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March 2010

RSRT STD.S. POSTAGE

PAID

ARRISBURG, PA

ERMIT NO. 529

Visit myWeb site: www RepSaylorcom

Dear Neighbor,It has truly been my honor to serve you in Harrisburg during

this legislative session. Spring is just around the corner and as

we enter the final months of this legislative session, I want to take

a moment to update you on important legislative developments

in Harrisburg as well as my work on your behalf here in the 94th

District.

The most difficult issue we face as lawmakers continues to

be the economic recession. Thousands of our neighbors are out

of work and thousands more fear their job could be the next to

go. State government is not immune to these economic troubles.

State revenue collections are down, and as a result, we are being

forced to do more with less. That is the picture we faced as Gov,.

Ed Rendell delivered his final budget address to the Legislature in

February. I will discuss the governors budget in more detail later

in this newsletter, but as these budget negotiations begin, I want

to be clear that I will be guided by the same principles that have

guided me since I became your representative. State government

must live within its means. Forcing families to send more of what

they earn to Harrisburg so we can keep spending is unacceptable,

and I will not support it.In addition to the state budget, this newsletter contains

information on important legislative initiatives dealing with

government reform, health care reform and improving Pennsylvanias

business climate among others. Please take a few minutes to read

this newsletter. If you have any questions or would like to discuss

an issue in further detail, please feel free to contact my office at

(717) 244-9232, (717) 382-4595, or toll free: 1-800-3SAYLOR (1-

800-372-9567). Also, be sure to visit my Web site at epSaylor.

RepSa lor.

com

co and the House Republican Policy Committe Web site at

PAGOPPolicy.com for important news and updates.

Sincerely,

S an ey ay or

State Representative

4th Legislative District

Budget Process ShouldNot Become a Partisan

Battle of Wills

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York County Republican DelegationHolds Business Roundtable

www Rep

Pennsylvania Government is inNeed of Comprehensive Reform

Over the last year we have seen example after example of why serious andcomprehensive reforms of our state government are necessary. Clearly, somethingmust be done to change the way business is done in Harrisburg. That is why I amadvocating total government reform that will reshape the way government runs ina number of areas including:

u e e orms

I plan to introduce the Pennsylvania Performance, Accountability andResults Act, which would implement a performance-based budgeting system inPennsylvania. A performance-based budgeting system requires state agencieso set measurable goals and report actual results back to the Legislature. Budget

decisions are made based on the ability of programs to meet stated goals.Performance-based budgeting is seeing great success in other states, includinglarge states like Texas and Florida, and there is no reason we cant do the samehing here in Pennsylvania.

To enable critical services to continue to function in the event of a budgetimpasse, I have also introduced House Bill 2101 which states that if there is abudget impasse beyond July 31, the previous years general appropriations actshall become law at a 20 percent reduction until supplemented by a new budget.

In addition, I support legislation to create the Pennsylvania Web Accountability,ransparency and Contract Hub (PennWATCH), which will provide taxpayers with

an easy, comprehensive way to find how their money is being spent by making allstate departmental and agency budget expenditures available in one easy-to-useWeb site.Gamin Reform

Earlier this year, the Legislature approved table games like blackjack andpoker in Pennsylvanias casinos. I will discuss my views on this expansion laterin this newsletter.

While the table games legislation included some reform of the system, thereis still much to do. First and foremost, control of the Bureau of Investigations andEnforcement (BIE), which is charged with investigating and enforcing Pennsylvaniasgaming law, should be taken from the Gaming Control Board and given to the Officeof Attorney General or the Pennsylvania State Police. According to the gaming act,he BIE is supposed to be fully independent of the board in matters relating to the

enforcement. This reform would bring us into compliance with that law.Pa -To-Pla

Taxpayer dollars are also being wasted through the so-called pay-to-playpractice of awarding campaign contributors with good-paying government jobsand/or lucrative contracts. The only criteria we should consider when decidinghow to award taxpayer funded contracts is which contractor will provide taxpayerswith the best value for their money.Election Reform

No effort at reform would be complete without an overhaul of Pennsylvaniascampaign system. With that in mind, I support a number of proposals to reform thesystem including legislation requiring voters to present a valid drivers license orD card issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation before they are

able to cast their vote and legislation requiring Dollar One Reporting of all campaign

contributions, lobby disclosures, and ethics statements within two weeks.Pennsylvanians faith in state government is at its lowest level in manyyears and until we take steps to earn back their trust, we will not be able to governeffectively. While these proposals will not solve all of the problems we face, theyare a tremendous first step toward regaining the trust of Pennsylvanias citizens.

Without Reform,Pension Crisis Could

Mean Tax Hike forPennsylvania Families

Another important part of our total government re-

orm effort deals with the looming crisis in Pennsylvaniaspublic employee pension systems. The Public SchoolEmployees Retirement System (PSERS) and the StateEmployees Retirement System (SERS) are the pensionplans for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania teachersand public employees. Both are defined benefit plans,

hich means each employee is entitled to a specificretirement benefit, established by a formula based onears of employment, at his or her retirement. These plans

are funded by a combination of contributions from theemployee, the employer which in the case of PSERS andSERS means the taxpayers of Pennsylvania, and returnson investments made by the retirement system.

When the markets were booming in the 1990s, PS-

ERS and SERS investment returns were high, contributionamounts for employers and employees were reduced, andbenefits were increased for retirees of both systems. Fol-lowing the terrorist attacks on our nation on Sept. 11, 2001,he financial markets experienced a dramatic downturn

and PSERS and SERS began to feel a financial pinch asreturns on their investments began to diminish.

ct 40 of 2003 allowed both systems to spread the effectsof those investment losses over 30 years, while enjoyinghe benefit of investment gains over a ten year period. That

10-year period is set to expire in 2012-13.In addition, the current economic recession is hav-

ing a serious negative impact on the value of these planshat will require reforms as well as additional contributions.

Because the employee contribution level is set by law, andbeacuse benefits for current members cannot be reduced,Pennsylvania taxpayers are on the hook to make up thedifference when the 10-year period expires in 2012-13.

While the exact amount of the rate increases depend

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aylor com

In my last newsletter, I discussed a plan developed by HouseRepublicans to lower health care costs and increase access tohealth care using the principle of free market competition insteadof imposing mandates on our employers and residents.

Recently, I attended a rally to announce two pieces oflegislation to protect Pennsylvanians from the massive federalgovernment intrusion into our health care being crafted in

Washington.Reps. Matt Baker (R-Bradford/Tioga) and Curt Schroder

(R-Chester) have introduced House Bill 2053 and House Bill 2179aimed at preserving a citizens rights to opt out of a government-run health care scheme to choose his or her own health care

Rep. Saylor discusses legislation to enable Pennsylvanians to optout of the government-run health care scheme being developed inWashington.

House Republicans OfferHealth Care Choice

Legislation

Declining Milk Prices CreateCrisis for Dairy Farmers

A sharp decline in milk prices has created a serious financial hardship fordairy farmers across Pennsylvania. Industry experts estimate that farmers arelosing an average of $100 per cow per day as a result of this crisis. That rateis simply unsustainable and unless something is done to address this problem,Pennsylvania could lose as many as 30 percent of our dairy farmers.

Unfortunately, basic milk pricing is set at the federal level using a formulathat is based on the world prices of milk components and there is little the statecan do to impact it. The Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board is the only meansPennsylvania has to add to the price dairy farmers receive.

Since 1988, the board has enforced an over-order premium on milkproduced, processed and sold as fluid product in Pennsylvania. While thispremium has returned millions of dollars to Pennsylvania farmers, many questionwhether the entire premium, which is collected from consumers as part of theminimum retail milk rice enforced b the board is makin it to the farmers.

Table Games Are Not the

Solution to PennsylvaniasFinancial Troubles

Earlier this year, the Legislature passed, and the governor signed, abill to allow Pennsylvanias casinos to offer table games like black jack andpoker. I opposed this expansion of gambling because I believe we havenot done enough to resolve existing problems in Pennsylvanias gamblingindustry.

Pennsylvanias gaming industry is in need of significant reform andmuch greater regulation. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)has clearly demonstrated that it cannot meet the responsibilities it hasalready been given. Until these problems are fixed, it is irresponsible of

us to even consider expanding the industry and giving its regulators moreresponsibility.

In addition, it is doubtful that expanded gaming will have the effect itsadvocates promise. When slot machine gaming was legalized, it was withbig promises of significant property tax relief. So far, the property tax reliefhas been well below the levels gaming advocates promised. Until thosepromises are kept, any revenue from gambling should be going directlyto providing property tax relief, not to the General Fund to enable stategovernment to continue its spending spree.

Policy Committee Examines P3s as a FundingSource for Public Projects

Policy Committee Update

As our nation continues to cope with the effects of the economicrecession, declining revenues are forcing governments to find ways touse limited resources more efficiently to ensure taxpayers are getting

he most out of every dollar. Given that reality, we develop newmethods for funding public projects, particularly the transportation andinfrastructure repairs our Commonwealth desperately needs.

As Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, Ihave held several hearings to examine the use of public-privatepartnerships (P3s) as a means of funding government projects. P3sare collaborative efforts which team private industry and governmentin the operation, maintenance, and/or construction of transportationprojects and a variety of other applications.

P3s are an innovative solution to the problems we face and thePolicy Committee is developing legislation that would allow for their

use in Pennsylvania.The committee has heard testimony from several experts on

he use and structure of P3s. These experts have noted that the P3

option, which has been relatively untapped in Pennsylvania, may offera viable means of financing some of the states large-scale capitalimprovement projects that currently lack a funding source.

These experts also noted Pennsylvania has the largest numberof structurally deficient bridges in the nation and must find a way toaddress the problem. They indicated P3s are one new approach thatcan help Pennsylvania address those infrastructure needs.

The Policy Committee is continuing to examine this issue, andwe will be announcing legislation to allow for these partnerships inPennsylvania.

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wwwRepSaylor com

Rep. Saylor congratulates the Parrish family on winning the 2010Outstanding Agriculture Industry Award at the York County AgricultureBusiness Council Ag Recognition Banquet. Pictured are (from left to

right): Michael Parrish, Lynne Parrish, Kelsi Parrish, Nathan Parrish,and Rep. Saylor.

Saving Taxpayer Dollars with Electronic NewslettersCurrently, you are receiving my printed newsletters through the mail. While residents tell me the newsletters are worthwhile, they are costly

to mail. Using improved technology, electronic communication is an effective tool to keep you informed. Via e-mail and the Web, I am able to

communicate with you at a much reduced cost.o accomplish this goal, I am offering you the option of receiving future newsletters in an online format. If you would like to make this switch,please take a moment and log onto my Web site at RepSaylor.com and click the Have Your Newsletter Delivered Online icon. A simpleform will be there for you to complete.

Applications Now Availablefor Property Tax/Rent

Rebate ProgramApplications for the states Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for

009 are now available in my district office.

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based ontheir rent or property taxes paid in 2009. The program benefits eligiblePennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 yearsor 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, andRailroad 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.

Residents are reminded that along with their application, they must submita copy of their property tax bill stamped paid by the tax collector. Severaltax collectors have indicated that they will no longer FAX copies of the taxbills and residents must pick up a copy from the office.

My office also has rebate forms for the Southeastern, Red Lion, andDallastown Area school districts property tax rebate programs. Incomerequirements for these programs are the same as the state program.

Low-Income HomeEnergy Assistance

Program (LIHEAP)Extended

Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy AssistanceProgram (LIHEAP) is now open until April 2.The LIHEAP program is administered by the Department

of Public Welfare (DPW) and helps income-eligible householdspay for heat during the winter months.

The original closing date of the LIHEAP program wasMarch 15, but circumstances have allowed the program tocontinue until April 2. The cash grant amounts have alsoincreased by $100.

DPW anticipates helping approximately 600,000 familieswith cash grants during the 2009-10 program year.

Applications will be available at the York CountyAssistance Office at 130 North Duke Street, York, phone 1-800-991-0929. Applications are also available from local utility

companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. LIHEAPcash grant applications are available online at .state.pa.us

For complete eligibility requirements and additionalinformation on LIHEAP, visit my Web site at RepSaylor.com and click on LIHEAP Information.

District Office15 South Main Street (Second Floor)

Red Lion, PA 17356Phone: 717-244-9232

717-382-4595Toll-Free: 1-800-3SAYLOR (1-800-372-9567)

Fax: 717-246-2387Hours: M- W 8:30- 4:30, Th 10:00 - 6:00, F 8:30 - 12:30

Satellite OfficesCapitol Office

Building: Main Capitol BuildingRoom Number: Room 414

Phone: (717) 783-6426Fax: (717) 783-7655

Delta Senior Center5 Pendyrus StreetDelta, PA 17314

Hours: 1st and 3rd Wednesday ofeach month 9-Noon

Hopewell Township Municipal Building3336 Bridgeview Road

Stewartstown, PA 17363Hours: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of

each month 9-Noon

Offi ce Information

Kenneth L. Rexroth and James C. Rexroth were awarded the 2010Outstanding Farm Family Award at the York County AgricultureBusiness Council Ag Recognition Banquet. Pictured are (from

left to right): Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding; York CountyConservation District Director Harry Bickel; Kenneth L. Rexroth; and

James C. Rexroth.