A weekly summary of important events on Capitol Hill
Provided by Rep. Mike Peifer (R-139)

Peifer’s Office Has Trout Stocking Schedules

Trout stocking schedules are now available at Rep. Mike Peifer’s (R-Monroe/Pike/Wayne) district office in preparation for opening day of trout season in April. A total of 744 streams and 124 lakes will be stocked as a part of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s 2010 adult trout stocking program. Stocking occurs year-round, though most anglers typically view March as the official start of stocking season. The PFBC will stock nearly 4 million adult trout in Pennsylvanian rivers and streams that are open to the public for fishing.  More than one million additional trout will be stocked by private contractors across the Commonwealth. Opening day for trout season is currently scheduled for Saturday, April 17.  There will also be a regional opening day earlier in April for parts of southeastern Pennsylvania. Copies of the trout stocking schedules can be obtained from Peifer’s legislative office in the Wayne County Visitor’s Center, 32 Commercial St., Suite 300, Honesdale, or by visiting Peifer’s Web site at RepPeifer.com.

Students Can Begin Filing Applications for State Education Assistance Grants

Students seeking higher education assistance grants for the 2010-11 academic year may now begin submitting applications.  Need-based Pennsylvania State Grants are provided to qualified Pennsylvania residents through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and do not have to be repaid.  Students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered.  May 1 is the deadline for the Pennsylvania State Grant.  Individuals with internet access may file their FAFSA electronically.  For more information, visit RepPeifer.com.

Crossing Guards May Soon Receive Increased Protection

A bill authored by Rep. John Taylor (R-Philadelphia) would give school crossing guards who escort children through dangerous intersections the same legal protection as other school officials.  Taylor’s proposal would change the law and create harsher penalties for anyone who attempts to, or intentionally causes, bodily injury to a crossing guard who is on duty.  The legislation, which has been voted out of the House Judiciary Committee, increases the penalty for assaulting a school crossing guard from simple assault to aggravated assault and carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.  For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com.