Senator Ward, J E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Child Care Tax Credit Supports Families, Communities
  • Exciting Careers Await in PA Agriculture
  • Pennsylvania March for Life
  • State Seminars Explain New Tax Laws
  • An Emergency Plan Can be a Lifesaver
  • The Liberty Tree Project
  • September is National Prostate Health Month
  • Out and About

Child Care Tax Credit Supports Families, Communities

Senate Republicans understand that supporting families helps create strong communities. We led the way in establishing the Child Care Tax Credit and also increased it to provide relief to as many moms and dads as possible.

Because of the tax credit, more businesses can contribute toward their employees’ child care benefits, providing financial relief to parents, beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Employer contributions may not count as the employee’s income.

The tax credit allows employers to claim a tax credit equal to 30% of what they contribute toward an employee’s child care benefits, up to $500. If an employer chooses to make contributions to its employees, the employer must make equal contributions to all employees who have eligible child care costs.

Exciting Careers Await in PA Agriculture

As Pennsylvania’s leading industry, there are more than 500,000 jobs in Pennsylvania agriculture – covering the fields of business, technology, science and more – and 75,000 more need to be filled in the next decade to keep our farms operating and our nation fed.

As the industry diversifies and innovates with new technology and its aging workforce retires, new opportunities are continually available. 

Find available careers in agriculture.

Pennsylvania March for Life

This year’s March for Life was amazing. Thousands of Pennsylvanians braved the weather and came out to show support for the unborn, and I was proud to stand with them. Senator Cris Dush and Representative Marla Brown were the legislative speakers. I was even able to meet up with a busload of constituents from my district!

State Seminars Explain New Tax Laws

Senate Republicans reformed the state tax code to bring jobs to Pennsylvania and help start-ups.

Tax professionals can learn about these and other changes at the Department of Revenue in person or at virtual seminars. The one-day seminars offer information about the Personal Income Tax, sales tax, corporate taxes and compliance initiatives. They also explain how to use the department’s website to establish tax accounts for new businesses, file tax returns and pay state taxes.

Seminars are offered through December. Learn more and register here.

An Emergency Plan Can be a Lifesaver

Having an emergency plan that everyone in your family is familiar with can keep your loved ones safe during a power outage, severe storm or other unexpected event.

A clear plan helps people stay calm and focused during a stressful experience. It should include information about where to go, who to contact and what to have on hand.

It’s important to have enough food, water and other supplies to last at least three days. Other items for a basic emergency kit include flashlights, extra batteries, first aid supplies, hand sanitizer and a whistle to signal for help.  Learn more here to set up your own emergency preparedness guide.

The Liberty Tree Project

The Pennsylvania Freemasons incoordination with America250PA are proud to present the Liberty Tree Project! This event is part of a multi-year celebration of our nation’s 250th Anniversary. On October 12, there will be a tree planting and dedication in Mifflin and Juniata Counties.

Liberty Trees were gathering places for the Sons of Liberty throughout all 13 colonies. From their meetings and discussions, the seeds of the American Revolution were planted. The trees planted are actual descendants of real Liberty Trees. The Mifflin County event will be held at McVeytown Community Park located at 10 N. Queen St. in McVeytown and will be held at 10:30 A.M. The Juniata County event will be held at Westminster United Presbyterian Church Cemetery located on North Street in Mifflintown at 1:30 P.M.

September is National Prostate Health Month

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in men in the United States, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. It causes more deaths in men than all but lung cancer.

Screenings can often catch the disease before it spreads, resulting in a five-year survival rate of 97.5%. For someone with an average risk, screening should begin at age 50. Getting screened every two or three years is sufficient for most men.

While there is no way to completely prevent prostate cancer, men can reduce their risk by choosing a low-fat diet filled with fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising most days of the week.

Out and About

The Juniata County Commissioners held a Voter Hall of Fame Ceremony to honor over 40 voters. These folks have voted in 50 consecutive elections and were awarded with a Certificate from the Juniata County Commissioners and Pennsylvania Department of State. My staff was on hand to present Senate Citations, and Reps. David Rowe and Perry Stambaugh, sponsored House Citations that were presented to the recipients as well. John Breneman of my staff is pictured presenting a citation to Fred Naylor.

It was a great pleasure to participate with the Fulton County Farm Bureau, where we enjoyed a tour of Timber Valley Farm in Needmore, offered by the owners, Joseph and Melinda Bytella. At Timber Valley Farm they rehabilitate thoroughbred racehorses and give them a second chance at life. We then traveled to the Richards’ farm where we were treated to a delicious meal followed by the Farm Bureau’s annual meeting.

 

I attended the 2024 Annual Convention of the Blair County Association of Township Officials at the Blair County Convention Center. The program included the official business meeting, scholarship awards and a presentation from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) on the challenges facing volunteer fire departments. A special guest, Lucille, a K9 accelerant detection dog, and her trainer, Justin Smithmyer from the Altoona Fire Department, gave a demonstration to the crowd. We are very lucky to have the only Certified Accelerant Detection K9 Team between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Many thanks to the township officials who work hard to keep our communities running smoothly!

My staff had the privilege of attending a stream restoration project along part of Lost Creek in Juniata County. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and their partners at the Juniata County Conservation District, Waterways Preservation Commission, Resource Restoration Group and HRG were involved with this project. These projects help to restore eroded stream banks along our streams, preserving them for many years to come. 

    

This week, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce assisted the Altoona Library in a ribbon cutting for the new Tool Lending Library. The Tool Lending Library offers a selection of tools, from basic hand tools to more specialized equipment like power drills, sewing machines, pressure washers and gardening tools. The program is free for Blair County residents ages 18 years and older and aims to support community members in their home improvement endeavors, promote sustainability, and encourage skill-building and creativity!

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