News You Can Use

From Senate Republican Policy Development & Research Office

May 9, 2008

May is National Safe Digging Month in PA 

National Safe Digging Month is so designated to remind homeowners and excavators to contact the One Call system before digging.  Power lines, communication cables, gas lines, water lines and other utilities are buried at various depths below the surface which need to be avoided in any dig.   

Three years ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated "811" for the National-Call-Before-You-Dig campaign.  Pennsylvania law requires notifying PA One Call at least 3 days in advance of any digging.  Upon confirmation that all utilities have marked the location of underground facilities, digging may begin, keeping in mind that markings may be 18 – 24 inches from the actual line or facility.   

Avoiding Home Repair & Improvement Rip-offs 

The season for home repairs is upon us.  Among the top consumer complaints received during the spring and summer are those related to home repairs and improvements, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG).   

Last year, the OAG received nearly 2,100 complaints dealing with painting, plumbing, roofing, and renovation; and handled more than $270,000 in consumer protection settlements.  Those contractors left consumers with incomplete or substandard work, improper or illegal contract terms, and other violations.   

Consumer tips for avoiding unscrupulous contractors include: 

• Research potential contractors
• Get multiple estimates
• Obtain references
• Verify contractor's address
• Do not be pressured into signing a contract

Consult the PA OAG's recent consumer advisory for more tips on avoiding unscrupulous contractors and a contract checklist to ensure all major details are covered.  Consumers with questions or problems should contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555 or file an online consumer complaint using the Attorney General's website.   

TV To Go Digital 

Television broadcasting will go digital February 17, 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC).  What do you have to do to continue to view your favorite TV shows?   

If you have cable, satellite, or a telephone company television service provider you will continue to receive broadcast programming regardless of whether the TV set is digital or analog.  If you are one of the more than 416,000 viewers relying on an antenna, determine if your TV is analog or digital.  Viewers with analog TV sets and an antenna to pick up free service need only make a one-time purchase of a converter box to continue free service.   

The converter box will cost between $50 and $70 and will be sold at retail stores normally stocking electronics.  The U.S. Department of Commerce will issue 2 coupons to each home in which applicants rely on an antenna for TV signals.  The $40 coupon will reduce the cost of a converter to between $10 and $30.  Coupons to assist with the purchase of a TV converter box became available January 1, 2008 and will be issued until March 31, 2009.  Individual coupons expire within 90 days of the date they are mailed.   

The transition from analog to digital will provide a clearer picture, more programming options, and free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.  The U.S. Department of Commerce has answers to the most frequently asked questions about the switch to digital cable.   

Go Wild With Summer Workshops 

Educators and leaders of scouting and youth groups are invited by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to attend exciting wildlife education workshops during June 2008.  The 3 programs are Act 48-approved for teachers and include standards-based activities to help address the Environment and Ecology Standards.   

Dress casually, pack a lunch and attend one of the following free or low-cost workshops: 

• WILD About Owls – Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  A free one-day workshop will examine owls at the PGC's Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lebanon County.  Agency biologists will be banding barn owls nesting at Middle Creek.  For information and registration, contact Theresa Alberici, Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Education specialist, at talberici@state.pa.us
• WILD About Schoolyard Habitats – Thursday, June 19, 2008, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Explore ways to utilize large and small schoolyards as outdoor classrooms in this free one-day workshop at the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources' (DC&NR) Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center in Berks County.  Learn how to attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to your schoolyard.  You will also have a chance to apply for a small grant to start schoolyard projects.  For information and registration, contact Theresa Alberici, Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Education specialist, at talberici@state.pa.us
• WILD About Watersheds -- Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Thursday, June 26, 2008 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.  The first day's activities are to be held at the Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Lake Sanctuary in Dauphin County and will include classroom and hands-on activities to help students learn about watersheds.  The second day will find participants canoeing the Susquehanna River and learning about Native Americans along the waterway.  They will also examine the reintroduction of American shad, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons.  The 2-day workshop costs $25 per person covering 2 days of instruction, educational materials, canoes, paddles, life jackets, and shuttle service.  Pre-registration is required, and arrangements can be made by calling the Wildwood Lake Sanctuary at 717-221-0292. 

Operation Summer Surf Kicks Off  

Parents are being urged to remain vigilant about internet safety during summer vacation when children will be online at home rather than in classrooms where adults are monitoring usage.  The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG) kicks off Operation Summer Surf to promote internet safety.   

The program expands on the September-through-June-focused program known as Operation Safe Surf.  The program was created to help educate kids, parents, and schools about the importance of being safe online. 

Internet safety measures and etiquette included in Operation Safe Surf remain equally important during summer surfing: 

• Do not respond to email from strangers. 
• Inform a parent, teacher or trusted adult if you see anything on the internet that makes you uncomfortable. 
• Never provide personal information, including your real name, address, telephone number or the school being attended. 
• Tell a parent if you are asked to keep a secret. 
• Do not write online the private details of your life as you would in a diary or journal. 

See the OAG's complete list of recommendations on internet safety.  Find age appropriate materials, speakers, and presentations through the Attorney General's Education and Outreach Office at 1-800-525-7642 or email:  education@attorneygeneral.gov.   

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency (PCCD), the PA Department of Education (DOE), and the PA State Police are distributing another tool.  A CD entitled "Protecting Our Kids Online" focuses on prevention and intervention initiatives operated by schools, organizations and agencies serving children, youth, and families. View the video online and access additional information and resources.   

Anyone who has information about Internet predators should contact the Child Predator Unit, toll-free, at 1-800-385-1044.   

Apply Now For Elk Hunting License Drawing 

Hunters interested in obtaining one of the 45 elk hunting licenses for the state's November 3-8, 2008 elk season are being encouraged by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to complete and submit an application for the September 20 drawing.   

Online applicants avoid problems with ineligible applications, lost mail and late arrivals while helping to reduce the PGC's administrative costs.  A $10 non-refundable fee is required to be charged to a credit card and must be submitted with the application by August 29, 2008.   

A printable application is posted on the PGC website which must be submitted with a $10 check or money order by August 15, 2008.  Mail the application to Pennsylvania Game Commission, Elk License Application, P.O. Box 61890, Harrisburg, PA 17106-1890.   

Game Commission Offices will also accept applications and the $10 fee for the autumn elk hunt until August 15, 2008.