(4/2024) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Open for Applications

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is inviting proposals for 2024 Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grants to stimulate market growth or boost the competitive position for high-priority crops. Crops eligible for the grant program and deemed "high priority" include hardwoods; honey; hemp and flax for fiber; and hops, barley, rye and wheat for brewing, distilling and malting. Also targeted for priority funding are crops not eligible for funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which the department administers for the federal government. The USDA program defines specialty crops as, "fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture)." Eligible applicants must submit a proposal describing how their project will enhance competitiveness or benefit Pennsylvania’s growers, rather than an individual grower. Find more information, including a proposal template, and map of previous recipients at agriculture.pa.gov/pafarmbill under Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Program. Proposals must be submitted through the Department of Community and Economic Development's Electronic Single Application and must be received by 5 p.m. on April 19.

Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund Reopening

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) announced the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF) is reopening to homeowners struggling because of pandemic-related financial hardships. The program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners for mortgage and housing-related expenses to address delinquency and avoid default, foreclosure or displacement from their homes. The program was paused last year while the agency processed a backlog of applications. The agency is now accepting new applications until the remaining funds are exhausted.

Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants with priority given to homeowners facing an imminent adverse action (IAA) such as a notice of foreclosure, sheriff sale or utility shut-off notice. So far, more than 15,500 households have received more than $205 million of the $350 million awarded to the Commonwealth through the American Rescue Plan Act. More information about the program, eligibility and how to apply is available at pahaf.org. Homeowners with questions can contact the PAHAF at 888-987-2423, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Housing Shortage, Attainability Focus of 12-Bill House Package

A group of House members this week unveiled a package of 12 bills to help more Pennsylvanians realize the dream of affordable housing and home ownership in the Commonwealth. The legislation focuses on affordability through tax breaks, grants and incentives for both homeowners and builders, as well as reassessing and updating building codes and regulations. A lack of supply, coupled with increasing costs for both rentals and home purchases, are making it difficult for Pennsylvanians to find appropriate housing. Access to affordable housing supports stable families and local economies. In fact, business leaders continue to emphasize the current labor shortage in Pennsylvania is being exacerbated by a lack of housing stock for workers. More information about the bill package is available at www.links.pahousenews.com.

New License Plate Honors Women Veterans, Supports Veterans’ Trust Fund

March is Women’s History Month. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), Pennsylvania is home to nearly 64,000 women veterans. The DMVA reminds drivers that purchasing an Honoring Our Women Veterans license plate serves to recognize the importance of women who served in our nation’s military and supports programs assisting our women veterans. Each plate costs $40, with $15 going directly to the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF). The VTF regularly issues grants to statewide charitable organizations assisting veterans service organizations and county directors of veterans’ affairs. The grants are used to aid veterans in need of shelter, essential goods and other services. To learn more about how to purchase these plates and support the VTF, visit vtf.pa.gov.

Artists Invited to Participate in Art of the State

The State Museum of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation are inviting artists and craftspeople to submit applications to exhibit their work in the annual Art of the State. Art of the State is open to Pennsylvania residents who are at least 18 years of age. Artists will compete in five categories: painting, work on paper, sculpture, craft and photography/digital media. More than $5,000 in cash awards will be presented. The exhibit is scheduled to open to the public at The State Museum on Sunday, Sept. 8, and run through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Entries to Art of the State must be submitted online. Additional information and the link to enter are available here. The deadline to enter is May 3.

Bills Aim to Improve, Streamline Vital Property Tax, Rent Relief Program

A package of three bills, to further improve the state’s successful Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, will soon be introduced in the state House. The proposals follow a law adopted last year that raised income eligibility limits for the rebates, making more senior citizens eligible to receive one, and increasing the amount of the rebates. The new legislation would:

• Streamline the application process by allowing people to simultaneously apply for the rebates when filing their annual state income taxes.
• Require the Department of Revenue to decide on a completed application within 10 days of receipt or it will be deemed approved.
• Remove confusion about the application deadline by permanently setting it for Dec. 31 each year.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible residents age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Income eligibility limits are $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, with 50% of Social Security income excluded. The maximum rebate is $1,000. If you think you qualify and need assistance with filing the application, please contact my office at 717-334-3010.

PA ABLE Helps Save for Disability-Related Expenses

The PA ABLE Savings Program is an initiative created to help people with disabilities and their families save for future expenses. The Pennsylvania Treasury, which oversees the program, recently announced it has surpassed $100 million in assets. ABLE, which stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience, offers seven different tax-free savings and investment options, including a checking account. PA ABLE account owners can contribute up to $18,000 per year. Contributions can be deducted from PA state income taxes, and PA ABLE account owners pay no federal or state income tax on account growth when used for qualified withdrawals. The money can be used for a variety of things including groceries, rent, health care and transportation as well as longer-term expenses including education and assistive technology. Learn more at PAABLE.gov.