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Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 21, 2023 12:27 P.M.

(Center Township, PA) Center Township Fire Chief Bill Bricker reported that the police and firefighters were called to the Hilton Garden Inn at 2:24 a.m. Tuesday for a domestic situation that included fires that were in a guest’s bedroom, and one in a trash can in the public restroom on the hotel’s first floor.

Students boys and girls sitting together around the table in clasroom and drawing. With them is their young and beautiful teacher. She teaches children and is smiling (KEystone State News Service)
Danielle Smith

The shortage of school teachers and staffers has reached a crisis level in some public schools. An education advocacy group is making recommendations to fix that. Pennsylvania serves more than 1.7 million students in grades K through 12.

Rich Askey, Pennsylvania State Education Association president, said they plan to unveil a state legislative package that focuses on several key priorities to solve the school staffing crisis, including a boost in teacher salaries. Right now, some teachers average about $27,000 a year to start, and the plan calls for money to attract more candidates.

“First to set the annual minimum salaries for educators, school counselors, nurses, and other educational professionals at $60,000,” Askey said. “And also, we want to look at a minimum wage for custodians, cafeteria workers, paraprofessionals, and other support staff at $20 per hour. ”

Askey added there has been a dramatic decline in the number of college graduates entering the teaching profession. Pennsylvania issued more than 12,000 fewer first-year teaching certificates in the 2020-21 school year than it did in 2012-13, a drop of 66%.

Askey said in addition to affecting teachers and staff, the shortage has created challenges in the classroom, resulting in some kids having learning problems.

“I know of educators that are teaching two classes at the same time and on one side of the room, they might be teaching life science on the other side of the room, they might be teaching earth science, and that doesn’t let our kids have the individual attention that is so needed, ” Askey said.

Askey added the legislative plan would be taking a sustained multi-year commitment to be phased in over five years. It also includes paying college students in teacher preparation programs while they are student teaching, creating a scholarship program, and investing in the “Grow Your Own” program to help paraprofessionals and school support staff go back to college and earn their teaching degrees.

Harrisburg, PA – With less than a month to go before the deadline for filing personal income tax returns, the Department of Revenue is reminding Pennsylvanians that there is a new state tax credit available that can help ease child and dependent care costs for working families.

Eligible Pennsylvanians can claim the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit when they file their Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Return (PA-40). This credit can range between $180 and $630, depending on your income level and the number of your dependents.

“We estimate there are more than 220,000 families in Pennsylvania that can benefit from this credit when they file their state tax returns,” said Acting Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne. “Research has shown that the expansion of a similar tax credit on the federal level significantly reduced childhood poverty, addressed food insecurity, and helped many families secure their finances. We want to ensure that the state tax credit in Pennsylvania has a similar impact, so the Shapiro Administration is working to get the word out and help everyone who is eligible receive this benefit.”

This tax credit program was established to help working individuals and families pay for child and dependent care services necessary for them to maintain their jobs or seek employment. That, in turn, allows them to provide for their families and contribute to the economic growth of the Commonwealth.

Who Qualifies & How Much is Available?

The Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit that is available to Pennsylvanians is based on the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. That means that taxpayers must receive the federal credit to also be eligible for the state credit in Pennsylvania. The state credit is equal to 30 percent of the federal credit, meaning it will be:

• $180 (one child) or $360 (two or more children) for households earning above $43,000; or
• $315 (one child) or $630 (two or more children) for households earning less than $43,000.

In order to claim the credit on your PA Personal Income Tax Return (PA-40), you must have incurred care expenses for:

• A dependent child under age 13.
• A spouse who was physically or mentally incapable of self-care and lived with you for more than half the year.
• An individual who was physically or mentally incapable of self-care, lived with you for more than half the year, and either:
  • Was your dependent; or
  • Could have been your dependent, except that he or she received gross income of $4,400 or more, filed a joint return, or could have been claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.

This credit is refundable, meaning qualified taxpayers will not owe any state taxes on the amount they receive.

myPATH is Free Option to Request PA Credit on Your Return

When filing your PA Personal Income Tax Return (PA-40), you will need to complete PA Schedule DC, an additional form that allows you to report information related to your dependents and the expenses incurred for their care. Additionally, you must attach completed versions of Federal Form 2441 and 1040 Schedule 3 to your PA-40. These forms are required to claim the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on the federal Individual Income Tax Return (Form 1040).

One easy way to file your PA-40 and the Schedule DC is to use myPATH, the Department of Revenue’s free online filing system. This system is user friendly and walks the taxpayer through all the necessary steps for filing your PA return.

For example, myPATH will prompt the taxpayer with a question that asks whether they paid child or dependent care expenses. That’s when they’ll be able to enter the necessary information that will automatically fill out the Schedule DC on their behalf. There will also be an option to upload the completed federal forms — 2441 and 1040 Schedule 3 — before completing the submission of your PA return.

The deadline to file 2022 personal income tax returns is Tuesday, April 18. For more information on PA taxes, including free forms and instructions, visit revenue.pa.gov.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) today reminded older adults facing a reduction in their Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that help with meals and other food assistance programs is available.

The changes come after federal action in December that impacts more than 1.9 million Pennsylvania SNAP recipients, many of whom are older adults. That’s why in his first budget, Governor Josh Shapiro is proposing a $16 million investment to increase the minimum SNAP benefit amount by 50%, with the understanding that every dollar counts when it comes to ensuring someone’s access to nutritious, healthy foods.

“A reduction in funds shouldn’t mean a reduction in access to good nutritional resources for our older adults. No one should have to choose between paying for medication, rent or mortgage, and food,” said Acting Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “We want older Pennsylvanians to know that the Department of Aging and our aging network are here to assist them in getting the healthy foods necessary to age in place for as long as they are able. Our Senior Community Centers provide great nutritious meals, and if an older adult is uncomfortable being in a congregate setting, there are grab-and-go meal options for them to take home and eat.”

The Commonwealth’s 485 Senior Community Centers provide nutritious lunchtime meals in a congregate setting to older adults. Many centers offer grab-and-go meals and will continue this service as the reduction in SNAP benefits begins. The 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) can also connect older adults to meal resources at the local level, including in-home meal delivery.

Since the pandemic started in 2020, SNAP recipients have been receiving an additional payment in the second half of the month known as an Emergency Allotment (EA). The EA ended at the end of February; and starting March 1, SNAP recipients are now only receiving their one regular payment.

PDA also wants older adults to know of the additional food assistance programs that are available:

• The department’s PACE prescription assistance program can help older adults in applying for the Senior Food Box Program, which provides eligible seniors with nutritious, shelf-stable groceries each month. PACE can complete the application and submit it directly to the Department of Agriculture. PACE can also assist with connecting seniors to local food pantries and meal assistance. The PACE hotline can be reached at 800-424-4356.
• The PA LINK can connect seniors with meal support, benefits programs, and other help with activities of daily living. The number is 800-753-8827.
• Call 211 or visit www.211pa.org to connect with various local food resources or to locate a local AAA.
• Starting June 1 every year, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides eligible adults over age 60 with vouchers that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at more than 800 farm stands and more than 200 farmers’ markets in Pennsylvania. Older adults can contact their local AAA for when and how to get their vouchers. The voucher dollar amount will increase from $24 to $50 for 2023 and 2024.
• Some Medicare Advantage Plans and Special Needs Plans offer grocery benefits, food boxes, and home-delivered meals as a plan bonus. Older adults who are enrolled in either of these plans should inquire with their plan to see if they can receive these added benefits.
• Visit the Department of Agriculture’s website to learn more about nutritional programs for older adults.

Learn more about the programs and services offered through the Department of Aging by visiting PDA’s website or the department’s Facebook page.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration announced new military themed license plates will be available throughout the Commonwealth. Recently passed legislation allows the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to now offer Pennsylvanians’ license plates honoring military members and their families. Two of these new plates – the Air Medal license plate and the Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans license plate – recognize veterans’ special contributions during their service.

“These plates are yet another opportunity to show our appreciation for the sacrifices of our military members and families,” said PennDOT Acting Secretary Mike Carroll. “As always, we are proud to recognize our military community and their accomplishments.”

Both are available for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds for a fee of $23.

Applicants for the Air Medal license plate must submit a completed Form MV-150, “Application for U.S. Military Service License plate,” and a legible photocopy of their Form DD214, “Separation Papers or Discharge Papers,” to show that they are recipients of the medal. The license plate contains the standard Pennsylvania license plate colors of blue, white, and gold and depicts an image of the Air Medal.

Applicants for the Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans license plate must submit a completed Form MV-150V, “Application for U.S. Military Veteran License plate,” and a legible photocopy of their Form DD214, “Separation Papers or Discharge Papers.” Only veterans who served in both theaters of operation are eligible for these license plates. The license plate contains the standard Pennsylvania license plate colors of blue, white, and gold and depicts images of both the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal.

“When our service members deploy they sacrifice greatly, and so too do their families,” said Brig. Gen. (PA-Ret) Maureen Weigl, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)  Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs. “These special plates will be seen throughout the Commonwealth, reminding citizens that we owe a debt of gratitude to all who served to defend our freedom.”

A third license plate design authorized by the legislation is the Blue Star Family license plate. Applications for this license plate must be submitted on Form MV-920, “Application for Blue Star Family Plate,” and certify that the applicant is a family member of an active-duty, Reserve or National Guard service member. The term “family member” includes: spouses, parents, step-parents, adoptive parents, foster parents in loco parentis, children, step-children, adopted children, brothers, sisters, half-brothers or half-sisters and grandparents.

The license plate is available for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds for a fee of $23. The license plate contains the standard Pennsylvania license plate colors of blue, white, and gold and depicts an image of the Blue Star Family flag which has a red border around a white background with a blue star in the center.

More information, including eligibility requirements and images of license plates, is available on the License plates page on PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced an expansion of its free substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and education tool, Just Five, by unveiling three new lessons that each address current issues in the world of SUD prevention.

Just Five is an online program that aims to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and provide education about SUD prevention and treatment for all of Pennsylvania’s workforce.

“We want all Pennsylvania employers and employees to not only know this resource is available to them, but to access and learn from it,” said Acting Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “Incorporating Just Five’s lessons into workplace health initiative is strongly encouraged to help reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health conditions like the disease of addiction.”

Just Five is an online, self-paced program that is displayed as six short learning modules that each take “just five” minutes to complete. The interactive lessons include:

• The Science of Addiction
• Are You at Risk?
• The Dangers of Opioids
• Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
• How You Can Help
• The Gift of Recovery

DDAP’s expansion of the tool now includes the following three in-depth education lessons: Stages of Change, Words Matter, and Fentanyl Fast Facts.

Stages of Change

Site users can explore the Stages of Change model to learn how each person’s individual willingness for change affects their journey and find techniques that can help guide others forward toward recovery. It also includes information on recurrence of drug use, a step-by-step intervention guide and tips on how to use positive reinforcement as an effective way to help an individual with SUD.

Words Matter

Words Matter offers insight into how words shape how we view and treat people with SUD, recommendations on using person first language, distinguishing between self-labeling language and language used by health care professionals and the general public, and testimonials from experts, individuals and families on the impact of language and stigma on their treatment and recovery. Just Five also includes a comprehensive language guide for identifying and removing stigmatizing language. The guide includes the latest research on stigmatizing language, a sample set of words that should be replaced, and suggested mechanisms to implement language change with an organization.

Fentanyl Fast Facts

The overdose crisis in Pennsylvania and across the nation has been largely driven by the presence of fentanyl. Fentanyl Fast Facts offers information on why fentanyl is so dangerous, who’s most at risk for accessing fentanyl, tips on talking to children about the dangers of fentanyl, and how to use naloxone and fentanyl test strips.

Since Just Five has been available statewide to all of Pennsylvania’s workforce, the tool has had more than 12,000 new users.

Use of the Just Five website is completely confidential and voluntary, and no personal information regarding utilization of the program is shared. It can be accessed virtually from anywhere at any time with no registration required. The program is also available in English and Spanish and accessible for individuals with visual and/or hearing impairments.

Individuals seeking substance use treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This helpline is confidential, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and staffed by trained professionals who will connect callers to resources in their community. Callers can be connected with funding if they need help paying for treatment. ATLAS is also available for Pennsylvanians and their loved ones to search for and compare SUD treatment facilities using criteria such as location, services offered, and insurance accepted so they can find the best treatment for their unique needs.

To learn more about the Shapiro Administration’s efforts in combating the addiction crisis, visit ddap.pa.gov.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) today highlighted how Governor Shapiro’s inaugural budget would support student success and address Pennsylvania’s education workforce shortage. Governor Shapiro’s budget includes increases to public education funding with targeted support for students both inside and outside of the classroom and initiatives to bolster the teacher pipeline, including an annual personal income tax incentive for newly certified educators of up to $2,500 for 3 years.

“Educators play a pivotal role in our Commonwealth, and over the past few years we have struggled with both recruitment and retention in the field of education,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “Supporting prospective teachers through commonsense proposals like this personal income tax credit will help us address the educator workforce shortage.”

In recent years, the number of new educators entering the workforce has decreased. A decade ago, roughly 20,000 teacher certifications were issued each year, while in 2021 only about 6,000 were issued. Not only has the rate of new teachers entering the workforce decreased, but the rate of educators leaving the profession continues to accelerate. This means that schools are having a harder time than ever filling critical staff positions.

Building strong, safe communities starts with an adequate and equitable public education system. Supporting teachers is a key element in working toward a comprehensive solution to improving education in Pennsylvania, and Governor Shapiro’s 2023-24 budget would provide newly certified teachers with an annual personal income tax incentive for up to three years.

Recruiting and retaining teachers in Pennsylvania has been one of the Department’s top priorities, beginning with PDE’s educator workforce strategy released last year. Earlier this week, PDE made $1.5 million in grants available to allow institutions of higher education expedite the process of training special education teachers in Pennsylvania. Governor Shapiro’s personal income tax incentive program would build on these efforts, working to ensure there is a robust pipeline of educators in place to provide a high-quality education to learners of all ages across the Commonwealth.