Students representing 19 high schools from Bedford, Blair, Fulton, and Huntingdon counties will roll up their sleeves and experience government up close and personal.  Students will debate legislation they have researched, hear from experts in technology, and interact with their peers and Senator Eichelberger.

Students will debate two bills introduced in the 2009-2010 Legislative Session.  Senate Bill 832 would require screening for illegal drug use by applicants for public assistance.  Senate Bill 1304 would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to provide for term limits on members of the General Assembly.

“I look forward to this event each year.  The William Penn Leadership Program is a terrific way for students to experience the legislative process, going beyond the textbook.  This is designed as a non-partisan event that allows students to learn how to articulate a position and how to move a bill through the legislative process.  The goal is to help students develop an interest in good citizenship and to give them a better understanding of their government,” Senator Eichelberger says.

WHO: State Senator John H. Eichelberger, Jr.

WHAT: 2010 William Penn Leadership Program

WHEN: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 7:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Penn State Altoona

Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts – Hite Lobby

Media RSVP is appreciated.

*See attached list of participating schools.

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William Penn Leadership Program

2010

Participating Schools

Bedford County

·       Northern Bedford

·       Bedford Area

·       Chestnut Ridge

·       Everett

·       Tussey Mountain

Blair County

·       Altoona

·       Bellwood

·       Bishop Guilfoyle

·       Central

·       Claysburg Kimmel

·       Hollidaysburg

·       Tyrone

·       Williamsburg

Fulton County

·       Forbes Road

·       Southern Fulton

Huntingdon County

·       Huntingdon

·       Juniata Valley

·       Mount Union

·       Southern Huntingdon

Please contact school directly for names of students.

Free information on health, finances, and social services

Huntingdon,, PA – Thursday, April 15, 2010, Senator John H. Eichelberger, Jr. (R-30) and Representative Mike Fleck (R-81) will co-sponsor the Huntingdon County Senior Expo 2010, Making Choices for a Healthier Future.

This free event for seniors will be held in cooperation with the Bedford, Fulton, and Huntingdon Area Agency on Aging, Penelec, a FirstEnergy Company, J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital, and the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Company.

WHO: State Senator John H. Eichelberger, Jr. and State Representative Mike Fleck

WHAT: Senior Expo 2010

WHEN: Thursday, April 15, 2010, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

WHERE: Smithfield Volunteer Fire Company, Huntingdon, PA

Senior Expo 2010 will have exhibits from state and local organizations and businesses promoting available social services, financial and estate planning services, recreation and cultural services, home health and wellness services, and volunteer opportunities. Seniors will be able to have necessary screenings, obtain information, and win prizes. The Bedford, Fulton, and Huntingdon Area Agency on Aging will provide a complimentary lunch to seniors who visit the exhibits this year.

For further information, please contact Wendy Reitz, Legislative Aide, at 1-866-509-3424 or email wreitz@pasen.gov. Media RSVP is appreciated.

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Now an extension of the Raystown Lake Region Home and Garden Show

Huntingdon, PA, March 12, 2010 – On Friday, March 19, 2010, Senator John H. Eichelberger, Jr. and the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce will co-host an Energy Expo at the Peebles Plaza where residents can learn about energy saving measures. Electricity is on the minds of consumers these days as utility rate caps are scheduled to expire on January 1, 2011. This is one reason why Senator Eichelberger and the Chamber feel that energy is a top priority and that individuals and families need to know how to prepare.

Who: Senator Eichelberger and the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce

What: Energy Expo

When: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Peebles Plaza

The Energy Expo will provide information about energy assistance offered through utility companies and government programs. For example, homeowners taking steps to ensure their homes are energy efficient may qualify for the Keystone HELP Program. This program, which is primarily supported by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, provides homeowners with unsecured lines of credit at competitive interest rates. There are no fees, closing costs or penalties for early payment. This is just one of many government programs available to Pennsylvanians. Admission to the Energy Expo is free.

Please contact Wendy Reitz, Legislative Aide, at 1-866-509-EICH(3424) or email wreitz@pasen.gov for further information.

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All Fire and Emergency Services Personnel Invited

Breezewood, PA, March 10, 2010 – State Senator John H. Eichelberger, Jr. is sponsoring an Emergency Services Workshop for fire and EMS organizations within the state’s 30th Senatorial District which includes Bedford, Blair, Fulton, and Huntingdon Counties and a portion of Mifflin County.

Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Breezewood Fire Hall

150 Municipal Road

Breezewood, PA

This free workshop will offer information on resources available for emergency service organizations. The State Fire Commissioner, Mr. Edward Mann, will provide information on various state grant programs and state cost-saving programs, as well as some federal grants and loans. In addition to funding and resource information, the workshop will also provide an update on legislative issues that affect fire and ambulance services.

For additional information or to register for the event, please contact Michele Ivory at 1-866-509-EICH(3424) or email mivory@pasen.gov.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jason E. High

jhigh@pasen.gov

866-509-EICH (3424)

** NEWS RELEASE**

EICHELBERGER INTRODUCES MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

SB 707 Protects Definition of Marriage in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA – Tuesday, January 26, 2010, State Senator John H. Eichelberger, Jr. formally introduced Senate Bill 707, a joint resolution to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to include the definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman..  The bill has 15 co-sponsors, and is expected to be referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Pennsylvania voters have the opportunity to decide how they want marriage to be defined and not allow an activist judge to make that decision for them,” Eichelberger said. “Thirty one other states have already gone through a similar process and in each state, the definition of marriage was upheld.”

SB 707 would insert the following language into Article I of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid and recognized as a marriage in this Commonwealth.”

As a joint resolution, SB 707 must pass both chambers of the General Assembly in two successive legislative sessions, and will appear as a referendum on the ballot.  If passed, the language will be added to the Constitution.

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