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Capitol Report
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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In the Fifth
I had the honor of attending the Berks County Public Libraries 22nd Annual Library Excellence Awards this past week where several individuals, programs and businesses were recognized for their dedication to, and support of, the public library system.
Congratulations to the following award winners:
• Outstanding Library Staff Member: Daphne Meyer, Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library.
• Outstanding Fundraising Effort: Library Fall Fair, Wernersville Public Library.
• Outstanding Youth Program: Camp Pollywog, Wernersville Public Library.
• Dreisbach Award for Exemplary Service: Elizabeth Kreider, Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library.
Thank you all for your continued support of our public libraries!
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Budget Hearings Conclude
Energy costs, planned prison closures and growth in the state’s human services spending were among the topics addressed during the final week of budget hearings at the state Capitol last week.
During a Monday afternoon hearing with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), members of the House Appropriations Committee pressed officials with questions about the impact of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed energy policies on consumers and the stability of the electric grid. PUC officials also responded to concerns about federal funding for expanding broadband internet service in unserved and underserved areas.
Earlier in the day, members questioned the Department of Corrections (DOC) about the impact of plans to close four facilities, including SCI Rockview in Centre County and the Quehanna Boot Camp in Clearfield County, as well as community corrections centers in Berks and Greene counties.
During a day-long hearing Tuesday, members questioned the Department of Human Services about significant growth in expenses, preventing theft of SNAP benefits, dealing with maternity care deserts and more.
Other hearings last week included Treasury and the Office of the Budget.
The governor proposed a $51.47 billion budget last month, representing a $3.57 billion, or 7.5%, increase over the current fiscal year. The proposed spending increase is significantly more than the anticipated $1.3 billion revenue increase.
Video and highlights of each completed hearing are available here.
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Commonwealth Charter Day!
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) celebrated the Commonwealth’s 344th birthday on Sunday, March 9.
Pennsylvania was established when England’s King Charles II granted a charter to William Penn in March 1681. The 344-year-old charter, often referred to as Pennsylvania’s birth certificate, is written on parchment using iron gall ink. The Pennsylvania State Archives preserves the document in a high-security vault, shielding it from strong light and environmental fluctuations.
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Free Tax Filing Resources Available
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The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers of free online tools and resources it offers to help people seamlessly file their tax returns.
Roughly 2.1 million Pennsylvanians are eligible this tax season to use Direct File, an online tool offering taxpayers the option to file their federal and state tax returns at no cost directly with the IRS and Department of Revenue. It is the first time the program is being offered in the Commonwealth.
Direct File is currently designed for Pennsylvanians with common tax situations. The IRS offers an eligibility checker that will walk you through the steps to see if you’re eligible.
Taxpayer service and assistance is also available through the department’s Online Customer Service Center, which contains answers to hundreds of common income tax questions and allows taxpayers to securely submit a question to the department. Taxpayers may also call 717-787-8201 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for state tax assistance. In-person assistance is available at Department of Revenue district offices.
Click here for additional information. The tax filing deadline is April 15.
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Be Aware of Tax Season Scams
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is again warning taxpayers about tax season scams. They’ve identified the “dirty dozen” most common scams for individuals, businesses and tax professionals.
They include phishing scams via email or text, bad social media tax advice, fake IRS individual online account help, fake charities, false fuel tax credit claims, credits for sick leave and family leave that are no longer available, bogus self-employment tax credits and ghost tax return preparers, among others.
Click here to learn more about these scams and how to protect yourself. And remember, the IRS will never contact you using social media or text message. The first contact from the IRS usually comes in the mail. Taxpayers who are unsure whether they owe money to the IRS can view their tax account information at IRS.gov.
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PA ABLE Helps Save for Disability-Related Expenses
The PA ABLE Savings Program, an initiative created to help people with disabilities and their families save for future expenses, continues to grow in the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Treasury, which oversees the program, recently announced it has surpassed $150 million in assets.
ABLE stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience. The program offers multiple savings and investment options, including an interest-bearing checking account. PA ABLE accounts owners can contribute up to $19,000 per year. Contributions can be deducted on PA state income taxes, and PA ABLE account owners pay no federal or state income tax on account growth when used for qualified withdrawals.
The money can be used for everything from groceries, rent, health care and transportation to longer-term expenses including education and assistive technology.
Learn more at www.PAABLE.gov.
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Let's Get Connected
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Our District
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Web Site
rep .com
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: Reading Regional Airport - Main Terminal, 2501 Bernville Road, Box 4, Reading, PA, 19605 | Phone: (610) 378-4407, FAX: (610) 378-4412 | Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
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| Capitol Office: 432 Irvis Office Building, Harrisburg, Pa 17020-2005 | PO Box 202005 | Phone: 717-772-9940 |
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