(Photo Courtesy of Pa Media Services)
Bethlehem, PA –  Governor Tom Wolf was joined by Representative Steve Samuelson on Thursday to call on Pennsylvania’s Republican-led General Assembly to immediately use $1.7 billion in unspent American Rescue Plan Act dollars to help older Pennsylvanians and individuals with disabilities through property tax rebates to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know that a lot of Pennsylvania households are still recovering financially from the pandemic, and that is especially true for low-income households,” said Gov. Wolf. “Today, I am again asking the General Assembly to spend the federal funding that is still sitting, unused, to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. By investing more money into the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, older Pennsylvanians and individuals with disabilities can stay in their homes.
That money is sitting around, not helping anyone right now and at a time when the people of this commonwealth are hurting, that’s just wrong.”
In February, Gov. Wolf proposed his $1.7 billion action plan. Today, he continues to call on the legislature to take immediate action on the proposal to put money back in the pockets of Pennsylvanians and put the commonwealth on the path to prosperity. Rep. Samuelson plans to introduce the governor’s plan as legislation in the House, alongside Senator Maria Collett in the Senate.
The governor’s plan directs $204 million to provide direct property tax relief to Pennsylvanians by investing in the existing Property Tax Rent Rebate program for a one-time bonus rebate to current program users. This investment would double existing rebates with an estimated 466,000 Pennsylvanians receiving an additional average rebate of $475.
“The Property Tax / Rent Rebate program benefits seniors and people with disabilities with more than 400,000 people receiving rebates each year. My office alone helps about 800 people each year complete their rebate applications,” said Rep. Samuelson. “I commend Governor Wolf for proposing to use American Rescue Plan funds to bring additional relief to homeowners and renters in 2022. My legislation, if enacted, will double Property Tax / Rent Rebate payments this year.”
“As the cost of living continues to rise, lower-income residents, seniors, and disabled
Pennsylvanians must not be left behind,” Sen. Collett. “As the Democratic Chair of the Senate Aging & Youth Committee, I am pleased to work with Governor Wolf to introduce legislation to bolster the already-popular Property Tax/Rent Rebate program and get more federal relief funds to the Pennsylvanians who need it most. “
In addition to support for older Pennsylvanians and individuals with disabilities the governor’s plan calls for:
The PA Opportunity Program, $500 million
Pennsylvanians are resilient, yet many workers and families are still covering pandemic-related costs, stabilizing their budgets, and rebuilding their savings.
The PA Opportunity Program would provide much needed relief to workers and families from the high cost of childcare and household expenses and opportunities to complete a degree, credential, or license that will strengthen their skills and increase income—all leading to a better quality of life.
Statewide Small Business Assistance Program, $255 million
The COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Program would provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses that have been economically impacted by the pandemic. Among other things, businesses can use these grants to cover operating expenses and access technical assistance, including training and guidance to stabilize and relaunch their businesses. The program would prioritize women- and minority-owned businesses and rural communities.
In 2020, more than $192 million dollars in grants were distributed through this program to more than 10,000 small businesses all across Pennsylvania, more than half of which were historically disadvantaged small businesses. Recapitalizing the program now could help more than 11,000 small businesses and their communities.
Support for Pennsylvania’s Healthcare System, $325 million. This investment would recognize healthcare workers for their heroic dedication and hard work throughout the pandemic and give healthcare providers resources to recruit and retain a skilled
workforce:
$250 million for long-term care recruitment and retention incentives and workforce development initiatives to grow the critical healthcare workforce.
$40 million for the behavioral health workforce to expand county mental health programs.
$35 million to expand the student loan forgiveness program at PHEAA to include additional critical healthcare workers.
Investing in Conservation, Recreation & Preservation, $450 million Pennsylvania must continue to invest in vital conservation, recreation, preservation, and community revitalization projects and address the threat of climate change. Gov. Wolf’s plan
proposes new funding for the Growing Greener conservation and recreation program as well as for agriculture conservation programs, such as the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program and the existing Agriculture Conservation Excellence Grant Program.
After experiencing record-breaking rainfall and flooding events this past year, this program would make Pennsylvania more resilient in the face of more extreme and frequent weather events caused by climate change. It would support our economy, enhance our communities, and improve quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.
In additional to Rep. Samuelson, Gov. Wolf was joined by AARP State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh, and the Fred B. Rooney Building Property Manager Susan Phillips to call for immediate action by the General Assembly to get money out to the Pennsylvanians who are hurting right now.
“Everyone is paying more for nearly everything today – from prescription drugs to gas to housing but, the problem of inflation is hardest for those on fixed incomes,” said AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh. “The very purpose of the American Rescue Plan Act is to provide flexible, emergency funding for state and local governments to effectively respond to the negative economic impacts created by pandemic. AARP Pennsylvania is pleased to support this critical investment of American Rescue Plan Act dollars to support “Property Tax Rent Rebate Program beneficiaries.”
“Older Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly want to age in in their homes and communities for as long as they are able. While the Department of Aging provides services and supports to help them achieve that, programs like the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate offers seniors an additional benefit,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “Many older adults live on fixed incomes and when it comes to their finances, paying their rent or mortgage is a top priority.

Governor Wolf’s proposed one time increase in the rebate amount will help seniors to meet some of their needs during these difficult times.”
“The governor’s proposal is a simple plan to execute. Claimants won’t have to take any additional action to receive their one-time bonus rebates,” said Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell, who heads the agency that administers the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. “Claimants should fill out their rebate applications as they normally do, and we will automatically calculate and distribute the additional rebates to them. If anyone needs help with their rebate application, filing assistance is available at the Department of Revenue’s district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices.”

(File Photo Courtesy  of Pa Media Services)

(HARRISBURG, Pa.) Attorney General Josh Shapiro is warning Pennsylvanians to be on the lookout for bogus fundraising calls that purport to benefit the families of Martin F. Mack and Branden T. Sisca, the two fallen Pennsylvania State Police troopers tragically killed in the line of duty on I-95 South in Philadelphia.

“As Pennsylvanians look to support the families of the fallen Pennsylvania State Troopers who were tragically killed on Monday morning, scammers may be taking advantage of your generosity,” said AG Shapiro. “This kind of scam is not only despicable – it’s against the law. These scams are not only to get your hard earned dollars meant to go to a good cause, but a way to steal your personal information. Report these scams to my office by calling (717) 783-2853 or on our website.”

The Pennsylvania State Trooper Association is the only official organization that represents and serves Pennsylvania state troopers, and this organization does not use telephone solicitation for fundraising.

Regrettably, there is no limit to the unscrupulous depths that fraudsters will go to profit on the misfortune of others. If you receive a call purporting to benefit the families of the fallen troopers:

• Do not give on impulse simply because you have been solicited.
• Do not provide any of your personal information.
• Get as much information as you can from the caller, ask who they are; where they are calling from; if they are being paid to make the call; and whether they have been authorized by the families and the Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Association to ask for donations.
• Ask if they are registered with the Department of State to solicit donations.
• End the call by explaining you will be confirming the information before deciding on whether to  make a donation.
• Report the call and whatever information you were given to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General by calling (717) 783-2853 or submitting a complaint on our website: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/charitable-trusts-and-organizations-complaint-form/ or via email: charities@attorneygeneral.gov.

Those wanting to make donations should consider giving directly to the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association at https://www.troopershelpingtroopers.org/ to be sure their gifts are used appropriately.

(File Photo)

(North Beaver Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in Gibsonia are reporting that they were called to the scene of a one vehicle accident on the Pa turnpike Westbound at mile marker 1.3 in North Beaver Twp. at 5:54 PM Wednesday Evening.
Troopers via release said that upon arriving and investigating that the crash occurred as 35-year-old Timothy McCormick of Beaver Falls was operating a 2020 Nissan Ultima and he lost control of the vehicle while traveling in the right lane. His vehicle traveled off of the north side of the roadway and struck a light pole and fence before coming to a final rest in the grass off of the northbound shoulder facing west.
Neither McCormick or his passenger, 42-year-old Larry Sano of Ellwood City were injured but McCormick’s sufferred disabling damage and had to be towed from the scene.

(Washington, D.C.) Jordan Bonenberger from Cranberry and Melanie Archer a mother of three from Sharpsburg have both been charged in connection with the January 6 insurrection. They both appeared in court yesterday and waived their cases to trial in their preliminary hearing
Photos from the FBI affidavit showed the two together in the rotunda, the west corridor of the Capitol, and on the Capitol steps, next to police in riot gear.
Bonenberger is facing charges of illegally entering the Capitol and engaging in disorderly and disruptive behavior. If convicted he could be facing five years in prison.
Archer is charged with entering or remaining in a restricted building and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and other related charges.

Keystone State News Connection

March 25, 2022

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Emily Scott

With COVID cases waning, more employers are asking workers to return to the office for the first time since the pandemic began, and mental health professionals said there are ways to manage the stress and anxiety from this big change.

Rates of anxiety and depression among U.S. adults were four times higher between April 2020 and August 2021 than they were in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Dr. Hillary Ammon, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, said a change in routine, like where you work, can be a stressor, but there are ways to manage those feelings.

“What I would recommend is for people to start to try to get into some of those routines that might look similar to the workplace,” Ammon advised. “So if that really is, you know, you have a very structured day at your work, and you had more flexibility working from home, can you try to structure your day so that it looks more similar to that work environment?”

Ammon suggested practicing driving or taking public transportation to help ease back into your commute, along with meal planning and preparation.

Dr. Nicole Brady, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare’s employer and individual business in Wisconsin and Michigan, said fears around catching COVID at the office can also be a trigger for stress. She urged having an open line of communication with your employer about what protocols are in place to prevent spreading the virus.

“We all know that masks are effective and certainly are reasonable at any time, despite what the levels may be in your community at that time,” Brady pointed out. “We know that vaccines are highly effective at preventing infection.”

Other tips include suggesting staggered work hours or days to your manager, to limit the number of people in the office at one time. The CDC recommends employees experiencing COVID symptoms notify their supervisors, get tested, and stay home until they feel better.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

On March 24, 2022, the push to “close the digital divide” in Beaver County was made official.

The Beaver County Office of Planning and Redevelopment launched “Connect Beaver County” on Thursday at a press conference at the Western Beaver School District in Industry. BCOPR President Lance Grable was joined by several fellow county leaders and state representatives at the conference; all of whom were firmly enthusiastic about the launch of this program.

“What Beaver County is doing is amazing,” remarked State Representative Pam Snyder of Greene County. “I have never felt so good about an issue as I do with what we have done here and what we are gonna be able to do for every Pennsylvanian.” Snyder co-sponsored House Bill 2071 to develop the PA Broadband Development Authority. The bill was advanced to become Act 96 with the help of Beaver County State Representatives Jim Marshall and Rob Matzie, who were in attendance.

The Connect Beaver County program will focus on five key issues regarding broadband:

1. Creating new broadband service
2. A new digital navigator program
3. Connecting towers owned by the county
4. Establishing a broadband utility connection fund
5. Continued analysis and data collection towards digital equity

The immediate actions of Connect Beaver County are the launch of their website–connectbeavercounty.com–and the start of two broadband service installations in northern Beaver County. One will be in Hanover Township covering Hanover Kendall Road, Airline Drive, and Hanny Beaver Road–the other will be along Route 551 (along with Stitt Road) covering Big Beaver, South Beaver, and Darlington Townships.

“This is exciting to us,” said Lew Vilotti of the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development, “because not only can we say that Beaver County is on the forefront, but it will also provide an essential service that allows us to grow our companies, start new ones, to keep them here, and to attract them.”

Also in attendance were Commissioner Chairman Dan Camp, State Representative Josh Kail, EMS director Eric Brewer, Jeremy Jurick of Michael Baker International, and  Dr. Eric Rosendale of the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit.

Along with the new website, Connect Beaver County can be reached through email or by calling (724) 495-4300.

Keystone State News Connection

March 24, 2022

Emily Scott

The United States and Britain have struck a deal to remove U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum along with U.K. tariffs on U.S. bluejeans, whiskey and motorcycles.

Some Pennsylvania lawmakers said the steel tariffs have been key to leveling the global playing field. In 2018, Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act was used to impose 25% and 10% tariffs, respectively, on some steel and aluminum imports to stabilize domestic production.

Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, co-chair of the House Steel Caucus, said we should be cautious as the U.S. eases these tariffs on some countries.

“If we relax the Section 232 majors, foreign steel production in other countries that have little or no environmental regulations will stand to capture more market share,” Burns explained. “And put our workers in jeopardy because they’ll continue to dump cheap foreign steel into the United States.”

Pennsylvania’s steel industry employs more than 34,000 people, who earn $3.14 billion in wages and salaries annually.

Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny, the other co-chair of the House Steel Caucus, said one concern is some countries do not follow the same strict regulations American steelworkers and companies do.

“China’s government heavily subsidizes its companies, most of which are in fact state-owned or controlled, meaning that they can price their goods far below market value,” Mihalek asserted. “Companies here in the United States and in Pennsylvania, our workers face tougher labor and environmental laws than the competitors abroad.”

China is the number one producer of steel globally, according to the World Steel Association, although its production outstrips domestic demand. Last month, the U.S. announced it was relaxing the Section 232 tariffs on Japan and the European Union.