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Capitol Report
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Read Across America: A Week of Learning and Fun
For Read Across America, I've spent some time in classrooms over the past week through the district! Thank you to the students and faculty at Elmwood Academy and Winding Creek Elementary for welcoming me and letting me share how exciting it is to serve the public. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
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Budget Hearings Conclude in Harrisburg
The House Appropriations Committee wrapped up three weeks of hearings related to Governor Shapiro’s $51.4 billion budget request. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have spent the last several weeks reviewing this budget proposal and seeking clarification from department heads as we prepare to negotiate the largest budget proposal in our Commonwealth’s history.
I take this responsibility seriously, as all elected officials should, in order to ensure proper stewardship of your tax dollars. Unfortunately, we are left with more questions than answers amid projected record deficits and miscalculated revenue projections.
As negotiations commence on this year’s budget, I will continue to align my budgetary votes with fiscal policies that will make our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I remain gravely concerned about the governor’s short-sighted proposal to drain the entirety of our surplus and Rainy Day Fund.
In the months ahead, I’ll continue to update you on the work we are doing in Harrisburg as we approach the June 30 budget deadline.
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Free Tax Filing Resources Available
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers of free online tools and resources it offers to help people seamlessly file their tax returns.
Roughly 2.1 million Pennsylvanians are eligible this tax season to use Direct File, an online tool offering taxpayers the option to file their federal and state tax returns at no cost directly with the IRS and Department of Revenue. It is the first time the program is being offered in the Commonwealth.
Direct File is currently designed for Pennsylvanians with common tax situations. The IRS offers an eligibility checker that will walk you through the steps to see if you’re eligible.
Taxpayer service and assistance is also available through the department’s Online Customer Service Center, which contains answers to hundreds of common income tax questions and allows taxpayers to securely submit a question to the department. Taxpayers may also call 717-787-8201 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for state tax assistance. In-person assistance is available at Department of Revenue district offices.
Click here for additional information. The tax filing deadline is April 15.
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Be Aware of Tax Season Scams
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is again warning taxpayers about tax season scams. They’ve identified the “dirty dozen” most common scams for individuals, businesses and tax professionals.
They include phishing scams via email or text, bad social media tax advice, fake IRS individual online account help, fake charities, false fuel tax credit claims, credits for sick leave and family leave that are no longer available, bogus self-employment tax credits and ghost tax return preparers, among others.
Click here to learn more about these scams and how to protect yourself. And remember, the IRS will never contact you using social media or text message. The first contact from the IRS usually comes in the mail. Taxpayers who are unsure whether they owe money to the IRS can view their tax account information at IRS.gov.
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Free Admission Sunday at Several State Museums for Charter Day!
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) will celebrate the Commonwealth’s 344th birthday on Sunday, March 9, with free admission to several of the state’s museums and historic sites.
Pennsylvania was established when England’s King Charles II granted a charter to William Penn in March 1681. The 344-year-old charter, often referred to as Pennsylvania’s birth certificate, is written on parchment using iron gall ink. The Pennsylvania State Archives preserves the document in a high-security vault, shielding it from strong light and environmental fluctuations.
The 1681 charter will be on display on Sunday, March 9, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Pennsylvania State Archives facility, 1681 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg.
The following state-owned historic sites will offer free admission that day as well. They include:
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PA ABLE Helps Save for Disability-Related Expenses
The PA ABLE Savings Program, an initiative created to help people with disabilities and their families save for future expenses, continues to grow in the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Treasury, which oversees the program, recently announced it has surpassed $150 million in assets.
ABLE stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience. The program offers multiple savings and investment options, including an interest-bearing checking account. PA ABLE accounts owners can contribute up to $19,000 per year. Contributions can be deducted on 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 everything from groceries, rent, health care and transportation to longer-term expenses including education and assistive technology.
Learn more at www.PAABLE.gov.
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Spring Ahead: Turn Clocks Ahead One Hour This Weekend
Daylight saving time will begin on Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. Be sure to turn your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night before going to bed.
This is also a good time to check and/or change batteries in both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. It is also recommended the alarms be replaced every 10 years.
As you adjust to the time change, PennDOT is reminding drivers to beware of drowsy driving. Driving while you are tired can make your driving worse than if you have been drinking alcohol. If you work shifts, you need to be careful that you are not too sleepy to drive. And if you are drowsy, pulling over and taking a 15-minute nap is long enough to lower your risk of a crash. Learn more here.
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