Families Dealing with Autism Eligible for State Grants, Says Causer

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) today announced the availability of mini-grants to support children and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and families that include an individual with an ASD. 

The grants are provided by the Bureau of Autism Services within the Department of Public Welfare (DPW).  The maximum mini-grant is $500, and can be used for the following services anytime between March 1 and Aug. 31 for grant applicants of any age:

• Respite care.
• Summer camp programs.
• Autism or advocacy related conferences, workshops or training opportunities.
• Recreational or community programs.
• Safety modifications or adaptations for home and/or community integration.

For applicants age 18 and older, grants can be used to help pay for college-level coursework, personal job coaching, and public transportation to support group meetings or organized social activities.

Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents, have an ASD or have a family member with an ASD, and must not be currently receiving or previously received or enrolled in any family support services for the past 12 months.

Applications must be submitted by mail by April 15.

Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and awardees will be notified by mail beginning in mid-May through the end of June.  For additional information on the mini-grant program or for an application, visit RepCauser.com.

No-Cost Property Tax/Rent Rebate Filing Assistance Available at Causer’s Office

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) today reminded area senior citizens to visit his office if they need assistance filing for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Seniors need not pay for assistance from a private entity; Causer’s office will help for free.

“We are again hearing that a solicitation has gone out offering filing assistance for a fee of $39,” Causer said. “No one needs to pay for help to apply for this rebate. We provide free help at my offices in both Bradford and Coudersport.

Applications are now available for the 2011 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. The deadline to apply is June 30.

The program is open to Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities. It provides a rebate of up to $650 based on rent or property taxes paid in 2010.

Eligibility income limits are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

• $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (homeowners and renters)
• $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (homeowners and renters)
• $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (homeowners only)
• $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (homeowners only)

Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately. 

For more information, contact Causer’s office in Bradford at 814-362-4400 or Coudersport at 814-274-9769. A link to program information and the application are also available at www.RepCauser.com.

Applications Now Available for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, Says Causer

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) would like to let residents know that forms for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for 2011 are now available.

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2011. 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 for homeowners are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

• $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (Homeowners and renters).
• $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (Homeowners and renters).
• $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (Homeowners only).
• $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (Homeowners only).

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of many initiatives supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, $4.8 billion has been paid to qualified applicants.

Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately.  Applications are due by June 30.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available at Causer’s website, RepCauser.com, or by contacting his offices in Bradford or Coudersport:

• 78 Main St., First Floor, Bradford – 814-362-4400.
• 107 S. Main St., Room 1, Coudersport – 814-274-9769.

Weekly report from PA state Rep Martin Causer

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Weekly report from PA state Rep Martin Causer

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Applications for 2012 Pennsylvania House Scholarships Now Available, Says Causer

High school seniors can now apply for a Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship to help cover the costs of higher education, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) announced today.

Each year, two students preparing for post-secondary education are awarded four-year scholarships.  The program is privately funded by individual and corporate donors.  No tax or other public funds are used.

The program is open to graduating high school seniors who are Pennsylvania residents with plans to attend a Pennsylvania college, university or career school as a full-time student.  Students must have attained a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in high school in order to be eligible for the scholarship.  A student’s commitment to community, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and financial need are also taken into consideration.

The scholarship program is administered through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities.  To apply, interested students should visit RepCauser.com and click on House Scholarship Information.  The application deadline is March 1.

Rep. Martin Causer's weekly report

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Causer Announces Local Fire, Ambulance Grants

Volunteer fire and emergency response organizations in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties have been awarded more than $316,000 in grants from the state, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) announced today.

“We are so fortunate in our region to have dedicated volunteers who are willing to serve our communities,” Causer said. “These state grants will help support them in their mission of protecting the public.”

The grants were awarded to 37 fire and ambulance companies in the three-county area. The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner. All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not general fund tax revenue.

This year’s program provided $25 million in grants statewide. Projects eligible for funding include: construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt.

Following is a list of local fire and ambulance companies and the amount of their grant awards:

Cameron County

• Cameron County Ambulance Service Inc., Emporium – $5,679.61.
• Emporium Fire Department Inc., Emporium – $9,500.
• Mountaineer Search and Rescue, Emporium – $9,500.
• Sinnamahoning Volunteer Fire Department, Sinnamahoning – $15,000.

McKean County

• Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $12,297.83.
• Corydon Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $9,500.
• Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department, Derrick City – $9,500.
• Eldred Borough Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Eldred – $5,679.61 for EMS operations; $9,500 for fire company operations.
• Eldred Township Volunteer Fire Department, Eldred – $9,779.32.
• Hamlin Township Volunteer Fire Department, Hazel Hurst – $9,752.61.
• Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Cyclone – $9,779.32.
• Kane Volunteer Fire Department, Kane – $9,525.18.
• Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department, Lewis Run – $9,779.32.
• Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department, Lewis Run – $10,339.50.
• Mount Jewett Area Ambulance Association, Mount Jewett -- $5,679.61.
• Mount Jewett Fire Department, Mount Jewett – $9,779.32.
• Otto Township Volunteer Fire Department, Duke Center – $5,679.61 for EMS operations; $9,779.32 for fire company operations.
• Port Allegany Fire Department-Star Hose Company No. 1, Port Allegany – $12,297.83.
• Port Area Ambulance Service Inc., Port Allegany – $5,679.61.
• Rew Volunteer Fire Department, Rew – $9,754.14.

Potter County

• Austin Volunteer Fire Department, Austin – $5,679.61 for EMS operations; $9,500 for fire company operations.
• Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, Coudersport – $5,679.61.
• Gale Hose Company No. 1 Inc., Galeton – $5,679.61.
• Genesee Volunteer Fire Department, Genesee – $5,679.61 for EMS operations; $9,779.32 for fire company operations.
• Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Company, Harrison Valley – $9,779.32.
• Kettle Creek Ambulance Association, Cross Fork – $4,678.29.
• Kettle Creek Hose Company No. 1, Cross Fork – $9,500.
• Roulette Chemical Engine Company No. 1, Roulette – $5,679.61 for EMS operations; $9,500 for fire company operations.
• Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, Shinglehouse – $5,679.61 for EMS operations; $10,059.41.
• Tri-Town Fire Company, Ulysses – $10,339.50.
• Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance Association, Ulysses – $5,679.61.

Rep. Martin Causer Weekly Legislative Radio Report/Podcast Now Available

The weekly Legislative Report Program with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter, Cameron) is now available. 

Topics discussed in this week’s program include:

• Rep. Causer reviews legislative accomplishments for this year including an on-time state budget, welfare reform efforts, mandate relief legislation, Castle Doctrine legislation, driver safety improvements, the Megan’s Law update, and yet to be completed action on the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee bill.
• Also a preview of attractions at this year’s Pennsylvania Farm Show was discussed. 

Click here to listen

Rep. Martin Causer Weekly Legislative Radio Report

Click here for Rep. Causer weekly report

Commission Approves Changes to State Legislative Districts

The Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission has approved its plan to redraw state House and Senate district boundaries according to population shifts identified in the 2010 U.S. Census.

Under the plan, the 67th Legislative District would see the following changes:
•	All of Cameron County would become part of the 75th Legislative District served by Rep. Matt Gabler.
•	In Potter County, the Borough of Galeton along with Pike and West Branch townships would become part of 68th Legislative District served by Rep. Matt Baker.
•	In Warren County, Sheffield Township would become part of the 67th District. The township was represented by Rep. Kathy Rapp.
•	All of McKean County would become part of the 67th District. The following communities are being added: the townships of Hamilton, Hamlin, Lafayette and Wetmore, and the boroughs of Kane and Mt. Jewett.

It is my honor and privilege to represent our area in the state House and while I am disappointed to see Cameron County moved into a different district and for Potter County to be split into two House districts, I also welcome the opportunity to serve the western portion of McKean County and the people of Sheffield Township, Warren County.

I am confident the transition will be seamless. While we all represent our districts first and foremost, we also work together for the benefit of the entire region. I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow legislators to advance the issues most important to rural Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Constitution requires state legislative district boundaries to be adjusted every 10 years based on census data. The census showed a significant shift of population away from northwestern Pennsylvania and in to the northeast and south central regions of the state.

Now that the Legislative Reapportionment Commission has given its approval to the proposal, there is a 30-day period during which the plan can be challenged. It will become final when those challenges are resolved by the state Supreme Court.

CONGRESSMAN REED INTRODUCES LOW INCOME HEATING IMPROVEMENT ACT; Reps. Higgins, Hochul, and Slaughter Join as Co-Sponsors Supporting Funding for Heat Assistance

Congressman Tom Reed today formally introduced the Low Income Heating Improvement Act in the House of Representatives. The legislation will ensure that LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) funds are directed first to cold-weather states.

“This is a common-sense return to the program’s original intent,” Congressman Reed explained. “Directing heating assistance dollars to cold weather states which need them most is a priority.  In cold Western New York winters, heat is not a luxury. It is a necessity.”  

Proposed Study of EMS Services Earns Committee Approval, Causer Says

Working to ensure the health and safety of the Commonwealth’s citizens, a House committee today approved Rep. Martin Causer’s (R-Turtlepoint) resolution calling for an in-depth assessment of the emergency medical services (EMS) system statewide.

House Resolution 315 calls on the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) and the Joint State Government Commission (JSGC) to study the financial and administrative effectiveness of the state’s EMS system. The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, of which Causer is a member, voted unanimously to support the measure.

“As a former dispatcher and emergency responder, I know a quick and coordinated response is vital to saving lives,” Causer said. “Improved technology, management systems, infrastructure and communications capabilities present many opportunities to enhance EMS services, and it is the responsibility of the Legislature to make sure we take advantage of those opportunities for the benefit of the people we serve.”

Under the measure, the LBFC will focus on a performance audit of the EMS operating fund, while the JSGC will focus on the EMS delivery system and its operation in the Commonwealth. Administration of the state’s EMS system costs approximately $11.8 million annually.

The committees specifically are charged with exploring enhancement of the current system through use of existing government and private sector programs, institutions, facilities and infrastructure resources. The committees are directed to make use of nationally recognized associations and organizations to identify opportunities to make use of the state’s college and university systems to boost training, recruitment and retention. Finally, they will study the possibility of streamlining and restructuring the regional EMS councils and make recommendations based on their findings.

The resolution now goes to the full House for its consideration.

Rep Causer weekly podcast

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Rep. Martin Causer's weekly report

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Rep Martin Causer

The weekly Legislative Report Program with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter, Cameron) is now available.


Click here to listen