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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Building a Vision for Rural PA series wraps up On May 14, the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, which I chair, held the last session in our Building a Vision for Rural PA series in Mercer County in western Pennsylvania. We also visited Philadelphia, Ephrata, Pittsburgh, Waymart, Lebanon, Gallitzin and Leesport to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing our diverse communities. A wide variety of issues have been brought to our attention through these sessions, such as farmland preservation, conservation, the relationships between municipalities and farm operations, and renewable energy. In addition, several people spoke about the connection between urban areas and farms and the need to increase the availability of fresh, healthy foods to cities as well as local food banks. Throughout Pennsylvania, many dairy farmers noted that milk prices have not kept pace with the rising costs of feed and other inputs, and they are struggling to stay in business. I realize this situation has become increasingly critical recently, and on May 22, the Senate and House Agriculture Committees held a joint hearing at the Capitol on the matter that provided additional insight about how we can develop policy and legislation to improve the dairy industry. Now that the series has been completed, my Committee will work to build an agenda that embraces all of the unique perspectives and priorities of our Commonwealth. Out in the community I have been spending quite a bit of time in the 36th District lately to get to know you and the issues that are important to you as well. Over the coming weeks and months, I will begin holding Community Conversations in various locations in the district and at various times to accommodate your schedules. These events will give me a chance to meet and interact with you and are open to everyone. The first of these Community Conversations will be held at Memorial Park in Mount Joy on Thursday, June 7, from noon to 2 p.m. I hope that you will be able to join me at these open forums, but if you cannot, you can continue to share your thoughts with me by contacting my district office at 1248 W. Main Street, Ephrata, 17522, 738-1600, or my Harrisburg office at Senate Box 203036, Harrisburg, 17120, 787-4420. You can also call my toll-free number at 1-866-738-1601 or email me at mbrubaker@pasen.gov. For other updates and information, visit my web site, www.senatorbrubaker.com. Public comment period on Blues merger now open The public comment period on the proposed merger of the for-profit subsidiaries of Independence Blue Cross and Highmark Inc. is now open until at least July 11, and I encourage any interested parties to submit their thoughts to the Department of Insurance. The application, related materials, and a list of the for-profit subsidiaries involved in the proposed merger are available at www.insurance.state.pa.us. Under current state law, Department approval is required only for mergers involving for-profit companies, which could include many of the Highmark and IBC subsidiary entities. The merger of the parent non-profit companies does not require state approval, although the Senate recently approved legislation to require such approval. Written statements can be sent to Robert Brackbill, Chief, Company Licensing Division, Pennsylvania Department of Insurance, 1345 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17120, by fax to 717-787-8557, or by email to rbrackbill@state.pa.us. More information about submitting comments is available at www.insurance.state.pa.us.
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