 |
|
| |
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
|
| Mehaffie Message |
| #Listrak\DateStampLong# |
The latest news from the State Capitol |
In this Edition:
| |
• |
It Feels A Lot Like Christmas |
| |
• |
Deadline Nears for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program |
| |
• |
New Resource for State Grants |
| |
• |
Supporting First Responders |
| |
• |
Warning for Energy Supply Shoppers |
| |
• |
Need a Gift for an Angler? |
| |
• |
Remembering Pearl Harbor |
|
It Feels A Lot Like Christmas
Middletown Borough and East Hanover Township both hosted a special guest in the past week – Santa Claus.
Santa came to both communities as part of their tree-lighting ceremonies. Upcoming tree lightings include:
| |
• Royalton Borough on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Lower Swatara Township on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m.
• South Hanover Township on Friday, Dec. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m.
• Derry Township on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 6 p.m.
• Hummelstown Borough, on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. |
|
Deadline Nears for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities have until Dec. 31 to apply for the state’s 2023 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program.
Income limits increased this year to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, so if you were earning too much to qualify before, you may be eligible now. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate also increased to $1,000.
The program is open to residents age 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Click here for additional information or to apply online or contact my office for assistance. If you applied previously but have not received your rebate, click here. The 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program will open for applications in mid- to late January.
|
New Resource for State Grants
The Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) recently launched a new resource to make it easier for residents, businesses, nonprofits, schools and local governments to find and apply for grants from state agencies.
The new discovery tool allows users to search for, sort and filter information about grants based on the type of applicant, category, application deadline, location and other criteria. The search results include links to each program, including information about who the funding is intended for, the application process, key dates and deadlines, eligibility criteria, and where to apply.
Check it out here.
|
Supporting First Responders
A new state law will give first responders greater access to workers’ compensation benefits for a post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI).
Under Act 121 of 2024, which I was proud to support, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics will be entitled to benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation law for psychological traumas arising from individual traumatic events or cumulative highly stressful experiences resulting from their employment – even in the absence of physical injuries requiring medical treatment.
At a time when first responders are in short supply, it is vital we provide proper support to the men and women who choose to put their lives on the line for us and our communities.
The law will take effect next fall.
|
Warning for Energy Supply Shoppers
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is cautioning energy consumers about an increase in look-alike websites mimicking the state’s official energy shopping platforms.
Unofficial copycat or look-alike sites often top search engine results or appear prominently in social media ads, misleading consumers who are looking for fair and unbiased information about energy shopping.
The PUC’s energy shopping websites – clearly marked as “The Official Electric Shopping Websites of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” – are designed to provide consumers with impartial and comprehensive information.
For safe and effective energy shopping and to ensure you are accessing the correct resources, please visit PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com. Stay safe online and make informed decisions with trusted resources from your Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
|
Need a Gift for an Angler?
Fishing licenses, permits and gift vouchers for the 2025 fishing season are now available for purchase from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The cost remains the same at $27.97 for a resident annual license and $14.47 for a senior resident annual license. Please click here to make a purchase and check out the full list of license options. Licenses may also be purchased through the FishBoatPA mobile app or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents.
Now is also a good time to mark your 2025 calendars for the statewide opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 5, and statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 29.
|
Remembering Pearl Harbor
This Saturday we pause to remember Dec. 7, 1941 – the “date which will live in infamy” – and honor the lives lost 83 years ago. The attack on Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii, killed 2,403 Americans, wounded 1,178 others, and led to the United States’ entrance into World War II.
As President Ronald Reagan stated in his 1986 proclamation for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, “Every honor is appropriate for the courageous Americans who made the supreme sacrifice for our Nation at Pearl Harbor and in the many battles that followed in World War II. Their sacrifice was for a cause, not for conquest; for a world that would be safe for future generations. Their devotion must never be forgotten.”
The National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony will be held at 7:30 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time, which is five hours earlier than our local time. Learn more here.
|
|
|
|