|
|
[[Opt In Top]] |
Weekly Roundup |
#Listrak\DateStampLong# |
The latest news from the State Capitol |
Free Tax Preparation Available for Seniors Beginning Feb. 8
AARP provides free tax preparation assistance for seniors who meet certain income eligibility requirements. This service is for seniors and low-to-moderate income taxpayers, and will be offered at my Pocono Pines district office every Wednesday beginning on Feb. 8 and will run through April 12. Call 570-643-7683 for an appointment.
|
Assistance with Unemployment Compensation Claims
In light of the governor’s unilateral decision to furlough 500 employees from the Commonwealth’s unemployment compensation call centers and other offices, my district offices have received an influx of calls from unemployed workers seeking help to navigate the unemployment compensation system.
The Department of Labor and Industry’s website does provide information on how to file a claim, including filing online. Information can be found by clicking here.
Should you need assistance with filing a claim, please don’t hesitate to call or stop by one of our offices as my staff can expedite the process. You can find the office locations and phone numbers at the bottom of this email.
|
East Stroudsburg University Holds Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast
It was my pleasure to attend East Stroudsburg University’s Martin Luther King Day Breakfast, held on Monday, Jan. 16.
|
Website Offers Families Help to Save for Disability Expenses
A new website about the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program website is now available at paable.gov to offer essential information on the upcoming program.
The ABLE Savings Program gives individuals with qualified disabilities a tax-free way to save for future disability-related expenses, while maintaining government benefits. The site also has a short quiz to help determine eligibility, a comprehensive Frequently Asked Question section and allows users to sign up to receive updates on the program, including when accounts open for enrollment.
Modeled after college 529 savings accounts, PA ABLE accounts allow eligible individuals with qualifying disabilities and their families to save for housing, education, transportation, medical and other expenses without jeopardizing government benefits. The federal tax-free savings and investment options are offered to encourage individuals with a disability and their families to save private funds to support health, independence and quality of life.
The Pennsylvania Treasury, which operates the site, has also opened an ABLE Call Center at (855) 529-2253 which operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
Veterans Registry Helps Put Vets in Touch with Services
Thousands of Pennsylvania veterans have been better connected to benefits, programs and services, thanks to an online registry launched a year ago by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).
Registration is conveniently available by using a computer or mobile device and visiting register.dmva.pa.gov. The process takes just a couple of minutes and includes the registrant providing basic information such as name, age, home address, email address, etc.
Registrants can choose to have their information shared with their county director for veterans affairs and other relevant state agencies. They can also opt in to receive timely, informative emails regarding local, state and national news; program updates; community events; and employment opportunities available specifically for veterans.
Pennsylvania is home to nearly 900,000 veterans.
|
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
As a way to promote good cervical health, Pennsylvania operates the HealthyWoman Program, which is a free breast and cervical cancer early detection program for those who are not insured or whose insurance doesn’t cover the screenings.
Nearly 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, but the disease is virtually always preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.
Among the services offered are pelvic exams, Pap smears and follow-up diagnostic tests for an abnormal screening result. Cervical cancer screenings are recommended for women beginning at age 21.
For more information, call the HealthyWoman hotline at 1-800-215-7494 or click here.
|
|
Office Locations |
Capitol: Room 423, Irvis Office Building, P.O. Box 202176, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2176 | Phone: (717) 787-7732 |
Districts: 2785 Route 115, Suite 103, Carriage House Square, Effort, PA 18330 I Phone: (570) 620-4341 |
Tobyhanna Township Building, 105 Government Center Way, Pocono Pines, Pa 18350 I Phone: (570) 643-7683 |
Email: jrader@pahousegop.com |
|
|