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| Weekly Roundup |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
House OKs Bill to Get Unemployment Centers Back Open
As a way to reopen unemployment centers and get people the unemployment compensation (UC) benefits they have earned in a timelier manner, the House passed Senate Bill 250 that would provide $15 million in funding to the Department of Labor and Industry.
The governor laid off about 450 employees and closed three UC centers late last year after state funding was halted due to complications arising from a failed computer system upgrade. As a result, residents seeking to submit claims or obtain information from the bureau have experienced lengthy delays or lack of response.
This funding is intended to be temporary to improve operations of the UC system. The legislation contains specific provisions the department must meet to regain more permanent funding.
After the bill moved back to the Senate on concurrence, it now heads to the governor’s desk.
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Out and About in the 176th
I recently visited Tim Coover, owner of EZ Mountain Rustic Furniture, to tour his new facility in Pocono Lake. The Coover Family has owned and operated the business since 1977. This new facility has allowed Tim to greatly expand his show area.
Ray Price Ford, in Mount Pocono, recently held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration. The Ray Price Family has been serving Northeast Pennsylvania since 1913. I was happy to join Sen. Mario Scavello, Commissioner John Moyer, Commissioner Charlie Garris and employees to celebrate this new facility.
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State Grant Deadline is May 1 for PA College Students
The deadline for students and families to submit their applications for the 2017-18 Pennsylvania State Grant program is May 1. This deadline applies to all renewal applicants and first-time applicants who plan to enroll in colleges, universities or a college transfer program at two-year public or private colleges (except community colleges and designated Pennsylvania Open Admission institutions).
To apply for a Pennsylvania State Grant, applicants must first complete the 2017-18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants can access the FAFSA online at PHEAA.org/FAFSA or fafsa.gov. Completing the FAFSA online saves time and reduces application and processing errors.
Students and families with questions about the FAFSA or the State Grant Program can call 800-692-7392 for personal assistance.
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Mark Your Calendars!
Our Pocono Pines District Office Open House is set for Thursday, May 11, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Tobyhanna Township Building. Stop by to learn about what my office can do for you, meet my staff and visit with township officials.
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Tax Amnesty Program Starts April 21
Pennsylvania is offering a limited opportunity for individuals and businesses with past-due taxes as of the end of 2015 to pay with a reduced penalty.
The program will run from April 21 until June 19. All penalties and half of the interest will be waived. Those owing state taxes from more than 30 categories administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue are eligible, including personal income tax, corporate net income tax, sales and use tax, employer withholding tax and inheritance tax. Taxpayers who participated in the 2010 tax amnesty are ineligible, along with those under criminal investigation, prosecution or restitution for violating tax law; those in bankruptcy unless the Bankruptcy Court grants permission; and those with a current voluntary disclosure agreement.
After the amnesty program ends, an additional 5 percent penalty will be added to eligible taxpayers who did not participate, and interest will continue to accumulate. More information about the program is available here.
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Roadwork Scheduled on Interstate 80 and 380
During the week of April 24, PennDOT plans to conduct bridge repair and paving work on parts of Monroe County’s interstates. PennDOT has bridge repair work scheduled for Interstate 80 west on Monday in the Tannersville area and Tuesday on the eastbound section in the same area. On Wednesday, PennDOT plans to conduct bridge repair work on Interstate 80 west through East Stroudsburg. Motorists can expect lane closures and significant delays, so plan accordingly. Paving work is also expected to take place on Interstate 380 south in the Pocono Pines area on Wednesday. PennDOT would like to remind all drivers to please use caution when driving through a work zone. All project dates are tentative and weather dependent. To get the latest road conditions in the Poconos visit 511PA.com before your trip.
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| 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 |
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