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In this Update:

• Read Across America
• Senate Hearings on Proposed State Budget: Week Two
• Pennsylvania Acts to Support Ukraine
• Assistance for Home Septic Repairs, Sewer Hook-ups
• Disabled Veteran Real Estate Tax Exemption

Read Across America

We are fortunate to have so many local libraries that offer children of all ages the chance to embark on adventures through literature.  This week is ‘National Read Across America Week’, which serves to emphasize the importance of reading and helps to bring the joys of books to students.

It was wonderful to stop by the Back Mountain Memorial Library, to read with some young friends.  If you’re looking to visit a library close to home, check out the State Library of Pennsylvania website, where a listing of all public libraries is available by county.

Senate Hearings on Proposed State Budget: Week Two

The Senate Appropriations Committee continued public hearings this week on the proposed 2022-23 state budget.

Gov. Tom Wolf proposed a $45.7 billion budget that would increase spending by $4.5 billion. Based on projections, this will create a $1.3 billion deficit in the following fiscal year and produce a $13 billion deficit by 2026-27.

Among the highlights:

At the hearing for the Attorney General’s Office, committee members discussed concerns with state government’s cyber security infrastructure. Last year, a data breach involving a Department of Health contractor exposed tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians’ personal information to hackers. The hearing also covered the latest stats from the Safe2Say Something anonymous threat reporting system for schools, as well as Philadelphia’s skyrocketing homicide rate.

At the hearing for the Department of Community and Economic Development, members stressed the need to improve Pennsylvania’s economic standing, noting that the current Corporate Net Income Tax rate has prevented many businesses from relocating and investing in Pennsylvania.

You can find information on other budget hearings, hearing video, livestreams and more at PASenateGOP.com.

Pennsylvania Acts to Support Ukraine

Pennsylvania has the second-largest population of Ukrainian Americans in the nation, with more than 122,000. Pennsylvania government is planning several responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in order to deny funds to Russia and show solidarity with Ukrainians.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity said the Treasury had started to divest its holdings in Russian-based companies. The Pennsylvania School Employees’ Retirement System is gathering details about its exposure to Russian-related investments and could divest in a few weeks.

In addition, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is reviewing its inventory and is expected to stop selling vodka made in Russia.

To keep Russia in check in the long term, we must reassert America’s energy independence. Increasing domestic energy production and exports to European countries will go a long way toward reducing Russian influence and denying the regime the funds it needs to make war.

Assistance for Home Septic Repairs, Sewer Hook-ups

Low-interest loans are available to eligible Pennsylvania homeowners who need to repair or replace their on-lot septic system or connect to a public sewer.

The assistance can help homeowners avoid or respond to municipal citations and improve the environmental health of their property. Loan terms are up to 20 years (up to 15 years for manufactured homes). There is no prepayment penalty if the loan is paid off early. The maximum loan amount is $25,000.

The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. You can find more information and terms here.

Disabled Veteran Real Estate Tax Exemption

Pennsylvania veterans with a financial need who served during a period of war and are 100% disabled could benefit from a state real estate tax exemption program.

An applicant whose gross annual income exceeds $95,279 will be considered to have a financial need for the exemption if allowable expenses exceed household income. You can find details about eligibility here.

Contact your local County Veterans Affairs Director to apply for this program.

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