R
The
Fall 2009
House Acts to
Discourage
Distracted Drivers
The House of Representatives
recently passed an amendment to
House Bill 67 to penalize distracted
driving resulting from activities such
as using a phone, eating, drinking or
putting on makeup. The amendment,
which I sponsored, was approved by a
vote of 179-16. House Bill 67, which
also makes changes to the state’s
graduated licensing system, must
now be voted upon by the Senate.
If approved, distracted drivers could
face a $50 fine in addition to penalties
relating to the primary traffic offense
Continued on page 3
Inside This Issue:
 Finally a Budget for Pennsylvania
 House Acts to Discourage Distracted
Drivers
 New Law to Help Consumers
 Report Poor Road Conditions on
Road Damage Hotline
 Internet Program Features Electronic
Recycling Proposal
 Solar Energy Rebates Available
 Consumers Able to Verify Contractor
Registration
 How Do I Obtain a Disability Parking
Placard?
 FREE Weatherization for Energy
Savings
 Sharing the Road Safely
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
oss PAID
Harrisburg, PA
eport PERMIT NO 529
Finally a Budget for Pennsylvania
Passing a state budget in Pennsylvania is never easy, but this year the Gov-
ernor and Legislature got caught up in the bitterest deadlock in many years.
Adapting to the twin realities of a sudden $3.2 billion drop in revenues and a
fierce resistance to increased taxes, we were left with the need to make difficult
cuts to popular programs.
While I voted for a lower spending budget earlier this year, I could not sup-
port the final version, ultimately signed by the Governor. Since reporting about
the budget has been sketchy at best, I want to explain my concerns to you in
somewhat greater detail.
It is hard to exaggerate how significant the change in circumstances for the
budget negotiations was this year. Year in and year out the basic budget was
created by giving an “across the board” increase to nearly all the programs
funded in the previous year.
This year we actually cut spending below last year’s levels. Significant and
painful as this was, I believe that we have only begun to address our fiscal
problems. Revenues were expected to be flat, matching last year’s reduced
levels, but we are already $140 million below that target. If collections continue
at this rate, we will be short $1 billion by fiscal year’s end.
Continued on page 2
Sharing the Road
Safely
Recently, I was quoted in a news
article as being in favor of bicycle
safety on our roads here in Ches-
ter County. In the context of the
article, I am afraid that it may have
seemed that I was favoring bicycle
enthusiasts over motorists. I want
to point out that I meant that we
should focus on developing good Winners of the “2009 One Vote Counts! Poster
relationships between motorists Contest” were recently honored in Harrisburg.
and bicyclists. Pictured front row L-R, are Thea Toocheck,
Historically, Chester County’s Upland Country Day School; Jessica Cestare,
roads were primarily designed for Uwchlan Hills Elementary School; Olivia Donia,
horse-drawn vehicles. This cre- New Garden Elementary School; Daniella
Alvarez, Caln Elementary School; Jessica
ates a challenge now because the Brain, Brandywine Wallace Elementary School;
roads are ill-equipped to accom- and Kyra Lunkins, Hillendale Elementary
modate cars and trucks, let alone School. Pictured with the students are Rep.
Chris Ross and Rep. Curt Schroder.
Continued on page 2
 Budget continued from page 1
This year’s budget was balanced
by using more than $2 billion from ac-
counts set aside to support parks and
libraries and funds reserved to offset
doctors’ high medical malpractice in-
surance. Just as when an individual
empties his savings account to pay
his monthly bills, this tactic only delays
the tough choices needed to achieve
a sustainable balanced budget.
Since our budget problems were
aggravated by the sudden downturn
of the economy, economic recovery
would ease some of this pressure.
Unfortunately, two other problems
cloud the horizon. The federal stimu-
lus dollars, which have helped cover
Medicaid and basic education costs,
disappear after next year. At the same
time, state contributions to the pen-
sion system must increase steeply to
meet contractual obligations as “baby-
boomers” retire.
The only way to deal with this on-
coming fiscal train wreck is to have
a serious and detailed debate about
spending. What do we as a people
really value? What can we do with-
out? Once we agree on what our state
government should be doing, then we
need to find ways to deliver these ser-
vices more efficiently. How can we get
more value for our tax dollars?
While I am glad that we finally
passed a budget, we have only begun
the process of making the tough choic-
es ahead. I am committed to pressing
forward to tackle these choices and
settle the budget on time next year.
Report Poor Road
Conditions on Road
Damage Hotline
To report potholes and other prob-
lems with state roads, motorists may
contact PennDOT on a toll free hotline,
1-800-FIX-ROAD (1-800-349-7623).
Callers are encouraged to:
• Report the county and munici-
pality where the problem is located.
• Report the state route number,
which can be found on the small white-
and-black signs posted along state
roads, where the problem is located.
• Describe familiar landmarks
nearby in order to help PennDOT
crews locate the problem.
In addition to reporting potholes,
motorists may also report missing
highway signs, shoulder drop-offs,
roadway washouts and other potential
hazards.
New Law to Help Consumers
Recently, the Governor signed Act 42 of 2009 (House Bill 222), which re-
quires convicted identity thieves to pay restitution to their victims to help offset
investigation and legal expenses. Identity theft is a growing problem in Penn-
sylvania, costing businesses and consumers millions of dollars every year. This
act takes effect Nov. 17.
Another bill which would help consumers is House Bill 312. This legislation
has been passed by the House and is awaiting action in the Senate. If enacted,
this bill would enable consumers to more effectively compare facilities when
shopping for long-term care services by requiring the availability of information
relating to licenses, certifications and any enforcement actions. This bill is cur-
renlty in the Senate Aging and Youth Committee.
Internet Program Features
Electronic Recycling Proposal
To help Pennsylvanians recycle more easily, I have
sponsored House Bill 708 which creates a statewide elec-
tronic waste recycling program to help meet that goal. I
have detailed my proposal on a five-minute video program
that you can watch by visiting my Web site and click on the
YouTube video.
The measure is designed to recover and recycle elec-
tronic waste, mainly computer equipment and televisions.
In many cases, recycling events are held only a few times a
year and transporting items to these events can be trouble-
some. A comprehensive state program is needed because
a recycling program has not been enacted on the federal
level.
House Bill 708 has been approved by the House Environ-
mental Resources and Energy Committee and is currently
in the House Appropriations Committee. The bill may come
before the full House by the end of the year.
 Sharing the Road continued from page 1
equestrian, bicycle, and pedestrian laws in the Vehicle Code, as are
traffic. Redesigning existing roads cars, trucks and other motor ve-
is extremely expensive, so we will hicles. I believe that it is important
need to be creative in thinking
about ways to accommodate dif-
that all vehicles follow these rules
and regulations.
ferent types of traffic safely. Many
municipalities are working on long-
Recently, a resident asked a
question that I did not know the an-
range plans to create a separate swer to, and I thought that it would
trail network for pedestrians and be useful to share the answer with
bicycles. Also, new traffic-calming you. The person asked if there
plans can sometimes incorporate were any regulations regarding the
bike lanes into their designs. operation of bicycles at night. As I
Because most of our roads do learned, bicyclists are required to
not have marked bicycle lanes, ride with a headlight on their bike
bicyclists are forced to ride in between sunset and sunrise. This
lanes that are open to all traffic. regulation helps make bicycles
Often, this can create dangerous more visible to motorists, as well
conflicts between motorists that as improves bicyclists’ awareness
are traveling at a higher rate of of hazards on the road.
speed and bicyclists, particularly If you would like more informa-
on hilly and twisting roads. To tion, are interested in seeing other
ensure the safety of both motorists parts of the Vehicle Code as it
and bicyclists, it is imperative for pertains to bicycles, or would like
us to develop good relationships a Bicycle Safety Manual, please
with one another on the road. In contact my district office at 610-
Pennsylvania, bicycles are defined 925-0555 or visit my Web site at
as vehicles and are subject to the www.RepRoss.com.
www.Rep
 Solar Energy Rebates Available
With the rising cost of energy and the downturned economy, I would like to
alert residents to a state program to cut energy costs. The PA Sunshine Solar
Program offers homeowners and small businesses the opportunity to receive
rebates to help fund solar electric and hot water improvements. The program
is part of the Alternative Energy Investment Fund that provides for $650 million
to explore and encourage alternative forms of energy in Pennsylvania.
With $100 million in rebates, eligible participants can be reimbursed for 35
percent of the purchase and installation cost of solar improvements. In combi-
nation with federal tax credits for the use of solar energy products, consumers
have the opportunity to reduce system costs by 45 percent.
Homeowners and small businesses wishing to apply for a rebate must first Consumers Able to
select an installer that has been approved by the Department of Environmental
Protection. The installer will submit all application materials on the consumer’s Verify Contractor
behalf. Project approval will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis
until funds are depleted. Rebates will be dispersed upon completion of the
Registration
project.
In an effort to provide residents
For more information, contact my office or visit my Web site and click on
with better information when choosing
“Solar Rebates.”
a contractor to perform work on their
homes, all contractors doing more than

Fun Fest ‘09 $5,000 of home improvement work

must now be registered with the Penn-
sylvania Office of Attorney General.
On July 25, 2009 area residents enjoyed the annual Family Fun Fest sponsored by
Rep. Chris Ross and the Kennett Area Park Authority. Additionally, contractors are required
to provide the Attorney General’s
Office with details surrounding court
proceedings, bankruptcies, and other
background data for individuals listed
in the registration. Please remem-
ber that registration under the Home
Improvement Contractor Protection
Act (HICPA) is not an endorsement,
recommendation or approval by the
Attorney General of the contractor’s
competency or skill.
There are several things that you
should watch for to protect yourself
from disreputable or fraudulent home
improvement contractors. Unsolicited,
traveling contractors who come to your
home and point out specific problems
should be met with caution. If they
arrive in an unmarked vehicle and
refuse to provide proof of insurance
or references, they are probably not
reputable contractors.
When hiring a contractor, you
should obtain a written contract that
includes a start and finish date and a
three-day right-to-cancel notice. You
should never sign a blank contract
or hire a contractor that does not
 Distracted Drivers continued from page 1 have a business card or local phone
for which they were stopped. number and address. Also, final pay-
I am attempting to take a comprehensive approach to discouraging all forms ments should be withheld until work
of distracted driving which includes, but not limited to, talking or texting on cell is finished and you are completely
phones, eating or drinking, reading printed material, or using personal grooming satisfied. You are also encouraged
items. Traffic safety experts have told me that we need a penalty and a compre- to continue asking for references,
hensive education program. Speaking recently at the federal Distracted Driving seeking multiple bids, and checking
Summit, Dr. Tom Dingus, director of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, with the Better Business Bureau for
said that driver education was the best way to prevent distracted driving. complaints filed against a specific
Last year, according to a report from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, 5,870 contractor.
people died and 515,000 were injured in crashes in which some form of distracted For details, you may call my office
driving was cited in the crash report. or visit my Web site and click on “Con-
To see an interview about my legislative efforts to address distracted driving, tractor Registration.” You may also
please visit my Web site, and click on the YouTube video. call the Attorney General’s toll-free

pRoss.com
hotline, 1-888-520-6680.
 FREE Weatherization for Energy Savings
The Housing Development Corporation, a non-profit company from Lancaster County, is offering a FREE Weath-
erization Assistance Program (WAP) service to qualifying families in Chester, Lancaster and Lebanon counties.

To be eligible:
• You must live in one of these counties.
• Your residence must not have been weatherized in 1994 or later.
• Your gross annual income can not exceed:

1 person ........... $21,660 5 persons ........... $51,580

2 persons ........... $29,140 6 persons ........... $59,060
3 persons ........... $36,620 7 persons ........... $66,540
4 persons ........... $44,100 8 persons ........... $74,020

Typical services include: air sealing to reduce drafts, attic insulation, floor insulation, pipe and/or duct insulation,
and evaluation/service of your heating system.
Call 1-800-732-3554 or 717-509-8034 today to get on the WAP list or get more info at www.hdcweb.com/weath-
erization.htm.

How Do I Obtain a Meet the Staff

Disability Parking When calling or visiting my office, you can expect to speak with one
Placard? of my staff. I am pleased to have a dedicated staff that is willing to assist
you with your questions and concerns.
Disability Parking Placards, also known
as handicapped placards, are permits issued
by PennDOT which allow individuals with
various disabilities to park in areas reserved
for the handicapped in any state in the U.S. District Office Staff: L-R:
They are not just for those who have perma- Cathy Zeiner, Wynne Wharry
and Virginia Gregory
nent disabilities, but also include people who
are recuperating from an injury or surgery,
or possibly have a condition which restricts
walking long distances.
The placards are available, free of
charge, from PennDOT. You must have your
doctor complete and sign a portion of the
form and then have it notarized. Be certain
not to sign the form until you are in front of
a notary. I have a notary in my office, avail-
able for residents in the 158th Legislative
District. I encourage people to call ahead
to make sure that the notary is available.
Please bring a valid, government-issued Harrisburg Office Staff: L-R:
photo I.D. with you. Dixie Minnich and Rita Markle
To obtain an application for a handi-
capped placard, please call my office at
610-925-0555.

Please contact my office
if you would like copies
Please contact my office if I can be of assistance.
of these publications:
Fishing and Boating Map
Pennsylvania Road Map
Personal Estate Inventory
Information on Creating a
Living Will
Benefits & Rights for Older
Pennsylvanians
OFFICE INFORMATION
District Office Location:
692 Unionville Road / Willowdale Town Center / Kennett Square
(At the Corner of Routes 82 and 926)
Telephone: (610) 925-0555
District Office Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 835 / Unionville, PA 19375
Harrisburg Office:
House of Representatives / P.O. Box 202158 / Harrisburg, PA 17120-2158
Telephone: (717) 783-1574
Web Address: www.RepRoss.com
E-mail Address: cross@pahousegop.com