Senator Stefano E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Gov. Wolf Sues to Prevent Voters from Deciding Critical Issues
  • In-Person Service Resumes for Unemployment Compensation Claimants
  • Avian Influenza Recovery Grants Available
  • Last Call for PennDOT Hiring
  • Business Owners Targeted with Fraudulent Letters
  • One-Time Bonus for People Qualifying for Rent or Property Tax Assistance
  • New App Connects Students Experiencing Homelessness with Resources
  • Around the 32nd District

Gov. Wolf Sues to Prevent Voters from Deciding Critical Issues

Recently, the General Assembly approved a measure that would put several proposed amendments to the state constitution on the ballot for voters to decide. Unfortunately, Gov. Tom Wolf has filed a lawsuit to keep these crucial questions off the ballot.

His lawsuit seeks to prevent Pennsylvanians from voting on the following:

  • Voter ID
  • Auditing elections
  • Legislative disapproval of regulations
  • Election of the lieutenant governor
  • Taxpayer funding of abortions

Given the people have already overridden Gov. Wolf once – restricting his pandemic emergency powers – it comes as no surprise he would use the courts to bypass the people to achieve his goals.

It’s my hope this irresponsible gambit will fail and, if approved again in the 2023-24 legislative session, these critical questions will go before the voters.

In-Person Service Resumes for Unemployment Compensation Claimants

In-person services for Unemployment Compensation (UC) claimants are now available by appointment at all PA CareerLink centers throughout the commonwealth, according to the Department of Labor and Industry.

In-person services are designed to assist individuals who do not have online access or technical skills or have limited English proficiency.

To schedule an appointment, please contact the nearest PA CareerLink site, which can be found at the bottom of the homepage.

Avian Influenza Recovery Grants Available

Recovery assistance is now available for poultry farmers and integrators impacted by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The grant program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will provide reimbursement to farms, integrators and allied industries directly impacted by HPAI by suffering demonstrable financial losses due to inclusion in a control or quarantine zone.

The number of farms directly impacted by HPAI is currently limited to 17 in Lancaster and Berks counties, which experienced losses of more than 4.2 million birds. Pennsylvania’s $7.1 billion poultry industry employs 26,600 workers.

Last Call for PennDOT Hiring

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is hiring full-time, part-time, and winter maintenance workers! For the Winter Maintenance Program, they are looking for qualified candidates (with recommendations) to help supplement their permanent workforce from September through April.

Apply online at www.employment.pa.gov. Additionally, recommendations can be sent to penndotwinter@pa.gov by August 5th.

Business Owners Targeted with Fraudulent Letters

Business owners should be alert for fraudulent letters trying to trick them into turning over their accounting records.

The fraudulent letters include the Department of Revenue’s name and logo and leads recipients to believe that they are under investigation for “alleged violation of delinquent sales tax liability.” The letter includes contact information for a “Resolution Officer” and urges the business owner to provide accounting records prepared by a licensed professional.

You can find tips on avoiding this scam and verifying information from the state here. If you are concerned about a potentially fraudulent notice, please visit the department’s Verifying Contact page for a verified phone number and contact information.

One-Time Bonus for People Qualifying for Rent or Property Tax Assistance

Older Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvanians with disabilities who qualify for a rebate on rent or property taxes paid in 2021 will receive a one-time bonus equal to 70% of their original rebate amount. The total amount a claimant will receive could be as much as $1,657.50, up from the previous maximum of $975.

Eligible claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program who have already filed an application for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2021 do not need to take any further action. Those who have not yet filed an application are encouraged to do so.

Bonus rebates will start being mailed and sent via direct deposit in early September. The processing of rebates and bonus rebates will continue through the end of the year as additional applications are received.

Read more here.

New App Connects Students Experiencing Homelessness with Resources

A new mobile and desktop app is available to help connect students and families experiencing homelessness with local services and resources.

Users can search for and request assistance with services and resources in their current location, local communities and throughout Pennsylvania to connect them with help.

Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness program has a network of eight regional offices to ensure that the educational needs of students experiencing homelessness are met.

Around the 32nd District

It’s been a busy week so far at the Fayette County Fair! There’s still a few days left, so don’t miss the food, displays, livestock, and fun. I’ll see you there!

Congratulations to Tammy’s Traveling Notary Services! I wish you all the best with your 32nd District business.

John Wagner with Summer at the State productions did an OUTSTANDING job staging Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the State Theatre. Joining me on stage for a picture after the show was my wife Erin, Tristan and Gino and Randi Walker as Belle, Daniel Nuttal as the Beast/Prince, Toby Maykuth as Maurice, Breanna Deutsch as Babette and Zack Gilkey as a townsperson. Great job by all!

Congratulations again to Fayette Chamber of Commerce member Beltone Hearing on your new location! I wish you continued success with your 32nd District business.

I was on hand to witness the Fayette County Fair congratulate Sis Hughes on being selected as this year’s Friend of the Fair. Sis has been a longtime volunteer of the Fair and served on the Board of Directors for several years. Congratulations Sis!

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