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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Senate votes to extend MCARE program The state Senate recently approved legislation extending for one year the state's MCARE abatement program, which helps Pennsylvania health care providers cover their medical malpractice insurance costs. Under the current program, the state pays all or part of the $500,000 in Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) fund coverage that the state requires each doctor to secure; it is funded primarily by a 25-cent tax on cigarettes. Physicians must also obtain $500,000 in primary coverage from the private marketplace. While the five-year-old MCARE program has played a vital role in keeping providers in the Commonwealth, the comprehensive patient safety and tort reform provisions enacted in 2002 have also led to improvements in the medical liability market. Without qualified medical professionals, particularly specialists and obstetricians who have faced very high malpractice premiums, there would be no one to care for the everyday health needs of Pennsylvanians. MCARE has been critical in keeping those physicians practicing here in the Commonwealth, and I am pleased to see that the Senate has voted to extend this program. DEP grants to improve water, sewage systems Funding is available through the state Department of Environmental Protection to help finance improvements to existing sewage facilities and drinking water systems using new or innovative technologies. Municipalities, municipal authorities and public school districts can apply for the grants, awarded in amounts of up to $500,000, through the state's Growing Greener program. The monies can be used to make physical improvements to existing facilities, as well as sanitary and combined sewer collection/conveyance systems, and also seeks to address some of the barriers to development and deployment of new water, wastewater and stormwater technologies. Under the Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology Grant Program, new and innovative technology refers to an approach that is commercially available but is not yet used widely in Pennsylvania, and should provide one or more significant advantages over conventional technology. Preference will be given to projects that use this technology to reduce energy consumption compared to conventional processes. I encourage all local governments to apply for these funds to assist them in maintaining and improving their infrastructures. The application form can be found at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Growing Greener Innovative Technology. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 15. Community spotlight Ephrata Area Social Services has been working to address the needs of its Ephrata and Cocalico neighbors through a wide range of services since 1971. In 2006, EASS provided almost 35,000 meals through Meals on Wheels and served more than 7,000 people through its Food Bank. The organization also operates a food and clothing bank, as well as transportation services. In addition, EASS is connected to the social service system of Lancaster County through the United Way LINC Directory, and coordinates services and researches alternative options for callers. The work of the EASS staff is supplemented by donations from churches, civic organizations, private individuals, business and local foundations. In fact, volunteers are needed for the Meals on Wheels program; call 733-0345 or 733-4846 for more information. I commend Ephrata Area Social Services for is commitment to the ideal of "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" and look forward to working with them in the future.
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