Capitol Update BY Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
 Facebook Website Bio Latest News State Forms Photo Gallery Contact Capitol Update Friday, January 6, 2023 The latest news from the State Capitol You are welcome to contact me through this link. Taking Oath of Office to Formally Launch 2023-24 Legislative Session  |
It was an honor to take the oath of office Tuesday to continue my service as state representative for the people of Cameron, McKean and Potter counties. Thank you to my mom and son, as well as several members of my staff, for making the trip to Harrisburg for this special day! Pictured from left: son Matthew; Jill Grosch, Kane office; Stephanie Prosser and Michele Musgrave, Harrisburg office; me; mom Sandy; Shelley Butler and Suzan Paisley, Coudersport office; Rhonda Race, Bradford office; and Kailee Glock, Harrisburg office. |
| Increased Reimbursements Now on the Way to PA Ambulance Services  An increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates approved for ambulance services as part of the state budget in July are now in effect. Specifically, reimbursement rates for Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) services are increased to $400 and $325 per trip, respectively. The change represents a reimbursement of approximately 80% of the current base Medicare rate in Pennsylvania, plus a reflection of the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) since 2018, which is when the last increase occurred. Additionally, the mileage rate paid to EMS agencies for all loaded miles after the first 20 miles is increased from $2 to $4. This is an important step in the right direction, and I remain committed to further ensuring our EMS companies are fairly compensated for Medicaid patients. Especially in rural areas like ours, this is vital to ensuring our services can continue their life-saving mission. |
| 107th Pennsylvania Farm Show Starts Saturday  The Pennsylvania Farm Show – the country’s largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof – kicks off this Saturday, Jan. 7, in Harrisburg. The show will run through Saturday, Jan. 14.This year’s theme is “Rooted in Progress.” The show will feature hundreds of competitions and exhibits, as well as animals and products related to the state’s robust agriculture industry. The annual showcase is a family-friendly event with lots to see and do; and don’t forget to stop by the famous food court for a taste of some Pennsylvania cuisine. Admission to the show is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided. For all the latest news about the Farm Show, follow it on Facebook or visit www.farmshow.pa.gov. |
| Reminder: Veterans Services Available  |
Area veterans are reminded to contact my office to schedule appointments to talk with a representative from the American Legion to ensure they are getting the services and support they need. Due to changes initiated by the American Legion, appointments in the Bradford and Kane offices will be conducted virtually via a tablet. Appointments are required for meetings with the Legion representative, whether they are in person, by phone or by tablet. The schedule for January is as follows: • Bradford office: Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Bradford office is located at 78 Main St., first floor. Please call 814-362-4400 to schedule an appointment. • Kane office: Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Kane office is located at 54 Fraley St., Suite 2. Please call 814-837-0880 to schedule an appointment. Assistance is available with issues such as compensation, education, pension, health care and death benefits. Veterans need not be a member of the American Legion to participate. |
| College Students Looking for Work?  PennDOT is looking to hire college students to supplement its permanent workforce from May through August.The job typically entails seasonal maintenance work and sign upgrade services, maintenance and custodial services at roadside rest facilities, and laboring and flagging duties in maintenance organizations and highway worksites. The hourly rate is $15.88. Interested applicants should contact my office by Monday, Jan. 30, and also apply online at www.employment.pa.gov. Click on “Internships” to find the PennDOT College Student Summer Worker listing. |
| Does Your Home Contain Radon?  January is National Radon Action Month. An estimated 40% of Pennsylvania homes have higher levels of radon than national safety standards, due to the state’s geology. However, residents can perform a simple test to detect this gas, which is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer.Radon is an odorless, invisible radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks and enters homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings. High levels of radon tend to be found in basements, but the gas can be found anywhere in the home. Winter is a good time to test for radon, because doors and windows are generally closed, providing more accurate results. Simple radon test kits are inexpensive and available at home improvement and hardware stores. To learn more about radon and how to test your home, click here. |