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Dear Friends, I’m pleased to report that the Pennsylvania Legislature and the Governor have come to an agreement on the 2024-2025 budget. During these high inflationary times, it is critical that we are transparent and honest with taxpayers about the realities of our state’s fiscal picture. After lengthy negotiations, we were able to beat back the spending increases proposed by the Governor. As your state Senator, I am committed to continue to fight for Pennsylvania taxpayers and businesses, first and foremost. The plan also increases K-12 education funding by more than $1 billion and provides significant resources to empower parents and families to make the best decisions possible on how to meet the unique educational needs of their children through the highly successful Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, which provides scholarships to help families attend schools that best meet student needs. If you have any questions regarding the budget, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Pennsylvania Legislature Passes Balanced, No Tax Increase Budget
One of the most important jobs of the state Senate is to work on and pass a responsible budget. Last night, the General Assembly delivered, and the Governor signed into law, a $47.59 billion 2024-2025 state budget. This budget takes an aggressive approach to boosting economic development and job opportunities, and cuts hundreds of millions of dollars in spending from Governor Shapiro’s original proposal – some $740 million which we saved into the state’s Rainy-Day Fund, to hedge against any economic downturn in the future. Most importantly, the budget contains no tax increases and takes an approach that does not jeopardize the state’s future finances. One of my top priorities is education. Throughout my tenure in the General Assembly, I have worked to ensure our Commonwealth provides resources to support students as well empowering parents in the education of their children. For the third consecutive year, the state budget includes more than a billion dollars in new funding for K-12 schools. Additional funding is also included for special education, career and technical schools, and CTE equipment grants. Roughly $100 million is included in the budget to address school safety and security needs as well as mental health concerns. The budget also addressed the need to change the way we manage cyber charter funding by providing a $100 million cyber charter reimbursement for school districts. Importantly, the budget also includes new funding to empower parents and families to ensure students can learn in the environment that best meets their individualized educational needs through a $75 million increase in the highly successful Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. In addition, the budget includes funding for the innovative Grow PA post-secondary education and career preparation plan, which offers scholarships to attract and retain young people to pursue high-demand careers and remain in Pennsylvania after graduation, helping Pennsylvania to turn around our demographic decline. I was pleased to be able to lead this effort in the Senate advancing our state’s system of higher education. Pennsylvania faces serious challenges in keeping young people in the state, as many young people continue to pursue educational options and job opportunities in other states. The new Grow PA Scholarship Program will help attract and retain Pennsylvania’s best and brightest students who are interested in pursuing careers in industries the Commonwealth desperately needs. The program will offer $5,000 grants for students enrolled in high-demand educational programs, so long as they live and work in Pennsylvania for at least 12 months for every year they accept the grant. In addition, an increase of $36 million in the Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program will increase eligibility and allow many more students to benefit from scholarships. In recent years, Pennsylvania has struggled to attract and retain employers to provide quality job opportunities for state residents. This year’s budget makes major strides toward making PA more competitive by breaking down the barriers that have hindered job growth in the past. In addition, the budget includes $400 million for the PA Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (SITES) Program to ensure business sites are prepared for development right away. I believe in the promise of Pennsylvania and strengthening our local communities through these substantial investments. Coupled with our strong focus on expanding jobs and opportunities for Pennsylvanians, this fiscally responsible approach provides a fresh opportunity to address the commonwealth’s economic and demographic challenges and create a brighter future. Local Property Tax/Tent Rebate Assistance Continues in July
My office will be holding more workshops in July to provide assistance to residents applying for the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and urges interested area seniors to make an appointment. The deadline has been extended to December 31, 2024. 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. “This program is a valuable resource for residents, especially during these challenging times” said Pennycyick. “We encourage everyone who may be eligible to take advantage of this extended deadline and reach out to our office for assistance with the application process.” Residents can call Senator Pennycuick’s office at 215-541-2388 or visit online to schedule an appointment for one of the following dates: July 16, 9AM – 12PM July 23, 9AM – 12PM July 23, 1PM – 4PM July 15, 17, 22, 24 & 29, 1PM – 4PM July 22, 1PM – 4PM July 24, 9AM – 12PM July 24, 1PM – 4PM The following documents are required to complete the process:
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. Scam Jam
We were thrilled with the turnout of my recent Scam Jam, co-presented by the Lower Salford Township Police Department, PA Banking and Securities, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and AARP Pennsylvania Office. It was a resounding success, with a large and engaged audience eager to learn about fraud protection strategies. Our esteemed speakers delivered insightful presentations, equipping attendees with valuable knowledge to safeguard themselves and their families from scams. We are truly grateful for their expertise and dedication to public education. DMVA Helps Veterans Receive Benefits by Locating Lost Military Documents
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) encourages veterans who need assistance with locating their lost DD Form 214 (DD-214) and other military documents to contact the DMVA so they can get credit for time served and receive veteran benefits they have earned. The DD-214 is a Department of Defense document issued upon a servicemember’s retirement, separation, or discharge from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. It contains information needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans’ organizations. Without this key document, there could be significant delays when a veteran seeks benefits earned through their military service. The DMVA can also assist with locating the DD-215, which is used to correct errors or make additions to a DD-214, helping to assure that veterans have accurate discharge documentation. Over the past fiscal year, the DMVA has responded to a total of 790 requests and nearly 1,100 phone calls for assistance with finding military records. The easiest way to manage military documents and avoid having to frantically search for them is to make sure they are filed in a safe place immediately upon leaving the military. Anyone needing assistance from the DMVA to locate their DD-214/215, or other military documentation, can call toll-free 1-800-547-2838 or e-mail RA-REQ@pa.gov. More information about locating military documents can be found by visiting the Records Request Program. Another way to stay in touch is for veterans, family members and people who work with veterans to sign up for the DMVA’s Veterans Registry by visiting www.register.dmva.pa.gov Program Connecting Veterans with Benefits Receives Senate Approval
The Senate this week unanimously approved legislation to establish in law the PA VETConnect program to help Pennsylvania veterans access programs, services and benefits in their communities. Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access services in their communities. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth. Senate Votes to Expand Authority of Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1080 to enable licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in a hospice setting to make death pronouncements, saving money and limiting unnecessary emotional distress for the patient’s family. Pennsylvania law currently allows registered nurses (RNs), medical doctors, physician assistants and coroners to make death pronouncements. Many hospice facilities across Pennsylvania face workforce shortages. Giving LPNs the authority to make death pronouncements can help hospice facilities address their staffing issues. Online Dashboard Shows Tick Hot Spots
Tick season is in full swing, but there are ways to continue to enjoy the many benefits of the Great Outdoors while minimizing the risk of becoming a victim of a tickborne disease. Pennsylvanians should take precautions every time they spend time outside as the state leads the nation in the number of Lyme disease cases. A new Pennsylvania Department of Health online dashboard shows where ticks are prevalent and the latest data on tickborne disease activity, such as Lyme disease. Tick bites can be limited using preventative measures. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents. Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. When returning indoors, check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks. Shower within two hours and check your body using a full-length mirror. Promoting Safe Driving Habits
Recognizing this week as Operation Safe Driver Week, which aims to reduce driving behaviors, here are some helpful tips so we can all enjoy the roadways safely. Speeding has been a factor in more than a quarter of crash deaths since 2008. Nearly half of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019 were not wearing seatbelts. Distracted driving is another behavior that puts people at risk. The AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index revealed that 88% of drivers believe distracted driving has outpaced all other traffic-related issues as a growing safety concern. In June, the Senate passed legislation, now law, limiting the use of handheld cellular and other devices while driving.
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