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In this Update:
ICYMI: A Closer Look at Efforts to Improve Water Quality
Senate Republicans have led efforts in Pennsylvania to boost water quality statewide and to preserve this critical resource for future generations. I joined Senators Gene Yaw and Dan Laughlin in creating the Clean Streams Fund in 2022, and this year’s budget included $50 million in recurring funding for the program. The Clean Streams Fund supports the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, which creates partnerships with farmers to establish best management practices to keep valuable nutrients in the soil instead of our waterways. To date, the program has supported more than 700 clean water projects throughout the state. Supporting clean water in Pennsylvania communities benefits our downstream neighbors as well. Because of the initiative, the Chesapeake Bay recently earned its best rating in more than 20 years in the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Bay Report Card. More information on the Clean Streams Fund is available here. Supporting Healthier Communities
Providing Pennsylvanians increased access to important health care and emergency services was a key priority of Senate Republicans as we worked to implement the 2024-25 state budget. Quality and reliable health care must reach every corner of our commonwealth, which is why we worked to ensure the final budget agreement included a $10 million supplemental payment for rural hospitals and $17.5 million for rural health redesign and distressed hospitals. We also increased support for neonatal and obstetric services provided through the Medical Assistance Program, providing an additional $7 million to help support mothers and their babies. In addition, the enacted budget also includes a $134 million increase for nursing home facilities and an additional $20 million rate increase for emergency medical services (EMS). This additional funding continues Senate Republicans’ commitment to ensuring healthy and safe communities. Financial Assistance is Available to Struggling Veterans
Veterans who are experiencing unforeseen circumstances causing a financial burden can benefit from the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program. The VTA provides temporary financial assistance of up to $1,600 in a 12-month period to veterans or their surviving spouses who reside in Pennsylvania for basic necessities like food, shelter, fuel and clothing. Eligibility guidelines are available here. Veterans interested in applying for a VTA grant should contact their county director of Veterans Affairs. Wondering How to Check the Status of a PTRR Rebate?
Checks and direct deposit payments from the state’s 2023 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program went out July 1 and will be mailed on a rolling basis through the Dec. 31 deadline. If you filed for a property tax or rent rebate and would like to know the status of it, check online or call 1-888-PATAXES (728-2937). The Property Tax/Rent Rebate is available to senior citizens and people with disabilities who meet income guidelines. Claim forms are available by contacting my district office, where assistance in applying for the program is also available at no charge. Find more information, including eligibility guidelines, here. Celebrating Pennsylvania’s Workforce on Labor Day
Millions of men and women who are members of Pennsylvania’s workforce keep our economy chugging along. Their hard work benefits communities all across the state and even country. On Labor Day, I recognize their accomplishments and wish them some well-deserved relaxation.
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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