Dear Friend,

I am pleased to unveil my newly-revised electronic newsletter. I plan to send these updates out on a regular basis as a way to keep you informed about issues, events and activities in Harrisburg and around the 41st Senatorial District.

These e-newsletters will enable me to provide information to you in a timely manner while saving postage costs. If you find this e-newsletter useful, I'd invite you to visit my website www.senatordonwhite.com for more information about your state government.

If you do not wish to receive these e-newsletters, please click the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of the page.

Sincerely,

Don White

Committee Approves Bill Extending Options for Mining on State Land 

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee recently approved legislation I introduced that would provide a new option for the leasing of state-owned real property for mining operations. Senate Bill 1159 would give the Department of General Services (DGS) the option to make and execute contracts or leases for the mining or removal of any valuable mineral resources that may be found in state lands. 

Currently, only a few state agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission are authorized by law to enter into leases for mineral resource development.

My bill provides an opportunity currently available only to state game lands, state parks and state forests to generate revenue. There is no requirement that the state lease or sell any mineral property rights. SB 1159 simply provides the option, one that in certain cases can provide the Commonwealth with much needed revenue while giving a boost to our state economy through the creation of new jobs. Equally important, any revenues generated from these leases will have to be used to boost Pennsylvania’s environmental protection efforts.

Under the "Indigenous Mineral Resources Incentives Development Act," any payments or royalties received by the DGS would be deposited in the Environmental Stewardship Fund.  This Fund provides for farmland preservation projects, open space protection, abandoned mine reclamation, watershed protection and restoration, water and sewer infrastructure and the improvement and conservation of Commonwealth and community parks and recreational facilities.

Consider Charitable Giving Through Your PA Tax Return 

I would like to remind you as you complete your 2009 state tax return, you have the option to donate all or part of your state tax refund to several worthy charitable causes.

The PA-40 tax form includes five boxes allowing taxpayers to donate to the Wild Resource Conservation Fund, the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, the Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund, the Juvenile Diabetes Cure Research Fund and the Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Fund.

According to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Fund, approximately $200,000 is donated to the organization annually through the donation check-off on the state tax form.

Governor Signs Coal Bed Methane Dispute Measure

I am pleased to report that the Governor recently signed legislation establishing a special review board to arbitrate coal bed methane (CBM) well-location disputes between land owners and gas companies.

Act 4 of 2010 includes the provisions of Senate Bill 275, which I introduced, that creates a three-member Coal Bed Methane Review Board to consider objections by property owners and reach agreements with gas companies on issues such as the location of coal bed methane wells and/or access roads.

I am extremely pleased we have moved this measure through the legislative process and I appreciate the efforts of Representative Dave Reed, who was the prime sponsor of this legislation in the House. This is the conclusion of a long process that included extensive negotiations between the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau – who represented landowner interests - as well as the gas and coal industry. This bill does not change the ownership of property or mineral rights, but creates a timely, less expensive process for property owners to clear up disputes that arise over the location of CBM wells without going to court.

The Coal Bed Methane Review Board will include a member appointed by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, a member appointed jointly by the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association, the Independent Oil and Gas Association and the Pennsylvania Coal Association, and a member appointed jointly by the deans of the College of Agricultural Sciences and the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences of Penn State University. The board is required to render a decision within 10 days from the time a hearing is held on a CBM well-location dispute.

New Website Offers Resources for Crime Victims

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency recently launched a new website that offers helpful resources to crime victims.

The Pennsylvania Crime Victims website, www.pacrimevictims.com, includes information about the criminal and juvenile justice system, rights and services available to crime victims and helpful tips on trauma and healing.

The site also includes details on the Victims' Compensation Assistance Program, restitution, the Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (PA SAVIN) system and additional victims' services available at the county level.

Appropriations Committee Wraps Up Budget Hearings

The Senate Appropriations Committee recently wrapped up three weeks of public hearings on the Governor's proposed state budget for the 2010-11 Fiscal Year. The Appropriations Committee heard detailed reports from several cabinet secretaries and other officials over the period from February 16 through March 3.

Written summaries, audio and video from the individual budget hearings are available at www.pasenategop.com.

Mark Your Calendar 

I am inviting local veterans and their families to a Veteran's Expo I will be hosting with Representative Dave Reed on March 18 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the S & T Bank Arena at the White Township Recreation Complex, 497 East Pike Road, Indiana.

As part of my continuing efforts to hear from the citizens of the 41st District, I will hold a town meeting in Export, Westmoreland County, on Thursday, March 25. The free public forum is set for 6 p.m. in the Export VFD Social Hall (American legion Building), 5778 Kennedy Avenue, Export. Refreshments will be served.

April 15 is the date for Job Fair 2010, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the S & T Bank Arena at the White Township Recreation Complex, 497 East Pike Road, Indiana.

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