State Representative PRSRT STD

SETH GROVE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
HARRISBURG, PA
PERMIT NO 529
196th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

Spring 2009

Dear Neighbor:
First, let me thank you for your vote of confidence by
You’re Invited
to My Open House
choosing me as your state representative. Being able to
share my experience and dedication to public service to
work for the people of the 196th District is a true honor.
Since being sworn into office to represent the 196th I will be hosting an Open House at my district office in the Westgate
District in York County on Jan. 6, it has been my goal to be Plaza. This will be your opportunity to meet my staff, find out how
accessible to you and to every resident of our district who my office can assist you and enjoy some light refreshments with your
needs assistance with state services. When you have a state representative.
question about a PennDOT issue, when you need a copy of
your birth certificate or when you need to file an insurance
complaint, my office is here to help.
As the 2009-10 legislative session progresses, you can
Friday, April 17
also contact me regarding your concerns with legislation, 1 to 6 p.m.
including the Pennsylvania budget. I will do my best to
keep you informed regarding what is going on in Harrisburg, 1550-C Kenneth Road
and I am looking forward to hearing what you have to say
about legislative matters. Your input is vital in helping to York
shape policies for Pennsylvania that will be most beneficial
to our district. No RSVP is necessary
There will be a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m.
The Commonwealth and our nation are facing chal-
lenging times. We will confront unprecedented decisions
regarding the financial stability and economic future of
Pennsylvania, and I want to maintain an open dialogue with
you on how to proceed in these matters.
I look forward to serving you in the Pennsylvania House
of Representatives, and I am hopeful that we will meet
The following are a few
and have the opportunity to chat at one of my upcoming examples of the services
events. offered at my office:
Sincerely, • Driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and
renewals.
• Assistance with PennDOT paperwork (lost cards,
changes, corrections, special registration plates, vanity
Seth Grove plates, and temporary placards for disabled persons).
State Representative
• PACE and PACENET applications for seniors citizens.
196th District
• Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications.
• Consumer complaint forms.
• State tax forms.
On Jan. 6, I took • Filing for unclaimed property.
the oath of office
to officially begin • Free state maps, state park information, and PA Vacation
my first term Guides.
representing the • Copies of legislation.
196th District.
• Tours of the State Capitol.
• Referrals to agencies to resolve state-related matters.

www.RepGrove.com
 It Happened in the
House
Although a lot of time and effort have gone into under-
standing the state budget and the federal stimulus package,
the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has also been
working on other legislative priorities. Following are several
bills, which I co-sponsored, that have passed the House.
Please note, these bills will need Senate approval and the
governor’s signature to become law.
House Bill 39 – Would prohibit dog owners from
performing certain surgical procedures on their dogs and
by granting authority to dog wardens to enforce certain
provisions of the animal cruelty statute in counties
lacking a court-appointed humane society police officer.
House Bill 73 – Would provide an exemption from jury
duty for people age 70 or older who opt not to serve.
House Bill 270 – Would allow a former or retired justice,
judge or magisterial district judge who is not sitting on
the bench in the capacity of a senior judge or senior
magisterial district judge to perform marriages. In addition,
retired mayors, such as York County’s “Marrying Mayor,”
Robb Green, would be able to perform marriage services.
I am also in the process of introducing legislation which
would prohibit members of the General Assembly from be-
ing employed by or affiliated with a lobbying firm while the
member is in office. It would also specify that any legislator
violating this ban would be committing a third-degree felony.
I have authored this bill because I believe it is unethical for
legislators to receive monetary compensation from firms in
business to sway the decisions of government.
Grove Selected for Key
Committees
For the 2009-10 session, I have been chosen to serve on the
House Aging and Older Adult Services, Health and Human Services,
and Intergovernmental Affairs committees. I will also temporarily
serve on the House Consumer Affairs Committee while Rep. Scott
Perry (R-Dillsburg) is deployed to Iraq.
The Consumer Affairs Committee deals with legislation related
to public utilities, landlord and tenant relations, and unfair trade
practices. The Aging and Older Adult Services Committee handles
legislation regarding programs for senior citizens, long-term care
and older adult protective services. The Health and Human Ser-
vices Committee examines bills about health and welfare-related
issues.
Serving on the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee will be
an especially important assignment, as it will examine legislation
relating to the federal stimulus package. The committee’s connec-
tion to bills regarding the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and
the Chesapeake Bay Commission are also particularly important
to York County.
Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson/Armstrong/Indiana)
also appointed me to the State Planning Board, which conducts
research and collects demographic and economic data, develops
strategic plans for the Commonwealth and monitors state and
national trends.
Agriculture Remains a Pennsylvania’s Financial Picture
Priority for Grove In February, Gov. Ed Rendell addressed the General Assembly Pennsylvania would likely have to return those licensing fees and pay
with his spending plan for the 2009-10 fiscal year. During his address, expensive court costs. Finally, where is the real property tax relief we
the governor reported revenue collections had fallen severely short were supposed to see from the original gambling expansion?
of projections, potentially Another component of
leaving the Commonwealth the governor’s budget ad-
with a budget shortfall of dress which has gotten a lot
more than $2 billion. of attention is his sugges-
Since the time of the tion that we should create
address, we have learned a commission to generate
that Pennsylvania will likely a plan for school consoli-
receive assistance from dations. He would like to
the federal government. see the Commonwealth
Though money is already go from 501 to 100 public
flowing into the state from school districts. I have a
the feds, we are still not section on my Web site,
sure exactly how all of the RepGrove.com, devoted
funding will be used. I will to the school district con-
address the stimulus fund- solidation study conducted
I had the opportunity to speak to Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff ing further in the following by the Legislative Budget
regarding Pennsylvania’s priorities for the industry and his plans for article. and Finance Committee
the department in the coming year. One proposal which in 2006. According to the
created quite a stir was the study, the most economical
governor’s announcement circumstances for consoli-
that he wants to create a dation exist with combined
new tuition program for enrollments of less than
certain college students 3,000 students. This would
using funds from expanded not be possible under the
gaming. According to the governor, this would not be an actual expan- governor’s proposal.
sion of gaming because it is already being done illegally. My question Ultimately, the solution to our economic problems in Pennsylvania
is, if we know this is going on illegally, why aren’t we enforcing the is not federal assistance, fancy revenue enhancements (taxes), or the
law? Frankly, we are still too busy ironing out the wrinkles with slot governor’s school district consolidation plan. What we need is good,
machines to try to initiate another expanded gaming program. Also, old-fashioned restraint in spending. Following is a chart showing
allowing these video poker machines in bars would prompt a lawsuit Pennsylvania’s budget growth since 1994. It is clear that spending
by current casino license holders who paid $50 million in license fees. has gotten out of control.
$$ Keep Your Eye on the Money $$
During the 23rd Annual York County Agricultural Recognition Banquet, As a member of the House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, which has already held one hearing on Pennsylvania’s share of the
I presented the James Eisenhour Family of Wellsville, the recipients federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), I am going to be watching how the federal aid is spent very closely. I encour-
of the 2009 Outstanding Farm Family Award, with a citation from the age you to do the same.
House of Representatives congratulating them for their contribution to
I have posted a section on my Web site, RepGrove.com, called “Follow the Federal $timulus Money.” Through this section, you can
agriculture and the excellence of their farm, Cedar Hill Farms.
link to a site that shows exactly how the Commonwealth is using the funds, including a county-by-county breakdown. You can also link
to the federal government’s site which catalogues grants available to local governments through ARRA. Finally, there is a link to a Web
site that gives an explanation of the federal legislation enabling the stimulus program.
While portions of this funding will certainly help Pennsylvania’s overall financial picture, we must be very vigilant in how we spend this
money. We cannot create new programs or future obligations because this is not a permanent funding stream. We must remain cognizant
that this money will run out after 2011.
This means any money for which we are required to accept federal mandates should be carefully examined. Mandates could end up
costing us more money when all is said and done. This is why I am supporting legislation which would give the General Assembly greater
oversight in determining if federal dollars should be accepted and how those we do receive are allocated. These bills include:
• House Resolution 165 and House Bill 993, which would require the House and Senate to approve or reject the stimulus
money targeted for Pennsylvania and require the House and Senate approve all highway and transportation projects which will
receive stimulus funding before any stimulus money is spent.
• House Bill 991, which would create a nine-member Stimulus Oversight Council to analyze and report to the General Assembly
regarding the use and distribution of stimulus funds. The council would consist of two members each from the House and
Senate, one member from labor, one member from the business community, two members from local governments,
In March, members of the Dover Future Farmers of America visited
and one member to be appointed at the governor’s discretion.
Harrisburg. I enjoyed meeting these students, who are the future of
agriculture, and showing them around the Capitol.
• House Bill 992, which would assure that decisions on the distribution
of the stimulus funds will rest with the people rather than the governor by
Legislative Survey requiring state agencies which receive stimulus funds to report to the
General Assembly on how they intend to spend the funds and the impact the
funds will have before they are distributed by the Legislature.
Because I value the opinions of those I serve and want to
accurately represent your views in Harrisburg, I have posted a If you have any questions regarding these bills or the ARRA program, contact
legislative survey on my Web site, RepGrove.com. If you do my office.
not have Internet access, contact my office and a member of During a House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee hearing regarding
my staff will assist you in completing the survey. I look forward the federal stimulus funding coming to Pennsylvania, I questioned
to reading your responses! how the Commonwealth can use these federal dollars in a way that
will not impact our general fund when the money runs out after 2011.
www.RepGrove.com
 You’re Invited Help for
Struggling
I am hosting a legislative luncheon to meet residents of the 196th District and discuss Homeowners
what our priorities are for our community and our Commonwealth.
If you are a homeowner who is facing higher

Saturday, May 9
interest rates from an adjustable rate mortgage,
you may be eligible for the REfinance to an Af-
fordable Loan (REAL) program, which offers a
11:30 a.m. lower interest, fixed 30-year rate for those who
qualify.

Dover Valley Restaurant

To be eligible for REAL, you must have
a combined gross annual income less than
$120,000 and may be no more than 59 days
Please RSVP by May 1 to sbenge@pahousegop.com or by calling my district past due on your existing mortgage.
office at (717) 767-3947. I look forward to meeting you and to serving our community If you believe you qualify, contact this toll-free
together! consumer information hotline (800) 822-1174
for more details and the name of a participating
lender in your area.

In March, I met with students from Rose of Lima and spoke to them Members of the York County House delegation met with the Tobacco
about what goes on in the House of Representatives. Cessation Group on Kick Butts Day. To learn about how you or a loved
one can quit smoking, contact Pennsylvania’s Free Quitline, 1-800
QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Grove’s Outdoor Report

• Spring gobbler season will be here before we know it, so now is the time to review turkey hunting safety tips and sign up for hunter education
courses. Licensed junior hunters can hunt bearded turkeys on April 18. The regular spring gobbler season lasts from April 25 to May 25.
There is a daily limit of one bird. For individuals possessing a special wild turkey license, there is a season limit of two birds.
• This year there will be two opening days for trout season, depending on the region in which you plan to fish. Opening day for York
County and 17 other counties in southeastern Pennsylvania is Saturday, April 4. In counties outside the southeastern part of the state,
opening day is Saturday, April 18. No matter your region, the season officially opens at 8 a.m.
• If you are interested in receiving annual issues of the Hunting and Trapping Digest or trout stocking schedules, contact my office
to be added to our sportsmen’s list. You can also sign up to receive e-mail updates so you can remain informed about Second
Amendment and other important issues that may come up in Harrisburg.
• The House recently passed legislation (House Bills 94 and 95) to reduce the active duty service requirement from 180 to
60 consecutive days for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Air National Guard and reserves to receive reduced
fee hunting and fishing licenses. The bills are now before the Senate for consideration. I am a co-sponsor of these bills.

CONTACT ME � clip and save

State Representative
SETH GROVE
196th Legislative District
DISTRICT OFFICE:
Westgate Plaza, 1550-C Kenneth Road, York, PA 17408 Office: 717-767-3947 Fax: 717-767-9857
HARRISBURG OFFICE:
52-A East Wing, PO Box 202196, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2196 (717) 783-2655 Fax: (717) 772-9869
E-Mail: sgrove@pahousegop.com Web site: RepGrove.com