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In this Update:
Statewide Row Officers Begin Serving PA
Congratulations to new PA Attorney General Dave Sunday along with 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. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is Now Open
This year’s application period for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, the PA1000, is now open. Eligible applicants can use myPATH, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s online filing system, to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid during 2024. In-person assistance is offered in my district offices and at hundreds of Commonwealth locations statewide. Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2025, with rebates distributed starting July 1, 2025, as required by law. For more information on how to apply and details on the rebate, click here. PA Forward Student Loan Program Webinars Available for January
During the month of January, PHEAA will be offering webinars that will provide students and families with the borrowing information that is right for them. You can register and find more information here. Searching for Scholarships and Affording the Balance: Tuesday, January 28 at Noon. There are many ways to pay for education and one important step is to search and apply for Scholarships. More free money equals less borrowing. This presentation will review the types of options available, along with tips of applying. It will also offer samples of fun scholarship options to get you started. They will then review what to do about the balances that might be left over to make affordable higher education decisions. Join Suzanne Sparrow, Daniel Wray, and William McGinley from PHEAA for an hour of detailed information on this topic. Borrowing for Education – Which Loan is Right for Me: Thursday, January 30 at Noon. Have you found the schools you would like to attend, filed the FAFSA and State Grant Form, searched for Scholarships, researched higher education costs, calculated the funding gap and are still wondering what’s next to pay for your education? Do you see that education loans are a necessity, but are wondering where do I go from here? What loan programs are available to you? What are the advantages and disadvantage of the various types that may be available? Join Suzanne Sparrow, Daniel Wray, and William McGinley of PHEAA for a 1-hour webinar to review the different borrowing options and examine the details associated with each option. The PHEAA loan team will answer your questions as you sort out the information and make decisions that are right for you and your family. 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. New Annual Report Requirement for Business Owners Starting in 2025
As of January 1, there are new annual report requirements for businesses. Types of domestic and foreign businesses that must now file annual reports with the Pennsylvania Department of State include business corporations, nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability general partnerships, professional associations and business trusts. The information required includes the business name, jurisdiction, registered office address, principal office address, name of at least one governor (director, member, partner, etc.), officer names (if any), and Department of State file number. The filing fee is $7, which is waived for nonprofits. Reports can be updated during the reporting year for no additional charge. Businesses are encouraged to file the annual report online to avoid any delays or backlogs. The filing window is based on the entity type: corporations Jan. 1 – June 30; limited liability companies Jan. 1 – Sept. 30; and all others Jan. 1 – Dec. 31. The Department of State will notify entities via email (if an email address has been provided) and postcard before their deadline. Failure to file an annual report will result in the administrative dissolution, termination, or cancellation of the business registration, starting in 2027. Business owners can find a step-by-step filing guide and other resources regarding annual reports here. They can also call the Department’s dedicated telephone line for questions about annual reports: 717-787-1057, option 5. 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. DCNR Opens Grant Applications to Advance Parks, Recreation and Conservation Projects
Communities across Pennsylvania can now apply for state grants to fund parks, recreation, and conservation projects, as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) opens its latest round of Community Conservation Partnerships Program funding. Applications are open now through April 2 at 4 P.M. Eligible applicants include local governments and recreation and conservation non-profit organizations. The grants fund:
Grants are only accepted through DCNR’s Grants Customer Service Portal. For more information, visit the Community Conservation Partnerships Program. 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. Additionally, I led the efforts to update and strengthen the language in our state’s Child Sexual Abuse laws ensuring that when these cases are tried our law enforcement has the full capability to protect our most vulnerable population. Another subjects individuals convicted of certain human trafficking offenses to the same reporting and evaluation requirements as any other sexual offender. Out and About in the 30th DistrictParlor Donuts Opens in Altoona Congratulations to Parlor Donuts on cutting the ribbon at their location on Burgoon Road in Altoona. Best of luck for great success!
Presbyterian Village Celebrating 100 Years It was wonderful to join the Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg for the celebration of their 100th year anniversary! The Blair County Chamber of Commerce assisted them in a special ceremony with a ribbon cutting. Here’s to another 100 years!
Tyrone March for Life What an honor to walk in the Tyrone March for Life. A hearty group of people walked in sub-freezing temps and snow to celebrate the gift of life.
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