Senator Langerholc E-Newsletter

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In this update:

  • Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County’s Economic Development Discussion
  • Tour of Avail Technologies
  • Tre’sean Wiggins Defends North American Boxing Association Welterweight Title
  • Upcoming Food Bank
  • PA 511 Reminder
  • Voter ID: Time for PA to Catch Up with Other States, Nations
  • Rebates for Property Taxes and Rent Available to Seniors, Pennsylvanians with Disabilities
  • Local Organizations Can Apply Now for Conservation Grants
  • Lowering the Risk of Birth Defects

Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County’s Economic Development Discussion

It was great to attend the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County’s Economic Development Discussion with Penn State University President Dr. Neeli Bendapudi.

Tour of Avail Technologies

It was great to tour Avail Technologies in Centre County.  Avail Technologies is one of the leading providers of public transportation technology in the nation and is headquartered in Ferguson Township. 

Tre’sean Wiggins Defends North American Boxing Association Welterweight Title

Congratulations to Tre’sean Wiggins from Kastle Boxing for defending his North American Boxing Association welterweight title this past weekend in Miami.

Food Bank

Save the date! The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will be holding a drive-up food distribution on Wednesday, February 8th from 12-2 p.m. at the Galleria Johnstown. You do not have to pre-register for this event.

PA 511 Reminder

Just a reminder that if you are traveling during inclement weather, you can download the PA 511 mobile app for current weather and road conditions. You can also access this information here.

Voter ID: Time for PA to Catch Up with Other States, Nations

A proposed constitutional amendment passed by the Senate earlier this month to require ID verification at polling places remains in the House of Representatives. Its approval is needed to let voters have a say through a ballot question in the spring primary election.

Pennsylvania’s failure to enact this key component of election integrity has put it behind not only a vast majority of states and most developed countries, but behind many developing nations as well.

Every excuse used to block this rational election reform has been shown to be false. Requiring proof of identification before voting does not suppress turnout, and acceptable IDs are not difficult to obtain.

Nationally, the calls for voter ID come from Democrats and Republicans alike. Eighty percent of Americans favor voter ID as do 74% of Pennsylvanians. Now is the time to pass Senate Bill 1 and let the voters decide.

Rebates for Property Taxes and Rent Available to Seniors, Pennsylvanians with Disabilities

Older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities can apply now for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2022.

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. Spouses, personal representatives or estates may also file rebate claims on behalf of claimants who lived at least one day in the claim year and meet all other eligibility criteria.

The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. You can find more eligibility and application information here. Eligible applicants can visit mypath.pa.gov to electronically submit their applications.

Local Organizations Can Apply Now for Conservation Grants

Counties, municipalities and municipal agencies, pre-qualified land trusts, nonprofits and other eligible organizations can apply now for state conservation, recreation, trail and related grants.

Administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Community Conservation Partnerships Program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including Pennsylvania’s natural gas Impact Fee.

Applications will be accepted through April 5. Online tutorials are available to aid organizations in the application process.

Lowering the Risk of Birth Defects

Rates of infant deaths due to birth defects have declined by 10% in the United States. However, even today, every 4½ minutes a baby is born with a major problem affecting parts of the body including the heart, brain or foot, causing lifelong health challenges.

The National Birth Defects Prevention Network offers women five tips for preventing birth defects:

  1. If possible, take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day at least one month prior to conception.
  2. Plan a visit with your health care provider to support a healthy pregnancy.
  3. Reduce your risk of infections.
  4. Care for your body and mind before and during pregnancy to set you and your baby up for success.
  5. Avoid harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Not all birth defects can be prevented. However, healthy choices and habits help lower the risk of having a baby born with these challenges.

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