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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Open records reform is top priority for fall Among the many issues the state Senate plans to address this fall, reforming the Open Records Law is a top priority. Many constituents tell me they want government to be more open and transparent, and we have made great progress toward this goal. For instance, the Senate now provides public access to committee and floor votes online, as well as full text of debates, bills, proposed amendments and Pennsylvania laws. You can find all of this by going to my web site, www.senatorbrubaker.com, and clicking on the "Citizen Access Page" link. However, all government branches and agencies at every level should be accountable to their communities, and I fully support the work we are doing to reform the state's Open Records Law. Currently, all records in Pennsylvania are considered closed unless they appear on a short list of those that are open. We are working on changes that would establish all records as open unless they meet a list of clear, narrow exceptions to keep matters like personal information private. The amendment we have drafted would allow requests to be accepted by email and shortens the response time to requests. It also clarifies that the law applies to agencies like PHEAA and the state-related universities in addition to the financial records of all branches of government. Pennsylvanians deserve these changes to the Open Records Law, and I look forward to working on this issue further throughout the fall. Senate votes to update Megan's Law The state Senate recently approved Senate Bill 490 to address the issue of internet communication by registered sex offenders and sexually violent predators. It now goes before the state House of Representatives for its consideration. This legislation would require these individuals to register their online identities with the State Police, including e-mail addresses and instant messaging screen names, in addition to information about their residence and place of employment or school. Further, they would be required to notify state police within 48 hours of changing any aspect of their online identities. Too many children have already been solicited via the internet, and I believe this is a good step that we can take to help keep Pennsylvanians safe. Program offers alternatives to payday loans The Credit Union Better Choice program, developed in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Treasury, is offered statewide as an alternative to payday lending. Payday loans are small, short-term loans typically utilized by individuals who need immediate cash and are repaid in a week or two, usually on the borrower's next payday. However, fees can quickly add up and even exceed the cost of the original loan, which can be extended for additional fees, leading to a cycle of payday loan debt. The Better Choice program allows individuals to borrow up to $500 from a participating credit union, to be paid back over a longer period of 90 days. The borrower must repay a Better Choice loan in full before taking out another, and can also take advantage of financial counseling to help create budgets, develop good financial habits, and learn to control debt. More information about the Better Choice program and a list of participating credit unions is available at www.PaCreditUnions.com. You can also find more tips for making the most of your money through the state Office of Financial Education at www.moneysbestfriend.com or through the American Bankers Association's "Get Smart About Credit and Teach Children to Save" at www.aba.com/Consumer+connection/getsmart.htm.
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