Kim's Weekly Update: 9/8/23

(Sep 08, 2023)

Now that school has started and we’re heading into the Fall season, I would like to share some information and update you on my upcoming district events. Read more

 

Happy Labor Day!

(Aug 31, 2023)

Happy Labor Day! Read more

 

Kim announces $95,400 in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetable to area schools

(Aug 17, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 17 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, announced that $95,472 in state funding has been awarded to three area schools to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Benjamin Franklin School $56,520 Downey School $27,792 Premier Arts and Science Charter School $11,160 Through the program, the schools will receive reimbursement for the cost of making free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students during the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal in one or more areas of the school during the school day. “To help our students make smart choices in what they eat, we need to make sure that healthy choices are available,” Kim said. “According to the CDC, childhood obesity has tripled since the 1970s and, most recently, kids gained weight even faster during the pandemic. This FFVP funding will help area schools play a fundamental role in preventing obesity by teaching students to make smart health choices by offering tasty, fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks. Thanks to this federal funding, our schools will be teaching kids how to live healthy lives.” The goal of FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and Read more

 

Rep. Kim's Bi-Weekly Update

(Aug 11, 2023)

Rep. Kim's Bi-Weekly Update Read more

 

Kim joins Shapiro for Property Tax/Rent Rebate expansion bill signing

(Aug 10, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 10 – House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee majority chair, state Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro at the West Shore Senior Center in New Cumberland for the ceremonial signing of H.B. 1100. The new law expands the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to nearly 175,000 more Pennsylvania seniors and people with disabilities and doubles rebates for many of the 400,000 people who already qualify. A co-prime sponsor of H.B. 1100, Kim said that the bill delivers the largest targeted tax break for Pennsylvania seniors in nearly two decades. The new income limits and increased rebates from Act 7 of 2023 will be used when the 2024 program opens. “As majority chair of the Aging & Older Adult Services Committee, I’ve heard from many Pennsylvania seniors and individuals with disabilities about how important it is for them to stay in their homes for their health and sense of wellbeing,” Kim said. “The PTRR expansion will provide a critical financial lifeline to members of our families, friends and neighbors that will help enable them to keep up with the cost of living.” Act 7 of 2023 will increase the income limit to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters and raise the maximum rebate amount from $650 to $1,000. The overwhelmingly bipartisan passage of the law marks the first time the program has been updated since 2006 and the first time since 2009 that the income limits to qualify for Read more

 

Rep. Patty Kim’s Bi-Weekly Update

(Jul 21, 2023)

I hope you are hope you are staying safe and well hydrated during these hot summer months. I wanted to share some information and update you on upcoming district events. Read more

 

Kim hosts over 200 people at her Summer Fun Resource Fair

(Jul 17, 2023)

HARRISBURG, July 17 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, hosted over 200 people and gave away over 100 free bookbags at her Summer Fun & Family Resource Fair on Saturday. “The fair is the highlight of the summer district activities hosted by my office, and I was thrilled to see so many families out having fun,” Kim said. “My staff and I enjoyed meeting residents and helping them with their inquiries about state programs. “I would like to send a big thank you to our sponsors and community partners, Highmark Health and Highmark Wholecare, for their help in making this day possible.” The event at Reservoir Park had music and food, as well as games, sports clinics and community activities for all ages. Read more

 

Harrisburg area Dems release statements on Broad Street Market fire

(Jul 10, 2023)

The Broad Street Market brought us together,” Kim said. “We made memories in this historic building and got to know vendors who became friends. I know many are devastated right now, but I’m fully committed to helping to rebuild and restore the brick building Read more

 

Kim issues statement on state budget’s historic investments in education and public safety

(Jul 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, July 6 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, today issued the following statement regarding the state budget passed by the General Assembly Wednesday: “Late on Wednesday night, in a bipartisan vote, the House passed the 2023-24 fiscal budget for the Commonwealth, which includes a $717 million increase in education funding. This is a historic investment in K-12 education funding that will help provide relief to our schools that are struggling financially. “I was very proud to be part of this process -- knowing that each party succeeded in securing some of their respective efforts, including a much-needed allocation of money to help our talented students succeed in a rapidly changing world.” “They are worth it and deserve the investment.” Kim noted the following funding will be awarded to local school districts: Harrisburg City School District - $12,166,916 (15.3% increase). Camp Hill School District - $150,939 (5.9% increase). East Pennsboro Area School District - $906,876 (9.6% increase). West Shore School District - $1,619,171 (7.9% increase). Kim said she also was pleased with projected Level Up funding for two districts: Harrisburg School District: $2,718,453 East Pennsboro Area School District: $206,628 “As many are aware, this funding will help ‘level up’ school funding for our underfunded schools so their students will get the high-quality education Read more

 

Rep. Patty Kim’s Bi-Weekly Update

(Jun 30, 2023)

Rep. Patty Kim’s Bi-Weekly Update Read more

 

Kinsey bill to honor K. Leroy Irvis approved by House committee

(Jun 28, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 28 – Today, H.B. 651 , introduced by state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, was unanimously approved by the House State Government Committee and will head to the full House for future consideration. Kinsey’s bill would rename the South Lawn of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex as the “Irvis Equality Circle,” in honor of K. Leroy Irvis, who was the first Black speaker of the Pennsylvania House, and of any state legislature in the country’s history since Reconstruction. The Harrisburg community through the “Gathering at the Crossroads” commissioned a monument that now sits outside of the Irvis Office Building on the South Lawn in honor of the old 8 th Ward and the work that Speaker Irvis was able to do while serving in the legislature from 1958 to 1988. The South Lawn sits outside of the K. Leroy Irvis Building. It is bordered by Walnut Street and Commonwealth Avenue. “Speaker Irvis was an important trailblazer in our state’s history, and it’s only right that we continue to honor his legacy,” Kinsey said. “I’m glad to see this bill move out of committee. Now I hope to see my House colleagues vote to honor Speaker Irvis and everything he’s meant to our commonwealth.” “The “Irvis Equality Circle” will remind us that we must protect our fundamental right to vote with Read more

 

PA House passes minimum wage increase legislation

(Jun 26, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 20 – A bill ( H.B. 1500 ) sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., that would increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $15 per hour by 2026 and set the tipped wage to 60% of the minimum wage passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. This legislation would increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $11 per hour by Jan. 1, 2024; $13 per hour by Jan. 1, 2025; and $15 per hour by Jan. 1, 2026. The minimum wage would be indexed to inflation beginning in 2027. “It’s about time. No more games and no more waiting; the people of Pennsylvania deserve a minimum wage that is fair and competitive with our neighboring states. There’s still a lot of work to do, but I’m pleased with the direction we’re headed,” Dawkins said. “Raising the minimum wage will raise the wage of more than a million people in the commonwealth, improve people’s financial security and grow the state’s economy.” House Bill 1500 is a companion bill to S.B. 743 , introduced by state Sen. Dan Laughlin, chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. The bill will go to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

This week in Harrisburg

(Jun 16, 2023)

this week in harrisburg Read more

 

Rep Patty Kim's Summer Fun & Family Resource Fair

(Jun 14, 2023)

Enjoy music, food, fun and games at my Summer Fun & Family Resource Fair. My office will be there to answer any state-related questions you have. You can RSVP here . Read more

 

Kim’s bill to extend PACE/PACENET benefits passes House unanimously

(Jun 14, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 14 – Legislation (H.B. 1184) introduced by state Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, to extend the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment moratorium when determining eligibility for the state’s prescription drug programs for seniors passed the House unanimously yesterday. “This bill would help safeguard Pennsylvania's seniors’ health and wellness by ensuring they can continue to access essential medications through the PACE and PACENET programs without undue financial burden,” Kim said. “My bill would enable nearly 29,400 more seniors to remain eligible for these lifesaving programs.” Currently, PACE and PACENET programs benefit approximately 231,000 older Pennsylvanians, offering critical support and access to vital medications. When Social Security COLA increases occur, some older Pennsylvanians discover they exceed income eligibility thresholds and are no longer eligible for these programs. Thanks to the last extension in 2021, approximately 10,000 PACE and PACENET cardholders were able to retain their benefits despite Social Security COLA increases. Unfortunately, that moratorium is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2023. According to Kim, the projected 8.7% Social Security COLA for 2023 could result in almost 29,400 older adults losing their benefits due to exceeding the eligibility limits. In response to this imminent threat to Pennsylvania’s seniors, Kim proposed extending the current Social Read more

 

House Bipartisan Caucus rolls out agenda at news conference

(Jun 13, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 13 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Bipartisan Caucus hosted a news conference dubbed “Meet Me in the Middle” where they rolled out their agenda for this legislative term. This caucus was formed in 2021 by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and state Sen. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry, who served as a state representative at the time. It was formed as a platform to bring Democratic and Republican members together to listen to people, organizations and businesses across the Commonwealth and work collectively to address issues facing Pennsylvania. Currently, in the Pennsylvania House, Democrats hold a one-seat majority, making bipartisanship extremely important in getting bills passed. Co-chairs of this caucus include Kinsey and state Reps. Jill Cooper, R-Westmoreland; Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland; and Jamie Flick R-Lycoming/Union. They each gave their remarks on how this caucus can help cut through some of the partisanship in Harrisburg and move Pennsylvania forward. “I started this caucus with my former colleague as I saw how the political division boiling in Harrisburg was negatively affecting the lives of everyday Pennsylvanians,” Kinsey said. “We don’t have to agree on everything, but working together in a bipartisan fashion and listening to the people of our commonwealth is very important in moving Pennsylvania forward. I firmly believe Read more

 

Kim welcomes consul general of South Korea to PA House chamber

(Jun 09, 2023)

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the consul general for his enlightening speech on the power of collaboration during his visit with the House of Representatives,” Rep. Kim said. “Over the past 70 years, the consulate general has tirelessly worked to unite our communities, strengthen bilateral relations, and build upon the great progress our two nations have made. His commitment to fostering community development and enhancing the enduring friendship between Korea and the United States is truly commendable. We express our sincere appreciation for his continued efforts and friendship." Read more

 

Kim bill to extend PACE/PACENET benefits clears House committee

(Jun 07, 2023)

“This bill represents a crucial step in safeguarding the health and well-being of Pennsylvania's elderly population, ensuring they can continue to access essential medications through the PACE and PACENET programs without undue financial burden,” Kim said. “By providing essential resources, healthcare, and social support, we ensure that our seniors can age gracefully, maintain their independence, and continue to thrive within their communities.” Read more

 

Legislation to expand Property Tax/Rent Rebate limits passes House

(Jun 05, 2023)

“Over recent years, we’ve seen more and more people lose eligibility for PT/RR, which has been frustrating for so many older Pennsylvanians who rely on this program,” said Kim, chair of the House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee. “With funds currently locked away because of an outdated threshold, passing this bill today means we’re moving toward taking healthy gaming revenue and making the needed changes so this program can do what it was always intended to do, which is help keep families in their homes.” Read more

 

Email Update: May 30

(May 30, 2023)

I hope all is well and everyone is enjoying this beautiful summer weather! Here is the latest news from the 103rd district. Please scroll to the bottom to see my Mobile Office Hours and my upcoming Pardon Workshop event. Read more