Senator Martin E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Gov. Wolf Sues to Prevent Voters from Deciding Critical Issues
  • In-Person Service Resumes for Unemployment Compensation Claimants
  • Avian Influenza Recovery Grants Available
  • Business Owners Targeted with Fraudulent Letters
  • New App Connects Students Experiencing Homelessness with Resources

Gov. Wolf Sues to Prevent Voters from Deciding Critical Issues

Recently, the General Assembly approved a measure that would put several proposed amendments to the state constitution on the ballot for voters to decide. Unfortunately, Gov. Tom Wolf has filed a lawsuit to keep these crucial questions off the ballot.

His lawsuit seeks to prevent Pennsylvanians from voting on the following:

  • Voter ID
  • Auditing elections
  • Legislative disapproval of regulations
  • Election of the lieutenant governor
  • Taxpayer funding of abortions

Given the people have already overridden Gov. Wolf once – restricting his pandemic emergency powers – it comes as no surprise he would use the courts to bypass the people to achieve his goals.

It’s my hope this irresponsible gambit will fail and, if approved again in the 2023-24 legislative session, these critical questions will go before the voters.

In-Person Service Resumes for Unemployment Compensation Claimants

In-person services for Unemployment Compensation (UC) claimants are now available by appointment at all PA CareerLink centers throughout the commonwealth, according to the Department of Labor and Industry.

In-person services are designed to assist individuals who do not have online access or technical skills or have limited English proficiency.

To schedule an appointment, please contact the nearest PA CareerLink site, which can be found at the bottom of the homepage.

Avian Influenza Recovery Grants Available

Recovery assistance is now available for poultry farmers and integrators impacted by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The grant program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will provide reimbursement to farms, integrators and allied industries directly impacted by HPAI by suffering demonstrable financial losses due to inclusion in a control or quarantine zone.

The number of farms directly impacted by HPAI is currently limited to 17 in Lancaster and Berks counties, which experienced losses of more than 4.2 million birds. Pennsylvania’s $7.1 billion poultry industry employs 26,600 workers.

Business Owners Targeted with Fraudulent Letters

Business owners should be alert for fraudulent letters trying to trick them into turning over their accounting records.

The fraudulent letters include the Department of Revenue’s name and logo and leads recipients to believe that they are under investigation for “alleged violation of delinquent sales tax liability.” The letter includes contact information for a “Resolution Officer” and urges the business owner to provide accounting records prepared by a licensed professional.

You can find tips on avoiding this scam and verifying information from the state here. If you are concerned about a potentially fraudulent notice, please visit the department’s Verifying Contact page for a verified phone number and contact information.

New App Connects Students Experiencing Homelessness with Resources

A new mobile and desktop app is available to help connect students and families experiencing homelessness with local services and resources.

Users can search for and request assistance with services and resources in their current location, local communities and throughout Pennsylvania to connect them with help.

Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness program has a network of eight regional offices to ensure that the educational needs of students experiencing homelessness are met.

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If you have a question about the information in this e-newsletter or other state related matters that you would like a response to, please click HERE to submit your inquiry through my website. This will help to ensure that we are able to respond to your question in a timely fashion due to the high volume of emails and the ever growing amount of computer generated spam mail we receive daily.

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