HARRISBURG - State Rep.

Frank LaGrotta,

D-10th, has received an award for his improvement of public works infrastructure and support for preserving public service.

The state chapter of the American Public Works Association honored him with a 2004 Local Elected Official Award.

LaGrotta, who represents Lawrence, Beaver and Butler counties, is serving his ninth term as state representative.

Public works include a variety of municipal maintenance and infrastructure services, such as road and sidewalk construction, flood restoration, snow plowing, trash collection and traffic signals.

LaGrotta also has been recognized as an Outstanding Legislator Advocate by the Pennsylvania Alzheimer's Association Public Policy Coalition.

As the second-ranking Democratic member of the House Appropriations Committee, LaGrotta spearheaded the effort to designate caregiver dollars for the association's chapters.

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Rep.

Phil English,

R-3rd, was named representative of Region Six on the Republican Conference Policy Committee in recognition of his leadership on critical issues.

Region Six covers Pennsylvania, New Jersey and West Virginia. The committee noted his record on economic and trade issues, including jobs and healthcare.

The committee includes 49 members of Congress elected by their colleagues or appointed by the Speaker of the House, with six subcommittees dealing with public policy issues.

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The House of Representatives passed Rep.

Phil English's

bill to preserve the status of YMCA pensions.

The legislation clarifies the YMCA's tax status in response to questions about whether its organizational structure meets the IRS definition of church plan.

Several YMCAs in the state asked English, R-3rd, to ensure their retirement fund remains that of a church organization, which means it would get different tax treatment than other nonprofit organizations.