|
||||
|
In this Update:
Tax Relief for Working Pennsylvanians
The new state budget we passed includes the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which provides meaningful relief for working families across the commonwealth. In a time when affordability is a top issue affecting Pennsylvanians, policies like this tax credit help relieve some of the financial burden on families. If you claim the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you may also claim the state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal amount. You can use this online calculator to determine if you qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and estimate how much you could receive. State Budget Funds New State Police Troopers
Public safety is a critical component of healthy, stable communities, and I am committed to ensuring that law enforcement gets the support it needs to keep criminals at bay. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) fills a vital public safety role in the commonwealth, and I’m happy to report that the 2025-26 state budget includes funding for four state police cadet classes. After completing approximately 27 weeks of training, the most recent cadet class saw 49 graduates join the ranks as state troopers. I wish these new troopers much success as they keep our communities safe and pray for their wellbeing. The PSP’s latest hiring cycle is open until Jan. 23, 2026. Those interested in becoming a state trooper can find application requirements, job benefits and other details at PATrooper.com. Delaware State Forest Ribbon Cutting
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources cut the ribbon on the new Delaware State Forest Resource Management Center. This state-of-the-art facility will support our region’s forestry operations, enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and strengthen long-term conservation efforts. The work of DCNR and our partners is essential to protecting the natural resources that make our communities such special places to live. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from leadership, tour the new space and discuss how this investment will serve residents, visitors and future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Senate Votes to Make State Funds Available for Local Bridge Projects
Legislation to make state funding available for local bridge projects was approved by the Senate. Counties receive dollars through the Highway Bridge Improvement Restricted Account within the state Motor License Fund to pay for repair and replacement of county-owned bridges. However, current law does not allow for further practical uses of leftover funds. Senate Bill 1070 would give counties the flexibility they need to improve local, municipal-owned bridges before they become at-risk. Senate Bill 1070 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Touring the Wyoming County Healthcare Center
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick and I recently toured the Wyoming County Healthcare Center. The visit included stops in the ICU, operating rooms, Guthrie’s first-floor clinical space and several of the newly developed public areas. State funds have been crucial in helping to get the facility up and running. The team continues to work tirelessly to expand access to high-quality care for patients throughout the region. Our discussion reinforced how critical it is that we support and strengthen our health care infrastructure — particularly in fast-growing and underserved areas. PA 529 is the Gift of Education
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced a new, easy way to give the gift of education this holiday season – Gift of College gift cards. Friends and families can buy these digital gift cards, available at pa529.com/gift, for recipients to deposit into their PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account. Anyone, including parents, grandparents, other relatives and family friends, can contribute to a PA 529 account. Savings can be used for qualified education expenses for K-12, higher education, credential programs and apprenticeship programs. The person giving the gift also gets something – a PA state tax deduction for the amount of the PA 529 contribution. In November, PA 529 was ranked one of the best college savings plans in the nation. To learn more about PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000. Dec. 19 Deadline to Apply for Veterans Services Grants
Nonprofits, counties and other groups that provide services to veterans have until Dec. 19 to apply for Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grants to help fulfill their missions. Administered by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the VTF supports programs that improve services to veterans at the county, regional or state level. For nonprofit and veterans’ organizations, funding priorities include mental and behavioral health, transportation and employment. These applicants may request up to $40,000. County directors and their association may apply for up to $15,000 per county. Their funding priorities must include outreach initiatives, enhancing veteran service officer and advocate capabilities and addressing emerging needs such as transportation, food insecurity, suicide prevention and legal assistance. America250PA – Susquehanna County Bell Unveiling
As Pennsylvania prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, I was honored to take part in the unveiling of Susquehanna County’s Bells Across PA tribute. The America250PA initiative has invited local artists across the commonwealth to design and decorate three-foot fiberglass bells that reflect the history, culture and character of each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Our county’s bell— beautifully created by local artist Kelly Finan — was sponsored by Coterra Energy and Pennsylvania American Water, whose support made this project possible. The unveiling at the Susquehanna County Historical Society was a meaningful celebration of our shared heritage. Celebrating the Bill of Rights
Monday, Dec. 15 is national Bill of Rights Day, when we celebrate the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution in 1791. The Bill of Rights guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual – like freedom of speech, press and religion – and limits the power of government. This document forever enshrined the fundamental rights and liberties we hold sacred as Americans and set in motion the greatest self-governance experiment in the history of the world.
Please do not reply to this email. If you would like to contact Senator Baker, submit a web contact form here: https://www.senatorbaker.com/contact-me-2/ |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorbaker.com | Privacy Policy |
