Emailed Newsletter - March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025


 
Capitol Report
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The latest news from the State Capitol
 
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link
 
Harrisburg Happenings


Last week, I had the privilege of sitting down with Secretary of Health Dr. Debra L. Boden and her team, Senator Lisa Baker, and Pike County Commissioners Matt Osterberg and Ron Schmalzle to discuss crucial topics surrounding rural healthcare, EMS, and the potential for a micro-hospital. I’m grateful for the collaboration and looking forward to working together on these important issues that impact our communities!
 
 
Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Applications Open

The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), is now open!

Created by the Legislature under Act 89 of 2024, the program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in an in-demand occupation and agree to work in that occupation in Pennsylvania after graduation.

There are over 460 eligible programs of study or majors that lead to in-demand occupations in a variety of fields, such as agriculture, business, education, computer science, STEM, nursing, allied health and criminal justice. Awards will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis for the 2025-26 academic year.

For details about the program and eligibility, visit PHEAA.org/GrowPA.
 
 
Honoring a Local Veteran



Happy 102nd Birthday to Ed Kuhn, a true hero and WWII Veteran! ?? Jill from my office joined Ed and his family tonight for a special celebration at the Devore-Quinn American Legion Post 486 in Matamoras. Thank you for your service, Ed, and for inspiring us all!
 
 
New Online Petition Center for Taxpayers to File Appeals


A new online platform is now available for Pennsylvania taxpayers who are filing an appeal or submitting a request for a refund with the state Department of Revenue.

Key features of the new Online Petition Center include a more user-friendly, intuitive interface; a tracker feature to allow taxpayers to follow the status of their petition; improved security and accessibility; and simpler terminology to streamline the process.

The new Online Petition Center also involves a transition to the Keystone Login account management system, meaning users will need to sign up for a new username and password to access the new system. Click here to learn more about how to register for a Keystone Login account.
 
 
Meet the District Office Staff



Hi, I’m Jill. I’m here to help with Unemployment, Unclaimed Property, Events, Property Tax / Rent Rebate, etc. I am a graduate of Delaware Valley High School and Kutztown University. My professional degrees are for teaching, but my heart is in public service. I have served, and currently serve, on numerous boards in the district. My favorite thing to do outside work is target shooting and crafting, like burning designs into cowboy hats, Mandala dot art, sewing and painting, to name a few. My family and I like to vacation in the Outer Banks, which makes it easier to visit our daughter in North Carolina.
 
 
Are You Prepared for the Next Storm?


Many people across the state, were affected by severe weather over the weekend, including heavy rain, hail, high winds and even tornadoes.

In addition to the safety risks brought on by this kind of weather, many people also lose power in their homes. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has some valuable tips for preparing yourself for a power outage. Check it out here so you’re ready for the next storm.

To stay on top of the latest weather forecast or other emergencies in your area, consider signing up for CodeRed alerts here. You can choose to receive alerts by phone, text or email.

Stay informed to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe!
 
 
Helping the Community



Doug and Gina, from my office, dropped off items for the Wallenpaupack Area School District Kids Food Pantry, which were generously collected by my amazing staff. Let's keep supporting our community - every contribution helps make a difference.
 
 
Bid on Unclaimed Property During Treasury’s Online Auction!


Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity has announced that Treasury’s next auction of unclaimed property will take place next week on Wednesday and Thursday, March 26-27. More than 5,500 items will hit the auction block for online bidders. Anyone interested in bidding can visit Treasury’s auctioneer partner Pook & Pook Inc.’s website to register.

Items in the upcoming auction include precious and costume jewelry, collectible coins, currency and more. Any item sold at auction is carefully documented by Treasury. Net proceeds remain with Treasury until a rightful owner comes forward to claim the property, no matter how much time passes.

Unclaimed tangible property, like the items being auctioned, comes to Treasury most often from forgotten safe deposit boxes. Treasury works to find the rightful owner for at least three years before auctioning an item. Treasury holds auctions twice a year to make room for incoming property in Treasury’s vault, the largest working vault in the country.

Treasury is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property that is owed to more than one in 10 Pennsylvanians. The average value of a claim is about $1,600. This money can belong to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, local government entities and other organizations.

Anyone can search for unclaimed property online at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. My office is also always glad to help you with your claim or to answer any of your questions.
 
 
Introducing Our Youth to Trout Fishing!


Just a reminder next Saturday, March 29, is Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day across the Commonwealth.

To participate, youth anglers (those under the age of 16) must have either a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License. More information about the mentored youth program, as well as a link to obtain a permit or license, is available here.

The following Saturday, April 5, is the first day of trout season. If you haven’t already, be sure to buy your fishing licenses and permits and get your gear organized. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) online at www.fishandboat.com or the FishBoatPA mobile app for more information.
 
 
Upcoming District Events



In addition, my staff and I have a lot of events planned in the coming months. More details to follow, but here is a sneak peek:

May 15th – Senior Expo
July 12th – Damaged License Plate Event
July 19th – Shredding Event
August 9th – Damaged License Plate Event
September 5th – Senior Expo
 

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