mily may not be together when disaster strikes so it is important to identify a plan of action during periods without power and communication.

If you are aware of any elderly or others who may be unable to access prescriptions and or essential goods and services during disaster conditions, I would ask that you consider their well being and plan accordingly. If you are aware of anyone that may be in need of shelter during a natural disaster, please contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Earlier today, the President signed an emergency declaration for Pennsylvania, ordering federal aid to assist state and local first responders dealing with Hurricane Sandy. This declaration allows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts and to provide appropriate assistance to supplement state and local response efforts. Additionally, the National Guard Bureau is currently assisting Pennsylvania’s Joint Emergency Operations Center as well as the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

For more information on how to prepare for a natural disaster please visit http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan or contact your local emergency management planning agency at:

Allegheny County: (412) 473-2550
Armstrong County: (724) 548-3431
Cambria County: (814) 472-2050
Fayette County: (724) 430-1277
Greene County: (724) 627-5387
Indiana County: (724) 349-9300
Somerset County: (814) 445-1515 or (814) 445-1516
Washington County: (724) 228-6911
Westmoreland County: (724) 600-7301

As always, in the event of an actual emergency call 911. Being prepared for the worst possible outcome will save lives. Be prepared and be safe.

oan debt, up from $25,250 in 2010.

This is a clear indication that more work needs to be done to address college costs, and making college more affordable is one of the most important things we can do to invest in our nation’s future. Higher education is still the likeliest route to employment and good wages, and we cannot allow the fear of high-debt after graduation to stop some students from getting a college education.

Instead of working to make college affordable, the House Republican budget, authored by House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan (R-WI), slashes vital investments in higher education and makes it more expensive for millions of American students. The Ryan-Republican budget cuts more than 400,000 students from the Pell Grant program and allows interest rates on need-based student loans to double for more than 7.5 million low and middle income students.

While we must address our nation’s economic challenges, the Ryan-Republican budget cuts the very education programs that allow millions of American students the opportunity to go to college and earn a higher education. The Ryan-Republican budget views these programs as a drain on our nation’s spending; I believe that investing in our students is critical to our nation’s economic recovery and future competiveness.

For more information, please visit: http://critz.house.gov/press-release/critz-new-report-shows-student-loan-debt-rising-decries-ryan-republican-budget-cutting.

vious year and a 75 percent increase from 2008. Our law enforcement officials work tirelessly and selflessly to keep our communities safe, and we must do all that we can to ensure their own personal safety.

With that said, I'm pleased to announce that communities throughout the 12th Congressional District will receive federal grants for the purchase of bulletproof vests for law enforcement personnel. These grants are being provided by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Bulletproof Vest Partnership program.

To see the list of awarded Counties and communities, please visit my website: http://critz.house.gov/press-release/critz-grants-bulletproof-vests-awarded-local-police-departments.