The invitation to attend is open to all. To qualify, applicants must be citizens, have a high school education or the equivalent, have high Academic standings and demonstrate extracurricular community activities. Scholastic Aptitude Tests above 600 on the verbal portion and 650 on the math portion will be required as well.

Or information, contact Mariann Dempsey at Congressman Borski's office, 7141 Frankford av., Phila.PA., 215-345-3355.

The Academies are the Naval, Military, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine.

PGW Asked To Halt Cutoffs

PGW needs to reconsider its service cutoff for those who had to pay high bills for natural gas last winter. That is the opinion of State Senator Anthony H. Williams, who led a rally, along with fellow Philadelphia legislators in Harrisburg recently, and has the support of other senators including Sen. Tina Tartaglione for a bill he is co-sponsoring, which will allow Pennsylvanians to make a contribution to the Low Income Home Emergency Assistance program on state income tax returns next year. 

He believes the generosity of Pennsylvanians will manifest itself, making it easier for poorer citizens to cope with high natural gas bills.

On behalf of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Sen. Robert J. Mellow asked the Public Utility Commission to extend the period during which utility companies may not terminate services. In a letter to PUC Chairman John Quain, Mellow said, "The harsh winter, combined with the skyrocketing increases in natural gas service, has wreaked havoc on the budgets of many Pennsylvanians. 

An extension of the moratorium on termination of service would provide customers with further time to negotiate payment arrangements and apply for and obtain other forms of low-income assistance, including LIHEAP." 

Current regulations prohibit utility companies from terminating customer service in the winter. The PUC extended the deadline until April 9. The state Office of Consumer Advocate has requested a further extension until April 30.

Baby Bill Would Make Hospitals Safe Havens

Legislation is now working its way through the House, which would create safe havens at Pennsylvania hospitals for newborn babies who might otherwise be abandoned.

Rep. Ron Marsico has introduced it. It provides a safe way for a person in lawful custody of a newborn to take that child to a hospital. The person would not be prosecuted for abandonment as long as the child is less than 15 days old and there is no sign the child has been a victim of abuse.

Pa Organ Donors By Legislature

The Pennsylvania State House has declared April as "Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month.

According to Rep. Elinor Z. Taylor, of West Chester, "Every day, about 16 people die waiting for life saving organs." It is estimated, she says, that more than 79,000 people nationwide are on organ transplant waiting lists. 

State law allows citizens to designate themselves as donors through written statements and on their driver's license. More than 3 million Pennsylvania drivers carry identification cards marked with the words "organ donor." The State also permits relatives to consent to donation of organ and tissues of a deceased family member, if no donor designation is otherwise available.

Senators Query DPW On Felons in Child Care

Senator Allyson Y. Schwartz one of four State Senators who are demanding that Dept. of Public Welfare Secretary Feather Houston follow up on a commitment made to the Senate not to knowingly provide public funds to convicted violent felons who are employed to care for children.

The other senators include Michael O'Pake, Robert Mellow, and Allen Kukovich. 
The DPW has begun requiring criminal background checks on child care providers with three or fewer children. The Department had in place a policy providing funding to these individuals regardless of criminal history. 

Sen. Schwarz remarked it is "reckless for the state to knowingly give public funds to care for children to someone who has been convicted of murder, rape, or child molestation."
Rep. Kenney Alerts

Voter Reg.Deadline

Monday will be the last day to register for the primary elections. Rep. George T. Kenney who urges voters to make sure they are registered. The deadline for absentee ballots is May 8. Voter registration or absentee ballot applications can be picked up from his office at 11749C Bustleton Ave. or from the office of any other State legislator.

18% Liquor Tax May Meet End

House Liquor Control Committee chairman Rep. Roy Renard has introduced legislation which would eliminate the State's 65 year old Emergency Liquor Sales Tax.

Reinard said much of the revenue lost by eliminating the tax would be replaced by increased sales revenues. He indicated money would be saved by eliminating the need for LCB officers and State Police to patrol the borders for offenders who violate state law by bringing in liquor purchased in the other states which have lower prices.

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