(7/2023)  Grants Offered to Boost Agriculture Sales, Expand Export Markets for PA Products

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is inviting proposals for projects designed to boost domestic sales and exports of Pennsylvania agricultural products. The department plans to award up to $303,000 in matching funds to PA nonprofits to reimburse up to 50% of costs for promotional and educational projects intended to increase consumer awareness and sales or expand export markets. The grants will be awarded to PA nonprofit agricultural promotion and marketing organizations for projects ranging from festivals and tourism events to regional buy-local campaigns and statewide promotions of PA products. Priority consideration will be given to projects that:

• Promote PA Preferred® hardwoods, dairy products, fruits and vegetables.
• Promote agritourism, Farmers Market Nutrition Programs and farm markets.
• Expand or create export markets.
• Increase food security and decrease food waste.
• Leverage additional private or federal funds.

Complete guidelines for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program are in the May 20 issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Grant applications must be submitted online through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Electronic Single Application. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, July 14.

In-State Tuition For Military Families

Dependents of military personnel who enroll at a public college or university in Pennsylvania are charged in-state tuition rates under current law, but they could lose their in-state status if their parents are re-assigned or deployed elsewhere. This week, I supported House Bill 804 to guarantee that children of military families can retain their in-state status in these situations. I amended the bill to add the University of Pennsylvania’s large animal veterinary school, which is so crucial to our agriculture community. PennVet had been overlooked in the drafting of the bill.

Bill To Aid EMS Agencies Passes House

Many emergency medical services (EMS) agencies are struggling to make ends meet. This week the House approved House Bill 479, which would ensure EMS agencies are reimbursed by Medicaid for all of the miles traveled with a patient on board, removing the current exemption for the first 20 miles traveled. This is the latest effort to ensure EMS providers have the resources they need to respond to emergencies and save lives. Last year, the House voted to increase the mileage reimbursement rates for EMS, Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) services. House Bill 479 now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Application Deadline Extended for 2022 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

The deadline for senior citizens and Pennsylvanians with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2022 has been extended to Dec. 31. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.

The income limit is $35,000 annually for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate for homeowners is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Department of Revenue automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners.

Claimants may file rebate applications online by visiting mypath.pa.gov. Applicants who still wish to file a paper application form may obtain the forms, along with free assistance, at my district office, located at 30 W. Middle St., Gettysburg. Claim forms (PA-1000) and related information also is available online or by calling 1-888-222-9190. Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1.

Budget Beginning to Move in the House

With the June 30 budget deadline nearing, House leaders moved to advance the governor’s $45.8 billion budget proposal, which increases state spending by $2.5 billion, or 6%, over the current year. I believe that given the rising inflation and economic uncertainty we are all facing, it is irresponsible to support a budget that eviscerates an anticipated $7.9 billion budget surplus over the next three years and the $5 billion Rainy Day Fund over the next five years.

The budget before us does little to prepare us for the turbulent economic climate many economists are predicting. With a growing elderly population and declining workforce, now is not the time to expand government and introduce new spending initiatives. Together with my Republican colleagues, I have worked hard to restore and grow the Rainy Day Fund and I will fight to keep it there to protect our families and employers from higher taxes in the future. As part of our Keystone Commitment to the Commonwealth, we are working toward policies that will promote a thriving economy and affordable living for all Pennsylvanians. This budget would move us in the wrong direction.

Bill Supporting Human Trafficking Victims Gains House Approval

Legislation that would make it easier for human trafficking victims to bring lawsuits against their offenders was unanimously approved by the House this week and is now pending consideration in the Senate. The Commonwealth’s extensive human trafficking protections include a provision that allows civil lawsuits to be brought by victims against their perpetrators, including those who recruit, profit from, or maintain the victim in the sex trade, or who abuse or otherwise physically harm victims.

House Bill 394 would allow all such lawsuits to be brought either where the victim resides or where the violations occurred. This heinous crime is more prevalent in Pennsylvania than many people realize due, in part, to our proximity and access to several major East Coast highways. If you or someone you know is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or send a text at 233733.

House OKs Measure to Reduce Cell Phone Bills

The state House approved House Bill 1138, which would exempt cell phone service from the 6% Sales and Use Tax, as well as the 5% gross receipts tax. Pennsylvania currently has the seventh highest combined rate of taxes, fees and surcharges on cell phone bills at 16.62%. Statistics show nearly 70% of American households no longer have a landline and rely solely on cell phones. A growing number of people also use the cellular data on their smartphones for their only form of internet access. The bill now moves to the Senate.

Protecting Seniors’ Access to Prescription Drug Assistance

The State House approved legislation that will help low-income seniors maintain access to prescription drug assistance through the PACE and PACENET programs. House Bill 1184 places a "moratorium" on the inclusion of income from a Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) in determining eligibility for the programs. PACE and PACENET are available to residents age 65 and older. The annual income limit for PACE recipients is $14,500 or less for a single person and $17,700 for a married couple. The annual income limit for PACENET is between $14,500 and $33,500 for a single person and between $17,700 and $41,500 for a married couple. House Bill 1184 is pending consideration in the Senate.