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In this Update:
- 40th Anniversary Celebration at Victim Services Inc.
- Ribbon Cutting at Firefighters’ Memorial Trail
- Upcoming Events
- State Budget Implementation Requires Action by the House of Representatives
- State Grants Available for Children’s Advocacy Centers
- Scam Threatens Suspension of Health License
- Shared Ride Services Available to the Public
- Tax-Free Savings Accounts for People with Disabilities
40th Anniversary Celebration at Victim Services Inc.
I was happy to attend Victim Services Inc. 40th Anniversary celebration. Victim Services provides free, confidential, client-services to individuals and strives to create cultural change through education, awareness and empowerment. Congratulations and best wishes for continued service to the community.
Ribbon Cutting at Firefighters’ Memorial Trail
My staff attended the Ribbon Cutting for the initial phase of the Firefighters’ Memorial Trail, in Cambria County. The trail extends from the Cambria Heights High School to Patton Park. I would like to thank the Cambria Heights SD and the Northern Cambria Community Development Corporation for working together to make this trail a reality. Congratulations!
Upcoming Events
I have partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to offer a Mature Driver Safety Program to area seniors at no cost on September 12, 2023, at the Northern Cambria Recreation Center, 186 Schoolhouse Road, Ebensburg, PA 15931. To register for this session click here.
For more information or to register via phone for the session, please contact my office at 814-266-2277.
Please join me on Thursday, September 28, 2023, my annual Senior Expo. The Expo will be held at East Hills Recreation, 101 Community College Way, Johnstown from 10 am – 12 pm. Admission is free!
State Budget Implementation Requires Action by the House of Representatives
A week after the Senate convened for session and passed legislation to take additional steps toward finalizing the new state budget, the House of Representatives has yet to come back to session and vote on budget implementation legislation which can help all communities throughout our commonwealth. Right now the House is not scheduled to come back to Harrisburg for session until Sept. 26.
The general appropriations bill was signed into law last month. However, code language passed by the Senate still needs to be advanced by the House in order to drive out critical funding. While the House is currently split at 101 to 101 with an even number of Republicans and Democrats, we cannot let politics stand in the way of doing the right thing for Pennsylvanians. We welcome our colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in coming back to session immediately to complete the 2023-24 budget.
State Grants Available for Children’s Advocacy Centers
Help is available to children’s advocacy centers (CACs) for their crucial mission coordinating the investigation, treatment and prosecution of child abuse cases.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency says the funds can be used to help CACs expand, improve or continue the services provided to victims of child sexual abuse and child abuse. Applications and information are listed here under “2023 NCA Member Child Advocacy Centers.”
The Senate Aging and Youth Committee held a hearing last month to gather information about the needs of CACs and the critical roles they play across Pennsylvania.
Scam Threatens Suspension of Health License
Scammers pretending to be from the Pennsylvania Department of State’s health-related licensing boards are calling active and inactive licensees, claiming their licenses are suspended due to allegations of criminal activity. To trick people, the scammers spoof the state board’s phone number and name on caller ID.
Someone who actually represents the state board will not contact you by phone to request a credit card payment, wire transfer or money order. They will never request any payment be made using gift card or that it be wired to a foreign country.
If you receive one of these calls, please hang up and report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Shared Ride Services Available to the Public
People who do not drive can get where they need to go using shared ride services. Riders can travel to work, medical providers, grocery stores, shopping centers and more when fixed route services cannot meet their needs.
While shared ride services are open to the public, riders must register in advance to use them. Each shared ride provider has its own fare structure. Various programs allow seniors, persons with disabilities and low-income individuals to access shared ride service at a reduced out-of-pocket cost or even for free.
Find more information and the shared ride service provider near you here.
Tax-Free Savings Accounts for People with Disabilities
Tax-free savings accounts to help people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses are available through the Pennsylvania Treasury. PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are structured similar to tuition savings accounts.
Family members and friends can contribute up to $17,000 per year; PA ABLE account owners who earn income may contribute additional funds beyond the annual contribution limit. Once the maximum account limit of $511,758 is reached, accounts continue to earn interest.
Withdrawals from the account will be exempt from both state and federal income taxes as long as the funds are used for qualified disability expenses. These include education, housing, transportation, employment support, health prevention and assistive technology. Learn more here.
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