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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Bill Kortz |
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Kortz discusses state issues at local AARP meeting
DRAVOSBURG, Jan. 10 – State Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Allegheny, met with members of the local AARP chapter to discuss various statewide issues at the group's monthly meeting held at the Lebanon Presbyterian Church in West Mifflin.
“This was a great forum of concerned and involved citizens who attended the meeting,” Kortz said. “I’m very glad I was able to provide them with information that’s important to them, and keep them updated on what’s going on in Harrisburg.”
Kortz spoke to members about property taxes, senior issues, government reform and various legislation.
One piece of legislation Kortz discussed was his “grandparents bill” (H.B. 1548) concerning custodial rights. Currently, state law requires relatives to be considered first in determining custody of a child and Kortz said the intent of this bill is to ensure that grandparents have standing in that process.
“Grandparents have a special relationship with their grandchildren, and it’s for that reason that grandparents must have standing in the court to participate in the child’s upbringing.” Kortz said. "This bill would simply ensure that families have an opportunity to remain intact.”
Also highlighted at the meeting was legislation Kortz co-sponsored called The Caregiver Bill (H.B. 1830). It passed the House unanimously last year, and would grant non-relatives who provide care for care-dependent people financial assistance. It would also remove the requirement that caregivers live with the care-dependent person, and increase monthly financial assistance available to caregivers from $200 to $500 per month and the one-time benefit for necessary home modifications from $2,000 to $6,000. The bill is currently in the Senate.
Other topics discussed included open records, property tax relief once gaming revenue is available and assistance available to seniors of the 38th Legislative District through Kortz’s constituent service offices.
Kortz thanked the AARP leaders, legislative liaison Bob Lancaster, Chairman Bill Williams and Treasurer Marylin Baldwin for their help in making the meeting possible.
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Attention News Editors: a photograph and corresponding caption from the event can be downloaded at www.pahouse.com/mediacenter. For more information, or if you experience technical difficulties, please call 717-787-7895.
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CONTACT: Amy Figard |