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Click here to Subscribe or Unsubscribe from this Newsletter Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone who might be interested. They can sign up using the link below: Click here to visit Senator Tomlinson's Website Offices 362 Main Capitol Email:
Levittown
Richboro
Bensalem |
Spending for many programs would continue at levels below 2008-09, and most departments would see General Fund cuts. The plan would restore state funding for basic education and provide additional support using federal stimulus dollars. A few other areas, including health care and public safety, would see modest increases. With revenues still coming in below projections during the prolonged recession, analysts do not believe Rendell's budget, which calls for funding to cover an anticipated $525 million deficit by July, would be in balance at that time. In fact, March's weak revenue collections will likely push the deficit past Rendell's estimate by the end of this month, making the House-passed budget out of balance by over $300 million. The Senate has urged House leaders to work with the Senate on a responsible budget that is balanced, provides core services to the citizens of the Commonwealth and, unlike the Governor's proposal, does not rely on a series of assumptions about federal support. Senate Republicans remain committed to enacting a fiscally responsible spending plan in a timely manner while protecting the interests of Pennsylvania's taxpayers. Washington Crossing National Cemetery Now Open Washington Crossing National Cemetery, a 205-acre cemetery, is now open and will provide a closer-to-home option for veterans and their families. Before Washington Crossing National Cemetery opened, the nearest veteran's cemetery was more than two hours away from Bucks County. The Washington Crossing National Cemetery is expected to remain a work-in-progress for the next 60 years, with an ultimate capacity of about 125,000. Those who wish to be buried at the cemetery should put their request in writing and make it available to the funeral home at the time of pre-need arrangements. Additionally, there is no pre-registration requirement for veterans who chose to be interred there. The phone number for the scheduling office of the cemetery is 800-535-1117. For more information, please go to their website. In addition, I recently introduced legislation in the Senate that would expand the authority of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to arrange for formal military burials of deceased U.S. veterans at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Bucks County. Currently, state law does not provide for Honor Guard burial details at the cemetery as it does at Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County and National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Washington County. My bill would add Washington Crossing to the list, enabling veterans interred there to receive paid military honors. Children's Expo Scheduled for April 17, 2010 My Annual Children's Expo for children and families will take place Saturday, April 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Council Rock High School South. This event is free for families and will feature a wide variety of activities, door prizes, entertainment and educational exhibits. While the children are enjoying the day, parents too will have the opportunity to talk with a variety of exhibitors and experts and take advantage of resources available to address a variety of topics. I urge area residents to attend the Expo with their children and take advantage of the many activities, free food, and fun that will be offered. This is a fun and educational way to spend quality family time together. For more information, contact my district offices. 2009 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Available
The program is available to homeowners with a household income of $35,000 or less and renters with a household income of $15,000 or less, excluding one-half of Social Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits. The deadline to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2009 is June 30, 2010. Residents can contact my district offices for applications for more information on the program. Residents are also invited to contact one of my district offices to have an application mailed to you. Information and applications are also available online through the state Department of Revenue's website, or by calling toll-free 1-888-222-9190. Claimants are reminded to provide all the necessary income and property tax or rental information for their claims to be processed accurately and quickly. LIHEAP Deadline Extended, Cash Grants Increased Cash grants for Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will increase and the heating assistance programs will be extended for the 2009-2010 heating season. Reorganization of the Department of Public Welfare's computer system has increased efficiency and reduced fraud and abuse, enabling the state to increase the amount of each cash grant by up to $100. Cash grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. The state is also extending the deadline to apply for LIHEAP from March 15 to April 16, 2010. The Department of Public Welfare expects to assist approximately 600,000 families with cash grants during the 2009-2010 program year. Additional information and applications for LIHEAP assistance are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website. Applications are also available at county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Applicants may also call 1-866-857-7095. Reminder – Deadline Approaching for Primary Election Day Make sure your vote is heard in this year's election. The deadline for registering for the primary election is Monday, April 19, 2010. Primary election day is Tuesday, May 18. To obtain a voter registration application, go to the Department of State website and click on "Voting in PA" on the left side of the site. If you are unable to attend your polling place in person on Election Day, you may be eligible to vote by absentee ballot. To vote by absentee ballot, a voter must apply to the County Board of Elections for an absentee ballot. The County Board of Elections will send a paper absentee ballot to the voter. The voter then completes the ballot and returns it to the Bucks County Board of Elections. In Pennsylvania, the County Board of Elections must receive your application for absentee ballot no later than 5 p.m. on the Tuesday before the election. In emergency situations (such as an unexpected illness or disability) you can submit an Emergency Application for Absentee Ballot, which must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day. Completed non-emergency absentee ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day. Pennsylvania Military Family Relief Assistance Program
Eligibility: The Program applies to Pennsylvania residents who are serving:
Application forms are available online from DMVA, MFRAP, Building 7-3, FTIG, Annville, PA 17003-5002 or from PNG Family Assistance Centers. Applications, with supporting documents, must be mailed to MILPO-FPO, MFRAP, Building 7-3, FTIG, Annville, PA 17003-5002. To expedite the application process, applications and supporting documents may be faxed to the MFRAP office (FAX: 717-861-2389). Each application will be reviewed for eligibility and need prior to submission to the PA MFRAP Fund Committee for approval or disapproval. No application is automatically approved. |
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Privacy Policy
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On March 23, 2010, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a 2010-11 state budget bill
that reflects the Governor's proposal, but long-term fiscal challenges still remain.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 107-89. Only five House Republicans joined Democrats to vote
in favor of the bill.
The Property Tax Rent Rebate program provides rebates on
property taxes or rent paid in 2009 to eligible applicants. To be eligible,
applicants must meet income requirements and be a Pennsylvania resident age 65
and older; a widow or widower age 50 and older; or a permanently disabled
individual age 18 or older.
The Pennsylvania Military Family Relief Assistance Program
(MFRAP) provides financial assistance, in the form of grants, to eligible
Pennsylvania service members and their eligible family members. Eligible
members must have a direct and immediate need as a result of military service.
Such financial need may include but are not limited to the following: