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Senator Ted Erickson

Dear Friend,

I have developed this e-newsletter to keep residents of the 26th District updated on state and local issues. It is a more timely and less costly way to keep constituents informed than traditional mailers, and I hope you find it useful. If you know of someone else who might want to receive it, please feel free to forward this email. If you'd prefer to not receive the e-newsletter, just click the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the page.

PA LIHEAP Accepting Applications 

Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is accepting applications for cash and crisis grants through April 2, 2010, according to the PA Department of Public Welfare (DPW). 

LIHEAP is expected to provide some 600,000 income-eligible families with cash grants during the 2009-2010 heating season. Cash grants assist eligible households pay for heat during winter months. 

Crisis grants are expected to be provided to approximately 126,000 households this season. Those income-eligible families in jeopardy of losing heat as a result of an emergency may apply for crisis grants. Emergency situations include: 

  • Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
  • Lack of fuel
  • Termination of utility service
  • Danger of being without fuel or of having utility service terminated

Families with a heating emergency should call their county assistance offices. Applications are available through the local county assistance offices, local utility companies, and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Applications for LIHEAP cash grants are also available online through COMPASS or by calling the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095. LIHEAP is a federally-funded program administered by the PA Department of Public Welfare.

Census: Time to Be Counted 

Households across the country will soon be receiving one of the most important requests to be received this decade – Be Counted as part of the 2010 Decennial Census. The U.S. Census Bureau will soon be mailing out the easiest and shortest Census questionnaires ever.   

The U.S. Census Bureau is reminding everyone their being counted will affect the locations for roads, public transportation, retail stores, schools, hospitals, senior centers, new housing developments, and other community facilities. More than $400 billion is allocated to states and communities each year based, in part, on census data. 

Updated Census data allows for local emergency service providers to receive up-to-date maps that, in turn, ensure a faster response in the event of a local crisis. Census information is also used to determine boundaries for state and local legislative and congressional districts.   

Completed Census surveys should be returned by April 1, 2010. Those who do not mail back their confidential form should anticipate a census taker to follow up in person. The Census Bureau is very successful in getting participation by explaining the importance of the questions asked and how the information benefits communities. Participation in the 2010 Census is vital and required by law, Section 221, of Title 13 of the U.S. Code. 

Census: Temporary Census Takers Being Hired Locally

The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting temporary, part-time census takers for the 2010 Census, offering good pay and flexible hours.

The jobs also offer paid training and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while conducting census work. Census takers work in their own communities. The positions are attractive for people who want to work part-time, those who are between jobs, or anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service for their community. Locally, the pay for census takers start at $17.75 per hour.

Most positions require a valid driver's license and use of a vehicle. However, use of public transportation may be authorized in certain areas. All census takers must be able to speak English, but people who have bilingual skills are needed in communities where a large number of residents primarily speak other languages.

You can apply by calling 1-866-861-2010 or going online.

Deadline for Student "Drive Safe PA" Radio PSA Contest is Feb. 27 

Pennsylvania high school students are being invited to help remind motorists to drive safely by participating in a radio contest sponsored by PennDOT. 

High school sophomores, juniors and seniors wishing to participate are asked to create a 30-second radio public service announcement, or PSA, focused on safety topics such as aggressive driving, buckling up or driving under the influence.  

The PSA must include the phrase "Drive Safe PA," which PennDOT introduced last year as part of its continued commitment to highway safety. 

One finalist will be chosen from each of PennDOT's 11 engineering districts. The winning students will be offered the opportunity to travel to Harrisburg to have the PSA professionally recorded and then distributed to radio stations in their respective areas. Winning students from each PennDOT district will receive certificates and finished copies of their PSA.  

Entries may be submitted electronically as an MP3 or MP4 file, or a written script, to RA-penndotpress@state.pa.us. Students can also submit entries by mail to PennDOT Press Office, c/o Erin Waters, 8th Floor-Keystone Building, 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA, 17120. Entries must be received or postmarked by February 27. 

For the full list of contest rules, visit www.DriveSafePA.org.

Hybrid Vehicle Buyers Face March 6 Deadline for Rebate Program 

Pennsylvanians who have recently purchased or leased a hybrid electric vehicle or are in the market for one are facing a deadline to take advantage of a $500 rebate from the Commonwealth's Hybrid Electric Vehicle Rebate Program.  

As long as funds are available, rebates will be given for vehicles purchased or leased through March 6. Applications may be submitted up to six months after the date of purchase; however, there is no guarantee the money will last that long.  

The program was established in 2004 to promote the use of alternative fuels, improve environmental quality and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources. The program provides a rebate to assist with the incremental costs of buying or leasing a new, approved hybrid electric vehicle. 

Vehicles eligible for rebates must have a combined EPA city and highway rating of greater than 55 miles per gallon, with a carbon footprint of fewer than seven tons per year of carbon dioxide. Flexible fuel and diesel vehicles are not eligible for rebates. 

Rebate forms, along with additional information about the rebate program, may be obtained at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Hybrid Vehicle Rebates. Consumers may also call 1-866-294-3854 or email epafiginfo@state.pa.us for more information.
 

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