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In this Update:
Statewide Row Officers Begin Serving PA
Congratulations to new PA Attorney General Dave Sunday and reelected PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity and PA Auditor General Tim DeFoor on their inaugurations on Tuesday. My colleagues and I stand ready to work together to move our commonwealth forward. As the state’s top law enforcement official, the attorney general works to protect and serve citizens and agencies of the commonwealth. The position is served by several hundred prosecutors, attorneys, investigators, agents and support staff. The Treasury Department is the custodian of more than $160 billion in state funds and oversees all withdrawals and deposits from state agencies. It also administers programs, including the PA 529 college and career savings plan, that help families prepare for the future. In her first term, Garrity returned record amounts of unclaimed property and reduced fees multiple times for PA 529 and PA ABLE, which is a program that gives individuals with qualifying disabilities a tax-advantaged way to save without impacting their government benefits. The auditor general is the state’s fiscal watchdog. The role is tasked with ensuring state government lives within its means and every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely. In addition to completing nearly 4,000 legally required audits per year, DeFoor also conducted several high-profile performance audits during his first four years in office. The audits determine how state government programs are working and ensure tax dollars are being spent appropriately. Richland Borough to Receive State Funding to Replace Water Storage Tank
I announced this week that Richland Borough would receive a $4.1 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to replace a water storage tank. Richland Borough’s existing water storage tank experiences inconsistent water pressure throughout the system and has reached the end of its useful life. The current water storage tank makes water service unreliable for the communities serviced by the borough. There are also health risks associated with leaking or failure of the tank. Ensuring that the state’s infrastructure is operational is a key function of government, and I’m pleased that this funding is dedicated to that purpose. The funding will include the installation of a 500,000-gallon elevated water storage tank, interconnect piping, instrumentation, controls, communication systems, tank mixing system, surface and electrical work including an emergency generator. After the new tank is installed and operational, the old one will be taken offline. Construction is estimated to begin in April and conclude in August 2026. Throughout the life of the low-interest PENNVEST loan, it will provide nearly $1.2 million as a grant-equivalent. A grant of $1 million has been provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The loan and grant cover the full cost of the project. PENNVEST approved the funding at its board meeting today. The state’s PENNVEST Program provides low-interest loans and grants for the design, engineering and construction of drinking water distribution facilities, stormwater conveyance and wastewater treatment and collection systems. Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Program Now Open With Expanded Eligibility
More Pennsylvanian may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 in rebates on property taxes and rent due to legislation passed last year. This year’s eligibility cap for homeowners and renters was raised to $46,520. The PTRR program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older. Submitting your application online through myPATH — in English or Spanish — is easy and does not require you to sign up for an account. Filing online gives you instant confirmation that your claim has been successfully filed. Applicants also will have access to automatic calculators and other helpful features that are not available through the paper application. Pennsylvanians can visit pa.gov/ptrr to find information on the program and learn how to apply. Free Webinar on Jan. 30 to Provide Helpful Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding a free virtual webinar to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. It will be held on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. During the webinar, a PHEAA expert will present information about the financial aid application process, the types of aid available and strategies about affordability to consider before applying for postsecondary school admission. A question-and-answer session will be held following the hour-long presentation. Register to attend the webinar, which is open to all ages. Assistance Available for Local Historic Preservation
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations and local governments for the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program. The grants support projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania for the benefit of public and community revitalization. Two categories of grants – construction and planning – are available for historic resources in Pennsylvania that are listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places. Applicants may apply for only one type of grant. Learn more and apply online by March 3. Winter Emergency Travel Kit Tips
Winter travel can bring extended traffic stops. You can ensure your safety and comfort by packing an emergency travel kit. Be sure to include a blanket, ice scraper, flashlight, warm clothing and gloves, sand, jumper cables, cellphone charger, small shovel, first aid kit, water and nonperishable food. A printable winter emergency kit list from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is available here. Your winter emergency kit should also include the personal items you need to accommodate the family members who travel with you, such as special medication, baby supplies and pet food. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Human trafficking often goes hand in hand with violence and social issues. If you suspect someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Technology, the desire for connection and lack of financial stability all play key roles in the most common ways human trafficking begins. By looking out for those around us, we can help to prevent exploitation before it happens. While the new legislative session just began, Senate Republicans passed multiple bills last session to help people who were victims of human trafficking. One law ensures that sexually exploited children who are human trafficking victims always have full access to appropriate services and support. Another subjects individuals convicted of certain human trafficking offenses to the same reporting and evaluation requirements as any other sexual offender. Local Events
Saturday, January 25, 9am-4pm: Mid Atlantic Reptile Expo Saturday, January 25, 5pm: Family Game Night Saturday, January 27, 11am: Intro to Social Media at Annville Free Library Thursday, January 23-26: 2025 PA Auto Show
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