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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.

Turn Around, Don't Drown

CarPennsylvania is one of the most flood-prone states in the nation, and our region is especially susceptible.  From rural areas to suburban communities, floods - especially flash floods - are a constant concern, according to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. 

Except for heat-related fatalities, more deaths occur from flooding than any other weather hazard, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Failure to realize the power of water contributes to nearly 100 flood-related deaths annually according to the NWS and is the catalyst for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation campaign.  Just six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet and sweep your vehicle downstream.

Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, trigger catastrophic mud slides, destroy buildings and bridges, and carve new channels.

One in 10 Pennsylvanians Have Unclaimed Property

One in 10 Pennsylvanians have Unclaimed Property, according to the State Treasury. In fact, over $1.5 billion in unclaimed property is ready and waiting for its rightful owners.

Abandoned bank accounts, forgotten stocks, uncashed checks, certificates of deposit, life insurance policies, safe deposit box contents, and recovered stolen property are among the items waiting to be claimed.

Gift cards and certificates with an expiration date also must be turned over to the Treasury, in its entirety or partially redeemed, two years after the expiration date or five years from the issuance date, if no redemption period is specified.  Items included among the tangible property include:

  • Monies (cash, coins, coin collections, etc.)
  • Cash deposits for beer kegs when returned to the distributor
  • New video games, CDs and DVDs
  • New toys (balls, games, dolls, etc.)
  • Jewelry (costume or valuable) 
  • Bullion (silver, gold, or platinum)
  • Antiques and rare items
  • Collectibles
  • Musical instruments

Begin your search online through the listings for millions of dollars in unclaimed property.  You may also call 1-800-222-2046 for assistance from a claims representative from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, or send an email inquiry to tupmail@patreasury.org.

Report Potholes for Repairs

PennDOTWinter is gone, but it left behind its calling card: potholes.  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) is reminding motorists to call the toll-free number 1-800-FIX-ROAD (1-800-349-7623) to report the location of potholes.

Motorists are also encouraged to report other problems and information, including:

  • shoulder and drainage concerns;
  • signage issues;
  • other maintenance needs;
  • animal carcass removal; and
  • brush and tree removal.

Since its inception in July 1997, the year-round hotline has received between 500 and 1,000 calls per month statewide.  Callers are asked to be as specific as possible when providing locations of maintenance problems.  PENNDOT requests the report include the county, municipality, street name, and the traffic route or the state route (SR) number to assist Engineering Districts & County Maintenance Offices in making prompt repairs.  State Route numbers are located on small black-and-white signs posted along state highways.  Callers should also provide a description of any familiar landmarks to further help PENNDOT locate the problem area.

Good News about PA's Gypsy Moth Population

This summer, don't expect to see aerial suppression campaigns targeting the gypsy moth population.  According to the Bureau of Forestry for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), gypsy moth defoliation declined significantly in 2009. 

A naturally occurring fungus, Entomophaga maimaiga, flourished in the cool, wet weather in the spring of 2009.  The fungus reduced insect numbers and their defoliation activities.  The gypsy moth is expected to return in greater numbers by 2012 due to the warm, dry weather in April and May and anticipated in June of this year.  If conditions remain conducive to the growth of the gypsy moth, DCNR will consider resuming aerial suppression treatment in 2011. 

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania is watching the forest tent caterpillar, responsible for defoliating more than 371,000 acres, while the gypsy moth accounted for 239,700 acres of defoliation—far less than the 766,500 acres of woodlands stripped in 2008. 

If you are planting trees, avoid the more than 300 species of trees targeted by gypsy moth.  Instead, go for variety and choose ash, butternut, black walnut, locust, sycamore, yellow poplar (tulip tree), ferns, mountain laurel, redbud and rhododendron to keep away the destructive gypsy moth.  Find out how a little burlap and twine or nylon cord secured to your trees along with a jar of detergent solution can spare your trees when used from through late July.

Landscaping for Wildlife in Pennsylvania

If warmer weather leaves you eager to linger in your backyard and enjoy the sounds of nature, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is recommending you pick up a copy of the book "Landscaping for Wildlife in Pennsylvania."

Authored by Marcus Schneck, the book describes the most effective techniques and methods for bringing wildlife to your backyard.  The book is available through the PGC's Outdoor Shop for $9.43 to help you ready your backyard for nature's visitors.

While visiting The Outdoor Shop online, take a peek at the numerous books authored by respected nature writers, scientists, ornithologists, ecologists, photographers, artists and others.  Find a wide selection of books ranging in price from under $5 to $24.95.

Anyone purchasing the 484-page hard cover edition of the "Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pennsylvania", edited by Daniel W. Brauning, will also receive a complimentary copy of the books titled, "PA Wildlife - A Viewer's Guide", "Endangered & Threatened Species of PA", Susquehanna River Birding & Wildlife Trail", and "100 Years of Wildlife Conservation" for $94.34.  All proceeds from the sale of merchandise and publications bolster the Game Commission's efforts to preserve, conserve and manage Pennsylvania's wildlife resources and habitats.

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