The state budget is a big complicated and messy set of documents and accounts that, when observed at the 5,000-foot level, displays our collective responsibility to our schools, infrastructure and public health and safety. Never perfect, this year’s budget promises to yield lasting results for our community should we be engaged enough to take advantage.
Don’t just take my word for it. Here are a few articles from various perspectives on the budget as well as information on a forum coming next week to unpack this thing.
Spotlight PA: Pa. lawmakers agree to boost education funding, spend billions in remaining stimulus money as part of budget · Spotlight PA
Gov Tom Wolf OpEd: Gov. Tom Wolf: After years of Pa. budget uncertainty, we have turned the tide | Opinion (inquirer.com)
Republican Stan Saylor OpEd: Responsible state budget moves Pennsylvania forward, tackles big issues (yorkdispatch.com)
Virtual Forum on the budget: You’re invited! A free virtual panel on the new Pa. budget and what it prioritizes · Spotlight PA
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There were a few major budget items that will positively impact our district right off the bat. Chief among them is the $1.45M investment the state is making in our three school districts. As a former school board member, increased state support often empowers districts to address service gaps while also easing the funding burden on local sources (property taxes). Check in with your school board members in the fall to better understand how these state funds will help them.
Education Funding Sees Increase of $1.8 Billion in 2022-23 PA Bu - Erie News Now | WICU and WSEE in Erie, PA
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Another direct benefit from this budget is the one-time support being offered to those individuals in our district receiving support from the Property Tax and Rent Rebate program. The budget included a one-time benefit increase of 70% and there are no additional steps or hurdles that residents must take if they are already receiving this benefit.
Pennsylvanians living with a disability, widows who are aged 50 and older and general residents 65 or older can qualify. The program has income limits, excluding half of Social Security income, for homeowners with an annual income under $35,000 or renters that earn under $15,000 annually. If you qualify, the application deadline for the 2021 tax year was extended to December 31st, so make sure you do not miss out on these benefits. My office is happy to help.
New Pa. budget includes $140M boost to state's Property Tax/Rent Rebate program - Pennsylvania Capital-Star (penncapital-star.com)
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Family members that are living in nursing homes or receiving direct nursing care stand to receive more consistent help now that the state has provided a significant financial lifeline to this industry that relies heavily of tax-payer support. Increased pay, funding for manageable patient-caregiver staffing ratios, and other needed investments will all combine to make nursing care even safer and more affordable.
Pennsylvania Celebrates ‘Historic’ Investment in Long-Term Care | HealthLeaders Media
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The budget is also taking a long-awaited axe to the state’s flat Corporate Net Income Tax. I have spoken about my support for this in prior weekly updates, but it was time to reduce our corporate tax rate, plug loopholes that allow companies to avoid paying ANY taxes, and support our entrepreneurs as they continue to shape our economic future! When we invest in our school systems, we must also ensure that PA provides a sustainable and friendly environment for workplace innovators.
Pa. just passed the biggest corporate tax cut ‘in more than a generation.’ How it could make the Lehigh Valley more attractive to businesses (msn.com)
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Finally, when you’re filing your state income taxes next spring, make sure to take advantage of the new child tax credit that was established. This credit is modeled after the Federal Child Tax Credit, though is budgeted to extend up to 30% of the eligible support from the IRS.
Pa. has a new child care tax credit. Here’s what you need to know. - lehighvalleylive.com
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There are additional investments in this budget where we will need to work together. The budget includes funds for environmental protection and restoration, home repair grants, public safety, and more. Many of these dollars will be distributed via competitive grant rounds through the state or county. Let’s work together to make sure that we bring more resources into our communities. If you are a part of an organization that might help guide these programs in Cheltenham, Jenkintown or Springfield, please reach out to us.
Pa. legislature approves a new home repair assistance program - WHYY
Environmentalists hail latest Pennsylvania budget, even as a key climate program is on hold | StateImpact Pennsylvania (npr.org)
Pa. budget proposal includes millions for mental health, school safety | News | meadvilletribune.com
Here’s how Pennsylvania plans to spend its billions in federal stimulus money (full list) · Spotlight PA
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There is no reason we should NOT be prepared for the opportunities that are coming our way.