|
|||
|
For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Senate approves measure to increase consumer protection The state Senate recently approved legislation which would help protect Pennsylvanians from home improvement scam artists. Senate Bill 100 would give local law enforcement officials the tools they need to stop disreputable contractors who, for instance, promise to make repairs and then leave with a customer's deposit, or do a poor job that they then refuse to fix. The legislation also sets criminal penalties, with tougher sanctions if the victim is a senior citizen. Also, the bill would require home improvement contractors to register with the state Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection, which would then maintain a toll-free number under which consumers could call to check on the registration of a contractor. Home improvement contracts, with specific criteria to ensure that all parties understand the work to be done, the time frame and the costs, would be required for all work exceeding $500. Although the vast majority of contractors are fair and do very good work, this bill would be a tool to stop those who are not. Senate Bill 100 now moves to the state House of Representatives for its consideration. New notary applications available The Pennsylvania Department of State has revised the application forms for public notaries, making them shorter and easier to complete. The new applications have been reduced from four pages to two and have been reformatted. In addition, individuals no longer need to submit two references, but are required to verify that they are of good moral character and are familiar with the duties and responsibilities of a notary public. All applications must still be endorsed by the state senator representing the applicant. The new applications are available at my district office at 1248 W. Main Street in Ephrata, or by calling the office at 738-1600 or 1-866-738-1601 to have one mailed to you. Applicants should allow four to six weeks for processing of new notary public applications, and should submit forms for reappointment at least two months before the expiration date of a commission. More information about becoming a notary is available online. Scam impersonates American Red Cross Military families should beware of a new scam where callers falsely identify themselves in hope of acquiring personal identification information. The American Red Cross has learned that individuals claiming to be Red Cross representatives are calling military spouses and reporting that the spouse's husband, who is not identified by name, was hurt on duty while in Iraq. That person, the caller says, has been relocated to a hospital in Germany, and certain information is needed to complete paperwork before treatment can begin. American Red Cross representatives do not typically contact military members or their dependents directly, only in response to an emergency message initiated by the family. In addition, the Red Cross does not report any kind of casualty information to family members; they will be contacted directly by the Department of Defense if their military member has been injured. It is a federal crime to pretend to be a member of or agent for the Red Cross in order to solicit material or information. The Red Cross is urging family members not to give out personal information or to confirm that a spouse is deployed if contacted by an unverified individual, and asks that anyone who receives such a call report it to their local Family Readiness Group or Military Personnel Flight.
| ||
|
Privacy Policy
|
|||
