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In this Update:

• Continuing the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer
• REMINDER: Veterans and Their Families Invited to Complete Benefits Survey
• Playing a Leading Role in Supporting High School Athletics
• Resources Available to Help Pennsylvanians with Rising Energy Costs
• Scam Warning: “Final Demand for Payment” Letters
• Monthly Appropriations Update Details Lagging PIT Payments, Improving Rainy Day Fund

Continuing the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

February 15 is designated as International Childhood Cancer Day in recognition of the struggle of families who face this terrifying diagnosis. At my request, the Pennsylvania Capitol Building was lit up in gold this past week in honor of our Commonwealth’s young cancer warriors and the loved ones who support them.

We have made tremendous progress in the fight against pediatric cancer in recent years. I detailed many of these advancements here. I also joined my colleagues in designating this week as THON Week in Pennsylvania to honor the student volunteers who are supporting families affected by pediatric cancer.

Families affected by pediatric cancer are some of the best advocates in the world, and they will continue to serve as an incredible inspiration for my legislative efforts in the Senate.

REMINDER: Veterans and Their Families Invited to Complete Benefits Survey

I am conducting a survey for veterans and their families to ensure they are connected to all the benefits they have earned for serving our country. If you know someone whose perspective would be important, please share this link with them: https://redesign.senatorscottmartinpa.com/legislative-survey/.

Playing a Leading Role in Supporting High School Athletics

The Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee plays a key role in reviewing all issues pertaining to sports and athletic competitions that are sanctioned by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. I was honored to be reappointed to serve on this panel again in 2023 after serving as Chair of the committee since 2020.

More details about my appointment are available here.

Resources Available to Help Pennsylvanians with Rising Energy Costs

As energy costs continue to rise, resources are available to minimize the financial burden and to assist with payments already owed.

Consumers can immediately lower their energy bills by switching to a competing electric and natural gas supplier using PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com. Read all terms thoroughly to understand if the contract includes a fixed or variable rate before making a decision.

Those who are having difficulty paying bills currently should call the utility company to work out a payment plan to avoid additional fees associated with the reconnection of service. Financial assistance is also available for many ratepayers through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). New applicants can apply for the program at www.compass.state.pa.us.

As your Senator, I will continue to support policies that will help prevent new energy costs from being heaped on consumers and job-creators.

Scam Warning: “Final Demand for Payment” Letters

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has issued a warning about scams designed to trick people into turning over sensitive data and personal information.

One recurring scam involves phony letters sent to taxpayers through the mail. The “Final Demand for Payment” letters threaten wage garnishment and the seizure of property or assets unless the recipient calls a phone number to satisfy a lien.

If you are concerned about a potentially fraudulent notice, visit the department’s webpage for verified contact information. This will help you ensure that you are speaking with a legitimate representative of the department.

And if you believe you are a victim of tax fraud or tax-related identity theft, contact the department’s Bureau of Fraud Detection and Analysis by emailing Ra-rvpadorfraud@pa.gov or calling 717-772-9297.

Monthly Appropriations Update Details Lagging PIT Payments, Improving Rainy Day Fund

Each month, the Senate Appropriations Committee prepares a monthly update on the financial health of the Commonwealth. The most recent report includes information on:

• Lagging PIT payments resulting from a new revenue reporting system.
• Lower revenue projections for the upcoming budget.
• The improving health of the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

The full update, including the full monthly revenue report, is available here.

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