Ferlo Calls for Legislation to Ban Texting & Calling
While Driving

In a recent report, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration acknowledged increased concern on the danger of distracted driving, specifically on the dangers of cell phone use and texting while driving.
Many countries, states, and town have already passed bans, while others decry these actions, citing "nanny government" that takes away the rights of private citizens.
I believe that the dangers posed to public safety and the accidents threatening the lives of our citizens necessitate action. My legislation would ban texting and hand-held cellular usage while driving except in the case of an emergency, and I will continue to advocate for this end.
Read Senate Bill 459
Please take a moment to let me know your opinion on this issue.
Email me
Post-Gazette: Many just can't resist texting while driving
Guaging Your Distraction: A game designed to demonstrate the potential consequences of distractions like texting on your driving ability
A section to invigorate and educate Pennsylvanians on critical issues facing us today
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Apply for City EMT & Paramedic Job Opportunities

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
5:30 PM
Hosted by the Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Departments of Personnel and Public Safety
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2010 Census Information
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Participating in Democracy

The Bureau of Commissions, Elections, and Legislation oversees the Commonwealth's electoral process.
To learn more about running for office and election procedures in Pennsylvania, click here
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Need help paying utility bills?
Opening dates:
LIHEAP - November 2nd
LIHEAP Crisis - January 4
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Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program Will Provide $100 Million in Incentives to Help Fund Solar Electric Projects
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Pennsylvania's Special Loan and Rebate Program for Energy Efficiency
Home Improvements
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Help in Hard Times
Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato today announced the launch of a new, easy-to-navigate web site, entitled “Help in Hard Times,” which offers a vast array of resources for families and individuals to turn to when needed.
The web site, which was developed by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, contains information about employment, food, housing, utility assistance, health care, financial counseling and more.
Click here to visit the Help in Hard Times website |
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Ferlo
Says Slots Have Begun to Pay Off for Pennsylvania Homeowners
Click here to view more information including a district by district breakdown. |

"It is time for the General Assembly to step up and pass legislation that finally tells corporate monopolies that we will not tolerate price gouging; and that we will not stand back idly and allow them to take advantage of a deregulated market to reap colossal windfall profits at the expense and ruination of Pennsylvania families."
Public Utility Commission Testimony

Op-Ed

Legislation to mitigate rate shock

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Capitol Update

Click above to watch Capitol Update with Senator Ferlo discussing National Healthcare policy.
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Ferlo Readies for New State Budget Challenges
HARRISBURG, February 3, 2010 — Ferlo today stood with fellow Senate Democrats at a Capitol news conference to present their budget and policy priorities, which include passing the 2010-2011 in a timely manner and not supporting any new broad-based tax increases.

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Ferlo Reminds Constituents About Local Office Services
HARRISBURG, January 26, 2010 — As eligible individuals across the state begin to receive their Pennsylvania Property Tax and Rent Rebate applications, Ferlo today reminded constituents about the many services provided through his local district office staff free of charge.
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Ferlo Supports Table Games and Reform Agreement
HARRISBURG, January 5, 2010 —Ferlo today supported a House-Senate compromise that will allow table games at Pennsylvania casinos, improve oversight of the state’s gaming industry, and provide critical support for Pittsburgh-area libraries.

Post-Gazette: PA Senate OKs table games |
Single Payer Advocates Provide Testimony for SB 400 at Senate Banking and Insurance Committee
On December 16th, 2009, Ferlo and many advocates for a single payer health care plan provided testimony to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on the case for single payer health care. It is the first state Senate hearing in the nation to focus on single-payer, and provided an opportunity to lay out details of the plan and its rationale, and showcases an opportunity for Pennsylvania to lead the nation in meaningful health care reform.
Senate Banking and Insurance Committee - Links to Video, Audio, and Written Testimony
What is single-payer?
Senate Bill 400
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Ferlo Announces Local CFA Funding
HARRISBURG, December 18, 2009 —Ferlo today announced a $328,425 state grant for EcoClean Burners, Inc. under the Alternative and Clean Energy Program.
The grant will be used to purchase and install equipment to manufacture and assemble burner units located in Sharpsburg Borough in Allegheny County.
“This grant will allow EcoClean Burners to hire 36 new workers in an economy that has only seen jobs disappear recently,” Ferlo said. “I will continue to seek state support for projects that allow us to conserve energy, preserve the environment, and create new jobs.”
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Ferlo Joins Lincoln Primary School for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's Student Matinee Performance of The Nutcracker

Student Matinees offer mainstage, full-length performances for students and teachers at discount ticket rates. These performances often include special events such as the intermission presentation, “A Look Behind the Curtain,” by Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr, and expose local children to the arts.
Visit The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre website
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Senators Urge Non-Profits To Live Up To Commitments
PITTSBURGH, December 9, 2009 — Today, Ferlo, Senator Jay Costa, and Senator Wayne Fontana sent a joint letter to the non-profit community of Pittsburgh urging them to comply with their commitment for an annual payment-in-lieu-of-taxes of $6 million.
“The City of Pittsburgh is at crossroads as it faces increased expenses for essential city services and long term costs,” Senator Ferlo said. “If the city is to get through this period the non-profit community, which pays no local property tax or payroll preparations tax, must contribute at the level that they committed to when the Pittsburgh tax reform package was approved in 2004.”

Joint letter to the non-profit community of Pittsburgh
Tribune-Review: State senators push for nonprofits' $6M obligation to Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: 2004 plan revisited for nonprofits
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Kiski Area Students Release Video on Dangers of Distracted Driving
VANDERGRIFT, November 30, 2009 — After losing a fellow classmate to a car crash in 2007, students from Kiski Area High School spent two years putting together a peer-to-peer video to educate teens about the dangers of distracted driving.
The school district received two grants from State Farm Insurance to help support this production and produced 250 DVDs which will be sent to high schools in PA to use in their Drivers Education programs.
Valley News Dispatch
: Classmate's fatal crash spurs Kiski Area teens' safety video
Watch "Every 30 Minutes" on Youtube
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Ferlo Announces Local CFA Funding
HARRISBURG, November 10, 2009 —Ferlo today announced nearly $450,000 in funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for two local projects.
The East End Cooperative Ministry will use the grant to conduct a geothermal feasibility study for five buildings located at Penn Circle North and Penn Circle East in Pittsburgh. Trek Development Group, Inc. will use the CFA funding to continue development of an affordable housing project, Dinwiddie Phase I, where they plan to install a geothermal heating and cooling loop system to provide low cost energy to residents.
“In tough economic times, any source of funding to improve energy efficiency or economic development is a great help,” Ferlo said. “Both of these worthwhile projects in my district have dedicated themselves to renewable and clean energy and are very deserving of this state funding.”

PA Geothermal and Wind Energy Project Program Guidelines |
Cub Scout Pack 152 Pays a Visit to Ferlo

PITTSBURGH, October 24, 2009 — Members of Club Scout Pack 152 from the Fox Chapel and O'Hara Township area visited with Senator Ferlo in his district office today as part of their efforts to earn their Citizenship in the Community merit badges. The children talked with the senator and asked questions about whom he represents in the 38th District, what his job entails, and how laws are passed.
The Boy Scouts of America provides programming for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of citizenship, and develops personal fitness.
For nearly a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The BSC believes — and, through nearly a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

Learn more about the Cub Scouts
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Ferlo and Community Celebrate York Commons Revitalization

PITTSBURGH, October 21, 2009 — Ferlo, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Councilman Patrick Dowd, representatives from Presbyterian Senior Care, local senior citizens, and many more came together for a commemorative sledgehammer ceremony for the future York Commons.
The revitalization will transform the obsolete Lambeth Apartments into 102 state-of-the-art units known as York Commons. The apartment community will build on its 40-year history of service to continue to meet the needs of low-income older adults in the Lawrenceville community.


View the ceremony program
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Ferlo and Single Payer Advocates
Rally at State Capitol

HARRISBURG, October 20, 2009 — Ferlo and a coalition of Single Payer Healthcare advocates today rallied at the State Capitol to urge the adoption of state or federal sponsored universal healthcare insurance.
“Over 45 million Americans remain uninsured nationwide and billions of dollars are annually lost to profiteering and waste in our healthcare system,” Ferlo said. “Single payer offers an opportunity to change all that.”

What is single-payer?
Simply put, it's Medicare For All!

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Ferlo Presents Natrona Heights Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

HARRISBURG, September 29, 2009 -This event is a year in the making,” Ferlo said. “I am pleased to see the completion of the park and playground. This recreation amenity will be key to improving the quality of life for all citizens of this community and will be the equivalent of a local town square.”


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Senator Ferlo Joins Family Members And Dignitaries at Historic Ground Breaking For the New K. Leroy Irvis Science Center at CCAC

The state of the art center will house labs with the most advanced technology available and be built using sustainable design principles, seeking a silver LEED designation. It shall honor an exemplary public servant who served as the first African-American Speaker of the House in a state legislature since Reconstruction.
Tribune-Review:Ground broken for K. Leroy Irvis Science Center at CCAC
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Bloomfield Community Dedicates Officer Paul J. Sciullo II Memorial Field in honor of slain officer

PITTSBURGH, August 21, 2009 - Ferlo, Mayor Ravenstahl, and members of City Council joined with Bloomfield Citizens Council, residents, and family members to commemorate the renaming of Dean's Field to Officer Paul J. Sciullo II Memorial Field.
"This was his town, and this was the field he played on," said Janet Scullion, president of the Bloomfield Citizens Council, as she stood in front of a picture of Sciullo at age 10 swinging at a pitch. "This is where he played, where he worked, where he loved his family. This will forever be Paulie's field."
Officer Sciullo was one of three Pittsburgh policemen shot and killed in an April 4 ambush in Stanton Heights.
Tribune-Review: Bloomfield honors slain officer Sciullo II at Little League Baseball Field
Post-Gazette: Field dedicated to slain police officer
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Ferlo and Sharpsburg Residents Celebrate Dedication of Community Library

1212 Main St.
Ph: 412-781-0783
Hours:
Monday 10 am - 6 pm
Tuesday 10 am - 2 pm
Thursday 2 pm - 6 pm
Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
A branch of the Laurie Ann West Library

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