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Senator Mike Brubaker

February 22, 2012

Dear Friend,

Thank you for taking the time to read the latest edition of the 36th Senatorial District newsletter. These e-newsletters enable me to provide information about issues, events and activities of interest to local residents without any cost to taxpayers for printing and mailing.

If you do not wish to receive these e-newsletters in the future, please feel free to click the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of the page. If you would like to contact my office, please go to my web page at www.senatorbrubaker.com and click on the "contact" button. Please do not "reply" directly to this e-mail.

I am hopeful that the information included in this newsletter will foster greater public awareness of the issues affecting our communities and promote a mutual dialogue on the most important issues facing our state and region. As always, please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions pertaining to any state government program or agency. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,

Mike Brubaker
State Senator
Pennsylvania's 36th Senatorial District

Speedwell Forge Meeting Examines Funding Options for Restoration

I recently hosted a second public hearing in conjunction with Rep. Tom Creighton and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to explore funding options for the restoration of Speedwell Forge Lake. PFBC representatives reaffirmed their commitment to re-establishing this resource, and I am deeply thankful to all participants at this hearing and the public for their involvement in the restoration process.

Prior to reconstruction of the dam and spillway, PFBC said the embankment must be breached to address flood risks to homeowners downstream. The Commission will allocate $800,000 for the breach project. This step will also give all stakeholders the time to raise the additional money needed for reconstruction.

The cost to repair the damage caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee is estimated at more than $6.3 million. Insurance payments from FEMA may provide some of the funding for restoration since the damage was caused by flooding from natural disasters. A small amount of funding may also be available as part of the new Marcellus Shale law, Act 13 of 2012, but the availability of these funds is still in question. Some funding will also be available as a result of oil and gas leasing on PFBC lands in the Marcellus Shale region, but the amount of support from PFBC will be dependent on the amount of local support the project receives.

While these funding sources will defray from the reconstruction costs, significant local support will be needed to ensure the lake is restored. Save Speedwell was recently registered as a non-profit organization to raise money for the restoration project. I encourage local residents to visit www.savespeedwell.org for more information on the project or to make a donation.

Video of the hearing is available online at www.senatorbrubaker.com.

Lancaster County Businesses Eligible for Loan Funding

Small businesses in Lancaster County may be eligible for loan funding for the purchase of real estate, equipment and other assets as part of US Treasury's State Small Business Credit Initiative. The program helps meet the financing needs of small businesses that are not being served by other public or private lenders.

The South Eastern Economic Development Company of Pennsylvania is expected to receive $2 million over the next three years to help meet the financing needs of small businesses throughout the region. The loans will be targeted to businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The loans are expected to leverage more than $13 million in private investments.

For more information on loan programs that are available to small businesses in our area, please visit www.seedcopa.com.

Monthly TV Show Features Farm Show Highlights

This month's edition of "A Conversation with Senator Mike Brubaker" TV show features highlights from the 96th Pennsylvania Farm Show, including an interview with junior exhibitors from Lancaster County.

The monthly show airs on Blue Ridge Cable (Channel 19) and Comcast Lancaster (Channel 11). You can also watch the show online at www.senatorbrubaker.com by clicking the Television Show link.

Budget Hearings Available Online

This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee will begin its second week of budget hearings to examine the governor's budget proposal. These hearings provide an important opportunity for legislators to hear testimony from members of the Administration on the impact of the governor's spending proposals.

Live video coverage of these hearings is available on my website at www.senatorbrubaker.com. In addition, video and summaries of past hearings are available at www.pasenategop.com.

Spring 2012 Student Challenge Announced

The spring 2012 Student Challenge essay contest will encourage local students to express their thoughts on legislation that they would like to introduce. The essay of 500 words or less should describe how their legislation would help the people of Pennsylvania. The topic mirrors the activities that will be included in my Senator for a Day program, which will be held in March.

The Student Challenge program features periodic competitions and is open to all K-12 students in the 36th Senatorial District, including the school districts of Cocalico, Columbia, Conestoga Valley, Donegal, Eastern Lancaster County, Ephrata, Hempfield, Manheim Central, Octorara, Pequea Valley, Twin Valley and Warwick. Home school students from the district are also encouraged to apply. The deadline to submit an entry is May 4, and winners will be announced on May 14.

Winners will be selected from each age group by an independent panel. Winners will be awarded a visit to Harrisburg for lunch and a tour of the state Capitol Building with a guest. Entries may be dropped off or mailed to my district office at 301 E. Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543, or students may submit essays online. Program guidelines and more information are available online at www.senatorbrubaker.com.
 

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