For Immediate Release
July 4, 2007
Contact:  Lisa Landis
Legislative Assistant
717-787-6709
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A Conversation with Senator Brubaker

Helping communities with phosphate reduction

Recently, I introduced legislation that will help municipalities meet their phosphate reduction goals under the federal Clean Water Act.

High levels of phosphorus in our waterways cause excessive algae growth, which in turn causes unpleasant odors and robs the water of oxygen that fish need to survive. The Clean Water Act requires communities to reduce phosphorus discharges from their wastewater plants, which will likely lead to large capital expenditures to install nutrient removal technology.

My legislation would amend the Phosphate Detergent Act to virtually eliminate the maximum amount of phosphorus permitted by weight in automatic household dishwashing detergents by July 1, 2010, a goal to which the detergent industry is firmly committed nationwide. The phosphorus from these detergents represents approximately seven to twelve percent of the total amount entering a wastewater treatment plant, so working toward its elimination in detergents will assist communities in making progress toward their phosphorus reduction goals in a small but significant way. A similar phase-out of phosphorus has already occurred in laundry detergents and liquid hand dish detergents.

I am pleased to be a part of this effort, especially because our actions impact not only local waterways but also the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay watershed beyond. Every little thing we can do truly does make a difference.

Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness Program deadline extended

The deadline to apply for the Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness Program has been extended to give more soldiers the chance to sign up for financial relief.

Through the Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness Program, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has helped ease the financial burden of more than 7,500 military personnel. Since the initiative was launched in 2003, PHEAA estimates that $17.5 million in relief has been provided.  

In order to qualify, applicants must have served in the armed forces on active duty status between Sept. 11, 2001, and Dec. 31, 2007 (excluding the annual two-week training period), must have an eligible loan that is not in default, and must be either:

• A current Pennsylvania resident;
• A non-Pennsylvania resident who was living in Pennsylvania at the time of enlistment and was in the military continuously through at least September 11, 2001;
• A non-Pennsylvania resident who left a Pennsylvania school due to a call to active duty; or
• A non-Pennsylvania resident who enlisted in the military immediately after attending an approved Pennsylvania school.

Applications must be completed and returned to PHEAA by June 30, 2008. More information as well as forms are available at www.pheaa.org or www.aesSuccess.org, and can also be requested by calling PHEAA's toll-free customer service number at 1-800-233-0557.

Summer newsletter available online

            Constituents can now access my Summer 2007 newsletter online at my web site, www.senatorbrubaker.com.

            I believe it is very important that I maintain an open dialogue with the residents of the 36th District. For this reason, I am utilizing a number of communications tools, such as this column, outreach events and open forums, newsletters, and a web site, to ensure that news about my activities and the activities of the General Assembly are available to everyone.

Copies of the Summer 2007 newsletter are also available at my district office at 1248 W. Main Street, Ephrata, or you can request to have one mailed to you by calling the office at 717-738-1600 or toll-free at 866-738-1601.