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| News You Can Use |
| Legislative Headlines |
Hotline to Assist Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
A new hotline to help connect thousands of grandparents who are raising their grandchildren to the resources and programs available to them is now live.
The KinConnector hotline was established through Act 89 of 2018 to address the growing number of grandparents who have become primary caregivers to their grandchildren in the Commonwealth. It is a situation that has skyrocketed in recent years as a result of the state’s opioid epidemic. An estimated 82,000 grandparents are the sole caregivers for nearly 89,000 grandchildren in Pennsylvania.
KinConnector can be reached by calling 1-866-KIN-2111 (1-866-546-2111). The KinConnector helpline is staffed by social service professionals prepared to help families understand and access local, state and federal resources. A website of resources will also be available in the near future.
FCC Takes Next Step in Battle Against Robocalls, Spoofing
Recognizing the frustration and potential danger posed by spam calls and spoofing, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced new rules this week that will ban malicious caller ID spoofing of text messages and foreign calls.
The rules are designed to close a loophole in existing law that prevented the agency from pursuing scammers sending spoofed text messages and international bad actors making spoofed calls to Americans.
Earlier this summer, the FCC approved rules that could make it easier for AT&T, Verizon and other telecom giants to block suspected spam calls on behalf of their subscribers. It allows the companies to enroll consumers in their call-blocking services by default, as opposed to waiting for customers to sign up for such tools on their own.
While these changes are important steps in the fight against robocalls and spoofing, no one expects they will result in their elimination. Protect yourself by using some of the following tips provided by the FCC: don’t answer calls from unknown numbers; due to spoofing, don’t assume when the caller ID shows a local number that the caller is actually local; if you answer and the caller asks you to press a button to stop receiving calls or asks you to say “yes” in response to a question, hang up to prevent your response from being used for unauthorized charges; and if a caller claims to be from a legitimate company or organization, hang up and call them back using a valid number found online or a recent bill if you do business with the organization.
If you have lost money because of a scam call, notify your local law enforcement agency. If you receive a spam call, file a complaint with the FCC Consumer Complaint Center.
Fire, EMS Grant Program to Open First Week of September
Fire companies and ambulance services throughout Pennsylvania are encouraged to apply for the 2019-20 Fire Company, Emergency Medical Services Companies Grant Program from the Office of State Fire Commissioner.
The application period will open the first week of September and remain open for 45 days. Exact dates will be listed at osfc.pa.gov closer to the grant application period opening.
Organizations may apply for a grant in up to two of six eligible funding categories. Those categories include: construction or renovation of a unit’s facility and purchase or repair of necessary fixtures and furnishings; purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment, including fuel for company vehicles; debt reduction related to the above categories; training and certification of members; training and education materials about fire prevention for the general public; and, for career fire departments only, overtime costs associated with backfilling positions while firefighters are attending training.
The maximum grant amount is $15,000 for fire companies and $10,000 for volunteer ambulance services. A total of $30 million will be awarded through the program, which is funded by state gaming proceeds.
For more information about the program, click here.
Law to Eliminate Inheritance Tax for Children
Children age 21 or younger who suffer the loss of a parent will no longer have to pay the state’s 4.5% inheritance tax under a new law taking effect in January.
Act 13 of 2019 reduces the inheritance tax rate to 0% for the transfer of property to or for the use of a child 21 years of age or younger from a natural parent, adoptive parent or a stepparent of the child.
A prior law implemented a 0% tax rate on transfers from a child 21 years of age or younger to his or her parent.
The law will apply to transfers from a decedent who dies after Dec. 31, 2019.
Hunter-Trapper Education Courses Available
State law requires all first-time hunters and trappers, regardless of age, to successfully complete Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE) training before they can buy a Pennsylvania hunting or trapping license.
Prospective hunters age 16 years or older may complete the study course entirely online. Or you may sign up for one of the classes being offered near you.
For a searchable database of classes currently scheduled, click here.
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| Upcoming Events in the 88th District |
Document Shredding
Join us Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to noon for document shredding in the Lower Allen Township Parking Lot, 2233 Gettysburg Road, Camp Hill.
Residents of the 88th Legislative District are invited to a free shredding event to help safeguard themselves against identity theft.
There is a limit of four bags or boxes per household. No businesses, please.
Examples of items to bring include bank and credit card statements, tax documents, insurance claim forms, and anything that lists a Social Security or account number.
RSVPs are required. You can RSVP here or by calling 717-761-4665.
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| Rep. Delozier in the Community |
As the chair of the South-Central Caucus, I was glad to organize a tour of Rock Lititz last week in Lancaster County. It was fun to learn about how Rock Lititz supports major musicians on national and international tours with video, audio, lighting and stage components. The family-owned businesses that make up Rock Lititz have done so much for the economy in the Lititz area by bringing people from all over the world to central Pennsylvania.
Bowen Works celebrated its Main Street location in Mechanicsburg with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This center provides pain relief through holistic practices. We’re glad to have them in the Borough of Mechanicsburg!
Welcome to Little Francis Children’s Shoppe, a new business in the West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne. You can find cute children’s apparel and stuffed animals at this store. Little Francis Children’s Shoppe is a great addition to the market!
The House Majority Policy Committee had an opportunity to learn about the Penn State University LaunchBox program to encourage entrepreneurship in the state. There are 21 LaunchBox centers. Thank you to Penn State and its president, Eric Barron, for sharing information.
I spoke about criminal justice reform Wednesday at a monthly briefing with Quantum Communications. These briefings bring people together from the business, legal, academic and political communities. I was glad to share the information and be joined by Sen. Ryan Aument, who gave a presentation on funding of higher education. Thanks for having me!
The House Majority Policy Committee saw first-hand how the Swift Water Emergency Response Team helps storm victims using boats and helicopters. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) helped to create a training exercise for the response team. The techniques are quite impressive!
Watch ABC27’s This Week in Pennsylvania at 10 a.m. Sunday to hear a discussion about criminal justice legislation. Rep. Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) and I talked about our legislative priorities in a segment recorded earlier this week.
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| Office Locations |
| 2929 Gettysburg Road, Suite 6, Camp Hill PA 17011 | Phone: (717) 761-4665 |
| 107 Ryan Office Building, PO Box 202088, Harrisburg PA 17120-2088 | Phone: 717-783-5282 |
| Email: sdelozie@pahousegop.com |
| TTY: 855-282-0614 |
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