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Legislative Update |
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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In this update
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Budget Deadline Nears – All Signs Point to a Long Summer in Harrisburg |
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Elm Hill Hose Company Lands $50,000 Grant for Modernization |
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A Tribute to Dads Everywhere |
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Concealed Carry Now Reciprocal Between Pennsylvania and Virginia |
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Deadline Extended |
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Upcoming Event |
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More Ways We Can Help |
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Budget Deadline Nears – All Signs Point to a Long Summer in Harrisburg
The June 30 deadline for adopting Pennsylvania’s budget is just a few days away and all signs are pointing to negotiations that will likely continue into the summer.
The enacted 2024-25 General Fund budget created a $3.6 billion structural deficit. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal, by his own numbers, would increase the deficit to $4.9 billion and deplete the surplus and much of the Rainy Day Fund to cover continued overspending.
I believe we need to rein in spending, move toward a balanced budget and shield Pennsylvanians from steep tax hikes.
The Rainy Day Fund is a reserve set aside for economic downturns, natural disasters and unexpected revenue shortfalls.
Over the past two years, credit rating agencies upgraded Pennsylvania’s credit rating, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. Those agencies cited increased reserves in the Rainy Day Fund as a main reason for the rating upgrades. Prudent fiscal management requires protecting this fund and avoiding tax increases to fuel more overspending.
The governor has not yet presented a budget proposal that has gained agreement from all chambers. As negotiations continue, I am committed to seeing that one-time money is not used for reoccurring expenses.
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Elm Hill Hose Company Lands $50,000 Grant for Modernization
Members of the Plymouth Fire Department Elm Hill Hose Company #3 celebrated a $50,000 grant we secured to improve facilities that support the brave men and women who serve and protect our community. Thank you for all that you do!
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A Tribute to Dads Everywhere
On Father’s Day, we paused to honor the men who shaped our lives with strength, wisdom and unwavering love. To the fathers who rise early and stay late – to those who show up for us and listen, guide and protect – and to the grandfathers, stepfathers, father figures and mentors who stepped in when needed, we celebrate who you are.
My father made sure I never quit! Dad, you taught me that real leadership means showing up, even when it’s not easy. You didn’t hand me the easy way. You taught me to earn it, own it and never back down.
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Concealed Carry Now Reciprocal Between Pennsylvania and Virginia
Attorney General Dave Sunday recently announced concealed carry reciprocity between Pennsylvania and Virginia! License holders from Virginia can carry a firearm concealed on their person, or in a vehicle, in Pennsylvania – and a Pennsylvania license holder can do the same in Virginia. With this agreement, Virginia becomes the 30th state to share concealed carry reciprocity with Pennsylvania.
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Deadline Extended
The deadline to apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for rent and property taxes paid in 2024 has been extended to Dec. 31.
This year, income eligibility limits have increased to $46,520 for both homeowners and renters. If your income previously exceeded the threshold, you may now qualify. When calculating income, please remember to exclude 50% of Social Security benefits.
A law I supported also raised the maximum rebate amount to $1,000, providing greater financial relief for eligible individuals. Pennsylvanians who are age 65 or older, widows and widowers who are age 50 or older, and individuals with disabilities who are age 18 or older are eligible to apply for a rebate.
As always, you do not need to pay anyone to apply. Applications can be submitted online at mypath.pa.gov, or my office can assist you with filing an application. Rebates will begin being distributed on July 1.
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Upcoming Event:
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Shredding and electronics recycling, Saturday, Aug. 9, Crestwood High School, 281 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, 18707. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
The shredding event is available at no cost and gives individuals the opportunity to securely dispose of sensitive information. There is a limit of three boxes per car.
The electronics recycling program will be handled by a third-party recycling company out of Berwick. It helps to prevent difficult-to-dispose-of electronics from being illegally dumped. The electronics recycling event allows for free disposal of items such as computers (laptops and desktop), smartphones, tablets, printers, office phones, video game consoles, modems, routers, cameras, DVD players, VCRs, audio/video equipment, wires and chargers, hard drives, memory cards, power tools and appliances.
Other items, such as LCD monitors, televisions and floor copiers, can be disposed of for a nominal fee to the recycling company.
Please contact my offices in Nanticoke, 570-902-4082, or Mountain Top, 570-403-2371, with questions about the electronics recycling program.
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More Ways We Can Help
Residents and businesses can take advantage of a range of free services provided by my office.
Notary Public:
Our office offers notary services except title work. Anyone interested in this free service must have a valid, current photo identification available. Please call the office to schedule your appointment.
Veterans’ Services:
Each month, veterans can schedule appointments with representatives from the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion for help with government benefits.
Disability-Related Services:
Individuals with disabilities can schedule appointments with the Northeast PA Center for Independent Living (MyCIL) to receive assistance with home and community-based services, transportation, housing and more .
Small Business Assistance:
Wilkes University Small Business and Development Center offers confidential consultation on a one-on-one basis for owners of small businesses.
SEPTA:
My office can assist residents who wish to obtain or renew SEPTA Senior Fare cards.
Free Fishing Tackle Loan Program:
My office is a loaner site for Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Fishing Tackle Loaner Program.
For more information about these free services or to share ideas on how we can improve our offerings, please contact my office at 570-902-4082.
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