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Senator Ryan Aument

Senate Will Explore Direct Removal of Lancaster County Sheriff

In June 2016, the Lancaster County Sheriff admitted to sending progressively graphic and sexually harassing emails to a deputy sheriff. However, instead of resigning, the sheriff put himself on paid leave from his $85,000-a-year job. To date, newspaper reports indicated that Lancaster County taxpayers have paid more than $36,000 in legal costs and salary for the sheriff.

This situation is unacceptable, and the time has come to do something about it. When the General Assembly reconvenes next month, Senator-elect Scott Martin and I plan to invoke the provisions of Article VI § 7 of the Constitution of Pennsylvania to direct the Governor to remove the Lancaster County Sheriff from public office.

Under Article VI § 7, if two-thirds of the Senate agree to remove a civil officer for “reasonable cause,” the Governor is then required to remove that civil officer. The process was last used by the Senate regarding Attorney General Kathleen Kane, who refused to resign from office despite being charged with serious crimes while in office.

I am hopeful that this action will help begin the process of restoring the public’s trust in this important law enforcement position. More information about the direct removal process is available here.


My recent tour of Rohrer's Quarry in Lititz with Rep. Mindy Fee was extremely interesting and informative.


Property Tax and Rent Rebate Applications Due December 31

The state’s Property Tax Rent Rebate Program provides financial assistance to low-income seniors and disabled individuals by refunding a portion of rent or property taxes paid during the previous year. The deadline to apply for rebates on rent or taxes paid in 2015 is December 31.

Information and applications for the Property Tax Rent Rebate Program are available online at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling toll-free 1-888-222-9190. Property Tax Rent Rebate claim forms and more information are also available at my district office in Lititz. I encourage local residents to call my office if they have any questions about the program or the application process.


Vehicle Registration Stickers No Longer Required After December 31

Beginning December 31, 2016, PennDOT will no longer require vehicle owners to place registration stickers on their license plate. Drivers will still need to renew their vehicle registration annually and present the card when requested by police and at safety inspections. Police will be able to verify registration electronically.

Eliminating the stickers is expected to save taxpayers more than $1 million each year. More information is available by visiting PennDOT’s website here.


It was a pleasure to join Travis Sheetz, Rep. Mindy Fee and the Manheim Chamber at the Grand Opening of the new Sheetz on Lancaster Road in Manheim.


New Federal ID Standards Take Effect January 30

Pennsylvania residents who wish to visit a federal building, nuclear power plant or military base will need to use a new form of identification other than a state-issued driver’s license or identification card beginning on January 30, 2017. Visitors should contact the facility to determine what identification will be accepted.

Pennsylvania’s state-issued identification cards will no longer comply with federal identification standards because the REAL ID program implemented in 2005 was not fully funded by the U.S. government and would have added an expensive mandate for state taxpayers. Additional information on the new identification standards are available here.

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Offices

Senate Box 203036
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3036
(717) 787-4420
FAX (717) 783-3156
TTY (800) 364-1581

Lititz Office
301 East Main Street
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 627-0036
FAX (717) 627-1389

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