E-news Updates - March 24, 2023

In this Update:

Rotary Club of Indiana Meeting
Senate Reviews Proposed State Budget
Meetings Throughout the 41^st District
Check the Status of Your Tax Refund
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Improving Access to Unemployment Compensation System
Share Your Feedback on PennDOT’s Winter Services
Veterans: Protect Your Pension

Rotary Club of Indiana Meeting

I was honored to be guest speaker at the Indiana Rotary meeting. My thanks to Dana Henry for the invitation, all the members for welcoming me and Club President, Rev. William Geiger for presenting me with their signature pen. It was a pleasure spending time with the Rotarian members discussing how to better serve our local community and state. You have my support and appreciation for all that you do for our community!

For those not familiar, Rotarians provide community service to both local and international communities. Their motto of service above self is indeed admirable. If you are interested in learning more, check out their webpage.

Senate Reviews Proposed State Budget

The Senate Appropriations Committee held the first of three weeks of public hearings about the proposed 2023-24 state budget.

Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a $45.8 billion budget that would increase spending by $1.3 billion. Based on projections, it would nearly wipe out the state’s $5 billion Rainy Day Fund in five years.

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity urged lawmakers to make greater investments in Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund and reduce the structural deficit to improve the state’s credit rating. She testified that the commonwealth has a choice: spend modestly now or face a possible fiscal cliff as federal funds dry up and the Rainy Day Fund is depleted.

Independent Fiscal Office Director Matthew Knittel confirmed that Pennsylvania joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative would mean hundreds of millions of dollars in new energy taxes. Higher electricity costs could be on the horizon if Shapiro advances a carbon tax.

Find the hearings schedule, livestreams of budget hearings, daily recaps and video from prior hearings at PASenateGOP.com.

Meetings Throughout the 41^st District

Last week I traveled throughout the district for many stops, including visiting the Blairsville Community Center where Director, Brock Harsh, board members and borough officials, shared an overview of building improvements and proposed plans.

I also visited Ligonier Valley School District to meet with district officials and board members from both Ligonier Valley and Derry Area School District. We had a meaningful discussion about various education issues that need to be addressed. I appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy day to welcome me!

Check the Status of Your Tax Refund

As families struggle with rising costs and inflation, many are anticipating their tax refund. Anyone who would like to check the status of a Pennsylvania Income Tax refund can do so by calling 1-888-PATAXES or clicking here. There is also an opportunity to verify your tax refund to expedite processing.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday morning was a little chilly, but I was pleased to be at the 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Lower Burrell with PA State Rep. Abby Major. It was a great day to celebrate with the community!

Improving Access to Unemployment Compensation System

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry extended indefinitely a program that enhances Pennsylvanians’ access to the Unemployment Compensation (UC) system by offering in-person appointments to claimants.

The program, now called UC Connect, offers in-person services for UC claimants who do not have proper technology, equipment or technical skills; individuals without access to home Internet or broadband; and individuals with limited-English proficiency.

To schedule an appointment, claimants should contact a PA CareerLink® center directly.

Share Your Feedback on PennDOT’s Winter Services

PennDOT is accepting winter services feedback through an online survey. The public can take the survey here through April 6.

The 17-question survey asks how often respondents travel during poor weather, how they rate PennDOT’s winter service and how they rank snow-removal priorities. Respondents are also asked how they receive PennDOT roadway information and whether they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services.

During the winter, https://511pa.com offers its standard traffic and incident information while adding PennDOT plow-truck locations, winter roadway conditions and other services.

Veterans: Protect Your Pension

Veterans and their beneficiaries who are potentially eligible for VA pension benefits must beware of pension poaching. While pension poaching can impact any veteran, poachers primarily target older veterans. Pension poaching comes in several forms, from selling financial products of questionable value to charging a fee to restructure assets to make the veteran or beneficiary meet income eligibility criteria. Read about other pension poaching methods here.

Avoid becoming a victim of pension poaching by never paying:

For forms or to submit applications.
To restructure assets to “qualify.”
For the promise of eligibility for a pension.
To receive a lump sum payment on a pension.

If you suspect or experience a scam or financial exploitation related to any veteran benefit, including a VA pension, file a report immediately with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Military and Veterans Affairs section by calling 717-783-1944, emailing PAvets@attorneygeneral.gov or filling out this online form.

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