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The Weekly Roundup
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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House OKs State Budget Reforms, Spending Control Measures
In ongoing efforts to stand up for taxpayers, the House this week approved historic legislation to change budget-making in Harrisburg by bringing integrity, transparency and spending limits to the state budget and budget process.
The legislative package – House Bills 1940-1945 – requires transparency through an official estimate of how much money the state will have, more information about the balances in taxpayer-supported special funds used to provide grants and subsidies, and the creation of monetary reserves during revenue shortfalls.
Additionally, a proposed state constitutional amendment to limit state spending, House Bill 110, would impose a cap based on recent increases in the Consumer Price Index and state population growth. A constitutional amendment must be approved in two consecutive legislative sessions and then by the state’s voters.
These measures, which are now headed to the Senate, are in addition to a new state law requiring performance-based budgeting. This information will help legislators decide which programs to fund and which to shut down.
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Children’s Health Insurance Program Extension
To help ensure coverage of the popular and successful Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), legislation is currently on the governor’s desk to extend the program for two more years.
For 25 years, CHIP has provided insurance coverage to uninsured children and teens (up to age 19) whose families earn too much to qualify for Medical Assistance, but who cannot afford to purchase private insurance.
CHIP is supported by both state and federal funds and provides payment for health care coverage for eligible children who meet income and other criteria.
More than 180,000 children are currently enrolled in CHIP.
More information about CHIP is available online at CHIPCoversPAKids.com.
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Renew Dog Licenses Now
Pet owners are reminded to renew their dog’s license for 2018. All dogs three months of age or older must be licensed in Pennsylvania, either on an annual basis or with a lifetime license.
Annual license fees vary from $6.50 to $8.50, with fee reductions for senior citizens and those owners with disabilities. Lifetime license costs are $31.50 or $51.50. Applications for license renewals can be found here. Completed applications must be returned to the owner’s county treasurer’s office.
Under Pennsylvania state law, owners who fail to license and/or immunize their dogs could face fines up to $300 per violation for each dog three months of age or older. In addition, owners of non-vaccinated pets may be fined up to $300 plus court costs.
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Property Tax Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Jan. 2
Older adults and people with disabilities have until Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid in 2016. The rebates are available through Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.
The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.
Applicants may obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information online at revenue.pa.gov, by calling 1-888-222-9190 or by visiting one of my offices.
To speed processing, claimants are reminded to provide all required income, property tax or rent information. Applications must be postmarked by Tuesday, Jan. 2.
Claimants who already applied for rebates may check the status of claims online at revenue.pa.gov or by calling 1-888-PATAXES.
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Carbon County Pride on Display
This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree is from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton. It is a magnificent tree and I am so proud to see one of Carbon County’s treasures on display in the state Capitol.
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Thank you, Jean!
It was my pleasure to recognize Jean Papay, my district office manager, at the Capitol this week.
Jean has been an excellent employee since she started with me in 2011, and she’s been a great friend for many years.
Jean will be leaving our office at the end of this year to serve as the Carbon County Register of Wills. I’d like to congratulate Jean on her hard-fought win in November, and recognize her for her diligent work for the residents of the 122nd Legislative District over the past six years.
Thank you, Jean!
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| Office Locations |
| 110 North Third Street, 2nd Floor, Lehighton, PA 18235 | (610) 377-6363 |
| 2681 State Route 903, Unit 3, Albrightsville, PA 18210 | (570) 722-8700 |
| Room 403 Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202122, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2122 | (717) 260-6139 |
| Email: dheffley@pahousegop.com |
| TTY: 855-282-0614 |
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