The state Senate this week approved legislation introduced by Sen.

Bob Robbins, R-50th, that would provide essential reforms to Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, or LIHEAP Program.The Home Energy Assistance in Time of Need, or HEAT ON Act, would make changes to maximize the benefits for eligible low-income households and ensure that funding is made in a timely fashion."With energy prices skyrocketing,"Robbins said, "it is imperative that all LIHEAP funds be appropriated expeditiously and responsibly to assist the growing number of Pennsylvanians who will struggling this coming winter to pay their heating bills."State Auditor General Jack Wagner last year reported that a special performance audit found serious deficiencies in the Department of Public Welfare's administration of LIHEAP.The measure, Robbins noted, directs the welfare department to take appropriate actions if it discovers any false, misleading or inaccurate statements by applicants, participating energy vendors or state employees.Additionally, the legislation puts in place accountability provisions to ensure that funding goes to those most in need.———U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, is backing bipartisan legislation that will exempt 73 million recreational boaters from having to buy costly federal permits for normal, recreational boat water discharge.English announced Tuesday his support for the Clean Boating Act of 2008, legislation to restore the longstanding regulation that excludes recreational boaters and anglers from federal and state permit's under the Clean Water Act.The law was designed for industrial facilities and ocean-going commercial ships."At a time when local boaters are already facing steep fuel costs, it is absurd to hit them with the cost of an additional permit that has been exempted for over 30 years," he said.Since 1973, the Environmental Protection Agency has exempted recreational boaters from provisions in the Clean Water Act that pertain to incidental discharges of water such as weather deck run-off and bilge water.However, in September 2006 the exemption was overturned by a federal court. As a result, the EPA is required to create a permitting system for recreational boats by Sept. 30.Although the EPA has yet to implement a permit process for recreational boaters, English said estimates on the cost of the annual permits range from hundreds of dollars to $1,500.———U.S. Rep.

Jason Altmire, D-4th, Tuesday voted for a bill that would delay implementation of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service's competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment for 18 months.If the measure is not enacted, Altmire said, hundreds of small medical equipment suppliers in Western Pennsylvania will lose their ability to sell equipment to Medicare beneficiaries starting July 1.The House passed the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008."This vote is a significant victory for small medical equipment suppliers in Western Pennsylvania and the seniors they serve," Altmire said."CMS's competitive bidding program was poorly implemented from the beginning because it ignored the personal role small businesses play in meeting patients' needs."———State Sen.

Mary Jo White, R-21st, praised legislation, approved this month by the Senate, that would invest $800 million to meet Pennsylvania's water infrastructure needs.The money would be for drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities, high hazard dams and flood protection and mitigation projects.White said the legislation includes at least $100 million for flood protection and mitigation projects, but does not include Gov. Ed Rendell's call for a new tax on insurance premiums for home and business owners.Instead, the Senate bill relies upon revenue currently dedicated to the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund.District Judges

Lewis Stoughton of Chicora and

Pete Shaffer of Butler have been recertified as members of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System after completing their 2008 continuing legal education work.The weeklong instruction program in Harrisburg by the Minor Judiciary Education Board and the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts is required for district judges.———By a 92-6 roll call vote, the Senate passed a bill to pay for war operations, boost college aid for troops, extend unemployment benefits and provide emergency flood relief.On this roll call, a "yes" vote was pass the bill and a "no" vote was to reject it. Voting "yes" were 48 Democrats, 42 Republicans and 2 independents. Voting "no" were 6 Republicans.State senators Democrat Bob Casey and Republican Arlen Specter both voted yes.From staff and wire sources.