COAL TOWNSHIP - Insurance and state politics were up for discussion at the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon Tuesday afternoon at Brewser's SportsGrille.
One of the highlights was an impromptu talk by state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107), attending the meeting as a member, about public education funding which is prompting school districts to slash their budgets.
"Right now, Pennsylvania is in an education crisis," Masser said. "We are picking up the pieces from the mess that happened in 2005 with the pay raises and the pension increase."
School district funding in recent years has included federal stimulus money that is no longer available, and now state officials have to make some tough decisions, he said.
"We are trying a novel approach in Harrisburg, actually spending what we are taking in," Masser said.
The freshman legislator said he fought to restore education funding last year and will do so against this year.
"Students need to have a sustained education," Masser said.
The meeting's featured speakers were representatives from several insurance companies who discussed what services they offer and how they can benefit chamber members.
In this tough economy, chamber director Sandy Winhofer said, now is a good time to reevaluate insurance options.
"We know it has been tough, especially with small businesses. You want to give your employees all the benefits they deserve and hope that you have enough protection for your business," she said.
Speaking at the meeting were Melissa Dawson, benefits consultant with Pennsylvania Chamber Insurance; Michael Shaffer representing Olvany Insurance, of Shamokin, and agent Scott Bordner and account executive Martin H. Brown from First National Insurance Agency LLC, Selinsgrove.
Winhofer informed members that calls or e-mails from a group called CommunityLink about the chamber directory are legitimate. The organization is updating the directory.
Representatives from The News-Item will also be contacting businesses for advertisements in the chamber newsletter, which publishes four times a year.
Upcoming events for the chamber include the annual awards banquet tonight at Brady Fire Company and the chamber golf tournament May 4 at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course.