|
|
[[Share On Facebook]]
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link. |
Congratulations, Trojans!!
What a season! Congratulations to the Troy Area School District Trojans Football Team upon winning the PIAA Class AA state championship last week against Central Clarion. The players showed a lot of heart and determination during a close game to win 25-24 and claim their first ever state title. It was so exciting to be there and cheer them on! And it was great to see so many others from the community doing the same. There was a lot of red in the stands!
|
Caring for Our Veterans
It was an exciting day yesterday as officials cut the ribbon to celebrate the reopening of the now-expanded Wellsboro VA Clinic at 1835 Shumway Hill Road. Our veterans have given so much of themselves to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. We owe them nothing but the best in the way of care and support!
These festivities are a great example of finding the silver lining in every cloud. Nearly two years ago, a water pipe burst while the office was closed for Christmas. By the time the broken pipe was discovered, several inches of water were on the floor and significant damage was done. The VA Clinic and Veterans Affairs Office relocated, and work commenced on the cleanup and, later, the expansion of the clinic. The new addition has allowed the clinic to provide podiatry and vision services on top of the great offerings already available, including laboratory and pathology services, mental health care, pharmacy and primary care.
If you are a veteran in need of services, reach out to the clinic at 607-664-4680, or via VA Health Connect at 800-877-6976. Click here for additional information.
And I’d like to extend special thanks to our Tioga County commissioners, as well as Congressman Glenn Thompson, for all the work they did to help make this project a reality in support of our veterans.
|
Deadline Nears for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities have until Dec. 31 to apply for the state’s 2023 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Remember, assistance through my offices in Wellsboro and Troy is always free. You need not pay a private firm for assistance.
Income limits increased this year to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, so if you were earning too much to qualify before, you may be eligible now. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate also increased to $1,000.
The program is open to residents age 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Click here for additional information or to apply online or contact my offices for assistance. If you applied previously but have not received your rebate, click here. The 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program will open for applications in mid- to late January.
|
Supporting First Responders
A new state law will give first responders greater access to workers’ compensation benefits for a post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI).
Under Act 121 of 2024, which I was proud to support, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics will be entitled to benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation law for psychological traumas arising from individual traumatic events or cumulative highly stressful experiences resulting from their employment – even in the absence of physical injuries requiring medical treatment.
At a time when first responders are in short supply, it is vital we provide proper support to the men and women who choose to put their lives on the line for us and our communities.
The law will take effect next fall.
|
Warning for Energy Supply Shoppers
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is cautioning energy consumers about an increase in look-alike websites mimicking the state’s official energy shopping platforms.
Unofficial copycat or look-alike sites often top search engine results or appear prominently in social media ads, misleading consumers who are looking for fair and unbiased information about energy shopping.
The PUC’s energy shopping websites – clearly marked as “The Official Electric Shopping Websites of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” – are designed to provide consumers with impartial and comprehensive information.
For safe and effective energy shopping and to ensure you are accessing the correct resources, please visit PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com. Stay safe online and make informed decisions with trusted resources from your Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
|
New Resource for State Grants
The Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) recently launched a new resource to make it easier for residents, businesses, nonprofits, schools and local governments to find and apply for grants from state agencies.
The new discovery tool allows users to search for, sort and filter information about grants based on the type of applicant, category, application deadline, location and other criteria. The search results include links to each program, including information about who the funding is intended for, the application process, key dates and deadlines, eligibility criteria, and where to apply.
Check it out here.
|
Need a Gift for an Angler?
Fishing licenses, permits and gift vouchers for the 2025 fishing season are now available for purchase from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The cost remains the same at $27.97 for a resident annual license and $14.47 for a senior resident annual license. Please click here to make a purchase and check out the full list of license options. Licenses may also be purchased through the FishBoatPA mobile app or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents.
Now is also a good time to mark your 2025 calendars for the statewide opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 5, and statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 29.
|
|