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News You Can Use

February 29, 2008

Maximum Crisis Benefit under LIHEAP Increased 

The maximum benefit under the crisis grant portion of Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been increased from $300 to $500.  The crisis grant increase was made possible through Pennsylvania's receipt of more than $44 million in new federal LIHEAP emergency contingency funding.  Of this amount, $6.6 million will also be used by the Department of Community and Economic Development to expand home weatherization assistance for low-income Pennsylvanians. 

LIHEAP crisis grants are authorized for families with heating emergencies, such as furnace repairs, unexpected fuel shortages or those who are in danger of having their utility service terminated.  This year, a family of four with an annual income of up to $30,975 can qualify for assistance.  LIHEAP recipients who have already received $300 in crisis benefits may now apply for an additional $200 to respond to another home heating crisis.  In most counties, individuals seeking crisis grants should contact their county assistance office. 

For additional information about the crisis grants and other assistance offered under LIHEAP, download and print the LIHEAP brochure with the telephone number and address of your local County Assistance Office and eligibility details.  You may also call the LIHEAP statewide toll-free hotline at 1-866-857-7095.  Consult DPW's Heating Assistance webpage for related information including an application for the program.

Youth Bass Anglers Conservation School 

Pennsylvania's Youth Bass Anglers Conservation School will begin accepting applications March 1, 2008 for classes set for July 13-17, 2008 at Pennsylvania State University's Stone Valley Recreation Area, Huntingdon County.  Students ages 14-17 are being encouraged to apply for the program conducted each summer by the PA Fish and Boat Commission and the Bureau of State Parks.  Applications will only be accepted through April 30, 2008. 

The course offers students an opportunity to learn about fishery biology, fisheries management, habitat improvement, boating safety, fishing skills and techniques, fish and boating law enforcement, fisheries and conservation careers and tournament angling. 

See the 2008 announcement about the program and details on the school, including an application. 

Important Crop Insurance Deadline Approaching 

Pennsylvania farmers are being reminded to finalize crop insurance decisions for 2008 spring-planted crops by the March 17 deadline.  Unlike previous years, producers collecting federal disaster payments must be enrolled in a crop insurance plan, or the non-insured crop assistance program through Farm Service Agency.  Producers who do not have crop insurance on the damaged crop will be unable to receive federal assistance for disasters leading to full or partial crop failure. 

In the past five years, $140 million in crop insurance loss payments have been paid to producers that participated in crop insurance.  Producers should contact their local crop insurance agent before March 17 to purchase insurance. A list of agents can be found at www.rma.usda.gov.   

For more information on Pennsylvania's crop insurance program, call 717-705-9511 or visit the website.

State Aging Plan Meetings Continue 

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will conduct three additional town meetings during March to gather input for the state's next four-year Plan on Aging.  The resulting state- and federally-mandated plan will guide the state's aging agenda from October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2012.   

The Department is seeking public participation to help develop new services and enhance existing programs for older Pennsylvanians.  Issues to be addressed include public awareness of health care and long-term living options; enabling individuals to live in the setting of their choice; empowering individuals to stay active and healthy; and ensuring the rights of individuals to prevent abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment.   

The three remaining meetings will be conducted from 9 a.m. to Noon as follows:

West Chester – March 14

West Chester University
Sykes Student Union Building
Theatre-Ground level
110 West Rosedale Avenue– West Chester
R.S.V.P.: Lois or Marilynn (610)-344-4546  

Williamsport – March 17

Pennsylvania College of Technology
Main Campus
Klump Academic Center-Auditorium
One College Avenue – Williamsport
Office of Aging-(800)-332-8555 or (570) 323-3096  

Huntingdon County – March 28

Lake Raystown Resort
Lodge and Conference Center
100 Chipmunk Crossing – Entriken
R.S.V.P.: Penny Clark (814) 623-8148 or (800)-892-7903  

You can access the complete Town Meetings Schedule here.    

If you are unable to attend, written comments may be submitted to the PA Department of Aging, c/o the Division of Systems Planning and Consultation, 555 Walnut Street, 5^th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.  For more, click here. 

Grant Opportunity for Regional Autism Centers 

The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare has announced a two-year, $1.6 million grant opportunity for organizations interested in developing regional Autism Services, Education, Research and Training (ASERT) Centers.   

Open to Pennsylvania organizations through a request for proposal process, grants will fund three regional centers, which will provide hands-on training for professionals.  In addition, the centers will offer support to families while working to close the gap between autism research and intervention practices. 

Interested organizations may apply by contacting the Bureau of Autism Services at 866-497-6898 or emailing RA-ASERT@state.pa.us.  The deadline for proposal submission is March 28, 2008.  To learn more about the ASERT grant opportunity or autism initiatives in Pennsylvania, click here. 

Tips to Prevent Wintertime Fires 

Cold temperatures require special attention to a few details to avoid potentially deadly fires, according to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC).  Alternative forms of heating and the use of candles are the leading causes of wintertime fires.   

Burning trash or combustibles in a fireplace; leaving space heaters unattended; filling a kerosene heater indoors; and, relying on an oven or range to heat your home, are a just a few of the surefire ways of requiring an otherwise unnecessary visit from the local fire company.  The OSFC recommends your family develop and practice a home-escape plan in the event of a fire.  The Office emphasizes never to re-enter a burning building for any reason.  Print the Fire Commissioner's checklist and recruit the whole family into safe practices.