Legislation calling for repeal of the gross receipts tax on wireless telephone services is gaining support with state lawmakers, consumers, and business and telecommunications representatives, state Rep. Rep.

Brian Ellis said this week."In this day and age, the majority of people have cell phones for work, family communication and safety reasons," said Ellis, who co-sponsored the measure. "By abolishing the existing 5 percent gross receipts tax on cell phone calls, Pennsylvanians will save considerably."More than 90 House members and 25 senators have co-sponsored the House legislation, which mirrors a similar proposal in the state Senate.Pennsylvania has one of the highest cell phone taxes in the nation at 11 percent. Five percent is the gross receipts tax, which was enacted in December 2003, and the remaining is the 6 percent sales and use tax. When the local, state and federal taxes are added together, Pennsylvania's rate is 19.05 percent, making it the eighth highest in the nation.---U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, last week announced his bill seeking repeal of the cap on therapy services under Medicare has received support from 120 members of Congress.English said the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act is part of effort to improve access to essential health services."As the date to reinstate the cap on therapy services under Medicare approaches, I am encouraged that we now have support from 120 members of Congress to repeal the cap altogether," said English, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over health policy."It is simply unfair and unrealistic to ask our seniors to pay for physical therapy exceeding the current $1,500 cap."The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2005 eliminates the caps on rehabilitative therapy under Medicare that were established in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.The budget measure imposed annual caps per beneficiary of $1,500 on occupational therapy and a separate combined $1,500 cap on physical and speech therapy.The Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 enacted a two-year moratorium to stop implementation of the caps, but the Center for Medicare Services will implement the therapy cap in December 2005.---Butler County Treasurer

Diane Marburger was recently elected trustee for the southwest region of the County Treasurers' Association at the group's 57th annual convention in Hershey.As trustee she is on the association's executive board and will represent 16 counties in the state's southwest region. Her term expires in 2007.---State Sen.

Bob Robbins, R-50th, has introduced legislation that would amend the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act to make it more flexible and "user-friendly" to businesses.The measure would grandfather any commercial or industrial structure that was occupied prior to April 14, 2004, and did not possess an occupancy permit from the Department of Labor and Industry.It would also allow municipal Uniform Construction Code inspectors the ability to issue permits, provide inspections, and issue occupancy permits on any additions and improvements to these existing structures.Additionally, the bill would safeguard municipalities by providing them with immunity from any actions that may arise from the original structure's occupancy.The measure has been referred to the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.---State Sen.

Don White, R-41st, invites residents to participate in a trip to historic Gettysburg.He will host the Oct. 9 to 10 trip. The cost is $165 per person based on double occupancy.The cost includes bus fare, lodging, two meals and admission and tour fees to the Gettysburg Battlefield and the Eisenhower National Historic Site.For information, call Randy Cloak at White's district office at 724-543-3026, or call toll free at 866-366-9448; or by e-mail at rcloak@pasen.gov.