State Rep.

Frank LaGrotta, D-10th, has joined with colleagues in the House of Representatives in calling for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to investigate how effective the state response might be in evacuating citizens who do not have private vehicles in case of an emergency."Our televisions have brought the horror of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina into our living rooms, and many of us are now left evaluating our own emergency plans," LaGrotta said. "But anyone who doesn't have a car is particularly vulnerable to danger because they have no means of getting to a safe place."LaGrotta said he is co-sponsoring a resolution that would require PEMA to review evacuation plans and make any necessary changes to ensure safe and prompt evacuation of those residents who have no means of evacuating on their own.State Rep.

Dick Stevenson, R-8th, said he wants to make farmers aware that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's PA Grows program can help them gain access to the capital they need to begin, continue or expand their businesses.By calling toll-free 888-PAGROWS (888-724-7697), or visiting the www.pagrows.com Web site, agricultural producers can get the help they need to:Learn about federal financing programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Small Business AdministrationLearn about the requirements of the Commonwealth's First Industries programLocate partners among local and regional economic development organizationsFind private lenders to partner in the Small Business First and Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund programsComplete the necessary paperwork.State Rep.

Frank LaGrotta, D-10th, is urging action to lessen the financial burden on Pennsylvanians from skyrocketing gas prices in the wake of Hurricane KatrinaLaGrotta is joining with state Rep. Camille George, D-Clearfield, to sponsor legislation that would ban price gouging on liquid fuels and propane during states of emergency declared by the governor, impose penalties on violators, and give the state attorney general the authority to investigate and prosecute complaints.Violators would face a $10,000 fine and also could be required to make restitution to victims."This legislation would protect consumers in the future from attempts to make a quick buck off someone else's misfortune," LaGrotta said.LaGrotta also is co-sponsoring a package of bills to promote new hybrid technology that increases the potential gas mileage of hybrids from 50 miles per gallon up to 250 miles per gallon. The cars are called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and have been assembled by modifying existing hybrids.The bills would: establish a 3-year sales tax exemption on batteries and services necessary to convert traditional hybrids to PHEVs; establish a task force to determine how the use of PHEVs would impact the state and find ways to maximize their effectiveness and minimize costs; and ask automakers to manufacture PHEVs in Pennsylvania and make them available to consumers here.