Residents in the 11th Legislative District interested in learning more about the property tax/rent rebate program can attend Rep.

Brian Ellis' Property Tax/Rent Rebate Assistance Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 14, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 420 Main St."My staff will be available throughout the day to answer residents' questions, assist them with filling out applications, and help them to determine whether they qualify," said Ellis, R-11th. "This is a great opportunity for seniors and their families to learn more about this valuable program."Senior citizens may qualify for up to a $500 refund in either 2005 property taxes or rental payments, if their total household income for 2005 was $15,000 or less, excluding 50 percent of Social Security/Railroad retirement income.These residents are eligible to apply:If you are claimant, age 65 or older as of Dec. 31, 2005.If you are younger than 65 with a spouse 65 or older who lived in the same household as of Dec. 31, 2005.If you are a widow or widower, age 50 to 64 as of Dec. 31, 2005.If you are permanently disabled and are age 18 to 64 as of Dec. 31, 2005.Residents should bring with them proof of all 2005 income, including Form SSA-1099 from the Social Security Administration, SSI payments, any pensions, wages, annuities, and IRA distributions, interest, dividends, and capital gains.They should also bring proof of age and address, receipted 2005 property tax bills or 2005 rent receipts.For information, contact Ellis' Lyndora office at 724-283-5852.———

State Rep. <B>Frank LaGrotta</B>, D-10th, has been named to a committee responsible for investigating illegal rebates on cigarette bought in Pennsylvania."We're losing over $40 million a year and that is unfair to our taxpayers," LaGrotta said. "My colleagues and I on the select committee want to find out how this is happening and how we can stop it."The committee is to:Identify the extent of illegal rebating in the state.Evaluate the Department of Revenue's response to illegal rebating.Develop criteria to end the practice, including recommendations for legislative action and prioritizing governmental efforts.Report findings to the House of Representatives within 120 days.The committee is expected to have three hearings to hear testimony and gather evidence.———

The Allegheny County Democratic Committee last Sunday endorsed congressional candidate <B>Jason Altmire </B>in the May 16 primary.Altmire won 76 percent of the ballots cast by committee members in winning the endorsement over <B>Georgia Berner</B> for the Democratic nomination in the 4th Congressional District.Republican U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart holds the seat, and is seeking re-election to a fourth term. She is not expected to face opposition in the primary.The district includes small portions of Allegheny, Butler and Westmoreland counties, all of Beaver and Lawrence counties and part of Mercer County.Altmire, of McCandless Township, Allegheny County, is a former UPMC Health Systems executive. Berner, of Zelienople, owns a New Castle manufacturing business.Several Beaver County elected officials last week also announced support for Altmire's campaign. Those Democrats are County Commissioners Dan Donatella and Joe Spanik; state Reps. Vince Biancucci and Sean Ramaley; Democratic Committee chairman Vince LaValle; Recorder of Deeds Janice Jeschke Beall; Jury Commissioner Dorothy Collela.Also, Sheriff Felix DeLuca; Clerk of Courts Judy Enslen; Register of Wills Carol Fiorucci; District Attorney Dale Fouse; Treasurer Connie Javens; County Controller Rick Towcimak; and Prothonotary Nancy Werme.The National Education Association, meanwhile, announced its endorsement of Altmire.———

During Tuesday's U.S. Senate Rules Committee markup of the Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2006, Sen. <B>Rick Santorum</B>, R-Pa., offered four amendments to the bill."This bill including the amendments that I offered" Santorum said, "is focused on making Congress more accountable to the people we represent."Santorum's amendments are:Corporate jets — This provision would ensure that Senators and their employees who use corporate or charter air travel must pay the fair market value for that travel, instead of reimbursing at the rate of a first-class fare.Employment negotiations — This amendment would modify the Senate rules to prohibit the negotiation or arrangement of a job in the private sector before the election is held for a Senator's successor.The amendment, however, would allow a senator to have such negotiations if they disclose them publicly and in writing to the Secretary of the Senate within three days of the beginning of negotiations.Restrictions on spouse/family lobbying member's staff — The language would prohibit a member's spouse or family member who is a registered lobbyist from having any official lobbying contact with the staff of that member.Slowing the revolving door — This amendment would extend the current ban on former senators lobbying the Senate from one year to two years.The Rules Committee adopted Santorum's amendments regarding employment negotiations and restrictions on lobbying by a member's spouse or immediate family member.However, the revolving door amendment and the corporate jets amendment were not adopted.———

State Rep.<B> Daryl Metcalfe</B>, R-12th, will host a legislative breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Friday at the Penn Township Building, 157 E. Airport Road.Those interested in attending should call Metcalfe's office at 724-772-3110 to make reservations.