The state Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved legislation that would ensure the commonwealth honors leases allowing groups to use state park facilities during impasses over the state budget.

The legislation, introduced by Sen.

Don White, R-41st, seeks to preserve the rights of any group with a valid lease to use a state park regardless of any decision by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to close, restrict access to, or modify services at the facility."This bill sends a clear message that the commonwealth will uphold its end of the bargain when it enters into an agreement with a group to use our state parks," White said.DCNR Acting Secretary

John Quigley submitted a letter earlier this spring containing a list of 50 potential state parks to be evaluated for closing as part of the impasse over the state budget.While the parks have remained open during the current budget impasse, previously there was some speculation that the lack of a budget could result in closures and/or limitations of services and hours of operation.———Pointing to a potential revenue and job producing windfall, Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, this week touted a study that indicates the tremendous financial benefit natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation will provide to Pennsylvania.The Pennsylvania State University study predicts that drilling plan would infuse more than $14 billion into Pennsylvania's economy in 2010 and create more than 98,000 jobs, said Ellis, co-chairman of the House Oil and Gas Caucus."At a time when people are facing layoffs as a result of the recession, the natural gas industry is standing by ready to provide thousands of family sustaining jobs for the people of Pennsylvania," he said."We have an opportunity to put thousands of people back to work in a field that will grow exponentially over the next decade."The study indicates a consistent increase in annual drilling and projects a $25 billion contribution to the state's economy in 2020. This level of activity would generate nearly $1.4 billion in state and local tax revenue and would create more than 176,000 new jobs during this period."We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the commonwealth's economy and our nation's energy future by embracing and supporting the development of clean-burning natural gas," Ellis said.He noted that according to the study, natural gas production had a $2.3 billion direct impact on Pennsylvania's economy in 2008 — adding more than 29,000 new jobs and $240 million in state and local tax revenue.———State Sen.

Jane Orie, R-40th, is urging friends and family of autistic individuals to learn more about new services available to people with autism spectrum disorders.The Adult Autism Medicaid Waiver and the Adult Community Autism Program, she said, helps autistic people maintain healthy lives and be productive members of the community by assisting those in the program to find steady employment and by encouraging participation in local events.Support is given to individuals as they work to improve communication with loved ones, explore their personal interests, and express their desires, needs, and concerns in a safe and socially acceptable manner.Orie said the programs ensure quality by offering credentialed specialists and careful programmatic oversight that are committed to the betterment of individuals who are diagnosed with an ASD.More information and eligibility requirements for the programs are available online at www.autisminpa.org or by calling toll free 1-800-539-7689.———Former employees of small companies — firms with two to 19 employees — displaced after July 10 are now eligible to enroll for health insurance coverage under Pennsylvania's "Mini-COBRA" program, state Sen.

Don White, R-41st, announced this week."The program will allow displaced workers to maintain health care coverage, which is extremely important now with the economy placing so many jobs at risk." said White, chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the federal stimulus act, provides a 65 percent federal subsidy for COBRA premiums.White noted the subsidy is good for up to nine months for those covered by COBRA as well as those in a state continuation program such as Pennsylvania's Mini-COBRA program.The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has established a "frequently asked questions" list on its Web site to help employers and employees learn more about the program. The information is available online at the Web site, www.ins.state.pa.us/ins/cwp/view.asp.