Award, Team 341 also earned a
first-place win in the New York City regional competition and the Philadelphia regional
competition. The team was also recognized for its website, entrepreneurship and for
success as a role model team. Congratulations to the students and coach Alan Ostrow
on a job well done. To learn more, visit www.team341.com.

Property Tax Rebate

Deadline Extended
Pennsylvanians eligible for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate
program now have until Dec. 31 to file for 2009 rebates.
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.
Eligibility income limits exclude 50 percent of Social Security,
Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1
benefits.
Call the Blue Bell office for more information or assistance. Rep. Harper took part in Whitpain Township’s Earth Day celebration at Prophecy Park,
where the Wissahickon Elementary School Ensemble provided beautiful music.

Pet Supply Drive

Rep. Kate Harper’s office is collecting donations to benefit the Montgomery County SPCA. Canned and dry pet foods, towels,
cleaning supplies, small litter boxes and litter (non-clumping formula is best) will all help improve the lives of the shelter’s furry
friends as they wait for their forever homes. For more information, call the office at 610-277-3230.

eHarper.net
 Sitting in
Traffic &
Wondering
Dear Sitting in Traffic:
I don’t remember a time Route 309 WASN’T under
construction. Will this project ever get done?
“Tired Traveler”
Dear Tired Traveler,
If you can hang on for just a couple more months,
the project is slated for completion before we ring in the
new year.
I can see why you don’t remember the road being
construction free, considering that preliminary work
began nearly 10 years ago, in early 2001. New signals,
turn lanes and other improvements were made at more
than 30 intersections near the project area to help speed
the pace of reconstruction and improve traffic flow on
alternate routes.
PennDOT also rebuilt a portion or Route 73 (Church
Road), replaced the Bethlehem Pike Bridge over SEPTA
and built the Lafayette Avenue Connector between Pike
and Joshua Road. The Pennsylvania Turnpike and Summit
Avenue overpasses also had to be replaced.
Reconstruction of the 10-mile section of Route 309
finally began in 2004. Certainly, the work could have
been done faster if the road could have been shut down
for reconstruction. Instead, PennDOT managed to do the
project while maintaining full peak-hour capacity in most of
the work zones, which was vital to keeping traffic moving
through our highly congested area.
Helpful Sites Online
The Internet provides easy access to all sorts of valuable
information, including resources for area senior citizens.
Penn Asian Senior Services - www.passi.us
Supports the health and well-being of Asian American
senior citizens.
Senior Companion Program - www.fsmontco.org
Pairs limited-income senior citizens with others who need
help with everyday tasks.
Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services
Mcaas.montcopa.org
PA Department of Aging - www.aging.state.pa.us
Go Green with the
“Harper Report” Online
Many people have asked if they can stop receiving the
paper version of the Harper Report and instead read it online
to help protect the environment and our natural resources.
The answer is....absolutely.
Simply go to www.KateHarper.net and click on the “Go
so you can be removed from the newsletter mailing list. You
will be notified via e-mail when a new edition of the Harper
Report is available.
CONTACT ME
HARRISBURG
210 Ryan Office Building
PO Box 202061, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2061
Phone: (717) 787-2801
Email: kharper@pahousegop.com
The Blue Bell Office can help!
• Birth/Death Certificates • PACE/PACENET Applications • Complaints/Questions about State Agencies • Handicap Parking Placards
• PA Income Tax Forms • CHIP
Upcoming Events
Mammogram Mobile Checkup: Oct. 1
Rep. Harper has teamed up with Fox Chase Cancer Center to host a mobile
mammography van at her district office in Blue Bell on Friday, Oct. 1, starting at 9 a.m.
Women over the age of 40 who are interested in receiving a mammogram can log on
to www.KateHarper.net or call the office at (610) 277-3230 for more information. To
schedule an appointment, call Deb Resnick of Fox Chase at 215-214-1682. Space is
limited, so make your appointments as soon as possible.
Road Projects Abound
in Montco
It’s difficult to drive anywhere in Montgomery County this summer without finding at
least one detour. But those detours are putting us on a path to better, safer, and ultimately
less-congested roadways. We are effectively using our regular allotment of federal and state
highway dollars, as well as some stimulus funds, to make much needed improvements on
major highways throughout the region.
Route 202 Parkway
Construction is now underway on most of the Parkway’s nine miles.
Approaching the southern end of the Parkway, crews are working to build the 0.2-mile
connection between Route 202 (DeKalb Pike) and the Parkway at Route 63 (Welsh Road)
as well as to rebuild the current connection between Sumneytown Pike and DeKalb Pike
as a “T” intersection.
The section from Welsh Road to Knapp Road is almost completed, with the final paving
layer to be done this fall.
Excavation and grading work in preparation for paving are the main activities between
Kanpp Road and County Line Road. Crews are also working to widen Horhsam Road at its
intersection with the Parkway to further improve traffic flow.
Traffic detours and restrictions are in place on the lower portion of Swedesford Road (the
upper section was closed permanently for the project), DeKalb Pike and Welsh Road.
Northeast Extension
Construction on the southern portion of the widening project to add more lanes to this
heavily traveled road is on track to start next spring after the last of seven bridges over
the turnpike that needed to be replaced are completed. The Route 202 Bridge in Whitpain
Township and the Walton Road Bridge in Plymouth Township are both expected to be done
in October, while the Morris Road Bridge in Upper Gwynedd is slated for completion later
this year.
The northern section of the widening project, along with reconstruction of the Bustard
Road Bridge is scheduled to start in 2014. The Sumneytown Pike Bridge, which also needs
to be replaced for this portion of the project, is scheduled for construction next year.
Route 309
The end is near for drivers on Route 309. The 10-mile, $375 million reconstruction
project is due to wrap up later this year. Crews are currently working on reconstruction of the
center section of Norristown Road and rebuilding it at a lower elevation to increase vertical
clearance beneath the expressway. Ramp restrictions are in place due to the Norristown
Road work.
Paving is continuing on the middle-third of the expressway between the main line bridges
from north of Highland Avenue to McKean Road. Deck reconstruction is also continuing on
the bridges over Norristown Road and Susquehanna Road.
Installation of Intelligent Transportation Systems components, including cameras,
sensors and electronic signs, also continues along the entire expressway.
I-476 Ramp Meters
To help improve traffic flow on I-476, PennDOT has again activated ramp meters at
several on-ramps in Montgomery County. The meters display a green light to allow one
car at a time onto the highway every few seconds to help prevent traffic slowdowns and
reduce crashes.
The meters operate during peak travel times, weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., and
from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and during emergencies. In Montgomery County, the meters can be
found at three Ridge Pike on-ramps, as well as the Chemical Road and Germantown Pike
ramps, all in Plymouth Townships.
For regular updates on area road projects and detours, as well as other important state
and local issues, sign up for e-mail updates on www.KateHarper.net. Information is also
available on Facebook – follow PA State Rep. Kate Harper.
Remember to drive safely in construction zones, and be sure to bring your patience on
your daily commute.
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BLUE BELL
1515 DeKalb Pike, Suite 106,
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Phone: (610) 277-3230
Internet: www.KateHarper.net
• Road Condition Concerns