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It's Time to Focus on the Issues that Matter

 

The issues facing everyday Pennsylvanians are difficult and real.

How can I find the work I need to support my family?
What will I do if my health insurance coverage is cut off?
What are our elected officials doing right now to create jobs in our state?

       These are just a few of the questions that members of the Senate Democratic Caucus asked our Republican counterparts this week during a Capitol news conference. We will continue to do all we can to refocus the attention of lawmakers in Harrisburg to the issues that matter most to working families.

Watch Video of News Conference.

       What are we most concerned about right now? We recognize that finding a solution to the funding issue faced by the state’s adultBasic program is an urgent concern to the 40,000 Pennsylvanians on the verge of losing their health benefits. Funding for the adultBasic program is expected to run out later this month, but there have been no affordable solutions from the majority party or the governor’s office. We continue to do all we can to try to work with both. We must find a fair solution before it’s too late.

        Senate Democrats have also been working over the past several weeks to craft a detailed and focused plan to create new jobs for Pennsylvanians. Our plan takes many issues into account such as making the state a better partner with small businesses, creating a fairer business tax climate, and capitalizing on Pennsylvania’s potential to be a world leader when it comes to green technology. Our plan – which relies on making programs which already exist more stream-lined and efficient – will create tens of thousands of new jobs. It will also save the state of Pennsylvania hundreds of millions of dollars. I believe this plan illustrates our commitment to the economic issues which matter to us all – creating a vital job market and making Pennsylvania’s economy thrive again.

We plan to release the specifics of this six point plan in the coming days, and I look forward to sharing it with you in the near future. Stay tuned…

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Are Now Available

Property Tax Relief Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program         Our difficult economy, coupled with the absence of a cost-of-living increase for those receiving Social Security, have made it tough for many to make ends meet. Fortunately, Pennsylvania’s Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program gives those who qualify a chance to put some much-needed money back into their pockets.

       The Lottery-funded Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program provides benefits to homeowners or renters who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 and older, and people with disabilities 18 and older.

       Pennsylvanians who qualify for this program can receive a rebate between $250 and $650 and up to $975 in some circumstances. That rebate, combined with relief from gaming revenue, can eliminate property taxes for some residents.

Here’s how it breaks down:

  • The maximum rebate amount is $650, but there are supplemental property tax rebates of up to $325 for homeowners in Pittsburgh.
  • We worked hard to provide additional relief to the seniors who need it the most - those living in areas of high tax burden.
  • As a result, homeowners in Pittsburgh, Scranton and Philadelphia (where local wage/income tax rates are very high) with eligibility incomes of $30,000 or less will receive an additional payment equal to 50 percent of their base rebate.
  • Homeowners in the rest of the state, with eligibility incomes of $30,000 or less whose property tax bills equal more than 15 percent of their income, will also receive an additional payment equal to 50 percent of their base rebate.

       Applications for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program were sent out to those who previously qualified. If you think you or somebody you know may be eligible, there are applications which you can download at www.SenatorCosta.com. You can also visit one of my district offices in Forest Hills, Carrick, Homestead or West Mifflin. We welcome the opportunity to help you.

       The deadline to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is June 30. I urge you to take advantage of this valuable program.

UCP/CLASS Marks a Milestone   

       I was honored to attend the groundbreaking ceremony when United Cerebral Palsy Community Living and Support Services (UCP/CLASS) officially kicked off the renovation of the former Center for Creative Play building on South Braddock Avenue.

       UCP/CLASS purchased the property with plans to renovate the 30,000-square-foot office building to accommodate its staff. The renovations planned for this property are exciting and allow our local architects and developers to get involved in this organization’s success story.

       This year, UCP/CLASS is also marking its 60th anniversary of providing support to those with disabilities. It has been inspiring to watch United Cerebral Palsy Community Living and Support Services grow over the years from a grass roots organization to the 14th largest Pittsburgh-area social service non-profit. Currently, this organization serves thousands of individuals and families. I was happy to be a part of the event to mark their continued growth and look forward to seeing UCP/CLASS benefit our community in the future.

Stay Connected

        For updates on this and other legislative initiatives, stay in touch with me on the Internet through my website or on Facebook. Facebook

 

 

 

 

 
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