——————————————-
The Capitol Report – August 12, 2011
8/12/2011
A weekly summary of events on Capitol Hill and in the 106th Legislative District Provided by Rep. John D. Payne (R-Dauphin)
Derry Township Hosts Public Hearing on Privatization of State Liquor Stores
The House Liquor Control Committee held its second public hearing on Thursday, Aug. 11, in Hershey regarding Rep. Mike Turzai’s legislation, House Bill 11, to privatize the state liquor store system, said Rep. John Payne
The purpose of the hearing, which took place at the Derry Township Municipal Complex, was to gather feedback about the bill from organizations and individuals who would be directly impacted by its passage.
“Privatization of the liquor stores would be a big step for Pennsylvania,” said Payne. “It’s necessary that we hold hearings and take input from both sides of the issue before the bill is introduced to the Legislature.”
Testifiers at this week’s hearing included Joe Conti, CEO of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board; Wendall Young, president of Local 1776 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union; Craig Hoffman, senior vice president of Wegmans; Nathan Lutchansky, writer, blogger and wine and spirits enthusiast; and David Katz, owner and creator of Zyr Vodka.
The hearing focused on the examination of statistics and studies which compared product prices and selection throughout Pennsylvania with those of neighboring states.
The House Liquor Control Committee will continue to hold hearings throughout the state on Rep. Turzai’s privatization bill.
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Now Offering Foreclosure Assistance, Says Payne
Rep. John Payne would like to inform residents that the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development is offering assistance for families facing foreclosure. The Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program, managed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), is available for those who are delinquent on their mortgage payments.
The Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program will provide up to $50,000 for homeowners whose income is cut by 15 percent or more due to job loss, job reduction or medical expenses and are at least three months behind on their mortgage payments.
In order to be eligible to receive assistance, a homeowner must reside in the mortgaged property as his or her principal residence. The property must be a single-family residence in a one- to four-unit structure or condominium. Homeowners who remain in their homes for a number of years following the loan period may have all or part of the loan forgiven.
To apply for assistance, a homeowner must contact the PHFA at 717-780-3800, for detailed instructions.
Emergency mortgage assistance funding will be available until Sept. 30. For a complete list of information needed to apply for assistance and more information on the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program, visit RepPayne.com.
No Comments » 
