| Legislative Headlines |
Heating Assistance Program Opens Soon
Residents who are struggling with their home heating bills can apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning Wednesday, Nov. 1.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service.
The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are set at 150 percent of the federal poverty income level. For example, the income limit for an individual is $18,090; for a couple, the limit is $24,360; and for a family of four, it is $36,900.
Residents may apply for LIHEAP online or by contacting the County Assistance Office in their county of residence.
|
Another Extension Granted to Comply with REAL ID
Late last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the compliance deadline for when Pennsylvania residents must use a REAL ID or other acceptable forms of enhanced identification.
Under this extension, Pennsylvania residents can use their existing driver licenses through Oct. 10, 2018. This will apply to both federal facilities and domestic airline travel.
PennDOT has begun work on the implementation of REAL ID and estimates that REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and identification cards will be available, as an option for residents, in March 2019. It is expected that Pennsylvania will continue to apply for extensions until the state has met complete compliance.
DHS has established Oct. 1, 2020, as the final REAL ID compliance deadline for all states.
Information on Pennsylvania’s REAL ID, including frequently asked questions, is available at dmv.pa.gov.
|
Be Aware – Nov. 7 Property Tax Ballot Question
On the Nov. 7 general election ballot, voters will have an opportunity to vote on a property tax reform measure.
Currently, the state Constitution permits local governments – counties, municipalities and school districts – to exclude up to 50 percent of the median assessed home value from a homeowner’s tax bill. However, the referendum on the ballot will allow voters to decide if the maximum homestead exclusion could be increased to 100 percent of primary residences. For example, under the current homestead exclusion, if the average home value in your school district is $100,000, up to $50,000 can be excluded from your tax bill if your school district elected the full 50 percent exclusion rate. If the value of your home is assessed at $150,000, your local property tax rate would only be applied to $100,000 of that value.
If the resolution amending the Constitution is approved, the General Assembly would still have to pass a law to implement the change, and local governments would still be responsible for establishing exclusion amounts for homesteads within each district.
|
Improving Educational Options
The House approved two proposals this week to improve educational options for students.
House Bill 429 would allow public school students who earn credit for a course in personal financial literacy to use that credit to satisfy a graduation credit requirement in social studies, math or consumer science. This would help encourage students to acquire the knowledge necessary to make wise financial choices as adults.
The second measure, House Bill 1653, would allow students pursuing postsecondary education online to receive financial aid. Currently, this is operated as a pilot program, which was created by Act 59 of 2013, for students who take more than 50 percent of their credits online from a college or university headquartered and located in the Commonwealth. During the 2014-15 grant year, more than 5,900 students received grant awards, which totaled $8.52 million because of the pilot program.
Both bills now head to the Senate for consideration.
|
Clean Slate Legislation Advocated
This week, I participated in two events to advocate for my “Clean Slate” legislation. House Bill 1419 would allow the sealing from public view of the criminal record of an individual who committed a minor crime and has paid his or her debt to society. Many times long-past criminal convictions inhibit a person’s efforts to obtain good employment and housing.
On Monday, I joined with Rep. Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) to speak about the bill at a criminal justice conference. On Tuesday, three Philadelphia Eagles players, Malcom Jenkins, Torrey Smith and Chris Long, visited the Capitol to discuss criminal justice reforms and advocate for my bill. I’m hopeful my legislation or a similar bill by Sen. Scott Wagner (Senate Bill 529) will advance to the governor’s desk soon.
|
| Rep. Delozier in the Community |
• Last Saturday, I attended the West Shore School District Foundation Gala where three alumni were honored – Joe Abraham, Red Land High School Class of 1996, and Bart and Bret DeLone, Cedar Cliff High School Class of 1977. Teacher Innovation Grant recipients also were recognized. The evening raised funds to support enriched excellence in education for students, faculty and staff in the West Shore School District.
• West Shore Bureau of Fire held its 18th annual banquet last Saturday. It was an honor to address the volunteers and thank them for answering the call in times of emergency. We appreciate your service.
• The 88th Legislative District was represented at the Capitol on Tuesday as part of the National Confectioners Association’s Pennsylvania Candy and Chocolate Day. Representatives from The Warrell Corporation were on hand showcasing their confectionery products manufactured at Pennsylvania plants, including the one in Lower Allen Township. It was great to see a local business spotlighted for my colleagues.
• This Sunday, I will be the guest on “Face The State with Robb Hanrahan” on CBS 21, which airs at 8:30 a.m. The weekly show talks to state leaders and breaks down current issues. I hope you are able to tune in.
|
|
.jpg)