Inside Harrisburg

by state Reps. Dan Frankel and Jake Wheatley

Lawmakers working to provide funding for libraries

We were deeply saddened to learn that Hazelwood could face the closure of its community library. We each sent a letter expressing our dismay and urging the library board to consider the outsized importance these libraries play in our communities. The planned closing of the Hazelwood library is especially disappointing because it is such a vital resource for the neighborhood. 

As of this writing, one additional source of state funding continues to be a possibility – the legislation being negotiated that would permit table games at the 14 authorized casinos in Pennsylvania.

Senate Republicans have pushed to keep the license fee and state share of the proceeds lower, while House Democrats have worked to make sure the people of Pennsylvania receive a fair share of this new industry's proceeds to help fund vital programs and services such as public libraries. We are continuing to advocate for using part of the table games revenue to provide funding for libraries. 

While the nationwide economic recession that began last year resulted in a $3.2 billion deficit in the state budget, House Democrats and the governor were successful in restoring a large portion of the state funding for libraries that the Republican-controlled Senate tried to cut. The new state budget provides $60 million for the public library subsidy, $23 million more than the budget bill Senate Republicans originally passed.

We will be doing everything we can in the coming weeks to advocate for a recurring revenue source that could help to keep the Hazelwood library open.

Home heating assistance program to take applications starting Nov. 2

Pennsylvania's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps low- and moderate-income families pay their heating bills, will begin accepting applications soon for the 2009-10 winter heating season.

The program has two components. The first provides cash grants to families to help pay regular monthly heating bills. You do not have to have an unpaid heating bill to qualify. You do not have to be receiving Cash Assistance to be eligible, and no lien is placed on your home. A family of four with an annual income of up to $33,075 can qualify for assistance.  The cash grant component of LIHEAP will begin accepting applications on Nov. 2.

The second component of LIHEAP provides crisis grants to families that are facing heating emergencies, such as broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced, a fuel shortage, termination of utility service, or the danger of being without fuel or of having utility service terminated. The crisis grant portion of LIHEAP opens Jan. 4, 2010. Both programs will run through March 15, or as long as funds remain available.

For more information or an application, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us/servicesprograms/liheap/ or call the Allegheny County Assistance Office at 1-800-851-3838. You may also contact our offices for help: 

Rep. Dan Frankel: 2345 Murray Ave., Suite 205; phone 412-422-1774; Web site: www.pahouse.com/Frankel

Rep. Jake Wheatley: 2015-2017 Centre Ave., first floor; phone 412-471-7760; Web site: www.pahouse.com/Wheatley

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