Senator Dave Argall E-Newsletter

Cost Study Commission Continues Identifying Potential Savings to Taxpayers 

The Senate Government Management and Cost Study Commission has held several meetings recently to examine ways to save taxpayer dollars.

On May 3, the Commission met with Department of Corrections Secretary Jeffrey Beard and other members of the corrections community to discuss ideas for cutting costs of housing and monitoring criminals. The Commission also heard testimony from Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf on a comprehensive package of prison reforms that could help reduce corrections costs.

The Commission heard testimony from members of the higher education community during a meeting on May 24. Their testimony provided valuable insight on the measures colleges and universities have taken to cut costs in recent years. A meeting on April 12 also examined education costs and took a closer look at possible savings that could come from changing the way we manage the state vehicle fleet.

The Commission has held a total of six meetings since February 19, and the next meeting is scheduled for June 7.

The Senate Government Management and Cost Study Commission will present a comprehensive list of cost-cutting proposals and recommendations to the General Assembly on June 30, and I am hopeful that we can incorporate many of these ideas into this year's budget.

Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Bill to Fight Blight

The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved legislation to help municipalities prevent blight and remediate abandoned properties, according to State Senator David G. Argall (R-29).

Senate Bill 900, sponsored by Argall, would hold property owners accountable for the costs to secure, remediate or demolish blighted structures. The bill would also expedite the process of prosecuting owners of blighted properties and give municipalities the authority to go after the financial assets of negligent owners. The vote was the first time legislation of this kind has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"After months of negotiations, I am pleased to finally see this bill advance," said Argall. The ultimate goal is to see this bill signed by the Governor so that we can increase our efforts to fight blight in communities small and large all across Pennsylvania. This legislation, first championed by my predecessor, Senator Rhoades, will go a long way in helping local governments prevent blight," Argall added.

Senate Bill 900 would allow for the extradition of out-of-state property owners who have housing code violations pending against them.

In addition, the bill would permit local governments to deny permits to owners of blighted properties, and develop an education program for judges and district magistrates relating to blighted and abandoned property. The legislation would also create county housing courts to fight blight at the local level.

Argall's legislation was based on the findings and recommendations of the Blight Task Force, a statewide coalition of housing and municipal organizations dedicated to tackling the problems of blighted and abandoned buildings across Pennsylvania and first established by Senator Rhoades.

Senate Bill 900 now goes to the full Senate for its consideration.

Tax Amnesty Program Available Until June 18 

State residents who owe delinquent taxes will have until June 18 to avoid paying 100 percent of penalties and half the interest as part of the state's Tax Amnesty program.

Taxpayers must apply for PA Tax Amnesty online at www.PATaxPayUp.com by June 18; no paper applications are available. The tax amnesty website features commonly asked questions and answers, step-by-step application instructions and links to forms and publications taxpayers may need.

A toll-free hotline and call center featuring extended customer service hours has been dedicated to the PA Tax Amnesty program. Taxpayers may call 1-877-34-PAYUP (1-877-347-2987) from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on some Saturdays.

After PA Tax Amnesty ends on June 18, eligible individuals who do not take advantage of the PA Tax Amnesty program to settle back taxes will have a 5 percent non-participation penalty added to delinquencies and may face other enforcement actions.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, the PA Tax Amnesty program received 32,784 completed, or in-process, applications disclosing $76.9 million in previously unpaid Pennsylvania back taxes in the program's first five weeks through June 1.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Available Now

The state's popular Property Tax/Rent Rebate program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid in the previous year for seniors and disabled Pennsylvanians who are living on a fixed income.

To be eligible for a rebate, applicants must be Pennsylvania residents age 65 or older, widows and widowers age 50 or older and individuals with disabilities 18 years or older.

Seniors can receive a rebate of up to $650 on property taxes paid in 2009 if household income does not exceed $35,000, not including 50 percent of Social Security payments, Supplemental Security income and Railroad Retirement benefits. Renters can earn up to $15,000 and still be eligible for a rebate. The amount of the rebate is determined by household income, with lower-income households receiving larger rebates.

District residents can apply by calling toll-free 1-888-222-9190 weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. or by visiting www.revenue.state.pa.us. Applicants who have already signed up for the program and would like to check on the receipt and status of their claim can call toll-free 1-888-PATAXES. Applications are also available at my district offices.

Energy Grants Available for Businesses, Consumers 

The state offers a number of programs to promote energy efficiency and reduce energy costs for consumers and businesses. Applications are available now for two programs that provide assistance to consumers and businesses to purchase, install and develop energy efficient technology.

The Pennsylvania Home Heating Equipment Rebate Program provides rebates to consumers for the purchase of Energy Star-rated, non-electric residential hot water heaters, furnaces and boilers. Rebates range from $100 to $500, and the exact amount of the rebate depends on the total cost of the equipment.

Consumers can reserve a rebate by completing an online application. Those without Internet access can call toll-free at (877) 592-2061 to make a reservation. Once the reservation has been made, consumers can purchase and have a contractor install a qualifying product. Purchases must be made on or after April 21, 2010. Finally, consumers must send in the completed rebate application within 30 days of the reservation date.

Details are available on the program's new website, www.paheatingrebates.com.

The state is also accepting applications for the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) grant program that helps businesses develop clean energy conservation projects that create jobs and improve the environment. PEDA is a competitive grant program that finances innovative, clean energy projects and companies, and promotes the continued growth of Pennsylvania's green energy industry.

To view program guidelines, download an application or for additional information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: PEDA, or call the Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Energy and Technology Deployment at 717-783-8411. The deadline to submit applications is 4 p.m. on June 15.
 

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