Keep RGGI on Track

(Dec 23, 2020)

Climate change is the most serious long-term threat to this planet, and Pennsylvania is a significant greenhouse gas producer. The most important thing Pennsylvania can do right now to combat climate change is to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Read more

 

December 2020 Newsletter

(Dec 15, 2020)

Apply now for Property Tax/Rent RebateThe Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Deadlinehas been extended to Dec. 31, 2020. Applicationsfor a rebate on taxes or rent paid in 2019 areavailable at my district office or online at www.revenue.pa.gov.The program provides rebates up to $650 onrent or property tax paid by Pennsylvanians65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older,and people with disabilities 18 or older. Theincome limit for applicants is $35,000 a year forhomeowners and $15,000 annually for renters.Half of Social Security income and all SocialSecurity cost-of living increases are excludedfrom income calculations.Claimants must reapply for rebates every yearbecause they are based on annual income andproperty taxes or rent paid each year. Spouses,personal representatives, or estates may filerebate applications on behalf of deceasedclaimants who lived at least one day in 2019.My office can help complete and submit theapplication. The state has begun mailing refundchecks to those who have already filed. Check thestatus of your rebate at www.doreservices.state.pa.us/PITServices/WheresMy/Rebate. Read more

 

Labor union leaders hurting Pa. climate efforts

(Aug 13, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 13 – Recently, a number of powerful Pennsylvania building trades union leaders lobbied for the passage of two bills that would hurt Pennsylvania’s efforts to reach its greenhouse gas reduction goals. Some Democrats cast votes for both bills. Democratic legislators must resist pressure from union leaders to protect and expand fossil fuel jobs. Instead they should help create good green jobs. In early July, the Pennsylvania State House passed H.B. 2025, which would effectively block Pennsylvania’s entrance into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. RGGI is a 10-state cap-and-trade program designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the electric power sector. Pennsylvania emits almost 1% of the world’s greenhouse gas and about 30% of these emissions come from its electric power sector, mainly coal- and gas-fired power plants. RGGI is the most important climate change initiative of the Wolf administration. In the days prior to the vote on H.B. 2025, the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Pa. State Building and Construction Trades Council and other local building trade unions lobbied in support of the bill . The AFL-CIO in a letter to State House members specifically cited the loss of jobs in the coal industry as a reason for their support of the bill and their opposition to RGGI. Union support combined with the expected support of the Read more

 

June 2020 Newsletter

(Jun 15, 2020)

REAL ID Enforcement Deadline Extended toOctober 2021The deadline to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’slicense or ID card has been extended one year toOctober 1, 2021. At that time, a REAL ID-compliantdriver’s license or ID card, or a U.S. Passport orMilitary ID, will be necessary to board a domesticcommercial flight or enter a secure federal facility.This extension is in response to the COVID-19pandemic.PennDOT is not currently issuing REAL ID-compliantdriver’s license or ID cards. If your license is expiring,you should obtain a regular driver’s license or ID card.When REAL IDs become available again, you canchoose to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant driver’slicense or ID card. There is no requirement that anyresident obtain a REAL ID.More information for REAL ID can be found at www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID/. Read more

 

Community Voices- Coronavirus Update

(Mar 20, 2020)

Host AnnaMarie Jones welcomes PA Representatives Greg Vitali (166th District) and Jennifer O'Mara (165th District) to address navigating COVID-19 issues in SE Pennsylvania and provide informational resources. Read more

 

February 2020 Newsletter

(Feb 14, 2020)

SEPTA Key Senior ID Card Expiration ExtendedSEPTA Key Senior ID Cards allow seniors to ride forfree on all SEPTA service lines in Pennsylvania. Thecards expire four years after issuance.SEPTA is providing a one-year extension of all SEPTAKey Senior ID Cards expiring in 2020. Seniors with acard expiring in 2020 will be able to continue to rideSEPTA using their current card for 12 months beyondthe printed date of expiration. For example, cards witha May 2020 expiration date will continue to be validthrough May 2021.Card holders with a Senior ID Card expiring in 2020, whostill wish to renew their card this year, can obtain samedaycard renewal at either SEPTA Headquarters, locatedat 1234 Market Street, or the SEPTA Accessible TravelCenter located at Suburban Station, 15 N. 16th Street.My district office can help complete first-timeapplications and take photos for seniors 65+ who need acard. Bring a form of identification with a date of birthon it, such as a Pennsylvania driver’s license or nondriverID, U.S. passport, or birth certificate. Read more