Senator Pennycuick E-Newsletter

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Dear Friends,

As Chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, I often hear about the ways in which individuals are taken advantage of and have their identities stolen through the internet. On July 11th, I am hosting an event with members of numerous law enforcement offices to provide helpful information about how you can avoid the pitfalls of identity theft. The sign up is below and the event is free. I hope you’ll join me for this important discussion.

Sincerely,

In this Update:

  • Bipartisan Bill Aims to Crack Down on Child Exploitation in Pennsylvania
  • Scam Jam – July 11, 2024
  • Property Tax/Rent Rebates: June Outreach Locations
  • Opportunity House Shelter Tour
  • Reading Area Community College Tour
  • PennDOT Awards $5.5 Million Contract to Improve Eight Roads in Montgomery County
  • Senate Approves Bill to Improve Workforce Development Programs
  • Bill to Improve Early Literacy Receives Senate Support
  • Jumpstart Your Child’s Education Savings
  • Antlerless Deer Licenses for Sale Starting June 24
  • June is Pet Preparedness Month

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Crack Down on Child Exploitation in Pennsylvania

We are not going to tolerate this exploitation of children in Pennsylvania. My bipartisan legislation is crucial to keep our children safe. Thank you NewsNation for having me on your show and shining a light on this legislation.

Scam Jam – July 11, 2024

Learn to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft by joining me and the Lower Salford Township Police Department, PA Banking and Securities, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and AARP’s Pennsylvania Office for our Scam Jam event on July 11 at 9:30 AM.

Hear from experts on how to protect your finances and personal information. Plus, there will be games, prizes, and refreshments!

This is a free event, but space is limited, so register now!

Property Tax/Rent Rebates: June Outreach Locations

My office will be hosting outreach locations in June to provide assistance to residents applying for the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and urges interested area seniors to make an appointment.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is open to residents age 65 or older, widows and widowers age 50 or older, or anyone age 18 and older who is 100% disabled, with a household income of $45,000 or less, counting only half of Social Security. Rebate amounts are calculated based on 2023 income and the amount of property tax or rent paid in 2023, with rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000.

Residents can call my office at 215-541-2388 or visit online to schedule an appointment for one of the following dates:

June 24, 26, 9 a.m. to noon
Montgomery County Community College-Pottstown
101 College Drive, North Hall, Room 224, Pottstown

June 24, 1-4 p.m.
Trappe Borough Hall Building, 525 W. Main St., Trappe

June 25, 9 a.m. to noon
Towamencin Township Building, 1090 Troxel Road, Lansdale

June 25, 1-4 p.m.
North Wales Borough Hall, 300 School St., North Wales

June 26, 9 a.m. to noon
Amity Township Building, 2004 Weavertown Road, Douglasville

June 26, 1-4 p.m.
Bally Borough Hall, 425 Chestnut St., Bally

The following documents are required to complete the process:

  • Total Social Security/Railroad Retirement
  • Proof of SSI or Disability
  • Proof of Age/First Time Filer Driver’s License or Photo ID
  • 1099 Pension Statement
  • 1099 Interest Statement
  • 1099 Dividend Statement
  • Proof of W-2 or other income
  • Voided check showing routing number & account number if you wish to have payment received by direct deposit.

Property owners will need proof of taxes paid, either stamped or signed by their local tax collector. Renters need a rent certificate filled out and signed by their landlord.

More information on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program can be found at www.revenue.pa.gov.

Opportunity House Shelter Tour

On my recent visit to Opportunity House Shelter, I learned about its incredible evolution since opening its doors in November 1984. What began as a haven for homeless men seeking a warm meal and a safe place to sleep for the night has transformed into a comprehensive, 24-hour facility providing a range of social services.

Today, Opportunity House offers vital services that improve the quality of life for men, women, and children facing homelessness.

Thank you for having me and for the opportunity to learn more about your important work.

Reading Area Community College Tour

I recently visited Reading Area Community College (RACC), a college known for its affordability and open enrollment. RACC offers associate degrees, certificates, and training programs to meet the educational needs of the Reading community.

Through the Schmidt Training and Technology Center, RACC also provides training programs to help businesses and individuals thrive in today’s workforce.

RACC partners with other organizations to further strengthen the economic development of Berks County. Thank you for the opportunity to visit!

PennDOT Awards $5.5 Million Contract to Improve Eight Roads in Montgomery County

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has awarded a $5.5 million contract to Allan Myers, a local Worcester company, to improve road conditions across the county. This project will involve the repair and resurfacing of eight key roadways.

This investment signifies PennDOT’s commitment to maintaining Montgomery County’s infrastructure and ensuring a safe and smooth driving experience for everyone.

For more information, please visit PennDOT’s web page.

Senate Approves Bill to Improve Workforce Development Programs

The Senate passed legislation to make Pennsylvania more attractive to employers and improve workforce development programs.

Senate Bill 761 would require the Department of Labor and Industry and the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis to share data that is already collected with local workforce development boards in a timely fashion. Delayed information and data sharing limit these boards in efficiently analyzing programs and policy. Having access to workforce data on wages, new hires and unemployment claimants enables programs to be modified so Pennsylvanians can succeed professionally.

The bill also calls for technical assistance and support for the improved data sharing model so local workforce development boards can use the information.

Bill to Improve Early Literacy Receives Senate Support

To give students the best chance of success, the Senate passed a bill that would improve early literacy using a three-pronged approach.

Senate Bill 801 would:

  • Bolster reading instruction with evidence-based reading curricula,
  • Identify struggling readers via universal screening within the first 30 days of school and
  • Use screening data to implement intervention plans to prevent children from falling behind.

Half of Pennsylvania’s fourth grade students read below their grade level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s ability to succeed.

Jumpstart Your Child’s Education Savings

Saving for your child’s education can be daunting, but Keystone Scholars can jumpstart education savings for Pennsylvania children.

The first program of its kind in the country, Keystone Scholars provides a $100 investment for post-high school education for every child born in Pennsylvania since Jan. 1, 2019. It can be used to pay for collegiate studies, technical school training and apprenticeship programs. Claim your child’s money, which is funded by surplus investment earnings from the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan.

Opening a companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account can also help to save for education-related expenses. PA 529 accounts have tax advantages and do not impact eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid.

Antlerless Deer Licenses for Sale Starting June 24

For wildlife management units (WMUs) 1B, 2G and 3A, antlerless deer licenses go on sale for residents Monday, June 24, at 8 a.m. Licenses for residents of all other WMUs go on sale Thursday, June 27, at 8 a.m. They will be guaranteed until July 7. Unsold licenses will be available for nonresidents on July 8 at 8 a.m.

One tag will be available per hunter in the first round of sales. The second round of sales begins July 22 at 8 a.m. for residents and nonresidents alike on a first come, first served basis. Read more about all four rounds of license purchase.

Resident antlerless deer licenses cost $6.97, and nonresident antlerless deer licenses cost $26.97. Purchase a license online or in-store at a license issuing agent.

June is Pet Preparedness Month

Just as it’s important to have an emergency plan for our family, it’s also smart to think ahead for our pets so they can be safe even in unforeseen circumstances. Here are some steps to take:

  • Make a plan. Have an evacuation plan because many shelters and hotels do not allow pets. Have your pet microchipped, and make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date.
  • Build a pet emergency kit. Think about the basics for survival, such as food and water. Have two kits: one larger kit if you’re sheltering in place and a lightweight version if you need to evacuate.
  • Stay informed. Bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings. Evacuate or shelter in place when recommended.

Learn more about how to make sure your pets are prepared and protected.

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