Entries by PAMatters
Bills Drafted in Response to Massive Floods
As recent flooding reached historic proportions in many communities, lawmakers are preparing bills to augment federal disaster aid and speed the recovery process. “State government will never be the ultimate insurer,” says State Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne). “But when disaster strikes, it is a core function of government to protect lives & property, to […]
New Poll says Parents May be Turning Car Seats Around Too Early
It’s National Child Passenger Safety Week and a new poll finds parents may be turning their child’s seat around too early. More than 70% of the people who answered a C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll said they turn their child’s car seat to face forward before the baby’s second birthday. But research shows that […]
Contractors Busy with Repairs Due to Lee
Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee have been keeping contractors busy repairing damage, and helping people and businesses start the rebuilding process. In some cases, even sump pumps could not keep up with the heavy rains, leaving a lot of work behind. John Zimmer, President of the Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, says […]
Child Passenger Safety Week is Marked In Pennsylvania
It’s National Child Passenger Safety Week and state officials want to make sure your kids are buckled up properly. If you’re using a child safety seat, the chances are that it may not be properly installed. Safety checks in the past found as many as 8 out of 10 seats were not being used properly. […]
PennDOT Still Assessing Damage from Lee
PennDOT is still checking roads and bridges that were flooded by Tropical Storm Lee and assessing the full impact of the storm. Spokesman Steve Chizmar says they fully expect damages will exceed 100 million dollars The problems range from entire bridges and sections of road swept away, to minor shoulder washouts that can be more […]
Report Provides New Table Games Data
August 2010 was the first full month for table games at Pennsylvania casinos, so the August 2011 revenue report includes the first year-to-year glimpse at table games revenue in the Keystone State. For instance, the nine casinos operating in August 2010 raked in $34.6-million in gross revenue. Those same nine casinos collected $48.6-million in gross […]
Survey Shows How Schools Balanced Budgets
Things are a bit different this school year, according to a report from the PA Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) and Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA). The groups surveyed Pennsylvania’s school districts and found that 44% have reduced elective course offerings, and even some core subjects. 35% have reduced or eliminated programs that […]
Flooding From Lee Causes Damage to Game Commission Properties
Flooding from Tropical Storm Lee has taken at toll on property owned by the state Game Commission. Damage is still being assessed, but is expected to be in the millions. The losses include thousands of pheasants at two Lycoming County game farms, Loyalsock and Northcentral, that were killed or escaped. There was also damage to […]