In this Edition:
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Recognizing Service in National EMS Week |
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Your Summer Electric Bill |
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Bill to Provide Homebuying Help |
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New License Plate Available |
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Mark Your Calendar for Free Seminar |
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Education Aid for Military, Veterans |
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Deadline Extended |
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PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Webinars |
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Attention Artists! |
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Recognizing Service in National EMS Week
Teresa Hillwig, of Middletown, received the Star of Life Award during National EMS Week. The award recognizes her many years of contributions to the emergency medical services field. She works for Municipal Emergency Services Authority of Lancaster County.
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Your Summer Electric Bill
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is reminding consumers that nearly every electric distribution company across the state will be increasing electric generation prices on June 1 for non-shopping, or default service, customers.
While you are encouraged to shop for options at PAPowerSwitch.com, PUC officials note rising wholesale energy prices have reduced the number of available offers below default rates.
For a list of new residential default rates, as well as tips to conserve energy usage and save on your energy bills, click here.
The price hikes underscore the need to boost energy production in the Commonwealth so our supply can keep up with demand.
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Bill to Provide Homebuying Help
I recently voted in support of legislation that would help first-time homebuyers achieve the goal of home ownership.
House Bill 818 would allow potential homebuyers to deposit money into a designated savings account to be used solely for purchasing their first home. The bill would also allow account holders to deduct that money from their state income tax.
The First-Time Homebuyers Savings Accounts would be established under the state Treasury and operate similar to the PA 529 program families use for college and career education. This means family and friends can also contribute to these accounts.
House Bill 818 is awaiting consideration by the Senate.
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New License Plate Available
The new license plate featuring our state’s role as the birthplace of America is now available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Contact my office if you need a copy of form MV-44LB to order a “Let Freedom Ring” plate, which costs $13 for most instances of replacement.
More than 120,000 motorists requested information about the license plate starting in May 2025. PennDOT emailed those Pennsylvanians to make them aware the plate is now available.
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Mark Your Calendar for Free Seminar
A team from Penn State Health will partner with me to host a first aid seminar in which you can learn how to help someone who is bleeding. Minutes count when someone is wounded. Join us Thursday, June 12, at 6 p.m. at Hummelstown Chemical Fire Co. No. 1. Call 717-534-1323 for more information.
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Education Aid for Military, Veterans
In recognition of May as National Military Appreciation Month, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is encouraging veterans, service members and their families to take advantage of the financial aid opportunities available to them, especially through the PA Military State Aid Programs.
The PA National Guard Military Family Education Program (MFEP) is a tuition assistance program for dependents (spouses and children) of PA Guard members who commit to an additional six years of service with the National Guard. More information is available at www.pheaa.org/MFEP.
The PA National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP) provides financial assistance for guard member students who enter into a six-year service commitment with the PA National Guard. More information is available at www.pheaa.org/EAP.
Additional resources on funding opportunities available to service members and their families can be found at www.pheaa.org/militarybenefits.
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Deadline Extended
The application period for the state’s 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025. Applications are still being accepted from eligible Pennsylvanians to claim rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2024.
Income limits increased again this year to $46,520 for both homeowners and renters. This is due to a 2023 law that calls for adjusting the income limit based on annual increases in the Consumer Price Index. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.
The program is open to residents aged 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Apply online at mypath.pa.gov or contact my office for help.
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PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Webinars
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting free webinars in June and July aimed at helping students and families.
The webinar titled “Deep Dive into Covering the Gap” aims to help students and their families understand their bill and financial aid package, and determine what, if any, borrowing is needed to cover the difference between aid and actual cost.
The one-hour session will be offered twice in June, at noon on Tuesday, June 10, and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26. It will also be offered twice in July, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, and at noon on Tuesday July 29.
For a full schedule of webinars, and to register your participation, visit www.pheaa.org/virtual.
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Attention Artists!
America250PA – the organization planning the state’s participation in the United States’ 250th anniversary next year – is seeking submissions from local artists for its “Bells Across PA” art series.
Selected artists will execute their designs on a fiberglass bell sculpture. The goal is to place at least one bell in each of the state’s 67 counties, but the hope is for many more.
Bells Across PA is open to all Pennsylvania artists and groups from the acclaimed to the amateur. Painters, sculptors, craftsmen, multi-media artists and other wildly creative people are all encouraged to apply. Each commissioned bell will receive one honorarium, regardless of group size. Learn more here.
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