Dinniman Introduces Bill in Response
to OJR Schools' Superintendent Flap
Senator’s SB 1007 Limits Power of Lame-Duck School Boards

HARRISBURG (July 2) - State Senator Andy Dinniman has introduced a bill to limit the power of school boards in certain situations in response to Owen J. Roberts School Board’s recent termination of District Superintendent Myra Forrest.

On June 22, a divided OJR school board voted 5-4 to fire Superintendent Myra Forrest, an action which drew more than 1,000 protestors to a Monday meeting in the school district’s high school auditorium. Three of the five school board members who voted to fire Forrest were defeated in the May primary election and will leave the school board after their terms expire in November. » Read More

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Dinniman: New Law Protects Homeowners from Fraud
Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act Takes Effect July 1, 2009

WEST CHESTER - (June 24) - State Senator Andy Dinniman reminded homeowners and contractors that the new Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) takes effect on July 1.

“This law will help ensure that the job and price homeowners contract for is the job and price they get,” Dinniman said. “It will also help the vast majority of home improvement contractors who are hardworking and honest by weeding out those who are not.” » Read More  » Listen 

Dinniman Announces Rebate Extension
Application Deadline for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Extended Through 2009

WEST CHESTER (June 15) — State Senator Andy Dinniman announced that the filing deadline for eligible Pennsylvanians to apply for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate program has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, 2009.

“Every year thousands of Pennsylvanians who are eligible for assistance through this program never apply,” said Dinniman. “And that’s unfortunate because meanwhile these funds can go a long way in easing the burden of property taxes for those in need.”

The Pennsylvania Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program provides property tax relief for senior citizens, widows and widowers over 50 years old, and disabled adults. The funds are available for state residents who make up to $35,000 per year. Applicants may also exempt half of their Social Security income when calculating their total income.

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Parental Notification can Reduce Underage Drinking at College

WEST CHESTER (June 8)
State Senator Andy Dinniman announced that a new state-commissioned study he requested has found a decrease in alcohol-related misbehavior at universities that notify students’ parents when their underage son or daughter violates drug or alcohol rules.

The study, conducted by the Joint State Government Commission, concluded that “initial research … shows that parental notification policies, as permitted under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) amendment, have produced a reduction in repeat violations of institutional drug and alcohol policies.”
» Read More   » Read the Report

Dinniman: College Affordability Key to Economic Growth
Senator’s Bills on Transfer Credits, Textbooks Would Reduce Costs for College Students

WEST CHESTER (June 5) — State Senator Andy Dinniman said that making higher education more affordable is crucial to rebuilding the Commonwealth’s economy and ensuring a brighter future for the next generation of Pennsylvanians.

Dinniman’s comments came Thursday at the Senate Education Committee’s hearing at West Chester University on the affordability of higher education. The hearing included testimony on the financial pressures facing students and their families, the economic challenges facing college administrators, and legislative efforts to make higher education more accessible and affordable.

“The 21st Century workplace calls for highly educated, skilled workers and professionals,” Dinniman said. “The states that make higher education most affordable and accessible will be rewarded with a strong intellectual infrastructure, growing companies and high-paying jobs. That’s why in Pennsylvania college education must be affordable education.” » Read More » Watch Hearing