WILKES-BARRE — Gov. Tom Wolf this week reminded Pennsylvanians who qualify for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program to apply by Dec. 31, to receive their annual rebate plus a one-time bonus rebate.
Older Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvanians with disabilities who qualify for a rebate on rent or property taxes paid in 2021 will be receiving more money than usual this year. On top of the annual rebate, recipients will also receive a one-time bonus rebate equal to 70 percent of their original rebate amount.
“This is the only year that these one-time bonus rebates are available, and Pennsylvanians only have two months left to apply for this important program,” said Gov. Wolf. “The past few years have been hard on Pennsylvanians — especially for those trying to make ends meet on a fixed income. I proposed these bonus rebates to help thousands of older Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvanians with disabilities deal with inflation and higher prices — and, most importantly, stay in their homes.”
Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said when you factor in the one-time bonus rebates and the annual rebates paid to claimants for rent or property taxes paid in 2021, the state has already distributed more than $323 million this year to Pennsylvanians who benefit from the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.
“If you’re one of the eligible Pennsylvanians who has yet to submit an application, act now so that you can take advantage of the rebate program and the additional bonus that Governor Wolf worked to make possible this year,” Hassell said.
Gov. Wolf’s plan to deliver the one-time bonus rebates will provide additional relief to some of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable residents who are still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The one-time bonus rebates are being paid for with approximately $140 million in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
If you are an eligible claimant of the Property/Tax Rent Rebate Program who has already filed an application (PA-1000) for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2021, you do not need to take any further action.
Rep. Meuser supports retail crime legislation
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas. recently joined other members of the bi-partisan Problem Solvers Caucus in expressing support for H.R. 7499 — the “Improving Federal Investigations of Organized Retail Crime Act of 2022.”
Organized retail crime groups sell stolen products online and in interstate commerce to finance other criminal operations, such as drug trafficking. These stolen good are often found in U.S. ports for exportation, in online marketplaces, and in the U.S. Postal Service.
A study conducted by the National Retail Industry Leaders Association and the Buy Safe America Coalition found that $68.99 billion in products were stolen from retailers in 2019. Since there are multiple agencies that have jurisdiction over investigating retail crime, a coordinated federal response is needed.
“By working together, we can curtail the brazen and unlawful actions by theft rings that impact retailers and consumers,” Meuser stated. “This legislation will allow federal coordination and lead to more successful prosecutions of organized retail crime.”
The legislation directs the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Postal Service, and agencies deemed relevant in investigating organized retail crime to produce a joint strategy on how the federal government can:
• Improve coordination and information sharing among relevant federal agencies.
• Increase collaboration with retailers, organized retail crime associations and state-run retail crime task forces.
• Better assist state and local authorities in compiling evidence for the prosecution of organized retail crime.
Rep. Cartwright lauds $3.7M RACP grant to upgrade NEPA Amtrak Corridor
U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Moosic, this week applauded a $3.7 million grant awarded to the Monroe County Industrial Development Authority from Gov. Tom Wolf’s office to construct a new railroad line in the Poconos.
The funding, through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), will support the purchase and installation of railroad ties along the Pocono Mainline to provide required upgrades for the new Amtrak Corridor passenger train service to Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“This is another great step forward when it comes to restoring passenger rail service to New York and will go towards replacing railroad ties in Lackawanna and Monroe counties,” Cartwright said. “This award adds to the building momentum and is a crucial step forward. ”
Amtrak’s analysis of the corridor estimates about 425,000 riders a year would travel at least part of the Scranton-to-New York City route. The route would inject $87 million a year into the economy and $2.9 billion in economic activity during the construction phase.
Development in the Poconos in anticipation of tourism from northern New Jersey and New York City is already accelerating, with a recent billion-dollar announcement coming from the Margaritaville Resorts group for an expansive complex in Pocono Township, Pennsylvania.
“We are equally grateful and excited for this funding announcement from the Governor’s office,” said Larry Malski, president of the PA Northeast Regional Railroad Authority. “This significant investment by the Commonwealth will strengthen our efforts to restore efficient passenger rail service while revitalizing our local economy and empowering regional communities.”
House adopts Kaufer’s resolution to study cost of state prison safety plan
A resolution sponsored by Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R-Kingston, to study the cost of a safety plan for staffing of state correctional institutions in Pennsylvania was adopted by the House of Representatives this week.
“Corrections officers perform a vital and essential role in our state prisons. They serve as a voice of authority while ensuring the safety and welfare of prisoners,” Kaufer said. “Despite dealing with some of the most dangerous criminals imaginable, these courageous law enforcement officers disrupt violent conflicts, ensure order and help to rehabilitate prisoners. That is why I am introducing legislation requesting this important review to enhance their safety.”
House Resolution 174 directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to conduct a thorough and comprehensive study on the cost of implementing a safety plan for staffing on Level 3 and Level 4 housing units within state correctional institutions. The study will determine the cost to have those units staffed by at least two correctional officers per pod where inmates are permitted freedom of movements from their cells.
According to Kaufer, seven Pennsylvania Department of Corrections officers or employees have been killed in the line of duty as a result of an assault since 1954. The most recent death occurred in 2018 at SCI Somerset when a corrections officer was assaulted and kicked in the head by an inmate. There have also been a growing number of major assaults on correction officers in state prisons. A major assault is one that inflicts injuries that require the victim to be taken for medical treatment outside the prison.
The LBFC is to submit a report to the House of Representatives containing its findings and recommendations resulting from the study no later than Aug. 31, 2023.
Rep. Keller sounds alarm over plan to ban oil and gas exports
U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-Williamsport, and several Oversight Committee Republicans this week raised serious concerns over reports indicating President Biden intends to impose an oil and gas export ban, potentially resulting in even higher gas prices, further supply chain issues, and reduced energy security for the U.S. and allies.
In a letter to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm, the Republican lawmakers request all documents and information related to the Biden Administration’s potential plans to ban oil and gas exports, as well as the DOE’s role in the potential misuse of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).
“The Biden Administration continues to pursue policies that suppress domestic energy production and drive fuel prices higher for consumers,” wrote the Republican lawmakers. “We are concerned that the president may soon impose an oil and gas export ban that will result in even higher gas prices, supply chain issues, global market upheaval, and reduced energy security for the U.S. and our allies. While you have not confirmed a ban will be imposed, recent reports by top officials suggest Administration interest in restricting exports of refined petroleum products. Contrary to alleviating gasoline prices at the pump, an export ban on refined petroleum products will prompt additional prices hikes and supply chain bottlenecks, costing American consumers even more money.”
On Oct. 5, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its affiliates (OPEC+) announced their intent to cut oil production by two million barrels a day. The promise of production cutbacks amid a pre-existing supply shortage will increase fuel prices, adding to the recent surges in October 2022 gasoline prices.